Honkai: Star Rail is the fourth installment in the Honkai series, a free-to-play 3D role-playing video game developed and published by HoYoverse. Serving as a continuation of Honkai Impact 3rd, the game introduces new characters as well as alternate versions of existing ones from the previous installment. It also brings back beloved characters from other HoYoVerse games. This trend can also be seen in Genshin Impact, which features characters like Yae Miko and Raiden Shogun (Ei) who resemble their Honkai Impact 3rd counterparts, Yae Sakura and Raiden Mei, among others.
Fans of HoYoVerse games, including Genshin Impact, will notice similarities between the games, such as the gacha system and character progression. Even with the initial release of characters in Honkai: Star Rail, players can already see resemblances to characters from Genshin Impact, such as Clara bearing similarities to Klee. With its distinct universe and diverse range of characters, Honkai: Star Rail promises to be an exciting addition to the HoYoVerse franchise.
Updated on August 30th, 2023 by Elara Leclair: Honkai: Star Rail continuously adds new playable characters to the game, whether they're fresh faces or alternate versions of existing characters from the HoYoVerse universe. With Kafka recently joining the playable roster, players eagerly await the arrival of more characters from various franchises within the HoYoVerse, as well as unique characters exclusive to Honkai: Star Rail. While recent announcements haven't hinted at the return of previous characters, fans are hopeful that well-known favorites like Fu Hua, Yae Sakura, and Raiden Mei will eventually make an appearance as the game expands with the introduction of new realms for the Trailblazers to venture into.
10 Carole and Carole Pepper
Carole, while not initially playable in Honkai: Star Rail, can be seen engaging in a conversation with Welt in a promotional trailer, offering a glimpse into her potential future inclusion. As for her demeanor, her current disposition remains a mystery; however, if her past portrayal is any indication, players can anticipate her to possess a lively, spirited, and forthright nature.
9 Luocha and Otto Apocalypse or Void Archive
Luocha and Otto Apocalypse, as well as Void Archive, from Honkai Impact 3rd, share a remarkable visual resemblance despite having different names. Moreover, these characters are voiced by the same actor. It is worth noting that in Honkai Impact 3rd, Sushang refers to Otto as "Raksha," which bears some similarity to the pronunciation of "Luocha." For those who believe this to be a mere coincidence, it is worth mentioning that the developers added an Easter egg in Honkai: Star Rail during Luocha's companion mission. In this mission, Welt recalls his encounter with Otto and becomes suspicious of Luocha.
While it is unclear whether Luocha is actually Otto or merely an alternate version, similar to characters like Kafka, Natasha, or Seele, one thing is certain: the developers intended to introduce one of Honkai Impact 3rd's main antagonists as a playable character in Honkai: Star Rail. Despite the enigma surrounding Luocha, players are speculating about the identity or contents of the coffin. It can be concluded that this character has more depth than initially meets the eye.
8 Kafka and Kafka (Stigmata)
The transition of Kafka from a Stigmata in Honkai Impact 3rd to a playable character in Honkai: Star Rail has captured the attention of fans. She holds significance in the story as one of the Stelleron Hunters and is intertwined with the Trailblazer's journey. The noticeable differences include changes in her hair color, style, and clothing. Previously limited to being an equippable item, players can now truly experience her character in a more dynamic way.
In Honkai: Star Rail, Kafka is depicted as having a calm, collected, and beautiful personality. It will be fascinating to witness how these traits manifest in her gameplay and interactions with other characters. This shift in Kafka's role also raises the potential for other Stigmatas to become playable characters in the future.
7 Welt and Welt Yang (Stigmata)
Welt, like Kafka, has successfully made the transition from a Stigmata to a playable character in Honkai: Star Rail. However, unlike Kafka, Welt has played a significant role in the Honkai Impact 3rd storyline as the leader of Anti-Entropy. He has been instrumental in the conflict against the Honkai and has interacted with important characters like Bronya. Moreover, Welt has even appeared in the manga.
With Welt now available as a playable character in Honkai: Star Rail, it raises the possibility of future Stigmata characters from the Honkai universe also becoming playable. Players can anticipate how Welt's story will unfold in Honkai: Star Rail and if other Stigmata characters will follow in his footsteps.
6 Sushang and Li Sushang
In the 7 Swords Visual Novel, Li Sushang holds a more prominent role compared to her minor presence in Honkai Impact 3rd's main storyline. Although she can be played as a character, very little is known about her, aside from her strong Valkyrie abilities and being the daughter of one of Fu Hua's disciples. Therefore, it is refreshing to see that she will also be available as a playable character in Honkai: Star Rail.
In Honkai: Star Rail, Li Sushang is portrayed as a hopeful and inexperienced newcomer to the Cloud Knights. Armed with a Greatsword, she aspires to become a renowned member of the group. This change in characterization brings excitement to players familiar with her previous appearances, as it offers a fresh and unique perspective on the character.
5 Natasha and Raven (Natasha Cioara)
Raven, also known as "Natasha Cioara," initially appeared as a cold and ruthless antagonist in Honkai Impact 3rd. However, as the story unfolded, players were able to delve deeper into her character, eventually allowing her to become a playable character.
In the Honkai: Star Rail storyline, her introduction takes on a different tone, portraying her as a perceptive and compassionate doctor who operates in a resource-limited underworld. She is renowned for her willingness to lend a helping hand and her reliability, making her a go-to person for medical aid. Additionally, her journey as The Abundance emphasizes her focus on healing.
4 Silver Wolf and Bronya (Haxxor Bunny)
Bronya in Honkai Impact 3rd possesses various forms, and in Honkai: Star Rail, Silver Wolf appears to bear a resemblance to her original form, commonly known as Haxxor Bunny Bronya. Despite the numerous similarities they share, Silver Wolf's hairstyle sets her apart. While some may assume that Silver Wolf is a reprised character embodying Haxxor Bunny Bronya, it is imperative to acknowledge that she is an entirely fresh persona. Nonetheless, she shares the identical voice actors in multiple languages with Bronya from both games, despite being a distinct character.
3 Bronya and Bronya (Silverwing)
It can be confusing for players to encounter both Silver Wolf, who looks remarkably similar to Bronya, and another character named Bronya, resembling Silverwing Bronya with a more mature appearance. This choice of naming only further adds to the bewilderment. Although it would have made more sense for Silver Wolf to embody Silverwing, the developers and designers opted for a different approach.
2 Seele and Seele Vollerei
Bronya holds great importance in the Honkai series, leading many players to believe that Genshin Impact could introduce a distinct manifestation of Bronya. Speculations suggest she may assume the role of the Cryo Archon, perfectly fitting her elemental affinity and Russian heritage, which harmonize with the overarching theme of Snezhnaya.
In the Honkai franchise, Seele has made appearances in various games with unique designs. However, in Honkai: Star Rail, she adopts a look similar to her previous incarnation as Seele Vollerei in Honkai Impact 3rd. Furthermore, she retains a similar personality and employs the Quantum Element for combat. Despite the changes in the Honkai universe, it is fascinating to observe how certain characters preserve their fundamental traits and characteristics across different iterations.
1 Himeko and Murata Himeko
Himeko, the character from Honkai: Star Rail, is undeniably a new version of Murata Himeko. However, there are some initial differences in her role and personality. As players progress through the story of Honkai: Star Rail, they may discover more similarities between the two characters than they initially thought.
Interestingly, it has been confirmed that Himeko will also appear in Genshin Impact. In Genshin Impact, the Natlan's Pyro Archon is called Murata and is known for her bright red hair, which is inherited by her descendants, including Vanessa and Diluc. While little is known about the appearance and personality of Genshin Impact's Murata, players can expect her to resemble both counterparts from the Honkai series.
Honkai: Star Rail is currently in development for Android, iOS, and PC, with the game being expected to release on April 26.