Did you know that you can finish Honkai: Star Rail as soon as Chapter I by getting the bade ending? This ending will cut out the rest of the story, but if you want to experience a totally unique endgame cutscene you wouldn’t be able to see otherwise, our guide below tells you how to trigger it.
How to Get the Bad Ending in HSR
This alternate early ending can only be triggered during the first chapter of the Trailblaze main story, during “Today Is Yesterday’s Tomorrow” on Herta Space Station. This chapter includes seven main missions, but you can finish the game early with the bad ending on Mission 6: The Voyage Continues. You can do so by rejecting Himeko’s offer to join Astral Express.
The option to trigger the bad ending appears right after you complete the first “Simulated Universe” beta test mission. After that, you’ll have to go through a series of dialogues with various characters, and your answers/choices must be exactly as we’ve listed them below.
Step 1: Get Permission From Herta
Herta can be found standing next to her office on the Space Station. Give the following answers to her questions.
- Herta: “Still haven’t made up your mind? Fine. Since I’m interested in you, I’ll answer any questions you have.”
- Answer: “About the decision…“
- Herta: “Uh, what decision? You’re gonna have to be more specific.”
- Answer: “Can I return to the space station?“
- Herta: “I think it’s better if you left and came back occasionally. It might be dangerous if you stay for too long…”
- Answer: “Can I stay at the space station?“
- Herta: “Just come back once in a while. You will always be welcome at the space station — just don’t stay for too long.”
- Answer: “I really want to stay.“
- Herta: “If you’re so keen to stay… Fine. I’m okay with it. Go speak to Asta. She’s the lead researcher. She’s in charge.”
- Answer: “Let me think things over.“
After this dialogue, Herta basically gives you the permission to return to and stay at the Space Station. But then, you also need to speak to Asta about it.
Step 2: Get Permission From Asta
Now you have to find Asta roaming the Space Station. She typically wanders near Herta’s office. Once you find her, give the following answers:
- Asta: “It’s a pity that we haven’t had the chance to talk much, and now the Express is about to leave. Do you have any questions?”
- Answer: “Herta says I can stay.“
- Asta: “Huh? Madam Herta said that? In that case… I have nothing against it either.”
- Answer: “Is there really no way I can help?“
- Asta: “I think you’re pretty good at “meddling” too.”
- Answer: “Let me think things over.“
At this point, you’ll have permission from Asta, as well. The final step includes telling Himeko that you’ve made your decision to stay at the station.
Step 3: Tell Himeko You Want to Stay
You’ll find Himeko on the Railway Platform, where Astral Express would typically take you to the warp between the worlds and onto Jarilo-VI. But if you choose the following answers, this option will no longer be available:
- Himeko: “So, have you thought things through?”
- Answer: “I’ve made up my mind. I’ll stay.“
- Himeko: “Stay? But Herta…”
- Answer: “Herta and Asta both gave me the green light.“
- Himeko: “Is that so… Well, I respect your choice.”
- Answer: “So long, Himeko.“
This final option will end the game, and you won’t be able to continue with the story. You’ll see the bad ending cutscene, and the end credits will roll when it’s over. You’ll return to the home screen. If you start the game again, the option to end the game in Chapter I will no longer be available.
That’s everything you need to know on how to get the bad ending in Honkai: Star Rail. For more tips, tricks, and walkthroughs, head over to our Honkai: Star Rail guides hub.
