The anime RPG Honkai: Star Rail is a free game, but the developers are now selling a physical version for the PlayStation 5 for around 45 euros.
What is being sold? Honkai: Star Rail can be downloaded for free on PC, mobile, and PlayStation 5. However, a physical version of the game for around 45 euros is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2025. This will include a physical Blu-ray disc and case of the game for the PlayStation 5.
But that’s not all. The package will also include additional content,
- nine holographic cards
- two limited edition keychains of the Trailblazers in chibi version,
- one limited edition postcard
- a voucher code that can be redeemed in the game for exclusive items.
Is there a catch? Yes, the items are only sold in Canada, the USA, Mexico, Japan, France, Hong Kong – China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
Impressive action awaits you in the anime RPG Honkai: Star Rail
The physical version sparks discussions
Is the price justified? An online debate has erupted over whether the price of the physical version of Honkai: Star Rail corresponds to the value of its content. Since the game is actually a free title, a price tag for the game seems unjustified at first glance.
However, the concept of selling physical versions of free titles is not new. Games like Fortnite have long established this practice. Typically, these offers include cosmetic items and in-game currency.
The package of Honkai: Star Rail also contains a number of merchandise items that can quickly reach high prices when sold individually. For example, keychains are sold between 10 and 20 euros in the official merch shop of miHoYo. Thus, just through the keychains, the physical PlayStation package gains significant value.
However, uncertainty still surrounds the voucher code, which could sway the debate.
Later this year, more information about the package is expected.
What do the players think about it? There is a divide among the player base. Many don’t understand the purpose behind the product. Why pay for something that can be played for free? The extras are only for collectors anyway. Others, however, are excited about the package or are already familiar with this type of product from other game titles:
- DivinePotatoe is surprised (via Reddit): “This seems… super arbitrary? Don’t get me wrong, if you start with HSR now and play through to the current content, that’s a lot of content for 40 dollars, but you can also just… play it for free? I don’t think a few keychains and cards make up for that fact. […] it just seems like a strange, overpriced collector’s item.”
- Jakad is upset (via Reddit): “What a scam. If the exclusive items included aren’t godlike, you’re paying 40 dollars for 9 cards and 2 keychains. And a box to put on the shelf.”
- Mr_-_Avocado refutes (via Reddit): “Physical editions for free games are not uncommon. Fortnite also got one, for example.”
- NoNefariousness2144 is excited (via Reddit): “This could be really cool, especially since this is one of my favorite games.”
- Timey16 speculates (via Reddit): “Maybe it includes special starter pack codes for certain characters that you can then get for free, so newbies can catch up with the current content?”
It remains to be seen whether the package will be worth it or not. In Germany, the package is currently not available. It is also uncertain whether the voucher code could be redeemed here. A Chinese player shows what else one can spend money on in Honkai: Star Rail: A player of an anime RPG has clearly too much money and time.
