Evaluating Version 2.6 of Honkai: Star Rail's 'Simulated Universe: Unknown Domain' Update

On October 23, 2024, Honkai: Star Rail version 2.6 permanently unlocked the brand new “Simulated Universe: Unknown Domain” game mode. To access it, players must first clear the main story of “Simulated Universe - 5th World”.

The Unknown Domain introduces fresh anomalies, random events, and completely revamped “Authority” and “Component” mechanics:

• Authorities can be activated in battle by meeting certain conditions, unleashing powerful attacks on enemies.

• Components slot into corresponding shape sockets on Authorities to provide enhancement effects.

• Four new “Operation Biases” are available - Finisher,追击, DoT, and Breach. At the start of a run, players can select a playstyle that fits their strategy.

Collecting Unknown Domain Authorities and Components rewards players with collection bonuses in the “Imitation Record”. Additional rewards are earned in the “Trailblazer Archives” for unlocking new story chapters by clearing stages.

The Segregated Files contain five stages that must be cleared sequentially to advance. After clearing Stage 5, players can optionally remain in the Simulated Universe to challenge heightened difficulties against Ringleaders, without impacting stage clear progress.

Stage 5 also unlocks the “Difficulty Level” system and the “Multitude Nexus”. Clearing higher Difficulty Levels for the first time grants corresponding rewards.

The Multitude Nexus offers custom challenges for Trailblazers to experience. First clears provide extra rewards. Clearing Nexus stages allows viewing the construct data via “Crowd Traces” and unlocks new story chapters.

A few important notes:

• The Segregated Files and Multitude Nexus both award Simulated Universe points

• The Unknown Domain automatically downloads all of the player’s currently owned characters for on-the-fly team adjustments

• Character levels, Light Cone levels, Traces and Relics gained in the Unknown Domain receive the same enhancements as in the main Simulated Universe when conditions are met

• Enabling higher Difficulty Levels increases the challenge while providing new buffs, allowing players to select an appropriate difficulty for their situation

The reception from players trying out the new Unknown Domain mode has been mixed so far. While the numerous new Authorities, Components and mechanics add freshness, some feel the excessive descriptions and explanations detract from the free-flowing roguelike experience of previous Simulated Universe modes. The compartmentalization of teams into set Biases also limits flexibility compared to the wide open build variety of the past.

However, the rich story content expanding the lore of the Stellaron Universe, the climactic resolution to Kafka’s arc, and revelations about the Original Pioneers demonstrates miHoYo’s storytelling prowess remains undiminished. It will be exciting to see how the new Unknown Domain evolves in future updates as players continue exploring its secrets. The Simulated Universe looks to maintain its position as Honkai: Star Rail’s most experimental and narratively ambitious game mode.