Dan Heng in Honkai Star Rail: Evolution and Power

Dan Heng has become one of the most iconic characters in Honkai Star Rail since its initial release. As we move through 2025, this cold and reserved train guard of the Astral Express continues to capture players' attention with his compelling backstory and evolving character forms. For players following his journey, Dan Heng's development represents one of the most fascinating character arcs in the game.

The Original Dan Heng

When players first encounter Dan Heng in Honkai Star Rail, they meet a reserved archivist wielding his signature spear named Cloud-Piercer. What makes Dan Heng honkai star rail character particularly interesting is his attempt to escape a secluded past that continuously haunts him. This initial form is automatically obtained during the Trailblaze Mission "Eye of the Storm," making him one of the first companions players interact with.

As a 4-star Wind character following the Hunt Path, Dan Heng provides solid single-target damage capabilities that remain relevant even in the current meta. His basic kit focuses on dealing significant damage to individual enemies, making him particularly effective against bosses and elite opponents.

The Evolution to Imbibitor Lunae

Dan Heng's first transformation came in the form of Imbibitor Lunae, a separate 5-star character representing Dan Feng's power rather than Dan Heng's true self. This form notably lacks the tail present in Dan Heng's original design, as part of it now resides with Bailu.

The distinction between these two forms is important for understanding Dan Heng's character development. Imbibitor Lunae represents the past and karma that weighed heavily on Dan Heng, while his original form represents the identity he chose for himself aboard the Astral Express.

The Latest Evolution: Permansor Terrae

The most exciting development for danhenghonkaistarrail enthusiasts came in Version 2.6 with the introduction of Dan Heng • Permansor Terrae. This new form was fully revealed in August 2025 and represents Dan Heng's own awakened form, complete with both horns and tail.

Unlike the criticisms some players initially voiced when calling it a "4.5* Dan Heng," this new form carries deep symbolic meaning. Permansor Terrae represents Dan Heng truly coming into his own, separate from the shackles of his past selves and the karma that had been weighing on him.

The official description calls him the "Chrysos Heir who guards the Earth's Coreflame," tasked with steadying the world as it falls and guiding life to a new home beyond. This evolution maintains core elements of Dan Heng's original outfit but incorporates new design elements that reflect his growth and chosen identity, even featuring the Astral Express ticket as a nod to his current life.

Availability and Banner History

Throughout Honkai Star Rail's history, Dan Heng has been featured in numerous banner rotations:

• His original form is available in the standard Stellar Warp and has been featured in eight Event Warps, most recently in September 2025

• His Permansor Terrae form was introduced in a dedicated banner following the Version 3.6 "Back to Earth in Evernight" update

For collectors and Dan Heng enthusiasts, tracking his banner appearances has become an important part of planning their pulls and team compositions.

Community Reception

The community's response to Dan Heng's evolution has been overwhelmingly positive after initial skepticism. Players have come to appreciate the storytelling behind his different forms, seeing them as representations of his internal struggle and growth rather than simple visual redesigns.

The character's popularity is evident in his consistent appearance in top-tier team compositions and the excitement generated by each new form's reveal. Fan discussions often center around how each iteration of Dan Heng reflects different aspects of his complex personality and history.

Looking Forward

As Honkai Star Rail continues to expand its narrative, Dan Heng remains a central figure whose story arc continues to develop in interesting ways. His evolution from a character running from his past to one embracing his true self while forging a new path forward mirrors the journey many players connect with.

For those who have been following Dan Heng since the beginning, his development represents one of the most rewarding character progressions in the game, and many eagerly anticipate what new chapters await this beloved guardian of the Astral Express.

Whether you're a veteran Trailblazer or new to Honkai Star Rail, Dan Heng's story offers a compelling reason to engage with the game's rich narrative and character development system.