Ever wondered how the worlds of Genshin Impact, Honkai Impact 3rd, Zenless Zone Zero, and Honkai: Star Rail truly connect? 🤔 While hints and cameos pop up across these games, it’s Honkai: Star Rail that stands out as the perfect vehicle to explore a full-blown multiverse. The threads are there—subtle references, familiar faces, and deep lore—but 2025 could be the year it all clicks into place. And the key might just be a certain interstellar train...

🌳 The Imaginary Tree: Roots of the Hoyoverse

At the heart of it all is the Imaginary Tree—a cosmic structure where each 'leaf' represents a bubble universe and each 'branch' a timeline. Sounds poetic, right? But is it just background lore? Not quite. Descriptions hidden in items and cutscenes suggest the worlds of HSR, Genshin, HI3, and ZZZ might all sprout from this same tree. Some theorists even argue they’re part of one universe, separated by vast planetary distances. Yet, crossing between leaves isn’t easy. Without advanced tech, hopping dimensions is lethal. So, who has the tools—and the courage—to try?

The Astral Express: More Than a Space Train

Enter the Astral Express, Honkai: Star Rail’s iconic locomotive that glides between stars. Built by Akivili, the Aeon of Trailblaze, it was meant to carry the Nameless across the galaxy. But could it go further? Imagine if Akivili returned—a godlike being whose domain is exploration. They might empower the Express to travel not just between planets, but between universes along the Imaginary Tree. The rails are already laid; all it takes is a push into the unknown. Isn’t that what trailblazing is all about?

🌌 Welt Yang: The Multiverse Veteran

Luckily, the Express crew has an expert on board: Welt Yang. Originally from the Honkai Impact 3rd universe, he’s already jumped dimensions once, arriving in HSR’s world with Void Archives. His knowledge of space-time travel and firsthand experience make him the ideal guide. As he unravels his past, could he help map the connections between Hoyoverse games? His presence alone proves multiverse travel is possible—so why stop at one crossover?

👥 Parallel Faces and Future Crossovers

HSR isn’t shy about multiverse echoes. Characters like Himeko and Raiden have parallels in HI3 and Genshin, and rumors swirl about a Kevin Kaslana-like figure joining HSR soon. These aren’t just Easter eggs; they’re clues. With the Astral Express crew poised to become multiverse ambassadors, 2025 could see HSR tie every Hoyoverse thread together. What better way to celebrate the studio’s interconnected vision?

💫 Why Honkai: Star Rail Leads the Charge

Think about it: HSR’s core theme is journeying into the vast unknown. The Astral Express is literally built for discovery, and its crew includes a dimension-hopper. Meanwhile, Aeons like Akivili wield powers that could redefine travel. As Hoyoverse games grow, fans crave a cohesive narrative—and HSR is the perfect catalyst. Will 2025 be the year the Express charts a course to Teyvat or Hyperion? All aboard for the possibility! 🎇