HoYoverse has officially revealed a brand-new permanent game mode for Honkai: Star Rail, arriving in Version 3.6. This addition, called Anomaly Arbitration, promises to deliver one of the toughest challenges yet for experienced Trailblazers and expand the game’s growing roster of endgame content.
Anomaly Arbitration is designed as a high-difficulty, permanent challenge mode. Unlike limited-time events or rotating modes, this one will remain a fixed part of the game, regularly updated with new enemies and rewards. To unlock it, Trailblazers must first prove themselves by achieving:
- Full-star clear of Stage 12 in Memory of Chaos
- Full-star clear of Stage 4 in Pure Fiction
- Full-star clear of Difficulty 4 in Apocalyptic Shadow
In addition, players will need to reach Equilibrium Level 6 or higher before attempting the mode.
Structure of the Mode
Anomaly Arbitration is split into two distinct phases:
- Knight Stages – Players must build three separate teams and take on trial battles. Each team can only be used once, making roster depth and resource investment crucial.
- King in Check Stage – A final battle where Trailblazers can bring any characters. This stage includes unique buffs known as Arbitral Quadrant effects, allowing players to select the one that best suits their strategy.
Enemies across both phases come with special traits that force players to adapt team compositions and tactics.
Rewards and Progression
The new mode comes with its own exclusive reward system, offering incentives that go beyond the usual Stellar Jades and Relics:
- Self-Modeling Resin – for fine-tuning Relic sub-stats
- Interference Keys – used to optimize Relic upgrades
- Lone Stardust currency – spendable in a new shop with limited-time exclusives
- Cosmetics – including avatar frames, namecards, and Pom-Pom’s outfit “Sweet Dream! Pajamas Set”
- Pet reward – a new companion called Complainer
The shop rotation will ensure that rewards remain fresh, giving players reasons to return each version.
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Honkai: Star Rail already features multiple forms of endgame content, from the rogue-like Simulated Universe to the time-limited Apocalyptic Shadow. However, many players have long requested a consistent, replayable mode that tests roster strength without disappearing after a patch.
Anomaly Arbitration directly answers that demand. It gives Trailblazers who have invested in a wide variety of characters a new outlet to showcase their rosters and earn rewards that meaningfully improve progression.
When Does It Release?
Anomaly Arbitration is set to launch with Version 3.6 on September 23, 2025. The mode will be updated with new content every version, ensuring that challenges remain fresh and rewarding.
With Anomaly Arbitration, HoYoverse is doubling down on Honkai: Star Rail’s long-term appeal. This mode pushes players to use more of their roster, rewards them with meaningful progression tools, and keeps things interesting with exclusive cosmetics. For dedicated Trailblazers, it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting updates yet.
