In the universe of Honkai: Star Rail , there has been a notable shift in the character landscape, particularly regarding the distribution of 5-star and 4-star characters.

Currently, the game boasts an impressive total of over 34 5-star characters, including three variations of the Trailblazer. In contrast, the number of 4-star characters stands at just 22.

This marks a significant increase from the initial launch of version 1.0, which featured only 11 5-star characters (with two forms of the Trailblazer) and 13 4-star options.

The developers, Mihoyo, seem to be channeling their design and gameplay mechanics into these 5-star characters, primarily because they are more lucrative. Even players who do not spend money can still secure guaranteed pulls for these high-tier units.

However, there lies a challenge; if the developers neglect to create compelling 4-star characters, they risk alienating free-to-play (F2P) users. This dilemma places designers in a challenging position.

In the gacha gaming ecosystem, characters are typically categorized into tiers based on their strength. In Honkai: Star Rail , 5-star characters are regarded as the elite, while 4-star characters are viewed as somewhat weaker.

Securing a 5-star character can require players to invest as many as 80 passes for a guaranteed unit. Many of these top-tier characters are available only for a limited time, often through special banners that appear briefly before disappearing.

Conversely, 4-star characters can be obtained through both standard and limited warps at any point after their introduction, needing only 10 passes for a guaranteed acquisition, making them far more accessible.

The disparity between 5-star and 4-star characters has become increasingly pronounced.

Since version 1.1, Honkai: Star Rail has consistently released two limited 5-star characters alongside a single 4-star character per update.

In versions 2.2 and 2.3, this trend was further exacerbated as no new 4-star units were introduced, leading to a widening gap in both the quantity and quality of characters available.

As the power of limited 5-star units continues to escalate, players may find themselves navigating a landscape where 4-star characters are increasingly overlooked.In the evolving landscape of Honkai: Star Rail , each new 5-star character seems strategically designed to shape the current meta. The introduction of Firefly exemplifies this trend, as her kit, which emphasizes break mechanics, harmonizes seamlessly with the abilities of the newly introduced Harmony Trailblazer, enhancing their superbreak benefits. Additionally, her advanced skill allows her to inflict fire weaknesses on enemies, facilitating the depletion of their toughness and pushing them into a vulnerable state.

Firefly’s robust design and synergies give her a competitive edge, a luxury not extended to many of the earlier standard and limited 5-star characters, with the exceptions of recent DPS additions like Acheron and Boothill. This has led to growing concerns within the community about the ongoing power creep, where newer characters are overshadowing their predecessors. Consequently, the perceived strength of 4-star characters is diminishing further, as they seem even less impactful in comparison.

Although the dominance of limited 5-stars is clear, certain 4-star support units still manage to carve out their niche within various team setups. For instance, Gallagher is integral to Firefly's superbreak composition due to his significant toughness damage against fire-weak targets. Meanwhile, Pela excels in Acheron hypercarry teams, contributing with her defensive shreds and debuffing capabilities, particularly when paired with the Light Cone, Resolution Shines as Pearls of Sweat. Their usefulness is primarily highlighted by the absence of 5-star options that can match their contributions at this time. However, the anticipated release of a new limited character, Jiaoqiu, focused on debuffing in the Nihility path, may soon replace Pela in Acheron setups.

Additionally, Xueyi can act as a stand-in for Firefly, thanks to her break-centric abilities, but she requires full eidolons and traces to reach a comparable damage level. This pattern is consistent among most 4-star characters, who demand substantial investment to rival their limited counterparts. While this disparity is justifiable given the easier accessibility of 4-stars, it raises the question of whether miHoYo can enhance their capabilities without overshadowing 5-stars. A broader array of characters across different paths and elements could provide players with more diverse and budget-friendly options. Currently, the preservation path is notably in need of a solid 4-star addition.

Oneiric Shard: Usage and Acquisition

Oneiric Shards in Honkai Star Rail are pivotal resources utilized to upgrade and enhance the skills of Valkyries and Stigmata, significantly boosting the power and abilities of characters. Players can obtain these shards through various in-game activities, such as story missions, event rewards, daily tasks, and participating in modes like Abyss or Memorial Arena. Additionally, for those looking to expedite their progression, Oneiric Shards can be purchased via Honkai Star Rail top up on game trading platforms using real currency, offering a straightforward method to enrich the gameplay experience and secure exclusive items.

Buy Oneiric Shard from LootBar

If players wish to top up Oneiric Shards, they may want to consider the lootbar game trading platform. As a global professional and secure gaming transaction platform, lootbar.gg offers a seamless and convenient experience for players looking to enhance their gameplay in Honkai Star Rail. With its robust services, including game top up and item trading, players can easily top up Honkai Star Rail , ensuring their Valkyries and Stigmata are upgraded and ready for any challenge.

The honkai star rail top up center at lootbar provides a host of benefits, such as 24/7 online customer service, ensuring players receive support whenever they need it. Furthermore, with various payment methods available, topping up becomes a hassle-free process. Players can also enjoy lower prices with regular promotions and discounts, with some items offering up to a 20% discount. This makes lootbar.gg not only a convenient but also an economical choice for those looking to enhance their Honkai Star Rail experience.

How to Top Up Honkai Star Rail on LootBar

To perform a Star Rail top up on the LootBar trading platform, start by visiting the official website at https://lootbar.gg . Once there, select your preferred language and currency type and log in if you have an account. Navigate to the top-up section and select the game you wish to top up, which in this instance is Honkai: Star Rail. This will lead you to a page where you can determine the amount of Oneiric Shards or Express Supply Pass you wish to purchase. After making your selection, click on "Top-up Now" to proceed to the next step.

Next, you will need to select your server and input your Star Rail UID along with your Character Name. This information is crucial as it ensures that the top-up is delivered to the correct account. Once you've entered these details, click on "Top-up" to move forward. Finally, choose your preferred payment method and complete the payment to finalize the transaction. Following these steps will successfully complete your Star Rail top up on the LootBar platform, allowing you to enhance your gameplay by upgrading the skills of Valkyries and Stigmata with the acquired Oneiric Shards.