Honkai: Star RailandGenshin Impactare both gacha games created by HoYoverse and are often compared to each other due to many of the similarities between the two games. The two gacha games share many systems with each other, such as leveling up characters and farming for certain gear, but there are also some key differences between the two games as well. Obviously, judging which game is better is a subjective matter. But you may use these differences to ask yourself:Honkai Star RailvsGenshin Impact:Which is better?
Should I PlayHonkai Star RailorGenshin Impact?
One thing to keep in mind isGenshin Impactis a good bit older thanHonkai: Star Rail. This means the former game does have more meat on the bone thanHonkai: Star Rail.As a result, this guide will attempt to keep things more general, keeping in mindHonkai: Star Railhas a long future ahead of it. Follow this guide to find out which is better,Honkai: Star RailorGenshin Impact?
Both games are not open world
One of the biggest differences between these two games is the lack of an open world inHonkai: Star Rail.Genshin Impactis famous for its vast and complex open world, spanning four different regions at the time of this writing. These regions are absolutely massive and contain dozens of hours of exploration content. For those looking for fun puzzles and chests to explore,Genshin Impacthas a huge open-world universe for you to explore.
Alternatively, this is not the case forHonkai: Star Rail.This game is more linear, with defined zones, fewer puzzles, and fewer collectibles to find around the map. As a result, there is less exploration content than inGenshin Impactin this game, even comparing the starting zones ofGenshin ImpactandHonkai: Star Rail. Genshin Impactadmittedly has a lot of exploration content, so if this is something you prioritize between the two gacha games, you might find more to love withGenshin Impact.
Both games have completely different combat systems
Genshin Impacthas action-based combat with its own unique element system. Combining multiple elements with your skills and abilities can create elemental reactions that increase your team’s damage. You’ll walk around the open world and engage in combat at will, slashing enemies with your many different weapons and ultimate abilities. Action-based combat, therefore, is much more mechanical and relies on the knowledge you have of your team, the rotations for your team, and enemy attack patterns.
Meanwhile,Honkai: Star Railhas turn-based RPG combat, with a weakness system that resembles a simplifiedShin Megami TenseiorPersonagame. In this sense, combat is more about matching enemy weaknesses and adapting to specific boss strategies. Team-building is still an important aspect ofHonkai: Star Rail, but there is admittedly more freedom and variety with the teams you’re able to create inGenshin Impact. That being said, both combat systems are good and functional, so this is a matter of whether you prefer turn-based combat or action combat.
Related:Honkai Star Rail: Best Build for Seele – Relics, Light Cones, Eidolons and Abilities
Honkai: Star Railhas a more generous gacha system
Honkai: Star Railhas a more generous gacha system thanGenshin Impact, which is like comparing the poisonous bites of two different snakes. But nevertheless,Honkai: Star Railincludes a beginner gacha banner that guarantees a 5-star character by 50 pulls, whereasGenshin Impactdoes not have this system. Additionally,Honkai: Star Railallows you to choose a guaranteed 5-star standard character at 300 pulls.Genshin Impactdoes not include this safety net.
Honkai: Star Rail‘s weapon banner is also slightly better thanGenshin Impact.Honkaifeatures fewer options and a 75% chance to hit a 5-star weapon, whileGenshin Impactfeatures two 5-star weapons, which may result you in pulling a weapon you do not want. (Not all 5-star weapons inGenshin Impactare good, keep in mind.) With a more generous gacha system,Honkai: Star Railhas left an impression that it’s a bit more friendly for free-to-play players to engage with longterm.
Honkai: Star Rail‘s endgame is better…slightly
Screenshot by PC InvasionHonkai: Star RailandGenshin Impactboth suffer a similar issue with the lack of endgame content.Genshin Impactis frequently criticized for its lack of endgame content, which doesn’t give players much incentive to log into the game and play for extended periods of time.Honkai: Star Railhas a few more options to choose from, with difficult fights and bosses sprinkled across its universe. The game also features a roguelike mode, the Simulated Universe, which offers a new challenge and weekly activity.
Both games do present themselves as more casual, however, with a design intending for you to log on for only brief periods at a time. Don’t go to both games looking for endgame content, butHonkai: Star Railmay treat you better in this regard.
![Welt Best Team Comps Honkai Star Rail [1]](https://i2.wp.com/primagames.com/wp-content/uploads/pcinvasion/2023/05/Welt-best-team-comps-Honkai-Star-Rail-1.jpg?resize=640%2C360)
GenshinImpacthas co-op
If social systems are important for you, then you might as well not want to look atHonkai: Star Railat all.Honkai: Star Railhas virtually no social connectivity at the time of this writing. You are able to add friends and use one of their characters as a “support character” for select fights, but that’s the extent of friendship in this game.Genshin Impact,on the other hand, allows you to enter another player’s open world and participate in boss battles, exploration, and daily missions together.Genshin Impactalso frequently holds events that require co-op play.
Related:Honkai Star Rail: Best Build for Welt – Relics, Light Cones, Eidolons and Abilities
There are some leaks that indicate thatHonkai: Star Railmay receive some more social content in the future, but as of now,GenshinImpactis the clear winner for those who would rather play with their friends.
Honkai: Star Railhas a more immersive story
This is a matter of opinion, butGenshin Impactoften suffers from long-winded and uninteresting stories with uneven pacing and stilted character dialogue. While neither game are literary masterpieces,Honkai: Star Rail‘s cast of characters are more delightful and well-varied compared toGenshin Impact, and also features an engaging dynamic between the main character and the Astral Express crew. There are some other fun details that help immerse you even further, like text messages you receive from other characters that often lead to some funny, often times hilarious interactions.
Genshin Impact‘s story is still serviceable, and there’s certainly a devoted community dedicated on dissecting the game’s deep lore. ButHonkai: Star Rail’sstory has us hooked just a little harder compared to its sister gacha game.
Honkai: Star Railis available now.
Joshua Chu
Joshua Chu is a Contributing Writer for PC Invasion since June 2021. His undying love for live-service games like Overwatch 2, Valorant, and Honkai: Star Rail (amongst other soul-rending games) has led him to spend hours and hours on his PC. After earning his Print Journalism degree at Pennsylvania State University, he proceeded to freelance for a variety of sites, with other bylines including Gamepur and Kotaku. He is probably sad he demoted in rank in Overwatch.
