No, Honkai is not the future of Genshin in the sense of being a sequel or direct progression of its story. While canonically connected within a shared multiverse, they are distinct and independent game titles developed by HoYoverse.
Understanding the HoYoverse Multiverse
HoYoverse, the developer behind both Genshin Impact and the various Honkai titles (including Honkai Impact 3rd and Honkai: Star Rail), has established a complex narrative framework. While there was considerable fan speculation about the connections between these games, HoYoverse itself has confirmed a canonical link through a broader multiverse concept. This means the games exist within the same overarching universe, often referred to as the "Imaginary Tree," but on different branches or parallel worlds.
Distinguishing Honkai and Genshin's Relationship
It's crucial to understand that this multiverse connection does not imply a sequential relationship where one game directly follows another.
Here's how their relationship is structured:
- Not Sequels: Honkai: Star Rail is not a sequel to Genshin Impact. Similarly, Genshin Impact was not a sequel to Honkai Impact 3rd, which predates Genshin Impact. Each game tells its own self-contained story.
- Independent Narratives: Every title in the HoYoverse portfolio, including Genshin Impact, Honkai Impact 3rd, and Honkai: Star Rail, offers its own unique storyline, distinct characters, and separate worlds. While characters or concepts might have analogous versions or subtle nods across games due to the multiverse, their main plots are entirely separate.
- Parallel Universes: The games exist as parallel realities or different "worlds" within the same grand cosmic structure. This allows for shared lore elements or recurring themes without requiring players to experience one game to understand another's main plot.
Implications for Players
For players, this means:
- Continued Development: Genshin Impact will continue to develop its own rich narrative, world, and character roster independently. Its story is not intended to lead into Honkai: Star Rail or any other Honkai title.
- Separate Experiences: Players can enjoy Genshin Impact on its own merits without needing to play any Honkai game. Conversely, playing Honkai: Star Rail or Honkai Impact 3rd does not require prior knowledge of Genshin Impact to understand their core stories.
- Cross-Game Enjoyment: While not necessary, playing multiple HoYoverse games can offer a deeper appreciation for the developer's overarching lore and recurring themes, as subtle connections and character analogues can be spotted by observant fans.
In conclusion, Honkai and Genshin are distinct narratives existing within a shared multiverse, not sequential parts of a single story. Genshin Impact has its own future, separate from being succeeded by any Honkai title.
