Honkai: Star Rail Version 2.3 Set to Arrive on June 19

HoYoverse has just announced that Honkai Star Rail's new Version 2.3 update "Farewell Penacony" will arrive on June 19th.

HoYoverse has just announced that Honkai Star Rail's new Version 2.3 update "Farewell Penacony" will arrive on June 19th. The new update is set to conclude the Penacony Arc, so if you've been eager to see how it's going to unfold, this is it. Also, those have been eagerly waiting to pull for Firefly will of course be finally treated with her banner, with Jade also coming in. Simulated Universe is also getting an updated called "Divergent Universe," so there's that to look forward to as well.

The Charmony Festival has been abruptly stopped, The Family's reputation in tatters, and our team is searching for answers. Version 2.3 brings the Express Crew to the Radiant Feldspar, soaring into the skies above Penacony.

Aboard the Radiant Feldspar, the Simulated Universe's new project, "Divergent Universe," will proceed under Mr. Screwllum's direction. This initiative will leverage his home planet's technology to enhance gameplay. For example, the "Arithmetic Mapping" feature in the Divergent Universe test phase eliminates character download restrictions. Characters below the Equilibrium Level Cap will automatically rise to meet this threshold. The update also debuts the "Equation" function, which allows players to combine buffs from two distinct Paths to unlock new combat abilities once a certain criterion is met. Moreover, Trailblazers facing defeat in the Divergent Universe can now restart challenges without having to force-quit the game. The Restart Challenge feature enables players to reassess and attempt again, fostering greater strategic depth and playability, thus enhancing the overall gaming experience.

You will also see more Origami Birds in Radiant Feldspar, with a new mini-game in tow. In this challenge, Trailblazers will have to achieve eliminations within a set number of moves to boost our Origami Birds' Combat Power. 

Currently unsure if this is a leaderboard or a multiplayer arcade mini-game, because as Hoyoverse puts it, it lets you "freely battle friends from across the universe."

As mentioned, 5-star character Firefly will also join as a playable character. For those who aren't familiar with her yet, she's a member of the Stellaron Hunters, originating from the long-destroyed world of Glamoth. She has played an important part in thus far in the Penacony arc, and we're quite eager to see how her story plays out. 

Here's a brief description of her talents and abilities:

As a 5-star Fire-Type character, Firefly possesses an immense power. After using her Technique, she can summon her SAM armor and leap into the air, moving freely, with SAM attacking all enemies within a set range to enter battle. Each wave of enemies can have Fire Weakness forced upon units without Fire Weakness, lasting for a set number of turns. In the heat of battle, SAM will be operating in two forms. In the initial form, using her Skill consumes HP but simultaneously replenishes her Ultimate energy. The less HP Firefly has, the less damage she sustains. Furthermore, when activating her Ultimate, SAM transforms into its second battle form — the dazzling Complete Combustion state! Alongside more potent Basic Attacks and Skills, her Speed and Weakness Break efficiency are also heightened. The Break DMG dealt by SAM is increased until the countdown for Complete Combustion ends. An aspect worth mentioning is that this state provides players with an immersive perspective from within Sam's mech, showcasing Firefly's unwavering gaze and embodying the fiery spirit capable of setting the seas ablaze.

Jade is also making her way as a playable character in Version 2.3. She's a 5-star character who is a senior manager in the IPC Strategic Investment Department and one of Ten Stonehearts. Her personal hobby, "Bonajade Exchange," highlights her patience in waiting for high-value acquisitions through accepting pawning of assets and her ability to extract value from seemingly destitute clients.

As for her skills and abilities:

Jade's Skill allows her to forge a binding agreement with a single ally, making them her "Debt Collector" and bestowing upon them enhancement. Each attack launched by Jade or her Debt Collector accumulates Charges for Jade. Once fully charged, Jade unleashes a follow-up attack against all enemies. Her Ultimate, however, enforces the terms of the agreement with unyielding precision, dealing damage to all enemies while also enhancing her follow-up attack.

Also, those who weren't able to pull for Ruan Mei and Argenti will get their chance during the first and second halves of Version 2.3 respectively. 

Honkai: Star Rail is now available on PC, iOS, Android, Epic Games Store, and PS5. In 2023, the game won Apple's App Store Game of the Year, Google Play's Best Game, and BEST MOBILE GAME by The Game Awards. The game has been rated Teen by the ESRB and is also classified as PEGI 12.