As Honkai: Star Rail continues to evolve in 2026, recent leaks suggest Version 2.5 will introduce an eagerly anticipated pet system that might transform players' experience in unexpected ways. While the game currently progresses through Version 2.4—which returns players to the Xianzhou Luofu for a new Alliance storyline featuring characters like Yunli, Jiaoqiu, and the Hunt version of March 7th—beta tests for 2.5 have already begun revealing exciting new features.
The Leaked Pet System Details
"Have you heard about the new pet system coming to Star Rail?" whispered one Trailblazer to another as they boarded the Astral Express.
"I've seen the leaks," responded their companion with visible excitement. "The tapir creature looks absolutely adorable!"
According to reliable leaker Donut, the upcoming pet system appears to feature a new menu icon shaped like a small bell. The leaks showcase renders of a tapir-like creature sporting a distinctive purple belt around its waist, presumably one of the first collectible pets in the game.
"They say the files for this creature were found in a separate folder specifically labeled 'pet,' unlike where they keep NPC creatures like Diting or Peppy," explained the first Trailblazer, scrolling through images on their communication device. "That's pretty telling about HoYoverse's intentions."
BabyMonsterTeam Leaks corroborated this information with additional renders of the tapir-like creature, tentatively named "Tapir." The separation of these assets from regular NPC creatures strongly suggests a dedicated pet mechanic rather than simply adding more environmental creatures.
Why Pets Matter in Gaming
"It's fascinating how something seemingly cosmetic like pets can dramatically enhance player satisfaction," observed a veteran gamer watching the conversation unfold. "Games without pettable creatures often face surprising backlash these days."
The inclusion of pets reflects a broader trend in gaming where developers recognize players' desire for companionship and customization beyond core gameplay mechanics. While pets rarely affect combat or progression directly, they fulfill emotional and aesthetic player needs that contribute significantly to overall enjoyment and retention.
How Might the Pet System Work?
"I wonder if the pets will follow us around like companions, or if they'll be more like collectibles for the Astral Express," pondered one of the Trailblazers.
The exact functionality remains speculative, but several possibilities exist based on similar systems in other games:
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Companion System: Pets could follow the active character during exploration
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Customization Options: Players might be able to dress or accessorize their pets
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Interactive Features: The ability to pet, feed, or play with creatures
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Collection Mechanics: Different rare pets to find throughout the cosmos
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Possible Buffs: Minor gameplay bonuses like increased resource collection
One Trailblazer noted, "Honkai: Star Rail already has something similar with Ruan Mei's Creations at Herta Space Station, but this seems more comprehensive—perhaps allowing us to truly bond with our cosmic companions."
The Evolution of Star Rail's Gameplay
"Remember when this game was just about turn-based combat?" laughed one player. "Now we have puzzles like the Eerie Building Blocks, housing systems, and soon pets too!"
This potential pet system represents HoYoverse's commitment to expanding Honkai: Star Rail beyond its core combat mechanics. Since its launch in April 2023, the game has consistently added quality-of-life features and auxiliary systems to create a more immersive universe.
The gradual introduction of cozy activities alongside challenging combat creates a balanced gameplay experience that appeals to different player motivations—from achievement-oriented players who enjoy optimization to social players who value customization and expression.
Community Reactions
"The community seems divided," observed a Trailblazer scrolling through forum responses. "Some worry it's a distraction from improving combat, while others are already planning which pet they want first."
Indeed, initial reactions to the leak have been mixed but predominantly positive:
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😍 Enthusiasts: "Finally! I've wanted pets since launch!"
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🤔 Skeptics: "Hope it's not just another resource sink."
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💭 Dreamers: "Imagine if they let pets participate in simplified combat!"
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🧐 Theorists: "This could tie into lore about cosmic creatures."
What This Means for Honkai: Star Rail's Future
As Honkai: Star Rail approaches its third anniversary in 2026, these additions demonstrate HoYoverse's long-term commitment to the title. The introduction of systems like pets suggests the developer sees Star Rail as a platform for ongoing expansion rather than just a linear narrative experience.
"They're building a universe we want to live in, not just play through," remarked a veteran Trailblazer. "That's the difference between a good game and a great one."
While caution is warranted with any leak, the multiple sources and specific details make this pet system rumor particularly credible. If implemented thoughtfully, it could provide players with yet another reason to return daily to the cosmic railway adventure that has captured millions of players' imaginations.
Looking Ahead
As Version 2.5 approaches, Trailblazers will undoubtedly keep their eyes peeled for official announcements regarding this potential pet system. Whether it's collecting cosmic creatures, bonding with them aboard the Astral Express, or showing them off to friends, the addition promises to add another layer of enjoyment to an already rich gaming experience.
"The Cosmic Express just keeps getting cozier," smiled one Trailblazer as they prepared for their next adventure. "I can't wait to see what else they have planned for us in the stars."