Okay, so here we go. Imagine me with a cup of lukewarm coffee, trying to make sense of my notes scattered everywhere because that’s the vibe we’re going for:
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So, earlier today—pretty sure it was morning, I think—I caught the Honkai: Star Rail version 3.4 livestream. It’s like a ritual now, waiting for new characters, right? Biggest reveal folks were buzzing about? Drumroll… the new characters! Surprise, right? But seriously, they’re what everyone clamors for in this HoYoverse galaxy of a game.
But, here’s the kicker—or, should I say, headline?—they announced this big crossover event with Fate/stay night. Yep, that iconic visual novel, the one and only, is hooking up with Honkai. They tossed this news our way last August, but, honestly, who was keeping track? I almost forgot, but now it’s like, “Finally!” It’s been an eternity by game standards… okay, more like 10 months.
And in this veritable treasure trove of gaming news, there’s this tiny text—no, wait, not tiny—kind of like a blast of confetti saying, “New Characters!” We’ve got Saber swaggering in as a high-five star, doing her Wind/Destruction thing. And Archer? Everyone’s best frenemies’ favored pitcher? He’s a 5-Star Quantum/Hunt showstopper. They’re both stickin’ around longer than your average party guest. Which, hey, when’s the last time that happened?
Oh, and about that Phainon guy—if you remember seeing him way back on Amphoreus—good news! He’s stepping into the playable spotlight. Been lurking as an NPC since I don’t know when, but he’s breaking those fourth-wall shackles, finally. He’s packing some serious Physical/Destruction moves too. It’s about time he joined the crew.
Speaking of comebacks, re-runs are apparently the new thing, with six banners making a guest appearance. Tribbie, Sunday, Sparkle—ring any bells?—they’re making gacha magic happen in Phase 1. While Firefly, Jingliu, and Blade mosey back in during Phase 2. With that many goodies lined up, complaints are not on my list.
And, here’s what might just be my favorite part: upgrades! Yup, the Stellaron Hunters are getting swanky new mechanics and Eidolon effects for folks like Kafka and Silver Wolf. Blade’s in there too. Plus, Firefly’s getting a cool new outfit. Because, why not? Jingliu’s getting a spruced-up kit of her own, too. But, I hope she doesn’t jump ship to the dark side with Elio’s morally gray team… then again, maybe that wouldn’t be so bad. Huh.
Alright, mark the calendar, July 2nd’s the date for version 3.4 to go live. Phase two saunters in on July 23rd. If you missed it, you might want to check out the full program VOD, assuming your internet’s cooperating.
Quick flashback to May: version 3.3 swept in with Hyacine and the return of The Herta. Banners, banners, everywhere. The second phase popped up with Cipher—a fresh face—last week! This also unfolded amidst the buzz around recasting English voice actors (Stelle and Caelus, if you’re following). They were part of some SAG-AFTRA solidarity action over video game voice actor stuff. Pretty heavy stuff, but hey, gaming world’s gotta roll with the punches, right?
And yeah, that’s my brain dump on the matter. If you’ve got cookies to manage, never mind the glitches—life’s short.
