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 like Honkai: Star Rail, Genshin Impact, and now, Zenless Zone Zero have pulled off this tactic, even offering exclusive in-game codes to claim upgrade materials and cosmetics.
Recently, Zenless Zone Zero announced its first collaboration with McDonald's China, the second HoYoverse title to do so after Genshin 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 give Honkai: Star Rail the same treatment.
A Honkai: Star Rail x McDonald's Collaboration is the Logical Next Step For HoYoverse
Honkai: Star Rail saw 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, following Genshin Impact's footprints. These provided more visibility for Honkai: Star Rail as 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 upcoming Honkai Impact 3rd crossover. But it hasn't had a big-name restaurant collaboration in a while, so it's possibly inevitable for Honkai: Star Rail to get a McDonald's collaboration next.
Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero have 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. If Honkai: Star Rail eventually partners with McDonald's, it's likely to follow the same pattern for the menu and its offerings, especially after the Astral Express Crew's run in Penacony, a relatively modern planet with a vibrant city, or Honkai: Star Rail's upcoming planet and/or storyline that might align with McDonald's chicken and burger offerings.
HoYoverse's McDonald's Collaboration Offerings
- Genshin Impact: Genshin Impact Apple Pie and Deluxe McCrispy Meal
- Zenless Zone Zero: No available information about menu items yet
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. The Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero McDonald'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.
If Honkai: Star Rail finally 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 collecting Honkai: Star Rail characters and cosmetics.
On the bright side, it wouldn't be a bad thing for Honkai: Star Rail to 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 to Honkai: Star Rail, and encourage existing players to support the collaboration in order to get in-game prizes and exclusive content. It would be HoYoverse's call to expand its regions for Honkai: 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 a rumored Greek-inspired planet.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 90%
- Released
- April 26, 2023
- ESRB
- Teen / Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Simulated Gambling, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items), Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)
- Publisher(s)
- HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)
WHERE TO PLAY
They call them, "Aeons" in this galaxy. They construct reality, erase stars, and leave their marks on countless worlds. Together with your companions you'll travel across the galaxy on the Astral Express, following the path once traveled by the Aeons. From here, you will explore new civilizations, meet new comrades, and begin new adventures among countless fantastical worlds. All the answers you seek will be uncovered among the stars.
Well what're you waiting for? Are you ready to begin this trailblazing journey?
Honkai: Star Rail is a new HoYoverse space fantasy RPG. Hop aboard the Astral Express and experience the galaxy's infinite wonders filled with adventure and thrills.
Players will meet new companions across various worlds and maybe even run into some familiar faces. Overcome the struggles together caused by Stellaron and unravel the hidden truths behind it! May this journey lead us starward!
- Engine
- Unity
- Cross-Platform Play
- Limited
- Cross Save
- All platforms
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC, Android, iOS
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Turn-Based RPG
- How Long To Beat
- 83 hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
