Genshin Impact’s Saurian Pets Put the Ball in Honkai: Star Rail’s Court

Honkai: Star Rail was released in the wake of Genshin Impact, and has often followed in the footsteps of its massively successful predecessor. Of course, Star Rail shares a lot of DNA with Honkai Impact 3rd, but Genshin‘s influence on the mobile gaming space cannot possibly be understated. Genshin Impact recently added a charming new feature with its Natlan update, and Honkai: Star Rail should do its best to follow suit.

Genshin Impact seems to be setting up its ending, but the game continues to make positive adjustments. Most recently, the Natlan region was opened for exploration, and with it came a number of brand-new features. Among Natlan’s flagship features, Saurians are undoubtedly the standout. The adorable critters have left such an impression, in fact, that Honkai: Star Rail should take notes.

Honkai: Star Rail Could Use its Own Version of Genshin Impact’s Saurian Pets

Saurian Pets Are Making Waves in Genshin Impact’s Natlan Region

Ever since they were first announced, Saurians have drawn comparison to Pokemon, and it’s not hard to see why. The draconic critters wield elemental abilities, and live in close companionship with humans. Dragons are commonplace in Genshin Impact, but Saurians are very distinct from their counterparts. Dragons are menacing threats throughout many regions in Teyvat, often providing challenging boss fights. Meanwhile, Saurians are anything but intimidating.

Not only do Saurians live in explicit harmony with their human neighbors, they’re just as cute as the Pokemon that seem to inspire them. While they are still classified as an enemy type, the ability to “indwell” and control them is a much more foundational feature. Indwelling almost creates a whole new game mode, and is an experimental feature that should inspire others like it. In fact, Genshin Impact offering players the ability to essentially become Saurians themselves could provide a solid blueprint for Honkai: Star Rail.

Honkai: Star Rail Could Add Pets to Follow Up on Genshin Impact, Zenless Zone Zero

Honkai: Star Rail doesn’t currently have any features similar to the Saurians, though it certainly has the room to add one. After all, animal companions certainly aren’t absent from the game. Asta’s cute dog Peppy was the first one introduced, but is mostly just set dressing, while Topaz’s fierce companion Numby is undoubtedly the most prominent pet in Star Rail so far. However, both couldn’t be further from what Saurians represent within Genshin Impact.

While these examples are pleasant, Genshin Impact‘s Saurian pets show that Honkai: Star Rail can go much deeper. Star Rail is a sci-fi tale through and through, and could always use more creature designs to strengthen this identity. The game is somewhat light on major alien species as it is, but this approach could do a lot to solve this problem. Furthermore, if players could assume control of them as they can with Saurians, it would add a whole new angle to Honkai: Star Rail‘s gameplay.

Zenless Zone Zero supports this stance further with its own approach to pets. While Bangboo are hardly the same as Saurians, they show HoYo’s clear priorities regarding pet characters. Bangboo help all throughout Zenless Zone Zero, including in combat. More than anything, their prominence in the game from the get-go has made it all the more noticeable that Star Rail is currently lacking depth in this department.

Honkai: Star Rail is moving in the right direction with pets. Star Rail recently added the adorable Tuskpir, and while this pet isn’t as in-depth as Saurians or even Bangboo, it could be a baby step towards a new approach. Honkai: Star Rail needs to catch up to its peers in HoYo’s library, and it could do just that by developing its own answer to their pet companions. While there are many shapes this could feasibly take, Honkai: Star Rail would certainly benefit from the wonderful creature designs offered by any adorable pets.