HoYoverse’s collaborations have always been a great way to bring fans together with limited-time dishes and drinks inspired by its games' consumable items. Popular titles likeHonkai: Star Rail,Genshin Impact, and now,Zenless Zone Zerohave pulled off this tactic, even offering exclusive in-game codes to claim upgrade materials and cosmetics.
Recently,Zenless Zone Zeroannounced its first collaboration with McDonald’s China, the second HoYoverse title to do so afterGenshin Impact. It’s possible that the collab would require fans to buy a special meal that might come with exclusive codes and merchandise like cup sleeves or coasters. With two McDonald’s collaborations now in the bag, it might be time for HoYoverse to giveHonkai: Star Railthe same treatment.
A Honkai: Star Rail x McDonald’s Collaboration is the Logical Next Step For HoYoverse
Honkai: Star Railsaw success with its global “Time to Feast,” where different restaurants worldwide provided themed menus based on the game’s consumable items. It also partnered with KFC China for a special meal in limited-edition Pom-Pom packaging,followingGenshin Impact’s footprints. These provided more visibility forHonkai: Star Railas it allowed fans to experience its universe through good food and beverages.
The HoYoverse title has had a number of exciting collaborations beyond food and beverage brands, including an upcomingHonkai Impact 3rdcrossover. But it hasn’t had a big-name restaurant collaboration in a while, so it’s possibly inevitable forHonkai: Star Railto get a McDonald’s collaboration next.
Genshin ImpactandZenless Zone Zerohave both partnered with McDonald’s for limited-time meals that come with exclusive codes for in-game cosmetics and materials. Some menu items are also inspired by dishes and drinks that can be found in these games. IfHonkai: Star Raileventually partners with McDonald’s, it’s likely to follow the same pattern for the menu and its offerings, especially after theAstral Express Crew’s run in Penacony, a relatively modern planet with a vibrant city, orHonkai: Star Rail’s upcoming planet and/or storyline that might align with McDonald’s chicken and burger offerings.
HoYoverse’s McDonald’s Collaboration Offerings
The Caveat to a Possible Honkai: Star Rail x McDonald’s Collaboration
Although a McDonald’s collaboration with HoYoverse has been received well by many fans, there is a catch to them. TheGenshin ImpactandZenless Zone ZeroMcDonald’s collaborations are only available in certain regions, mostly China. This also meant that exclusive codes could only be used in the regions where the collaborations were available, which caused some controversy among the HoYoverse fanbase because they wanted to get the exclusive in-game perks as well.
IfHonkai: Star Railfinally gets a McDonald’s collaboration, it might be limited to certain regions too. While this would be an exciting development for the game, many fans might feel alienated by the limited access to the collaboration, especially since they won’t be able to use the exclusive codes for the limited-edition cosmetics. This would be especially troublesome for those who are dedicated to collectingHonkai: Star Railcharacters and cosmetics.
On the bright side, it wouldn’t be a bad thing forHonkai: Star Railto partner with McDonald’s even with the limited regional coverage, because it would still be good exposure for the game. This would definitely direct more eyes toHonkai: Star Rail, and encourage existing players to support the collaboration to get in-game prizes and exclusive content. It would be HoYoverse’s call to expand its regions forHonkai: Star Rail’s possible McDonald’s collaboration, which could be a great move for greater visibility, especially with the upcoming Version 3.0 update featuring arumored Greek-inspired planet.
Honkai: Star Rail
WHERE TO PLAY
Board the Astral Express and roam the universe in search of myths and legends. From global interactive entertainment brand HoYoverse comes a new space fantasy RPG. Harness the spirirt of the Trailblaze in a cel-shaded space fantasy adventure where you’ll embark on an unforgettable intergalactic odyssey. You and your fellow Astral Express passengers will hop from world to world, resolve conflicts, form friendships and uncover a wealth of mysteries. In this exciting new free-to-play game, you’ll journey through immense worlds of the unknown and bond with a series of memorable characters. Choose your companions and arrange the ultimate four-person combat team to help you take down a looming threat to the universe.
