Honkai: Star Rail is back with an exciting new patch, version 2.6, titled Annals of Pinecany’s Mappou Age. This update takes players back to Penacony, where the crew of the Astral Express will attend university classes. And yes, there are monkeys wearing top hats! Let’s explore everything this update has to offer, including the release date, new characters, banners, and upcoming events.
Overview of Version 2.6
In this patch, players will see the introduction of new gameplay elements, characters, and plenty of events. With the game’s regular update schedule, it’s always a treat to see what HoYoverse has in store.
What’s Included in This Update:
- Release date and time
- New characters and banners
- Exciting events and missions
1. Release Date and Time
Honkai: Star Rail 2.6 is set to launch on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. The release will follow the usual maintenance schedule, which means you can expect it to go live at 4 AM (BST). Here’s how that translates across various time zones:
| Region | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast US | Tuesday, October 22 | 11 PM (ET) |
| Central US | Tuesday, October 22 | 10 PM (CT) |
| West Coast US | Tuesday, October 22 | 8 PM (PT) |
| Japan | Wednesday, October 23 | 12 PM (JST) |
| Australia | Wednesday, October 23 | 2 PM (AET) |
| UK | Wednesday, October 23 | 4 AM (BST) |
| Europe | Wednesday, October 23 | 5 AM (CEST) |
2. New Characters and Banners
New Character: Rappa
One of the main highlights of this update is the introduction of Rappa, a new 5-star Imaginary attacker who follows the Erudition Path. Rappa specializes in dealing damage to multiple enemies, making her a valuable asset in team compositions.
Banners Breakdown
Phase 1 Banners
- Rappa: New 5-star Imaginary character (Erudition Path)
- Imbibitor Lunae: Returning 5-star Imaginary character (Destruction Path)
Boosted 4-Star Characters:
- Lynx: Quantum (Abundance)
- Xueyi: Quantum (Destruction)
- Yukong: Imaginary (Harmony)
Phase 1 Banner Dates: October 23 to November 13, 2024.
Phase 2 Banners
- Acheron: Returning 5-star Lightning character (Nihility Path)
- Aventurine: Returning 5-star Imaginary character (Preservation Path)
Boosted 4-Star Characters:
- March 7th: Ice (Preservation)
- Pela: Ice (Nihility)
- Sampo: Wind (Nihility)
Phase 2 Banner Dates: November 13 to December 3, 2024.
Summary of Banners
| Phase | Character | Path | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rappa | Erudition | 5-Star |
| 1 | Imbibitor Lunae | Destruction | 5-Star |
| 2 | Acheron | Nihility | 5-Star |
| 2 | Aventurine | Preservation | 5-Star |
In addition to the character banners, there’s also a new 5-star Light Cone, Ninjutsu Inscription: Dazzling Evilbreaker, which accompanies Rappa’s banner.
3. Events and Missions
Version 2.6 is packed with exciting events to keep players engaged. Here’s a rundown of what to expect:
New Missions
- Trailblaze Continuation Mission: Players will explore the Paperfold University and complete missions related to the story.
- New Area: Players can explore the Paperfold University College and its three academies.
New Game Modes
- Simulated Universe: Unknowable Domain: A new game mode focused on Herta, featuring updated rules and challenges.
- Simulated Universe Store: Previous event Light Cones and materials will be available here.
Limited-Time Events
- Gift Of Odyssey: A check-in event rewarding players with Special Star Rail Passes (available until December 3).
- Garden of Plenty: Double drops for Golden and Crimson Calyx from November 22 to November 29.
- Planet Fissure: Double drops for Planar Ornaments from November 6 to November 13.
Main Event: Sound Hunt Ninjutsu Inscription
This is the main event of version 2.6 and features rhythm-based challenges. Players need to manage a band and gather sound bits for music creation. Rewards include the 4-Star Light Cone Ninja Record: Sound Hunt and other valuable items.
Other Events
- Mr. Cold Feet’s Pop-Up Shop: A resource-giving event running from October 31 to November 11.
- Shadow of the Ranger: An assignment event focused on Boothill, running from November 13 to December 2.
Main Event: Sound Hunt Ninjutsu Inscription
This event is not only about rhythm-based challenges but also includes engaging narrative elements involving Rappa. Players will navigate through various levels, collecting sound bits and participating in live performances.
- Rewards: Completing challenges rewards players with the 4-Star Light Cone Ninja Record: Sound Hunt, as well as materials for superimposition, Self-Modeling Resin, Stellar Jade, and Tracks of Destiny.
- Participation Requirements: Players must be at least Trailblaze Level 21 to participate, but early access can be experienced through the Finality’s Vision function.
Other Events Breakdown
- Mr. Cold Feet’s Pop-Up Shop: This light-hearted event allows players to trade spare materials for rewards. Players can earn Stellar Jade, experience points for characters, and enhancement materials.
- Shadow of the Ranger: A straightforward assignment event where players send characters on missions to earn various rewards, including Stellar Jade and Relic EXP materials.
- Garden of Plenty: During this event, players can enjoy double drops for Golden and Crimson Calyx. This is crucial for farming materials needed for character ascension and leveling.
- Planet Fissure: Similar to Garden of Plenty, but focused on doubling drops for Planar Ornaments, which are essential for enhancing characters’ abilities.
New Simulated Universe Mode: Unknowable Domain
The Simulated Universe gets an exciting update with the Unknowable Domain mode. Here’s what players can expect:
- Unique Combat Rules: This mode will feature new mechanics centered around scepters, allowing players to strategize differently. The exact mechanics and rules will be revealed upon launch.
- Phase Progression: As players progress through the phases, they can upgrade their scepters, enhancing their combat abilities and unlocking new strategies.
New Maps and Story Elements
Exploration of Paperfold University
In version 2.6, players will return to Penacony and get to explore Paperfold University, which consists of three academies: Dreamweaver Academy, Charmony Academy, and Fortune Academy.
- New Trailblaze Continuation Mission: This mission will involve various quests and interactions with key figures, including Rappa. Players will uncover the university’s secrets while navigating through its halls and addressing conflicts, including dealing with the Slumbernana Monkeys that have invaded the premises.
Connection to Future Updates
The events of version 2.6 are expected to bridge to future content, especially with the anticipated release of Tingyun’s 5-star version in version 2.7. There may be hints or teasers related to her character during the new missions, keeping the storyline interconnected.
New Light Cones
In addition to the new character Light Cone for Rappa, Dream’s Montage, a new 4-star Light Cone will also debut. Here’s what we know about it:
- Light Cone Type: This Light Cone will follow the Abundance Path and is expected to enhance support characters’ capabilities, offering players more flexibility in their builds.
Conclusion and Expectations
Honkai: Star Rail 2.6 promises to deliver a wealth of content that combines engaging gameplay with rich storytelling. Players will enjoy a mix of exciting new characters, meaningful events, and an expansive world to explore.
What to Look Forward To
- Character Collecting: Players will have the opportunity to acquire Rappa and rerun characters like Imbibitor Lunae, Acheron, and Aventurine, enhancing their rosters with both new and familiar faces.
- Community Engagement: With limited-time events and missions, players can interact and share experiences, fostering a sense of community within the game.
- Future Updates: As the story progresses, players can anticipate further connections and developments in future patches, maintaining excitement and engagement with the ongoing narrative.
So gear up for October 23, 2024! Whether you’re looking to expand your character roster or dive into new events and challenges, version 2.6 of Honkai: Star Rail is set to offer a thrilling experience. Happy gaming!
Conclusion
Honkai: Star Rail 2.6 is shaping up to be an exciting update for players. With the addition of new characters like Rappa, fresh events, and the return of fan-favorite characters, there’s plenty to keep players entertained.
So, mark your calendars for October 23, 2024, and prepare to dive back into the world of Honkai: Star Rail. The new banners, events, and missions promise a lot of fun, and who knows? Maybe you’ll even score some fantastic new characters!
Stay tuned for more updates, and may your pulls be lucky!