Set off on an astral adventure
Honkai: Star Rail is a free-to-play strategy game from miHoYo. As the fourth installment of the globally popular Honkai series, it features a mix of old and new characters from other games such as Honkai Impact 3. However, it focuses on a 3D tactical role-playing approach, allowing you to build teams and fight monsters and other creatures.
As the latest miHoYo title, Honkai: Star Rail definitely meets expectations. It has top-tier graphics comparable to Genshin Impact, a familiar roster of characters from the Honkai series, plus a turn-based fighting mechanic all make it a title to watch out for.
Hop on the Star Rail
Like other Honkai entries, this game takes place in another universe, with the same ultimate destructive force serving as the main antagonist. However, the premise for this game combines sci-fi and fantasy elements, as seen in the set and character designs. The titular Star Rail is an interstellar transport system the players will be using to advance to new worlds as they progress through the story.
As mentioned, it has top-tier graphics that allow its roster of characters to individually stand out. Players can build a team of up to four characters, then explore open worlds and dungeons to farm for resources and advance the story. Also, its turn-based strategy approach allows you to combine different character abilities for special combos, revealing additional animation and voice lines.
Also, like most gacha games, expect free-to-play players to be left at a disadvantage compared to those who make in-game microtransactions. Instead of grinding repeatedly, they can simply purchase the resources needed to roll characters. Still, all these things depend on luck as rolling characters or items are based on randomized events. Meanwhile, it allows you to pick your poison: hours of grinding or investing real-world money.
Hunt down enemies
With a handy enemy-tracking tool, players can easily keep an eye on opponents anywhere on the map. This will allow you to either avoid any sudden battles or look for specific enemies in order to collect materials that will help you level up your characters and their Light Cones. Players will now also be able to communicate with friends in the chat function. Previously, this feature was only used to communicate with the in-game characters.
With new companion missions for characters like Silver Wolf, Luocha, Yanqing, and Bailu. Honkai Star Rail also has its own version of rate-up banners where players can obtain limited-edition characters within a certain period of time. There’s also a dedicated banner for you to obtain special Light Cones, which are cards that you can equip your characters with in order to boost their base stats.
The Farewell, Penacony update
Honkai: Star Rail’s version 2.3 update, also called Farewell, Penacony, will bring a dramatic conclusion to the Penacony saga. It will also introduce new five-star characters, Jade and Firefly the Stellaron Hunter. At the same time, there will be banner reruns for Ruan Mei and Argenti. The update will also introduce the Divergent Universe, and events Origami Bird Clash and Stellar Shimmer will transpire for a limited period.
The Xianzhou Luofu — Finest Duel Under the Pristine Blue update
Version 2.4 Xianzhou Luofu — Finest Duel Under the Pristine Blue, brings a riveting new story to Honkai: Star Rail. Players are set to experience the grandeur of the Wardance ceremony in Xianzhou Luofu. As guests from various worlds converge, deeper, malevolent plots begin to unfold. The narrative reveals a rich lore, making every twist and turn a thrilling ride for dedicated trailblazers.
In addition to the new story content, this version expands the game's universe with the introduction of the Shackling Prison. This prison system, a collaboration between the Xianzhou people and the Vidyadhara, adds a unique environment brimming with historical significance and new challenges. Players will navigate through this foreboding area, encountering stringent security measures and uncovering secrets behind its establishment.
Interestingly, new characters are stepping into the light. First is Yunli, a 5-Star Destruction character renowned for her physical offensive capabilities and automatic Blast Counter mechanic. Joining her is Jiaoqiu, a 5-Star support character from Nihility, adept at inflicting high burn damage. March 7 also makes her debut as a 4-Star The Hunt character with versatile offensive enhancements. Additionally, formidable new enemies, such as the Howling Casket and Starbane Doombringer await, offering new challenges and opportunities for strategic battles.
Face new challenges in Annals of Penacony's Mappou Age
Annals of Penacony's Mappou Age marks the launch of Honkai: Star Rail's Version 2.6 update. This update introduces a new story titled "Banana Outrage: Battles Without Ninja and Humanity," the sixth Trailblaze Continuance. Here, the Astral Express Crew explores campus life at Penacony’s Paperfold University. In addition, players will encounter new enemies, primarily from the Dreamjolt Troupe faction, adding fresh challenges to the game’s expanding universe.
Players can participate in various new events, including the Sound Hunt Ninjutsu Inscription, where they take on music-based challenges and compose tracks. Other events include Mr. Cold Feet's Pop-Up Shop, which allows players to exchange materials, and Shadow of the Ranger, an event where players send characters on special assignments. There’s also the Gift of Odyssey, a seven-day login event that allows players to earn 10 Star Rail Special Passes.
Version 2.6 also brings Rappa, a member of the Galaxy Rangers, as a new playable character. Alongside Rappa, three new Light Cones are available. The first is Ninjutsu Inscription: Dazzling Evilbreaker for the Erudition path, and the second, Dream's Montage, is for the Abundance path. Both can be acquired through the Brilliant Fixation event. The third, Ninja Record: Sound Hunt, is tied to the Destruction path and is obtainable through the Sound Hunt Ninjutsu Inscription event.
Version 2.7 closes the journey in Penacony
A New Venture on the Eighth Dawn, the version 2.7 update, is the closing chapter of the Astral Express’s adventures in Penacony. This update wraps up the journey with an epilogue to the holiday in Penacony while setting the stage for an exciting new story arc in version 3.0. Trailblazers can expect a blend of nostalgia and anticipation as the Express crew prepares for their next destination.
Two new playable 5-star characters are introduced in the 2.7 update: Sunday, a support-oriented Imaginary character from the Path of Harmony whose destiny varies with your choices, and Fugue, a Fire character on the Path of the Nihility, revealed to be none other than the beloved Tingyun. These characters bring unique skills to diversify team strategies and elevate gameplay experiences.
Exciting additions include a revamped party car on the Astral Express — a cozy space featuring a bar and a bartending robot. This area serves as a hub where players can relax alone or bond with the crew. Another new area to explore is the Trailblazer’s leaked room. This is a bare room that Trailblazers can transform into their own luxurious suite. Players can earn Express Funds by completing chores, and use these funds to acquire furniture.
Version 2.7 brings the Between the Frames event, where players team up with Miss March to complete themed photography challenges set by the renowned director, Mr. Reca. This creative event rewards players with items such as Sparkle's kaleidoscope. Additionally, players can claim a free 5-star character through the Gift of the Express event, offering a rare opportunity to strengthen their roster.
This version also updates the Divergent Universe. The Human Comedy mode introduces new Curios, Weighted Curios, Equations, and Occurrences, adding layers of strategy. Another significant improvement is the extension of Save File durations. Previously limited to a week, these files now remain intact until the mode receives its next update, giving players more opportunities to extract Planar Ornaments. Meanwhile, the Pure Fiction mode gains a new Grit mechanic, specifically enhancing the Path of Erudition.
Discover Amphoreus in Paean of Era Nova
With Version 3.0 Paean of Era Nova, Honkai: Star Rail shifts its focus from Penacony to an entirely new destination—Amphoreus. This marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for Trailblazers, introducing brand new areas to explore. The Astral Express sets course for this uncharted world, offering players the chance to uncover its unique lore and navigate its challenges.
Amphoreus is a chaotic world shaped by its worship of Titans rather than Aeons. Devastated by divine wars, it faces the looming threat of the Black Tide, a destructive force leaving the Holy City of Okhema as its last refuge. Players must delve into Amphoreus’ intricate lore, encountering new regions that shed light on the Titans’ influence and the struggles of its people. The Trailblazers' mission will shape the fate of this fragile world.
The update adds new 5-star characters. Herta, an Ice-type Erudition character, specializes in multi-target damage and marking treasures during exploration. Aglaea, a Lightning and Remembrance character, battles alongside her memosprite companion, Garmentmaker, with a unique combat style. The Trailblazer: Remembrance is a support character who helps allies by summoning Mem to boost True Damage and enable immediate actions.
Version 3.0 introduces additional Lightcones, further enhancing the game’s strategic depth. Among the new 5-star Lightcones are Into the Unreachable Veil and Time Woven into Gold, offering specialized enhancements for Erudition and Remembrance characters, respectively. Alongside these, several 4-star Lightcones, such as Victory In a Blink and Geniuses’ Greetings, add more practical options for players to adapt their playstyle and improve their teams’ effectiveness.
Moreover, this update brings several optimizations aimed at improving the overall gameplay experience. One of the key additions is Flying Amphora, a new feature that increases the speed of traversal across the world, making exploration more efficient. Along with this, the new leveling guide system helps players asses characters’ strengths and offers helpful recommendations. New features like Wishful Resin and Variable Dice also provide more flexibility in character customization and development.
Version 3.0 Paean of Era Nova kicks off a grand story arc in Honkai: Star Rail, introducing the vast and mysterious world of Amphoreus. The story will unfold over two parts, spanning eight versions from 3.0 to 3.7, making it one of the most expansive storylines in the game.
Version 3.1 brings new allies and perils to Okhema
Version 3.1, Light Slips the Gate, Shadow Greets the Throne, brings Trailblazers into the heart of the Grove of Epiphany, a once-thriving sanctuary of knowledge now consumed by the black tide. As a dangerous enemy seeks to seize Cerces’ Coreflame, trailblazers must step up and save Okhema.
This update expands the playable roster with two new 5-star characters. Tribbie, a Quantum character, strengthens the team with powerful buffs and deploys a field that increases enemy damage taken. Mydei, an Imaginary character, the crown prince of Kremnos, fights with relentless force. Additionally, Yunli and Huohuo return, giving players another chance to add these formidable allies to their teams.
New events introduce fresh gameplay mechanics. The new season of Divergent Universe features a day-and-night combat system, altering battle dynamics alongside a new research topic centered on Amphoreus. Meanwhile, the Awooo Firm event lets players step into the role of a chimera caretaker, providing guidance and support to these creatures.
Meet Castorice and Anaxa in version 3.2
Update 3.2 of Honkai: Star Rail brings a fresh story titled "Amphoreus — Through the Petals in the Land of Repose", introducing a deeper narrative and new challenges for players. This story continues the journey of the Trailblazers as they uncover hidden truths and face rising tensions.
Two new 5-star characters debut in this update: Castorice and Anaxa. Castorice, from the Path of Remembrance, is a powerful DPS who battles alongside her tragic past and her summoned companion, Netherwing. Meanwhile, Anaxa, under the Path of Erudition, brings chaos to the battlefield by randomly applying multiple Weaknesses to enemies, making her a versatile and unpredictable asset.
To mark its second anniversary, the game features the Star Rail WORLD event, where players join forces to throw a pan-cosmic gala. On a lighter note, Seal Slammers is a brand-new mini game featuring adorable seals in a wild bumper-style clash.
A more strategic miHoYo game
Compared to its predecessors, which mostly rely on skillful play and fast reflexes, Honkai - Starrail focuses more on strategizing and planning to win battles. Its turn-based strategy approach instead of real-time action combat systems offers players a more relaxing gameplay alternative. With a premise of its own, all while borrowing characters from previous installments, the developers manage to create an equally enjoyable game as their other titles.
