The next Honkai: Star Rail update will mercifully move on from the Xianzhou Luofu, and take Trailblazers back to the more vibrant dream world, Penacony. Due out on 23rd October, v2.3 will introduce the Paperfold University, a prestigious academic academy “bustling with activity as it prepares for a new semester and its anniversary celebrations”.
The new storyline will take the form of a Trailblaze Continuance Mission, as the Astral Express is invited to “partake in the festivities” as distinguished guests. The blurb reveals: “Alongside peers like March 7th and Dan Heng, Trailblazers will not only delve into the rigors of academic pursuits but also cultivate meaningful relationships, enriching this one-of-a-kind scholastic adventure.”
It’s at the university they’ll meet new 5-Star character Rappa, who’ll headline the first phase of the update. A ninja with a penchant for music and graffiti, she follows the path of Erudition and is able to reduce the Toughness of her opponents using her Talent. She also has a pretty cool Ultimate which plays out in first-person.
She’ll be flanked by Dan Heng Imbibitor Lunae during the first phase of the update, while Acheron and Aventurine will get their long-awaited re-runs during the second phase.
In terms of Events, the Sound Hunt Ninjutsu Inscription will see Trailblazers taking a turn as band manager for the Dreamlight Anniversary music party. You’ll need to record sounds from around the cosmos and mix them into hit songs, which looks like a pretty fun little minigame. The songs you create will play while you explore the Paperfold University.
There’ll also be a ton of other activities throughout the lifecycle of the update, including a new business venture with Sampo and an update to the Simulated Universe. With regards to the Simulated Universe, the press release reads: “Trailblazers will start by collecting Scepters and enhancing them with Components to strengthen their abilities. As the game progresses, players can strategically combine multiple Scepters and Components to unlock powerful synergies, eventually defeating a formidable final foe.” Sounds fun.
All of this is in addition to some new Stagnant Shadows and Caverns of Corrosion, which will add new materials and resources to the release.