What to Look Forward to in Honkai: Star Rail’s 1.2 Update

So much to look forward to, including the return to the story!

Screenshot from Honkai: Star Rail's YouTube Version 1.2 "Even Immortality Ends" Special Program

There are a lot of changes coming to Honkai: Star Rail in the 1.2 Update and, if you haven’t seen them by now, here’s a quick rundown of what changes we can expect to see. That way, you aren’t missing out on any additional characters or domains that will suddenly be updating. It’s not just the story that you gotta complete, there’s a whole lot more in this barrel than we’re ready for. Here’s what you can look forward to seeing in 1.2 Update for Honkai: Star Rail.

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What to Look Forward to in Honkai: Star Rail’s 1.2 Update

Blade’s Banner Featuring Four-Star Characters Arlan, Sushang, and Natasha in Honkai: Star Rail

Blade's Banner in Honkai: Star Rail
Screenshot from Honkai: Star Rail’s YouTube Version 1.2 “Even Immortality Ends” Special Program

The most obvious change we are going to see in 1.2 is that the exclusive banner will change to feature the Five-Star Character Blade, a Destruction Pathfinder with the Wind element who slashes at his own HP in order to do big damage against his enemies. Alongside him, we’ll also get the increased rates for the four-star characters Arlan, Sushang, and Natasha. Arlan is a great Destruction character as well and works in the same style that Blade does, but instead with the element Lightning. Sushang is a Physical Damage character who follows the path of the Hunt, meaning that she’s great at doing a lot of attacks against singular targets. Natasha is our healer and, although we do receive a free Natasha in the story, it also helps a ton by building up her Eidolons since she’ll only do better healing for your team.

Simulated Universe World 7 Will Be Available

Instead of rising difficulty levels, we will actually be getting a brand new world to tackle in the Simulated Universe, featuring two new Panar Ornaments. One of which is called the Rutilant Arena and the Broken Keel. 

Rutilant Arena Two-Piece Effect: Increases the wearer’s Crit Rate by 8%. When the wearer’s current Crit Rate reaches 70% or higher, the wearer’s Basic Attack and Skill Damage increases by 20%.

Broken Keel Two-Piece Effect: Increases the wearer’s Effect Resistance by 10%. When the wearer’s Effect Resistance is at 30% or higher, all allies’ Crit Damage increases by 10%.

Free Yukong in the Forgotten Hall

Honkai: Star Rail will be delivering that free Yukong in this version too. Similar to Qingque, you’ll be able to claim your Yukong by completing the Memory of Xianzhou Stage 1. In order to challenge this level, you’ll have to complete the Trailblazer Mission Xianzhou Luofu — A Dragon Gallant, Its Ocean Distant.” Yukong is an Imaginary Harmony character who can buff the Attack, Crit Rate, and Crit Damage in your party with her Skill and Ultimate. A stunning character you won’t want to miss out on. 

Joint Forces – Standard Character Trials

Now, we often get to trial characters that we may not own in certain events and missions that are available in the story, but after the 1.2 update, Honkai: Star Rail is launching the Joint Forces. This will allow players to go back and try all seven of the Standard Characters in the game. Much like how players are able to try out the Five-Star in the current banner, Himeko, Welt, Gerard and the rest of the cast will be available so that you can learn more about their kits and try them at a fully built level to see if that is a character you’d find worth investing in. 

New Companion Missions for Kafka and Yukong

Companion Missions for Kafka and Yukong in Honkai: Star Rail
Screenshot from Honkai: Star Rail’s YouTube Version 1.2 “Even Immortality Ends” Special Program

Along with the return to the story, we can also expect to see a companion mission featuring Kafka and Yukong. Not only will this help us understand more about the character, but if it’s anything like the previous Companion missions then these characters will be able to board the Astral Express or be invited to the Astral Express. I wonder if Kafka will appear in person or in a hologram-like Silver Wolf…

Related: Where to Find Characters Around Jarilo VI in Honkai: Star Rail

New Bosses for the Stagnant Shadow and Echo of War

With new characters and stories will naturally come new bosses and new boss materials to nab. So if you were saving up on some boss resources for Blade or Kafka, then sadly, you’ll need to save for a different character since these two will likely require the new bosses. As well as the new World Boss that’ll appear in the Echo of War, rare drops to allow you to level up their Traces and unlock even more of their potential as a powerhouse in your team. 

New Relic Sets

We’ll be getting a few new maps in the update, so we can’t miss out on the new Relic sets that we’re going to get. The Cavern of Corrosion will be in the Alchemy Commission Section to the Xianzhou Luofu and the two types of Relic Sets there are going to be the Longevous Disciple and the Messenger Traversing Hackerspace. 

Longevous Disciple

  • 2-Piece Effect: Increases Max HP by 12%
  • 4-Piece Effect: When the wearer is hit or has their HP consumed by an ally or themselves, their Crit Rate increase by 8% for 2 turn(s) and up to 2 stacks.

Messenger Traversing Hackerspace

  • 2-Piece Effect: Increase Speed by 6%
  • 4-Piece Effect: When the wearer uses their Ultimate on an ally, Speed for all allies increase by 12% for 1 turn(s). This effect cannot be stacked.

Related: All Current Event Banners in Honkai Star Rail (July 2023)

This is the bulk of what we have to look forward to and uncover. If you’re looking for the Best Fire Trailblazer builds, you can check out our guide. Be sure to check out our Honkai: Star Rail game tag below this article so you can keep up with future news, guides, and features based on the game as we progress further together. Happy Trailblazing!

About the Author

Jordan Lemons

Jordan is a college student jumping into the world of gaming journalism. Some of her favorite games would include but are most certainly not limited to Genshin Impact, Final Fantasy, Ace Attorney, and Danganronpa.