Recently, new leaks surrounding Honkai: Star Rail suggest the potential of an unexpected NPC transitioning into a playable character. While this prospect is intriguing, I remain skeptical about its immediate realization. Upcoming Version 3.2 of this turn-based RPG by HoYoverse is poised to introduce various updates, including an enhancement of Amphoreus and the continuation of its story arc, along with the introductions of Castorice and Anaxa as playable characters. The anticipation for Castorice has been growing since her initial introduction as a related NPC.
Conversely, Anaxa has remained relatively enigmatic; although HoYoverse has provided some teasers, her role has not been central to Amphoreus’ storyline. The recent leaks have confirmed these characters, backing up original speculations. However, some leaks glance beyond the imminent update, hinting at details involving Phainon, alongside speculations suggesting that a surprise character may soon be included.
Unexpected NPC: Messenger Could Become Playable
Messenger from Forgotten Hall Possesses Playable Potential
According to leaks from the source Seele Leaks, there is potential for the NPC Messenger to become playable in the future, accompanied by a redesign. This information originated from a post labeled “Questionable” on Reddit. Notably, there is currently no timeline for when the Messenger might transition to a playable role, nor any insights into how her new design might appear. For context, the Messenger serves as a memokeeper within the Garden of Recollection faction, similar to Black Swan in the game.
This character is primarily engaged during interactions within Astral Express’ Parlor Car, relating to the Forgotten Hall activity, Memory of Chaos, and the Light Cone Manifest shop. Despite her limited presence in the plot as a largely static NPC, recent leaks indicate a potential for change. Visually, she is depicted as a female figure adorned in white clothing, paired with a striking blue holographic mask.
As it stands, signs within the game do not explicitly suggest the Messenger’s imminent transition to a playable character, though the rumors present a contrary narrative.
Historical Insights into Messenger’s Playable Form
The Memokeeper’s Potential Release Pathway
The leaker has indicated that HoYoverse may have initially planned for this character, but those plans might have evolved. It remains uncertain whether the developers intend to revisit the Messenger’s narrative and make her playable or if that concept has been set aside entirely since its original inception. Thus, while the viability of Messenger as a playable unit relayed by Seele Leaks cannot be dismissed outright, the extent of its validity is still under scrutiny.
Additionally, in-game lore supports the notion of adapting Messenger into a playable role. As a memetic entity, the Messenger can shapeshift across the game world, representing a unique opportunity for diverse interpretations. This character can exit her physical form, traveling instead as memories and remaining concealed. The versatility embedded in this lore allows for a seamless integration into gameplay, suggesting potential for a playable version of the character.
Your imagination can run wild with possibilities related to her character design; whether it leans towards themes representative of the Garden of Recollection or takes a more secretive approach to maintain her mystery—there are myriad creative avenues available for HoYoverse.
Messenger Joins an Anticipated Roster of Characters
Awaiting Releases: Mr. Reca & Screwllum
One downside surrounding the Messenger’s probable debut is that she is now appended to the lineup of characters rumored to have potential releases sans timelines. This raises concerns about the authenticity of these claims. A similar situation unfolded during Version 1.x updates when speculation about Screwllum’s emergence circulated, yet there have been no confirmed developments thus far.
New whispers concerning Screwllum’s release surface intermittently, but confirmation remains evasive, as was evident in December 2024.
Given the history of unreliable leaks, approaching these rumors with skepticism is prudent. While the possibility of seeing Messenger, Mr. Reca, or Screwllum become playable in Honkai: Star Rail is appealing, cautious optimism may be the best approach.