Calling all Astral Express passengers! The wait for the next chapter in the Penacony story is almost over. Here’s a breakdown of everything we know so far about the highly anticipated Honkai Star Rail version 2.1 update.
Honkai Star Rail 2.1 Release Date
Honkai Star Rail 2.1 launches globally on Wednesday, March 27th, 2024. Here’s a breakdown for different time zones:
- East Coast US: Tuesday 26th March, 11pm (ET)
- Central US: Tuesday 26th March, 10pm (CT)
- West Coast US: Tuesday 26th March, 8pm (PT)
- Australia: Wednesday 27th March, 2pm (AET)
- Japan: Wednesday 27th March, 12pm (JST)
- Europe: Wednesday 27th March, 4am (CET)
- UK: Wednesday 27th March, 3am (GMT)
Banners
The 2.1 update brings a fresh wave of playable characters to your Astral Express crew. Get ready to welcome:
- Phase 1: Words of Yore Banner (March 27th – April 17th)
- Acheron (5-Star Lightning, Nihility)
- Luocha (5-Star Imaginary, Abundance)
- Gallagher (4-Star Fire, Abundance)
- Phase 2: Gilded Imprisonment Banner (April 17th – May 8th)
- Aventurine (5-Star Imaginary, Preservation)
- Jingliu (5-Star Ice, Destruction)
A Bounty of Events Awaits
Cosmodyssey: A Board Game Extravaganza
The centerpiece of the anniversary festivities is the Cosmodyssey event. This unique board game lets you roll daily dice to navigate a special board, earning Trailblaze Funds that unlock fantastic rewards. From login bonuses to free in-game currency, the Cosmodyssey event showers players with gifts.
But the freebies don’t stop there! Simply logging in during the anniversary period grants you a generous 20 Star Rail Special Passes through the Festive Gifts event. Plus, on the official anniversary on April 26th, everyone receives a whopping 1,600 Stellar Jades – enough for a ten-pull on the gacha!
To further sweeten the deal, the Oneiric Shard first-time top-up bonuses reset with version 2.1. Additionally, during the anniversary period, Trailblazers can enjoy triple the usual rewards from Caverns of Corrosion (Relics) and the Simulated Universe (Planar Ornaments)
Tides of War: Challenge Accepted!
While details are still emerging, a combat-focused event called Tides of War: Untainted Childhood Memories Passionate-Heart Burning-Soul Ultimate Collection (phew, that’s a name!) is scheduled to arrive later in version 2.1. Here, you’ll put your combat skills to the test in challenging battles with unique buffs and rules.
Vignettes in a Cup: A Refreshing Brew with a Free Character
The Vignettes in a Cup event offers a delightful twist. Here, you’ll concoct delicious drinks and earn revenue to unlock valuable rewards like Stellar Jades and character enhancement materials. As you progress, you’ll be able to choose a free 4-star character of your choice!
Here’s who you can welcome to your crew:
- Gallagher
- Misha
- Xueyi
- Hanya
- Guinaifen
- Luka
- Lynx
- Yukong
New Features and QoL Improvements
World 9 and Beyond
The Simulated Universe continues to expand with the opening of World 9. This new frontier promises fresh challenges and rewards, including two new Planar Ornament sets:
- Sigonia, the Unclaimed Desolation: Ideal for boosting the damage potential of your DPS characters.
- Izumo Gensei and Takama Divine Realm: Enhances characters who share the Path with their allies.
The full details of these Ornament sets remain under wraps, but their potential is sure to tantalize strategists.
Power Up with New Resources
Version 2.1 introduces a new boss, Ten Stonehearts: Aventurine of Stratagems. Defeating this formidable foe will grant you valuable Ascension and Trace materials to elevate your characters.
Expanded Inventory and Streamlined Management
The grind for Relics and Planar Ornaments just got a little easier. Version 2.1 increases the maximum relic inventory capacity to a whopping 2,000, giving you more breathing room for your loot collection. Additionally, claiming and redeploying assignment rewards can now be done with a single button press, streamlining your workflow.
Deeper Lore Dives for the Discerning Trailblazer
For those fascinated by Honkai Star Rail’s rich lore, Fate’s Atlas is getting a significant upgrade. You’ll now be able to delve into the perspectives of every character at each story stage, gaining a more holistic understanding of the narrative. Additionally, Fate’s Ensemble unlocks the stories of characters currently outside the Astral Express crew, offering a glimpse into the broader tapestry of the universe.
Fresh Puzzles and Explosive Twists
New Dream Ticker puzzles and Dreamscape Pass pages await in the upcoming zones. Hanu transformation puzzles also receive a dynamic shake-up with the introduction of a rocket launcher, adding a destructive new layer to the challenge.
New Light Cones
Along the Passing Shore
The Nihility-type Along the Passing Shore Light Cone aligns perfectly with Acheron’s Lightning-based attacks. Its “Steerer” effect grants a hefty 36% CRIT DMG increase, while inflicting “Empty Bubbles” on enemies for additional damage. Combined with its 24% bonus damage against afflicted foes, Acheron will unleash devastating blows.
Required Materials
- Tatters of Thought – 20x
- Scattered Stardust – 4x
- Crystal Meteorites – 12x
- Fragments of Impression – 20x
- Divine Amber – 15x
- Shards of Desires – 14x
The 2.1 event light cone via Dim leaks
byu/Pretty-Engineering76 inHonkaiStarRail_leaks
Inherently Unjust Destiny
For Aventurine, the path of Preservation leads to Inherently Unjust Destiny. This 5-star Light Cone grants him a 36% DEF boost and empowers his shielding abilities, increasing his CRIT DMG by 40% when he shields allies and inflicting an 8% damage debuff on enemies hit by his follow-up attacks. Aventurine will become a formidable protector and damage dealer with this Light Cone.
Required Materials
- Dream Collection Component – 20x
- Fiery Spirit – 4x
- Starfire Essence – 12x
- Dream Flow Valve – 20x
- Heaven Incinerator – 15x
- Dream Making Engine – 14x
Concert for Two
Not to be outdone, the four-star Concert for Two Light Cone provides broader support. It offers a solid 16% DEF boost and scales damage based on the number of shielded allies on the battlefield, providing a potential 4% damage increase per shielded ally.
- Tatters of Thought – 15x
- Scattered Stardust – 3x
- Crystal Meteorites – 9x
- Fragments of Impression – 15x
- Divine Amber – 12x
- Shards of Desires – 12x
With a new chapter of the Penacony story unfolding, powerful characters joining the crew, and exciting events to conquer, the 2.1 update promises a stellar adventure for Honkai: Star Rai players. Gear up, Travelers, and prepare to embark on your next cosmic voyage!
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