miHoYo’s latest role-playing gacha game, Honkai: Star Rail, took 2023 by storm and went on to win three Google Play Awards and the Best Mobile Game at The Game Awards. It was also featured as one of our Game Sandwich Staff Picks for 2023 for its satisfying turn-based combat system, humorous dialogue options, and an assortment of beautifully designed, enjoyable characters. But if you missed the game’s initial release last April and feel intimidated by the prospect of starting late, don’t worry — now is the perfect opportunity to start playing!
Free 5-Star character awarded to all players on January 17th
Who doesn’t love free stuff? Especially when that “free stuff” is a 5-Star character. 5-Stars are the rarest to obtain, and they are often the most powerful characters in the Honkai: Star Rail universe.
While the game itself is free to play, obtaining a 5-Star character usually demands a lot of luck or spending money. Considering this, it’s a big deal that miHoYo decided to celebrate the game’s success at TGA by gifting all players a free 5-Star with the second half of Version 1.6 when it releases on January 17, 2024. This character, Dr. Ratio, will be free to all players who have unlocked the in-game mailbox (obtained after completing the game’s introduction).
Image via miHoYo
As mentioned, Honkai: Star Rail has some of the most beautifully designed and likable characters within the gacha game genre. To be gifted a free 5-Star is a rare opportunity — and a limited one. Dr. Ratio will only be available to claim for a short amount of time, so those who are interested in starting the game should take advantage of this.
Upcoming Version 2.0 + new planet
For those who are hesitant to start Honkai: Star Rail for fear of being too far behind in the story, our only advice is to start now. We know, it’s daunting. However, even though there’s a decent amount of content to catch up on, starting the game as soon as possible should give players enough time to do so before Version 2.0 releases sometime in the next few months.
Currently, there are only three worlds to explore and complete. Version 2.0 will introduce the next planet: Penacony. This much-anticipated fourth world in the game’s playable universe is also known as the “Planet of Festivities,” and it will introduce a whole new cast of characters and missions.
Image via miHoYo
Considering the upcoming opportunity to receive a free 5-Star character, and the fast-approaching Version 2.0, I believe there’s no better time to jump into the universe of Honkai: Star Rail than now. Unlike most free-to-play apps, Honkai: Star Rail feels like a fully-fledged game. This is even more impressive considering the game is still in its early phases. New content, which builds upon the already expansive lore, is consistently being added at a pace that keeps players busy but isn’t too overwhelming. Additionally, the game’s soundtrack is fantastic, with beautiful and immersive music. But don’t just take my word for it; the number of awards it’s already received says it all — Honkai: Star Rail is one of the best free-to-play intergalactic RPG apps out now. Don’t miss out on this perfect opportunity to jump in!