Honkai: Star Rail 2.0 - Release Date, Penacony, New Characters, Banners

A fan-favorite NPC from may have just been teased as an upcoming playable character, as was suggested by a post made by developer HoYoverse. The popular RPG has a continuously expanding roster of playable heroes that are gradually added through updates. Some of these characters are introduced as soon as they appear in story content, while others first appear as NPCs and are then transformed into playable characters in subsequent versions. This is the case with Chiori’s release in 4.5. The 5-star Geo unit first made her debut as an NPC in Version 4.3.

games are getting AI (artificial intelligence) with a new update, and this may permanently affect how battles work for the upcoming future. Up until now, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company had not openly announced the usage of AI in its releases. This represents a major change to the companies’ approach to the games but seems to be limited to a specific gameplay mechanic that should not impact the majority of players for now.

The several 4.5 leaks are pointing toward what is likely going be a very bleak update in terms of playable content, despite multiple rumors about what may be added. At the moment, the action RPG is in the middle of Version 4.4, a big and important patch for the game. The update brought forth the annual Lantern Rite Festival, telling a unique storyline set in Liyue. This is usually the most important event in the title every year. Lantern Rite, however, was not the only significant thing that came with the release of 4.4.

A new ability in may be the most game-breaking one ever, according to new Version 2.1 leaks. Currently, the RPG is in the early stages of Version 2.0, represented by the release of Penacony as a destination, as well as the continuation of the Traiblaze Missions. The main story is now set in the Land of Dreams, as the Trailblazer and the rest of the Astral Express crew are invited by the Family to attend the Charmony Festival. Although the game is still weeks away from the next patch, the upcoming playable characters have already been announced.

The release of 2.0 is an important milestone for the popular turn-based RPG developed by HoYoverse. With the update, the game introduces a new destination called Penacony, also known as the Planet of Festivities and the Land of Dreams. This is a completely new location, much like the Xianzhou Luofu flagship or Jarilo-VI. In addition to Penacony, the game kicks off its second year of content following its original release back in 2023. 2.0’s release sets in motion what is the beginning of another promising year of playable content, especially in terms of narrative.

The new Version 2.0 update for added one of the strangest Achievements in the game so far, offering players a chance to get Stellar Jade in a very counter-intuitive manner. The patch kicked off the popular turn-based RPG’s second year of content and introduced the planet of Penacony, also known as the Land of Dreams for players to explore. This is an entirely new destination, much like Jarilo-VI and the Xianzhou Luofu, and it is expected to expand with more future updates.

The release window for may have just gotten a lot smaller and more specific, based on some calculations regarding Rockstar’s forecast for its upcoming fiscal years. The highly anticipated sequel to has been officially announced by the company as a product in development. An initial look at the game was offered with the reveal of the first trailer back in December 2023, but no other information has been revealed so far, other than those uncovered in hints left in the video.

In an upsetting confirmation that February is in fact winter (and that the year doesn't just start with summer like my brain thinks it should) publisher Whitethorn Games held a 2024 Winter Showcase, where they revealed the existance of a game that answers the question "what if the slimes in Slime Rancher were in mortal peril, and had swords?". The answer is apparently "be ruddy heroes in a cute Soulslike". I think this game, too, looks very cute, although Slime Heroes doesn't have a release window yet.

Getting and using Aideen Tokens in can feel a little strange at first, especially if you have not progressed enough through the main questline. Aideen Tokens and the Aideen Amusement Park, where they are normally used at, were introduced with the arrival of Version 2.0. In fact, they are directly related to the release of Penacony in , as they provide entertainment via mini-games and offer you tips on a special type of treasure hunt.

Honkai: Star Rail’s version 2.0 will arrive at the start of February, adding a new area, three playable characters and new missions to the gacha space game, HoYoverse have revealed.

A recently discovered trick in allows players to trigger secret character reactions, which are perfect when using the game’s photo mode. Other than traditional Pokémon battles and Tera Raids, the Generation 9 games feature a heavy social aspect. The titles are some of the first to allow a seamless multiplayer experience, especially considering their open-world map. Another feature that complements the Gen 9 games’ social aspect is the ability to take pictures with an in-game tool rather than simply relying on Nintendo Switch’s screenshots. Photo mode has several mini tools that allow for more customization.

Farming the materials for Xianyun’s Ascension in is the first step to unlocking the character’s full potential as a support unit. Xianyun is a 5-star hero who debuts in Version 4.4. She is the human form of the Adepti known as Cloud Retainer. Xianyun has an Anemo Vision and uses a catalyst in battle, allowing her to trigger Swirl Elemental Reactions with her Normal Attacks. This is, however, not the focus of Xianyun’s kit in , as she is instead specialized in buffing and healing her teammates, while also granting them an increase to their jump height.