Honkai Star Rail Introduces Anomaly Arbitration Mode in 3.6

HoYoverse is now bringing more endgame content in Honkai Star Rail with the new Anomaly Arbitration Mode after version 3.6. Different from Memory of Chaos or Pure Fiction. The entry needs stricter progression, the stages have their own special mechanic, and the reward focuses not on Stellar Jade but on cosmetics only. Because of this, Anomaly Arbitration gives late-game experience in a new style, less about farming and more about showing achievement. The battles come harder, while the reward system pushes for prestige, looking for profile. For players who enjoy strategy or for collectors who want all unique items, this mode brings one more reason to test the team again.

Honkai Star Rail Adds New Endgame Mode: Anomaly Arbitration

Honkai Star Rail Anomaly Arbitration Gameplay Breakdown

To even try this mode in Honkai Star Rail, the player must clear many things beforehand. You need 12 stars from Pure Fiction, 12 stars from Apocalyptic Shadow, and 36 stars inside Memory of Chaos. Without this, entrance is not possible.

Gameplay is split into two clear parts:

• Knight Phase – Three battles that ask for a full team. Each one is a separate fight with its own score. It's not like other modes that split into first and second halves; here, every stage stands alone.
• King Phase (or Checkmate Phase) – The final fight against one huge boss. This time, any character can be used, even those who have already played in the night stage. This battle is designed very hard, and there is also a harder variant only for those who want an extreme challenge.

The King Phase is already infamous before it even releases. For example, the Legus boss has 43 million HP in standard mode, while the extra hard mode goes up to 170 million. Beating hardest is not required for normal reward; it exists more as a test for top spenders with very strong accounts.

Star Rules and Action Value

Honkai Star Rail Anomaly Arbitration Mode also uses the star system. The player can collect nine stars from night fights and three more in the king stage. More stars mean more reward and more resources to spend. The action value system works a little differently. First cycle here gives 300 action value, double that in Memory of Chaos. Later cycles back to normal 100. But value does not reset between waves. Because of this, careful planning of turn order and skill use becomes very important.

Honkai Star Rail Anomaly Arbitration Rewards System and Items Inside

This mode is not really about Stellar Jades. Instead, it focuses mostly on cosmetics and prestige. The reward list include:

• New pet companion
• Pom-Pom costume skin
• Name card and icon for profile
• Special border for player avatar
• New dice for equipment rolls

Currency special for this mode is earned by collecting stars. With it, players can buy items in the store. The items are permanent, not time-gated. For example, a pet costs 1,600, while a Pom-Pom skin is 800. Even a simple, clear with zero stars gives a small currency bonus.

Extra Difficulty and Stage Debuffs

Every stage adds a twist to make it harder. In the first rotation, some examples are:

• Enemies get armor that reduces damage until broken
• Enemies take less critical damage when they lose HP
• Thorn effect, where small mobs are invincible until the elites die

The final king fight also comes with multiple debuffs and some buffs that can be chosen. Buffs give a chance for creative build, like bonus damage if the team has fewer than four units, or extra shred after using the ultimate. But enemy debuff is still strong, such as energy drain or ally vulnerability stack that can only be removed with shield or heal. Hard mode makes values stronger and tougher.

Reaction from the community is already mixed. Some are happy because it finally gives a more difficult endgame where account building matters more. Others say it pushes too much on team requirements and heavy spending. With high HP numbers and cycle restriction, only wide rosters with max build will clear all stars. Still, because Stellar Jades are not inside the reward pool, pressure for free or low spend players is less.

The first version of Honkai Star Rail Anomaly Arbitration Mode will rotate together with other endgame modes, but not overlap their schedule. How it grows later depends on both developer change and community interest. It may become a permanent top-level goal or just an extra challenge for a small group of hardcore players. For now, it is clear this mode is a HoYoverse experiment.
And for those planning to dive into this new mode, following a structured Honkai Star Rail Guide can help with team prep, resource management, and understanding which units thrive under the Arbitration debuffs.