Honkai: Star Rail Xianzhou Luofu Inspired by Pre-Qin Dynasty Myth, Golden-era Sci-fi

HoYoVerse took to HoYoLab to detail the inspiration for the Honkai: Star Rail Xianzhou Luofu, citing Golden Age of Science Fiction authors and Chinese architecture, history, and mythology as references for the flagship’s design. It referenced details about the people who live on the ship. The goal was to make it feel “retro” and futuristic all at once. The official site’s page also showed concept art from the location.

HoYoVerse’s announcement noted the goal is to convey the idea of an enduring culture. It specifically noted, “the inspiration for the Xianzhou Luofu comes from the pre-Qin Dynasty myth of ‘seeking immortality.’” This influenced the races that appear there, as we see people with long lives, the Foxian race with animalistic traits, and the dragon-like Vidyadhara. It also noted at the end of the article that all designs follow the concept of “In what way would a society completely led by long-living lifeforms express themselves.” Authors like Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, and Walter M. Miller, Jr.’s work were all cited when discussing design directions as well. HoYoVerse specifically noted the realism mixed in with their stories’ lore.

The Honkai: Star Rail Xianzhou Luofu HoYoLab piece also mentioned the idea of “warmth” alongside “technological development.” The developer used elements of Huizhou Architecture to design the different areas of the ships. It also noted the starskiffs people will use to travel between different areas of the larger ship are based on floating rafts in the Jin Dynasty author Zhang Hua’s “Floating Rafts in the Eight Month.”

Honkai: Star Rail is available for the PC and mobile devices, and PS4 and PS5 versions are on the way.