Summary
Honkai: Star RailVersion 1.6 is just getting started with its new features and missions. The update is currently in its first phase, which spotlights five-star banner characterRuan Mei, whom players get to know better in the Trailblaze Continuance mission. It also introduced the limited-time Critter Pick event, Simulated Universe’s Gold & Gears mode, and more.
On January 18,Honkai: Star Railwill release the second phase of Version 1.6. The main feature of this version will be the release of five-star Imaginary characterDr. Ratio, who players also get to test out in the current Trailblaze Continuance mission. But there’s a lot to look forward to in the next update.
What to Expect in Honkai: Star Rail’s January 18 Update
Free Five-Star Character
As announced during theHonkai: Star RailVersion 1.6 Special Program,players will receive a free Dr. Ratioonce the second phase rolls out. This is HoYoverse’s way of thanking players for their unwavering support for the game after winning awards from The Game Awards, Apple, and Google Play. Players can claim their free five-star in their in-game mailbox starting January 18. Dr. Ratio is an Imaginary-type character following the Path of The Hunt, which means he can be a reliable single-unit DPS. He is a member of the Intelligentsia Guild, who’s known for his self-centered personality, and for wearing an alabaster head and even building statues of himself.
Featured Character Banners
The second phase ofHonkai: Star RailVersion 1.6 will have two Warp Banners: Dr. Ratio and Kafka. While players will already receive a free Dr. Ratio at the beginning of the update, they can still pull for him in the “Panta Rhei” to increase his Eidolon level. It’s not necessarily required to get an E6 Dr. Ratio, but this will ensure that players can maximize the character’s full power.
Meanwhile,Kafka will have her first re-run bannerin the upcoming update. Originally released in Version 1.2, the Stellaron Hunter is a Lightning-type character following the Path of Nihility, as she can apply strong lightning DoTs to her enemies. The “Nessun Dorma” banner is the perfect opportunity for players to pull for their first Kafka, or increase the Eidolon level of their existing Kafka.
Featured Light Cones
Five-star Light Cones areHonkai: Star Rail’s equivalent of weapons inGenshin Impact, which are meant to complement the featured banner characters' skill set. In the case of Dr. Ratio, his signature Light Cone is named “Baptism of Pure Thought,” while Kafka’s is “Patience Is All You Need.” Players can start pulling for these Light Cones to strengthen the five-star characters, as well as their existing characters.
Version 1.6 Second Phase Events
The only new event for thisphase will be “Virtual Scentventure,” a combat event where players will fight illusionary enemies. They can receive Stellar Jades, level-up materials, and other awards after accomplishing the event challenges.Honkai: Star Railplayers can also continue playingevents like Critter Pick, Pure Fiction: Youci’s Wandering Words, and the Simulated Universe’s Gold and Gears during this phase.
