Is Honkai Star Rail Version 2.1 What We Expected - Are the Anniversary Rewards Good?

The Honkai: Star Rail Version 2.1 livestream aired today and revealed everything that we'd be getting in the new version, as well as what the long-awaited anniversary rewards would be.

Let's talk about it.

What to Expect in Version 2.1

As with any Honkai: Star Rail version we'll be getting the usual things such as Characters, Events, new zones (two to be precise), a new Simulated Universe world with two new Planar Ornaments, new quality of life features (which actually look quite amazing). 

However, in Version 2.1 we'll also be getting a continuation of the main story, and hopefully, we'll finally be able to see just what in the world the cliffhanger of Version 2.0 meant.

Additionally, this version will also cover Honkai: Star Rail's first anniversary, meaning that we'll be getting a ton, and we mean a ton of free goodies.

All in all, Version 2.1 is huge, and no wonder, given that the livestream went on for a whole hour and a half (though most of it was talking) and we can't wait to try the version ourselves when it launches later this month.

Is Version 2.1 Good?

From what we've seen from the livestream and given the scope of updates, new content, and free rewards to be given out, we believe that it is fair to say that Version 2.1 is not only good but great.

As we know, what most gacha players want is good characters to play with, a good story to keep them entertained, and a ton of free currency so that they can get the characters they want.

If we go by these three to determine if a version is going to be good or not, then Honkai: Star Rail Version 2.1 covers all three.

• It gives a continuation of the main story
• It adds 3 new amazingly-looking characters to the game
• It will give a ton of free pulls (30 in total, but that's not counting events and all else)

Version 2.1 is sure to give players a ton to do and have fun with. Yes, some may finish it in a day or two, but others might have enough content to last them through the next update.

Are the Anniversary Rewards Good?

With the livestream we finally got an announcement on what the Anniversary Rewards for Honkai: Star Rail's first birthday will be like, and honestly, they're good.

Why good and not great?

Well among the community it has been talked for some time that we might be receiving a 5-star selector for the anniversary.

Given that we received Dr. Ratio for free during the Game of the Year awards, players expected a similar gesture for the game's first anniversary.

Not getting this 5-star selector was a bit of a disappointment for some, however, we personally think that the anniversary awards that were announced more than make up for it.

30 Free pulls, a monopoly-type event with god knows how many Stellar Jade and other rewards, 300% for Planar Ornaments and Relics? We honestly believe these are great. It's definitely a step up from some other HoYoverse game.

Although it's a bummer we didn't get a 5-star selector, it is not so bad. If we'd received a 5-star selector and it only featured the standard 5 stars, which are mostly power crept by this point.

There wouldn't have been any meaning in it apart from a collector's point of view. With a ton of free pulls, players will be able to get the newest 5-star Limited Characters and maybe continue to save for future units.

The best-case scenario would've been to both get the pull and the selector, but we can't always have it all. And who knows, the Cosmodyssey might end up surprising us when we get to play it.

Closing Remarks

Overall, we think that the Version 2.1 update will be a great addition to the Honkai: Star Rail update portfolio and will offer players a ton of content to play around with.

Although some might be pissed off at the anniversary rewards, we do believe that this is a good amount of pull income for an anniversary award, and given how generous Honkai: Star Rail has been with other modes and updates we can surely expect more in the future.

We can't wait to get our hands on the new version when it launches later this month and we'll keep you up to date with any news that come up regarding it.