Recent leaks from the Honkai: Star Rail community suggest that the popular space fantasy RPG is preparing to introduce a new NPC character to the Astral Express, potentially deepening the connections between the game and its predecessors in the Honkai franchise. According to prominent HoYoverse leaker HomDGCat, a robot attendant named 'Shush' will soon join the existing NPCs aboard the iconic train.
The Astral Express's New Addition
Currently, the Astral Express serves as one of the main settings in Honkai: Star Rail and is home to several characters, including three NPCs: Mag, Messenger, and the lovable conductor Pom-Pom. The alleged new addition, Shush, will reportedly be stationed in what was formerly known as the 'Meeting Car,' now transformed into the 'Party Car.' This renovated space is said to feature a bar, cafeteria, and various board games, with Shush serving as both bartender and attendant.
What makes this potential addition particularly intriguing is the reported backstory of the robot. According to the leaks, Shush was created by the Void Archive after being expelled from the Astral Express. The robot initially served as a messenger delivering Void Archive's apology before committing to permanent service aboard the train.
Deepening Multiverse Connections
This potential addition represents another significant step in HoYoverse's approach to building interconnected game universes. Honkai: Star Rail has already established itself as a new interpretation of the multiverse concept, with numerous references to previous Honkai titles embedded throughout its narrative and character roster.
The game has incorporated elements from the Honkai franchise in two primary ways:
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Direct character transfers - Some characters, like Welt, have been confirmed to be the same versions that appeared in Honkai: Impact 3rd. This connection is reinforced through art and light cones that depict his wife, Welt Joyce. Both Welt and Himeko have referenced the Void Archive, a crucial element from Impact 3rd's lore.
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Character parallels - Other Star Rail cast members share similarities with previous Honkai characters without being canonical equivalents. Seele in Star Rail bears resemblance to Seele Vollerei from Impact 3rd in both appearance and personality. Similarly, Bronya and Silver Wolf correspond to Haxxor Bunny and Silverwing forms from the previous game.
The Void Archive Connection
If the leaks about Shush prove accurate, this would establish another major connection between Honkai: Impact 3rd and Star Rail. The robot's origin story specifically mentions the Void Archive, a significant entity in Impact 3rd's 'Post-Honkai Odyssey' storyline. This repeated reference suggests that Void Archive may eventually make a direct appearance in Star Rail.
In late October 2024, additional leaks from prominent Honkai: Star Rail sources Cleo and Seele indicated that another beloved character from Impact 3rd might be making a return. The flirtatious fan-favorite Kevin Kaslana appears to be reimagined as a character named Bayer in Star Rail, with alleged images showing striking similarities in hairstyle, outfit, and other distinctive features.
Expanding the Universe
The addition of Shush would represent more than just a new NPC for players to interact with—it would be another thread in the intricate tapestry connecting HoYoverse's games. This approach to world-building has resonated strongly with fans, who enjoy discovering references and connections between the various titles.
The potential Party Car addition also suggests that HoYoverse is continuing to expand and develop the Astral Express as a central hub for player activities. By transforming the Meeting Car into a more recreational space, complete with games and refreshments, the developers appear to be enhancing the social aspects of the train.
Community Response
The Honkai: Star Rail community has reacted to these leaks with characteristic enthusiasm. Known for their accurate predictions, leakers in this community have built a reputation for reliability, leading many players to treat these rumors with serious consideration.
Players are particularly excited about:
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The potential for new interactions aboard the Astral Express
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Further development of the connection between Star Rail and Impact 3rd
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The possibility of encountering more reimagined characters from previous Honkai titles
Looking Ahead
While HoYoverse has yet to officially confirm the addition of Shush or any renovations to the Astral Express, the company's track record suggests that these leaks may well prove accurate in the coming updates. Until then, fans will continue to explore Honkai: Star Rail for more Easter eggs and references to its predecessors.
As the game approaches its third year since launch, this potential expansion of the Astral Express crew demonstrates HoYoverse's commitment to continually enriching the player experience and deepening the lore of their interconnected universe. Whether through direct canonical connections or clever reimaginings of beloved characters, the developers continue to reward longtime fans of the Honkai franchise while creating an engaging experience for newcomers.
As we move further into 2025, Honkai: Star Rail continues to establish itself not just as a successful game in its own right, but as a vital piece in HoYoverse's ambitious multiverse storytelling approach. The addition of Shush, if confirmed, will represent another step in this ongoing narrative evolution.
The above analysis is based on reports from Polygon, a leading source for gaming culture and industry news. Polygon frequently explores the narrative depth and interconnected universes in HoYoverse titles, offering readers a broader perspective on how new characters and lore expansions, such as the rumored addition of Shush to Honkai: Star Rail, contribute to the evolving multiverse storytelling that defines the franchise.