Honkai: Star Rail

A polished free turn-based gacha RPG from the makers of Genshin Impact.

HoYoverseSince 2023

Play Honkai: Star Rail free

By the FreeMMO Compass editorial teamReviewed: September 2026Our methodology

Our score

0,0/10

Very good

Verdict

HoYoverse's turn-based follow-up to Genshin, and one of the best-produced gacha RPGs going. Star Rail pairs a space-fantasy story with strategic, team-building turn-based combat, gorgeous presentation and generous free rewards. You pull characters from banners, but the campaign and daily content are free and hugely polished.

About Honkai: Star Rail

Honkai: Star Rail is HoYoverse's turn-based take on the Genshin formula, and one of the most polished gacha RPGs ever made. You lead a crew across a space-fantasy setting, fighting in strategic, team-building turn-based battles that reward planning over reflexes, all wrapped in lavish presentation and a well-told story.

The campaign, exploration and daily content are free, and the game is notably generous with the currency you need to pull. Banners are still the way you get top characters, and the daily-task loop can feel like a chore, but for turn-based RPG fans it's the pick of the gacha bunch.

Screenshots from Honkai: Star Rail

What we like

✓ Excellent turn-based combat
✓ Superb production values
✓ Generous free rewards

What to know

× Gacha for top characters
× Daily-chore loop

At a glance

SettingSci-Fi

PlatformsPC · PlayStation · Mobile

Browser playableNo

DeveloperHoYoverse

Released2023

ModelFree to play

How to play Honkai: Star Rail for free

Getting into Honkai: Star Rail takes about a minute:

It's free to play — no purchase needed to begin.
Available on PC, PlayStation, Mobile.
Download the free client and create an account.
Hit “Play Honkai: Star Rail free” and jump in.

The bottom line

Honkai: Star Rail earns 8.0/10 in our review. We'd call it very good. You'll enjoy it for excellent turn-based combat and superb production values; just go in knowing gacha for top characters. It's a free download on PC, PlayStation, Mobile, so trying it costs you nothing.

Frequently asked questions

Is Honkai: Star Rail free to play?

Yes. Honkai: Star Rail is free to start — A polished free turn-based gacha RPG from the makers of Genshin Impact. There may be optional in-game purchases or premium tiers, but getting in costs nothing.

What platforms is Honkai: Star Rail on?

Honkai: Star Rail is available on PC, PlayStation, Mobile.

Can you play Honkai: Star Rail in a browser?

No — Honkai: Star Rail needs a download or client and doesn't run in the browser.

Who made Honkai: Star Rail and when did it release?

Honkai: Star Rail was developed by HoYoverse and released in 2023.