Honkai Star Rail offers players an expansive story and a lot of unlockable characters, but does it give players a massive open world like Genshin Impact?
While the size of Honkai Star Rail’s world may disappoint some, players will still get to explore some gorgeous environments.
Does Honkai Star Rail Have an Open World?
No, Honkai Star Rail is not an open-world game. Instead, Honkai Star Rail’s worlds are made up of linear areas that are connected via loading screens.
While players can visit seemingly large planets and locations such as the Herta Space Station, they will load into each one separately as they are not seamlessly connected.
Fortunately, due to Honkai Star Rail’s relatively low recommended PC and mobile specs, the loading screens between each area should be quick.
Each major location in the game, such as the Herta Space Station, where players will begin their journey, has several key locations within them that players can travel between seamlessly.
Players can fast travel between any discovered location, making traveling within these open areas easy.

However, players should not expect any of the open-world mechanics featured in Genshin Impact. Players don’t have a stamina meter and can’t climb up walls or glide across large open plains.
The locations players can explore are linear, with clear pathways connecting each segment or room. Some of the larger places in Honkai Star Rail are a bit more open-ended but are ultimately still mostly linear.
Fortunately, Honkai Star Rail is mostly free-to-play, so those unsure whether they’ll enjoy this more linear approach to level design can try it before investing their time.
Can You Go Wherever You Want in Honkai Star Rail?
Yes, you can revisit any area in Honkai Star Rail at any time. Once an area has been unlocked, players can fast-travel back to it whenever they please.
Similarly, when you reach a new location, players can explore every nook and cranny. While most areas are linear, some have hidden pathways or secrets that players can explore.
