Honkai: Star Rail vs Genshin Impact

Created by the same developer, Hoyoverse, both games share similar anime-esque designs and have their respective fantasy worlds. The storyline of Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail takes place in Medieval fantasy and science fiction respectively. An identical lottery system, or “gacha”, is present in both games. In-game purchases can be made using real currency as well.

One thing that can pose a problem is that both games require players to log in every day to claim daily rewards. Besides, some players often criticize Genshin for not having much content in the end game. Star Rail, on the other hand, is a relatively new one but is likely to face the same issue. Both games are available on various platforms.

Gameplay

The striking difference between those two is gameplay. Honkai: Star Rail is a turn-based game, meaning players have to wait for their turn to act. Even the most challenging content does not have any time limit. Therefore, it offers an intense yet relaxing and fun gaming experience. This allows players to be more strategic. Star Rail also has sped-up and even AI battling mode to skip boring fights as a plus side.

Genshin Impact is not turn-based, therefore, the gameplay is faster and more fluid. The combat system is rather difficult to master though, as there are various types of elemental combinations. This might contribute to overall gameplay being more stressful and to discouraging players from proceeding further with harder content. Players are also offered a multiplayer mode, which Star Rail does not have.

Story

Both games have a similar beginning, as players are introduced to a protagonist who finds themselves in a mysterious and unfamiliar world and cannot clearly remember their past. In Genshin Impact, the story unfolds rather slowly and the main character looks for their lost twin. In Star Rail, however, the main character finds themselves in unrest right from the start. In terms of storytelling, Star Rail is more intense and does a better job at having mature and shorter dialogues, unlike Genshin, which receives criticism due to that aspect.

Graphics and World Structure

Both games have excellent graphics, but Genshin Impact has its advantage as it offers a vast open world in which players can enjoy the scenery and explore the areas ahead of them. Its open-world structure allows an impressive amount of detail in its environment. Star Rail’s game map is more restrictive with its closed world. Players cannot visit every corner of an area. But its closed world, in this sense, can make exploration somewhat easier.

Overall, they are both very enjoyable games. While Genshin Impact has the upper hand due to its elaborated story and vast open-world map, Honkai: Star Rail appeals to players who may enjoy a more mature story and intense combat.