Honkai: Star Rail update 2.1 – release date, events, and anniversary freebies

Penacony’s next chapter is around the corner

Contents

1. Honkai: Star Rail 2.1 – release date and trailer
2. Honkai: Star Rail 2.1 – features and quests
3. Honkai: Star Rail 2.1 – events
4. Honkai: Star Rail 2.1 – areas and materials
5. Honkai: Star Rail 2.1 – anniversary freebies

The latest Honkai: Star Rail livestream provided all the juicy details on version 2.1 of the mobile game, which is jam-packed with new characters, story quests, events, and some freebies – as the title’s first anniversary will be celebrated during update 2.1, players can expect a few treats.

“Into the Yawning Chasm” – as the version is titled – picks off right where the thrilling story of 2.0 ended. Will we finally find some answers to the mysteries of Penacony, or will matters get even more complicated before we see them more clearly? With all the twists and turns we’ve already experienced, I’d put money on the second option.

Find everything you need to know about Honkai: Star Rail update 2.1 below.

Acheron and Aventurine will be the two central figures of this update / HoYoverse

Honkai: Star Rail 2.1 – release date and trailer

Honkai: Star Rail 2.1 is set to be released on March 27, 2024, for PC, PS5, iOS, and Android.

You can watch the trailer for version 2.1 below:

Honkai: Star Rail 2.1 – features and quests

Update 2.1 will see the introduction of the Fate’s Ensemble feature, which will allow players to experience sections of the storyline from the perspective of other characters. In an example shown in the latest livestream, one mission can be played from three different points of view – that of the Trailblazer, Acheron, and Aventurine. This should be very helpful in keeping track of the complex motivations and goals everyone has.

Speaking of new missions – Honkai: Star Rail 2.1 will progress the main story on the Planet of Festivities with the Trailblaze Mission “The Devil in Velvet” and it looks like a Companion Mission featuring Acheron and Welt is planned as well. Acheron will also be the center of attention in an array of upcoming trailers, namely a Character Trailer, a Myriad Celestia Trailer, and a brand-new Animated Short (which will feature Black Swan alongside Acheron).

HoYoverse

HoYoverse

Honkai: Star Rail 2.1 – events

“Vignettes in a Cup” is the flagship event for Honkai: Star Rail 2.1. Like similar events in the past, it will remain available in the game permanently, so players won’t have to worry about missing it. As part of “Vignettes in a Cup” the Trailblazer takes on the role of drinksmith… but it’s the regular sort of guest they’ll be serving. Instead, all the enemies you’re usually battling come in for a drink and expect you to lend them an ear while they elaborate on their problems. This event will enable players to get one free 4-Star character of their choice.

“Tides of War” is a new combat event that will have you battle waves of enemies to upgrade your Grit Value. Each level of Grit Value provides you with a different set of buffs that you set up before the fight, so it’s important to strategize and choose the right boons for the perfect phase.

Herta is coming through with new content for the Simulated Universe as well: World 9 will open its doors and allow you to farm two brand-new Planar Ornament sets – in addition to the usual set of generous first-time completion rewards. Those new sets are called “Sigonia, the Unclaimed Desolation” (described as a DPS set suitable for long battles against many waves) and “Izumo Gensei and Takama Divine Realm” (described as providing extra buffs to the wearer when characters of the same Path are present).

Honkai: Star Rail 2.1 – areas and materials

Version 2.1 of Honkai: Star Rail will expand Penacony with two additional areas, Clock Studios Theme Park and Dewlight Pavilion.

Clock Studios Theme Park is in the same Dreamscape as Golden Hour. It’s a combination of theme park and film studio, bringing joy to its visitors in many ways. Corresponding to Hanu’s Adventures found in previous areas of Penacony, players can play an arcade mini-game with Hanu’s ally, Hamster Knight, in this region.

Dewlight Pavilion, on the other hand, is a tranquil retreat of the Oak Family. It serves as the HQ for Sunday and is a gathering place for the Five Families to discuss important matters. Regular guests should have no way of even knowing about its existence.

HoYoverse

HoYoverse

A new ascension material for Fire Type character will be obtainable from a Stagnant Shadow in Dewlight Pavilion. It’s called Raging Heart and Gallagher will be the first character to use it.

In addition, new trace materials for characters following The Preservation and The Abundance will be available at two new Crimson Calyxes. Naturally, Aventurine and Gallagher will require these for their upgrades.

New Dreamtickers, Dreamscape Pass Stickers, and Hanu’s Adventure domains (the detective gets a rocket launcher to blast foes with) will await you as well.

Honkai: Star Rail 2.1 banners: Acheron, Aventurine, and Gallagher debut

Honkai: Star Rail 2.1 – anniversary freebies

Honkai: Star Rail will be one year old on April 26, 2024, and HoYoverse is celebrating this first big anniversary with some freebies for players. In version 2.1, you can look forward to receiving 30 Warps for free – 20 will come in the form of Star Rail Special Passes, 10 will be delivered in the form of 1,600 Stellar Jade.

It's already been one year with the Astral Express crew. Here's to many more! / HoYoverse

In addition, special versions of the Planar Fissure and Realm of the Strange event will take place, boosting the amount of Planar Ornaments and Relics you get not just twofold – you’ll get triple the amount of item drops than usual.

For those inclined to stock up on currency with real money from time to time, there’s good news as well: After the 2.1 update, the First-Time Top-Up Bonus will be refreshed, allowing you to buy in-game currency and get an extra helping for free on your first purchase.

Finally, a big in-game event called Cosmodyssey is going to be available. I can only describe it as a mix of Mario Party and Monopoly. It includes many mini-games and exploring board game versions of the planets we’ve visited over the past year. There is also a multiplayer aspect to it.

Cosmodyssey is this year's big anniversary event / HoYoverse

Announcements regarding the Honkai: Star Rail World Tour and Honkai: Star Rail Concert were made as well. Star Rail Live will take place on May 1, 2024, in Shanghai with a free broadcast of the grand concert available online.

Honkai: Star Rail codes: all codes to redeem in March 2024