Summary
Honkai: Star RailandGenshin Impact’s characters do not exist in the same universe. However, some in-game lore and fan theories suggest that they are linked through the Imaginary Tree, which connects all the games’ worlds. Considering the loose interconnectedness of each game’s lore, it’s no surprise that some story elements may seem similar — like the Aeons inHonkai: Star Railand Archons inGenshin Impact.
MiHoYo hints at the links of its games within its HoYoVerse multiverse through subtle easter eggs and more apparent connections like Welt Yang, who somehow crossed over fromHI3’s universe toHSR’s. This is becauseGenshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, andHonkai Impact 3rd’suniverses are all leaves on the Imaginary Tree. It is known in each game’s lore that the gods ofGenshinandHSRcan perceive and interact with other realities and universes. As such, it’s not a stretch to think that Aeons and Archons are connected and even comparable in some way.
The Similarities of Honkai: Star Rail’s Aeons and Genshin Impact’s Archons
HSR’s Aeons andGenshin Impact’s Archonsare essentially the gods of their respective universes, and they often perform like the usual fictional deity. They provide blessings to their devoted followers in the form of special powers and get into world-ending tussles with their fellow transcendental beings. These are all explained in each game through gameplay and lore drops.
How the Archon’s Elements and Aeon’s Paths Affect Gameplay
The Archons and Aeons are deeply rooted in each game’s core gameplay mechanics.
The Importance of Factions of Aeons and Archons
While gods are omnipotent, they are still dependent on their followers to enact their will and spread their legend. The Archons ofGenshin Impactrule over their respective nation within Teyvat, whose residents worship them. However, it seems like only a select few can resonate with an element, and it’s unclear whether Archons choose to bestow powers onto them or not.
On the other hand, the Aeons create a path for people to freely follow on their own. As such, people from different cities and even planets can follow anAeon’s path inHonkai: Star Railand harness its power to varying success. It seems that the more emotionally in-tune and dedicated a follower is to their path, the more favored they are by an Aeon.
The Power and Influence of Archons and Aeons
When it comes to power, Aeons may be more dominant than Archons simply because of the scale of their influence. Aeons are worshipped by followers across different planets, and their powers can create and decimate worlds. Meanwhile, players only know the power of the Archons within Teyvat.
Another parallel between Archons and Aeons is that their elements and paths can outlive them if they get killed. The Astral Express still follows and harnesses the path of the Trailblaze despite its Aeon Akavili’s supposed death. Meanwhile, Genshin’s dead gods can be replaced by other existing Archons or those who ascend into godhood using their element. It just goes to show that in HoYoVerse, and even in real life, one’s legacy is the true measure of their immortality.
Honkai: Star Rail
WHERE TO PLAY
Board the Astral Express and roam the universe in search of myths and legends. From global interactive entertainment brand HoYoverse comes a new space fantasy RPG. Harness the spirirt of the Trailblaze in a cel-shaded space fantasy adventure where you’ll embark on an unforgettable intergalactic odyssey. You and your fellow Astral Express passengers will hop from world to world, resolve conflicts, form friendships and uncover a wealth of mysteries. In this exciting new free-to-play game, you’ll journey through immense worlds of the unknown and bond with a series of memorable characters. Choose your companions and arrange the ultimate four-person combat team to help you take down a looming threat to the universe.
