With the abrupt termination of the Charmony Festival, The Family’s reputation is in tatters, with numerous delicate issues urgently demanding attention. In response, aside from the Oak Family, the major lineages are preparing their strategies to address the aftermath. Following the events of the past three updates (2.0 – 2.2), players of Honkai: Star Rail can look forward to the next string of events which await the Trailblazer and the members of the Astral Express when Honkai: Star Rail Version 2.3 – Farewell Penacony releases on 19 June 2024.
In the Version 2.3 Trailblaze Mission, the Express Crew will be invited aboard the Radiant Feldspar, soaring into the skies above Penacony to witness crucial Family discussions firsthand.
Meanwhile, aboard the Radiant Feldspar, a new project within the Simulated Universe, “Divergent Universe” will be conducted under the guidance of Mr. Screwllum, utilizing technology from his home planet to bring gameplay improvements. For instance, the “Arithmetic Mapping” function in the Divergent Universe testing removes character download limitations. If a character’s level is below the current Equilibrium Level Cap, it will automatically increase to meet the cap.
The update also introduces the “Equation” feature, where combining buffs from two different Paths grants corresponding combat abilities once the required amount is achieved. Additionally, when facing defeat in the Divergent Universe, Trailblazers can now restart challenges without needing to force-stop the game. With the new Restart Challenge option, players can regroup and give it another shot, allowing for more strategy and playability, as well as providing a richer, more fun gaming experience. A mix of new features and some quality of life improvements are always welcome.
In Version 2.3, Origami Birds will also make their way onto the Radiant Feldspar, bringing a new mini-game. In this arcade challenge, Trailblazers must achieve eliminations within a set number of moves to boost the birds’ Combat Power. During the “Origami Bird Clash” event, Trailblazers can not only participate in Story Challenges, but also freely battle friends from across the universe!
With a new update comes new playable characters — and with Honkai: Star Rail Version 2.3, players can look forward to two new 5-stars.
Firefly
Firefly is a member of the Stellaron Hunters, originating from the long-destroyed world of Glamoth. Once a prosperous and expansive empire, Glamoth was annihilated by the Swarm. Firefly, a young girl encased in mechanical armor known as “SAM,” was created as a weapon and suffers from Entropy Loss Syndrome due to genetic modification. Driven by the quest to find meaning in life and to defy fate, she joined the Stellaron Hunters.
As a 5-star Fire-Type character, Firefly possesses an immense power. After using her Technique, she can summon her SAM armor and leap into the air, moving freely, with SAM attacking all enemies within a set range to enter battle. Each wave of enemies can have Fire Weakness forced upon units without Fire Weakness, lasting for a set number of turns.
In the heat of battle, SAM will be operating in two forms. In the initial form, using her Skill consumes HP but simultaneously replenishes her Ultimate energy. The less HP Firefly has, the less damage she sustains. Furthermore, when activating her Ultimate, SAM transforms into its second battle form — the dazzling Complete Combustion state! Alongside more potent Basic Attacks and Skills, her Speed and Weakness Break efficiency are also heightened. The Break DMG dealt by SAM is increased until the countdown for Complete Combustion ends. An aspect worth mentioning is that this state provides players with an immersive perspective from within Sam’s mech, showcasing Firefly’s unwavering gaze and embodying the fiery spirit capable of setting the seas ablaze.
Jade
Also making her playable debut if the Quantum 5-star character Jade. As a senior manager in the IPC Strategic Investment Department and one of the Ten Stonehearts, she is recognized by her Cornerstone, “Jade of Credit.” Cold and elegant, Jade is a skilled moneylender with a keen understanding of the human heart. Her personal hobby, “Bonajade Exchange,” highlights her patience in waiting for high-value acquisitions through accepting pawning of assets and her ability to extract value from seemingly destitute clients.
Jade’s Skill allows her to forge a binding agreement with a single ally, making them her “Debt Collector” and bestowing upon them enhancement. Each attack launched by Jade or her Debt Collector accumulates Charges for Jade. Once fully charged, Jade unleashes a follow-up attack against all enemies. Her Ultimate, however, enforces the terms of the agreement with unyielding precision, dealing damage to all enemies while also enhancing her follow-up attack.
Additional 5-Star Reruns
Missed out on nabbing them the first time? Both Ruan Mei and Argenti will feature as the alternate banners for the first and second halves of Version 2.3 respectively.
Developed by HoYoverse, Honkai: Star Rail is a free-to-play sci-fi RPG supported by gacha mechanics, now available on the PC, iOS, Android and PlayStation 5 platforms.
