Guide for Honkai: Star Rail - the basics of the game and tips for beginners

Honkai: StarRail is a cross-platform free role-playing game from HoYoverse, which is the fourth part of a project related to the Honkai series. Main character - Pioneer, acting as a vessel for Stellaron. His goal is to surf the cosmos, explore unknown worlds and unravel mysteries, which only become more in the process of passing through the main story campaign.

Despite the similarity of some mechanics with Genshin impact, the project in question is very different from the fantasy adventures of Teyvat. This guide is a detailed guide for Honkai: Star Rail aimed at helping any beginner to master.

Should I start if I haven't played Honkai Impact 3rd?

Despite the fact that Honkai: Star Rail is closely related to Honkai Impact 3rd, the new project reveals the story alternative world. Aside from some familiar characters with different backgrounds and histories from the "original", it's safe to say that any third-party common ground between the two games no.

Therefore, feel free to dive into new adventures as a Pathfinder without worrying about not understanding the plot.

Read more in the article "Is Honkai: Star Rail Worth Playing If You Haven't Played Honkai Impact 3rd».

How to create an account in Honkai: Star Rail

In order to become one of the pioneers, you must:

1. Open Honkai: Star Rail official page.
2. Use the "Sign In”, and then either log in to an existing account linked to the HoYoverse system, or register a new one.
3. Then, click on "Download Nowto download and subsequently install the game launcher.

Promotional Codes

Promo codes for Honkai: Star Rail is special combinationsprovided by the developers. After entering them, the player's account is replenished with additional star jade, various resources, books of experience and other nice gifts.

Mostly, HoYoverse highlights the list with new codes on significant days - for example, when they broadcast on popular sites (YouTube / Twich) or release an update.

In a separate guide, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with working promo codes for Honkai: Star Rail: provided a list of current codes and explained where to enter them.

Which GG (Pioneer) to choose?

During the prologue, which takes place in the Base Zone, the player is given the opportunity to explore part of the closed territories for the trial character Kafka until the main story mission changes to "Chaos In the Deep».

As soon as the named task becomes available, it will be possible to choose your pioneer - the main character of the future space story.

As with Genshin Impact, the player can choose to have either a male or female character. Differences other than appearance no.

How to get characters and weapons in Honkai: Star Rail [gacha system and banners]

The gacha system of Honkai: Star Rail consists of 2 categories: gacha with characters and light cones (weapon). Depending on the banners, the Pathfinder needs to prepare either the Special Star Pass or the Star Pass.

In a separate article, you can read banner schedule in Honkai: Star Rail and detailed analysis guarantor systems, we also suggest studying Tier list of characters in the gameto have an idea of ​​the strengths and weaknesses of all heroes.

Starting Jump

The Starting Jump is a "Beginner Banner" that can be scrolled up to 50 times. Type of currency required - star pass.

For every 10 spins ("jumps") there is a 20% discount: 8 star passes are used instead of 10, and the reward remains the same. Drops guaranteed at 50 jump one five-star character, which allows you to get a strong hero into the squad already at the start of the project.

Star Jump

Star Jump - permanent event, which grants the ability to obtain characters or light cones. Type of currency required - star pass, there are no discounts for jumping.

Basic banner rules:

• Every 10 spins you are guaranteed to receive at least one 4☆ (or higher) character or light cone.
• Every 90 jumps guaranteed to get a 5☆ character or light cone.
• Whenever a 4☆ or 5☆ character or light cone rolls again, the Pathfinder also gains Enduring Starlight. For repeated 3☆ items, another additional reward is provided - Eternal Ashes. Each of the named types of currency can be spent in the "Pom-Pom Shop".

The main feature of the banner is after making 300 jumps the player is given the opportunity to choose any 5☆ character included in the "Standard Jump". This promotion is valid only once per account.

Event Jump: Character

Event Jump: Character - temporary banner, thanks to which you can get a 4☆ or 5☆ hero. Type of currency required - Special Star Pass.

Basic banner rules:

• Every 10 spins guaranteed to receive at least one 4* (or higher) character or light cone.
• Every 90 jumps guaranteed to get 5☆ character.
• The first time you get a 5☆ character in the "Jump" of this event, there is a 50% chance that it will be the main character of the temporary banner.
• In case of a loss, a 100% guarantor begins to act on the legendary character of the event.
• On a repeated roll of 4☆ or 5☆ Essence, the Pathfinder also gains Enduring Starlight. For repeated 3☆ items, another additional reward is provided - Eternal Ashes. Each of the named types of currency can be spent in the "Pom-Pom Shop".

Jump Event: Light Cone

Event Jump: Light Cone - Weapon temporary banner, thanks to which you can get a rare, epic or legendary light cone. Type of currency required - Special Star Pass.

Basic banner rules:

• Every 10 spins guaranteed to receive at least one 4☆ (or higher) entity.
• Every 80 jumps a 5☆ light cone is guaranteed.
• The first time you get a 5☆ Light Cone in this event's Jump, there is a chance 75%that this will be the main light cone of the temporary banner.
• If you lose, the legendary light cone of the event becomes 100% guaranteed.
• On a repeated roll of 4☆ or 5☆ Essence, the Pathfinder also gains Enduring Starlight. Poisonous 3☆ items have another additional reward - Eternal Ashes. Each of the named types of currency can be spent in the "Pom-Pom Shop".

How to get Star Jades

star jade is the main in-game currency that can be used to purchase the Special Star Pass and the Star Pass. There are several ways to obtain local "primogems":

• level up Development;
• completion of story and additional missions;
• exploration of locations (search for chests, solving puzzles, etc.);
• fulfillment of the tasks noted in the "Guide" (Briefing and Daily training);
• boosting the Battle Pass, referred to as the "Honor of the Nameless" (to receive some rewards, an improved version of the Battle Pass is required);
• passing the Forgotten Hall and the Virtual Universe;
• participation in events and browser events;
• input promo codes;
• calendar marks.

In addition, you can use the donation system, which will allow buy crystals for real money. Subsequently, they are exchanged for star jade at the rate 1 to 1.

Character classes (Paths): how to create a squad

In Honkai: Star Rail, there is a clear division of characters into classes, which is reflected in their specialization, which is commonly called "Paths".

At the time of the game's release, 7 paths were revealed:

• Path of Destruction: have decent damage and survivability, can adapt to different combat situations.
• Path of the Hunt: have the ability to deal massive damage to a single target, are extremely effective in battles against bosses and elite opponents.
• Path of Erudition: have the ability to deal high damage to multiple targets, are extremely effective in battles against a group of enemies.
• Path of Harmony: can strengthen allies to increase the combat performance of the squad.
• Path of Nothingness: can weaken opponents to lower their combat performance and advantages.
• Save Path: have powerful defensive abilities that allow you to protect allies.
• Path of Abundance: can heal allies and provide support to the squad with healing abilities.

When creating a squad, it is important to remember that the team cannot be made up entirely of characters that deal damage. The importance of heroes who can buff, protect, and heal allies, as well as weaken opponents plays a huge role in turn-based battles. In addition, the squad can only consist of 4 heroes. If you ignore this moment, then soon the battles with elite enemies will begin to be accompanied by difficulties.

In details character classes (paths) in Honkai: Star Rail discussed in a separate guide.

Equipment: weapons and artifacts

Relics

Relics - character equipment, with which he enhances his abilities and receives additional bonuses. In addition to rarity, relics are grouped into sets that differ from each other by various passive skills. To unlock them, the character must be equipped with 2 or 4 items of equipment belonging to the same set.

Demonstrated in a separate guide all relics in Honkai: Star Rail and explained in detail how to obtain, synthesize and improve them.

light cone

Light cone - character weapon, which, in addition to strengthening the main parameters, can give the hero an additional effect.

There are several ways to get light cones:

• Banners - Jump Events: Light Cone and Standard Jump;
• Pom Pom Store, section - Inextinguishable starlight;
• Hertha shop - in exchange for Hertha bonds, which we receive as an additional reward for completing the Virtual Universe;
• Passage of Light Cones - in exchange for a radiant reflection, which we receive as an additional reward for completing the Forgotten Hall;
• Battle Pass - you need to purchase an improved version of the Honor of the Nameless, Glory of the Nameless, to open access to the chest with light cones (you can choose one reward);
• Events.

The rise of light cones, in turn, comes at the expense of spending additional consumables, which can be found while traveling through different location corridors. The actions are similar to those presented in Genshin Impact, when we strengthen and improve the weapons of the characters.

In a separate guide, list of all light conesand also told how to get them.

Character leveling

Without proper leveling, even legendary characters are unlikely to be able to effectively deal with a higher-level opponent. To avoid possible problems in the upcoming battles and move forward in the story, it is extremely important to pay special attention to improving the hero.

Level Up and Ascension

To increase the level of the character, you will need experience materials (Traveler's Guides of various rarity: from ordinary to epic). Ascension, in turn, will require additional resources, and for each hero they are individual.

Tracks

The "Traces" section contains not only improvements to the levels of the main skills of the character, but also additional abilities or characteristics that can be upgraded by spending a certain type of consumables and credits.

Eidolon

Eidolon - analogue character constellations, which unlocks upgrades and makes the hero even more effective in combat. Can be obtained by knocking out the "repeat" in the banner. The maximum number of eidolons per character is 6.

Combat system in Honkai: Star Rail

Combat in Honkai: Star Rail is different from what Genshin Impact players are used to. Here the Pioneers will have to take part in turn-based battles, think over your moves in advance and combine the abilities of the characters.

The essence of turn-based battles is that the player and opponents go in turn order.

In a separate manual, they analyzed in as much detail as possible combat system in the game. The following is a brief summary.

The first thing to be aware of is that the battle can be started in two ways:

• On one's own. In this case, the "Vulnerability”, and the first attack remains with the Pathfinder.

• Wait for the enemy to attack. In this case, the "Ambush»: Pathfinder loses priority on the first attack.

You can enter the battle through the “Vulnerability” mode both through a normal attack for a character that deals basic damage, and for a hero who is able to impose negative effects on enemies.

Thus, the battle will certainly begin with already wounded opponents.

Skill Points

Skill points are equal to "action points" and are displayed as a bar located next to the character's abilities. Using the hero's main skill takes away 1 unit actions, while hitting with a basic attack replenishes it. In order to emerge victorious, it is important to learn how to allocate resources wisely.

Elements [damage types]

The third highlight is the elements or damage types. Honkai: Star Rail is missing elemental reactions, replacing them with:

• physical damage;
• fire damage;
• ice damage;
• electrical damage;
• wind damage;
• quantum damage;
• imaginary damage.

Each character sticks to one of the seven damage types presented. Belonging to one or another "element" is responsible for shield/vulnerability penetration at the enemy.

A character whose damage type matches the reduced resistance of the enemy will be able to break the protective barrier and put the enemy in a weakened state.

Vulnerabilities of opponents

The vulnerabilities of opponents, in turn, can be studied during the battle by opening the corresponding tab.

Ultimate abilities

To use the ultimate ability does not affect sequence of moves. If the character's superpower is fully charged when attacking an enemy, it can be activated immediately.

Support mode

The co-op mode in Honkai: Star Rail is implemented through support mode. Before the fight with the bosses or clearing the Sepals, the player can involve his friend or another player on the list to fight the main hero.

For help, the UID of the user who came to the response will be credited with in-game currency - Кредиты.

Leveling

Level of development

The level of development (similar to "Adventure Rank") represents personal account development system. Increased by performing standard actions for which it is provided to receive Mastering experience (fulfillment of story and additional missions, search for chests, general exploration of locations, etc.).

In a separate article, we prepared a detailed guide: leveling in Honkai Star Rail: how to increase the level of Mastery.

Transition to a new level of development rewards the player nice bonuses, which include credits, fuel, ascension materials needed to upgrade light cones, relics and characters, and much more.

Balance level

After reaching a certain level of Mastery, the level of Balance increases - either automatically or as a "reward" for completing Balance tests. It needs to be raised in order to advance further in the story.

In turn, it represents the complexity of the tests that the surrounding world throws to the pioneers (analogous to "world level» in Genshin). As the Balance Level increases, there will be more rewards for Sepals, Stagnant Shadows, Corrosion Caverns, Echoes of War and other activities. However, the strength of the opponents will increase.

Read more in a separate article. how to increase the level of balance and what it affects.

What to do in Honkai: Star Rail – activity breakdown

After completing the training, a huge unexplored world will open before the Pathfinder. In order not to get lost among the activities, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the most important game mechanics.

Story and side quests

With each transition to a new Mastery Level, the Pathfinder will open tasks of the main storyline campaign (Development missions) and side quests, the passage of which will allow you to delve into the history of different regions and the world around you as a whole.

The main reward for completing them is Mastering experience, but other pleasant bonuses are not excluded, which include star jade.

Messages feature

After fighting the first story boss, Tear of Calamity, and talking to Dan Heng, the player will receive smartphone, which will allow the Pathfinder to communicate with other NPCs and go on new additional missions.

Subsequently, interaction with the phone will become available through the "Messages».

Location research

Exploring various territories and regions is convenient because the player does not have to use an interactive map and other auxiliary resources to deal with the number of chests, puzzles and other "points of interest" present in the "corridor" locations.

It is enough to open the section "Star Trek Map» and expand the hidden menu «Navigation” located on the left side of the screen. Thus, you will see how many chests are left to find, how many puzzles to go through, how many imaginary wormholes to clear (and so on).

In order to simplify the study of locations, we recommend using the help interactive map Honkai: Star Rail.

Guide Quests

Guide - a special section, which is a collection of various additional tasks. Completing them means getting rewards. The main ones are Mastering experience и star jade, but also includes credits, relics with random stats, and exalted materials.

The tasks of the Guide are varied and divided into categories:

• Briefing - a key tab, which consists of stages and contains development progress tasks. The goals of the first chapters are easy, but as you progress, the complexity of the tasks increases, along with the quality of the rewards. For example, you can get epic or legendary relics.
• Daily Workouts - a tab in which tasks, as the name implies, are updated every day. Considered the main source of star jade.
• survival index - a tab containing a list of various activities, for the passage of which you need to spend a certain amount Energy development (similar to the original and weak resin). The main source of Mastering Experience and materials needed to improve the strength of the character and squad.

Daily Workouts

Tasks included in the list daily workouts, are updated every day, at 4 am server time (06:00 Moscow time). First of all, they reward the Pathfinder with special points "Activities”, which are necessary to fill the main scale.

To get the maximum number of bonuses, you need to collect 500 "Activity" points - for this, it is enough to complete from 3 to 5 tasks.

Battle Pass Quests [Honor of the Nameless]

Honor of the Nameless is a Battle Pass system that allows you to profit from additional resources for completing daily, weekly and monthly goals. Divided into two types:

• Gift of the Nameless is a free option.
• Glory of the Nameless is a paid option.

The Battle Pass has 50 levels. In order to get close to the final awards, a little more than a month is allotted. The most valuable prize light cone, which is given to Pathfinders at honor level 30 of the Nameless. However, this requires the purchase of an enhanced version of the Battle Pass.

In addition, you can getubiquitous jade, "capsules" with the Energy of development and self-modeling resin - a rare material used to select the desired upper stat when creating relics (for more details, see "Synthesis and analysis of relics").

Special events [events]

Events - events in which you can take part in the allotted amount of time. For their passage, the Pathfinder is rewarded with in-game currency, star jade, Imprints of Fate, relics with random characteristics and other consumables.

After the completion of the story campaign and most of the side quests, events will become the main entertainment for players and main source twists for "Event Jumps" or "Standard Jumps".

Oblivion Hall

Oblivion Hall - an analogue of the Twisted Abyss, which is a zone with tests, divided into several floors. For the first time, the activity opens upon reaching 23 level development and offers the opportunity to complete 15 rooms of the first mode, referred to as the Legacy of the Towering Citadel. The named challenge is a one-time challenge and the rewards do not refresh.

The second mode of the Hall of Oblivion - Trials of Everwinter, they are located in the "Memories of Chaos" tab and are divided into 10 rooms.

The second mode is updated once every 2 weeks. Rewards are permanent, enemies may change depending on the release of patches and the revelation of new opponents. The total number of received star jade for the passage of 10 rooms for the maximum number of stars - 600 units.

In addition to the main awards, the Pathfinder receives shining reflection, which can later be exchanged for light cones at the messenger on the express.

Simulated Universe

Simulated Universe - additional activity, updated once a week, which allows you to constantly fight with various opponents and bosses after the preliminary selection of Blessing (strengthening the squad) and Curiosity (strengthening a specific Path of the character).

There are also rewards for completing the Virtual Universe: from star jade to various additional resources, which include the Star Pass (the spin for the Standard Jump), Herta Bonds, and, for example, experience materials.

Other Honkai Newbie Tips: Star Rail

As you explore locations, other important questions will arise, a brief analysis of which is presented below (some topics have an active link to a more detailed guide).

Crafting and material exchange

Materials — special resources needed for pumping light cones and characters. Mostly dropped by killing enemies in the world, but can also be obtained through completing quests and interacting with chests.

It is recommended not to skip items and not to ignore opponents both in the early stages of the game and after. The gacha system of the project will monthly introduce players to new characters, and resources are needed to upgrade each. The more you accumulate, the faster the hero's strengthening will take place.

In case there are not enough materials, the Pathfinder can use the "Exchange of materials', interacting with Versatile Synthesis Machine. Thanks to this system, you can get the missing component by spending 2 pieces of an unnecessary resource.

Money (credits)

Кредиты - the main in-game currency, which can be obtained for completing exploration missions, side quests, killing monsters, interacting with chests, participating in events, and so on. This resource, along with ordinary materials, is necessary for pumping characters and their talents, light cones and relics.

Synthesis and analysis of relics

Synthesis of relics - one of the functions of the Universal Synthesis Machine, which provides the ability to create any set of relics.

More about this in a separate guide on relics in Honkai: Star Rail.

Synthesis of consumables (food and heals)

Consumables are special items that increase the main characteristics character at the time of the battle (max. health, attack power, damage, etc.), as well as heal, if the hero's HP in the squad is actively going to zero.

Initially, a small number of recipes are available to the Pathfinder, but as you move along the main storyline and clear various locations, their number will increase.

In addition, it will also be possible to automatically create the required amount of consumables, which will significantly save free minutes while traveling.

Exploitation energy use

Energy of development - analogue virgin and weak resin, which is necessary for the passage of activities hidden in the "Survival Index" tab. At the first stages of the game, it is not recommended to waste such a valuable resource thoughtlessly, because each dungeon enshrined in the Guide has its own rewards.

Choose those tests, the items in which will allow you to strengthen your account in the shortest possible time through the improvement and pumping of characters.

Pom Pom in-game store

The in-game store Pom-Pom presents valuable materials that are divided into different categories:

• Unquenchable starlight — a section where you can purchase the Special Star Pass (Event Jump spin), Star Pass (Standard Jump spin), 4☆ characters that are updated every month, and legendary-type light cones.
• Unquenchable Ashes — a section where you can purchase a Special Star Pass and a Star Pass in the amount of 5 pieces (updated every month), credits and other consumables in limited quantities.
• Contract Shop — a section where you can buy chests with various consumables: from books of experience to credits and condensed ethers. The required currency is crystals (donate only).
• star jade — a section where you can purchase the Special Star Pass and the Star Pass. The cost of each is 160 Star Jades.

Honkai: Star Rail Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]

We hope our guide to Honkai: Star Rail helped you understand the basic mechanics of the game. Write in the comments if you have any questions - the author will try to help. Follow Honkai: Star Rail section, on our website.