Honkai: Star Rail, similar to other games within the HoYoVerse such as the popular game Genshin Impact, incorporates a weapon system referred to as Light Cones. However, in contrast to Genshin Impact's weapon system, Honkai: Star Rail does not impose limitations on specific weapon types that characters can use. Instead, every character can equip Light Cones to improve their combat abilities. Moreover, when characters with matching Paths equip a Light Cone, they can activate the Light Cone's passive ability.
Therefore, light cones play a crucial role in enhancing a character's stats and advancing through the game's content. Fortunately, Honkai: Star Rail provides diverse methods to acquire various weapons, including exclusive and limited-quantity ones, which are even accessible to free-to-play players.
Gacha Banners
Honkai: Star Rail's gacha system is the main method of obtaining characters and light cones. 3-star and 4-star light cones can be obtained from both standard and limited banners, while 5-star light cones are exclusive to the standard banner and the limited-time light cone banner.
The limited-time light cone banner offers the highest chance to obtain 5-star weapons, as the reward pool for 5-stars does not include characters. This banner is particularly useful for players aiming to obtain the signature light cone of a limited character, such as Seele's signature 5-star weapon, as it provides a high chance of obtaining it.
Exploration and Quest Rewards
In Honkai: Star Rail, players can engage in various quests, and explorations, and uncover hidden achievements. Certain exploration objectives can lead players to discover hidden achievements, which may reward them with valuable items such as 4-star light cones, Stellar Jade, and relics.
Level Rewards
Obtaining high-quality items like 4-star light cones doesn't always require players to complete difficult challenges or spend money. Honkai: Star Rail provides various level rewards, such as on Level 20, that give players a chance to obtain these items for free. By speaking with Pom Pom at the Parlor Car, players can easily redeem these rewards as they progress through the game and gain EXP points.
Echo of War
Echo of War in Honkai: Star Rail is similar to the Weekly Boss system in Genshin Impact, offering players a limited means of obtaining certain 4-star light cones after reaching level 25.
While the primary objective of this domain is to obtain unique materials for upgrading character traces, it also grants various relic sets and light cones of varying rarities upon completion. However, players should keep in mind that they are only given 3 attempts per week, so it is advisable to use them all.
Light Cone Manifest Store
Players can acquire Lucent Afterglow, a unique currency used at the Light Cone Manifest store, by progressing through the Forgotten Hall and claiming Echo of War rewards. This store is accessible by speaking to an NPC near the Forgotten Hall in the Parlor Car. The store offers 4-star light cones for each of the seven paths in the game.
Herta's Store
Players can obtain Herta Bonds in Honkai: Star Rail by completing worlds and achieving a weekly score. These bonds can be used to access Herta's Store, which is accessible through the Simulated Universe UI. In addition to Star Rail passes, players can also use Herta Bonds to redeem powerful light cones from the store (8 bonds each), including three unique 5-star light cones for the Preservation, Destruction, and Hunt Paths. Players can also obtain superimpose materials (2 bonds) for these weapons, allowing for making their passive abilities even stronger.
Operation Briefing
Players can earn a substantial amount of Trailblazer EXP by completing Operation Briefing tasks, thereby facilitating swift progression in the game. Moreover, upon completing all the tasks in specific parts, such as Part 4, players can obtain exclusive light cones, which not only bolster their character's strength but also incentivize them to complete all tasks in each Operation Briefing.
World Shop Spending Rewards
While not a reliable way to obtain light cones, players can still acquire them by accumulating a certain amount of Special Currency Rewards, which can be earned by completing quests, opening chests, and exploring the game world. After accumulating enough points, players can redeem items from a designated merchant, whose location is indicated by a small notification on the map. Players can also acquire various materials, and as they accumulate and spend more points, they can earn other rewards such as Star Rail passes and Stellar Jade.
Nameless Glory
Players who are willing to spend real money to acquire additional resources can opt to purchase Nameless Glory, which grants access to unique and exclusive light cones. With this purchase, players can redeem one of the seven light cones of their choice available for every path at its level 30. It's worth noting that these weapons remain the same for several Nameless Honor cycles or even permanently, so players need not worry about missing out if they choose not to purchase Nameless Glory.
Starlight Exchange Store
Undying Starlight currency can be accumulated by players as they use their warps in any of the gacha banners and obtain any 4 or 5-star character or light cone. This currency can be utilized in the Starlight Exchange Store, which can be accessed from the Store section in the menu. While players have the option to redeem Star Rail Passes or certain 4-star characters, they can also save up to redeem one of the seven 5-star standard banner weapons for 600 Undying Starlight.
Honkai: Star Rail is now available on Android, iOS, and PC. A PlayStation version is in development.