The Astral Express, a central hub in Honkai: Star Rail, has long served as the cosmic home for the Trailblazer and their crew, facilitating interstellar journeys and character interactions. Recent leaks, emerging just days before the end of 2025, hint at transformative updates that could redefine this iconic train, including a rumored bathtub feature set for Version 2.7. This development, alongside whispers of Version 4.0's Planarcadia destination and character collaborations, has ignited excitement among players, promising enhanced gameplay and customization without compromising mobile optimization. As the game evolves, these additions could turn the Astral Express from a mere vessel into a dynamic sanctuary, much like a dormant seed finally sprouting into a cosmic garden of possibilities. 🚀

New Bathtub Feature: A Strategic Boost for Players

According to credible sources, Honkai: Star Rail is poised to introduce a bathtub system on the Astral Express in the upcoming Version 2.7. This feature, teased to offer various bath options and lotions, would allow the Trailblazer and other characters to temporarily boost their stats, such as increased attack damage or ultimate damage. The buffs are designed to synergize with team compositions, making it invaluable for challenging battles like the Forgotten Hall's Memory of Chaos. For instance, players running Follow-Up ATK teams with characters like Feixiao could leverage the "Mysterious Massage" option to amplify damage output. This system is likened to an alchemist's cauldron brewing temporary power-ups, providing a streamlined alternative to crafting consumables. The table below summarizes the rumored buff effects:

Buff Type	Effect Description	Ideal for Team Compositions
Bath Efficacy	Increases ATK	General DPS builds
Clear Fragrance	Increased Ultimate DMG	Burst-focused setups
Mysterious Massage	Follow-up ATK DMG increased	Feixiao and March 7th teams
Warm Current	DoT dealt by characters increased	Damage-over-time strategies

This addition addresses long-standing fan requests for personalization, potentially placing the bathtub in the currently locked cabin room—a space many speculate could evolve into a customizable area. If implemented, it would mark a significant step toward expanding the train's interactive elements, ensuring it remains relevant as new content rolls out. 😊

Expanding the Astral Express: Unlocking New Realms

Beyond the bathtub, leaks suggest the Astral Express may undergo physical expansions to accommodate additional features, transforming it from a linear corridor into a multi-faceted hub. Currently, players only access the Parlor Car and cabin area, but developers are rumored to be exploring new rooms for memorabilia placement, such as artifacts from planets like Penacony. This potential growth is exciting, as it could open doors to more immersive experiences, akin to a tapestry of stars weaving new adventures for every player. The locked room, often thought to be the Trailblazer's future bedroom, might now serve dual purposes—perhaps integrating minimal customization inspired by Zenless Zone Zero's approach, where players personalize spaces with photos and collectibles without heavy system demands.

Such expansions align with broader updates, including the recent drip marketing for Version 4.0, which confirmed Planarcadia as the next destination—a land influenced by Elation, set to debut in 2026. This ties into character leaks, such as Sparkle's new form and collaborations like the Fate/Stay Night crossover introducing Saber and Archer, whose gameplay mechanics are rumored to add fresh dynamics. Key points include:

• Version 4.0 Teasers: Test servers are slated for late 2026, with drip marketing already occurring in December 2025, building anticipation for Planarcadia.

• New Characters: Beyond Sparkle, future updates may feature Skrullum, Baiheng, and others, enriching the roster from Version 3.8 onward.

• Optimization Focus: Developers aim to balance expansions with mobile performance, avoiding resource-heavy systems like Genshin Impact's Serenitea Pot.

Future Implications and Player Expectations

As Honkai: Star Rail continues its trajectory, these leaks underscore HoYoverse's commitment to innovation while maintaining accessibility. The bathtub feature, expected soon, could revolutionize daily play by offering one-time buffs similar to Zenless Zone Zero's ramen shop, fostering strategic depth. For players, this means:

• 🎯 Enhanced battle readiness for end-game content.

• 🏠 Gradual personalization of the Astral Express, starting with functional areas.

• 🌌 Integration of crossovers and new planets, ensuring sustained engagement.

In summary, the Astral Express is poised to become more than a transit point—it's evolving into a living ecosystem within the game. With these updates, players can look forward to a richer, more interactive universe in 2026 and beyond, where every journey feels uniquely their own. 💫