Summary
AHonkai: Star Railfan created a character concept for Duke Inferno. Known as the fearsome leader of the Annihilation Gang, the NPC was first shown inHonkai: Star Rail’s “A Night of Ever-Flame: Scene 33” cinematic, along with the members of his faction.
When Duke Inferno was first introduced, manyHonkai: Star Railfans expected him and the rest of the Annihilation Gang to become playablein future updates, especially since they were expected to attend Penacony’s Charmony Festival. However, it’s later revealed that Acheron assassinated him and his followers before the events of the Penacony arc, which disappointed fans. Although Duke Inferno makes a brief appearance as a Phase Flame in a main story quest, he doesn’t appear again in the game.
To pay homage to theHonkai: Star Railcharacter that never was, a fan called UmOmGAY234 shared a Duke Inferno character concept on Reddit. In it, they imagined the Annihilation Gang leader as a Fire-type Abundance character, referring to him as “The DoT Healer” because his abilities can deal burn damage over time and can also heal allies. It’s quite similar to howHonkai: Star Rail’s offensive healers like Gallagherand Lingsha operate, but the Duke Inferno concept stands out because of his Nihility-like abilities.
Duke Inferno Concept Brings Honkai: Star Rail NPC to Life
In the comments, manyHonkai: Star Railfans found the concept cool, while also expressing their disappointment that Duke Inferno may never be playable. Some also suggested changes in the character’s abilities, noting that he has too much healing for a Pathstrider of Destruction. However, it’s common forHonkai: Star Railcharacters to have abilities that are different from their characteristics and background in lore.
The Annihilation Gang is a faction that follows the Aeon of Destruction, Nanook, and Duke Inferno is a well-known Pathstrider.
Honkai: Star Railhas many NPCs that play significant roles in the story, so many fans are requesting HoYoverse to make them playable. OneHonkai: Star Railcharacter who has yet to graduate from being an NPC is Screwllum, who has had several rumors about his possible kit and star level since he was introduced in Version 1.1’s story. The Genius Society member has since been present in many story missions and the development of the Divergent Universe, which is why he’s gathered a sizable following of people who want to add him to their teams.
At the same time, it’s not unlikely for HoYoverse to turn NPCs into playable characters.Genshin Impactfamously transformed Cloud Retainer into Xianyun, a 5-star Anemo character, after her appearance at the Liyue Harbor. It’s still possible forHonkai: Star Railto do the same for many of its popular NPCs.
