Alright, let’s dive into the exciting news surrounding Dan Heng’s upcoming third form in Honkai Star Rail’s version 3.6! This isn’t the Imbibitor Lunae we’re all familiar with; this is a brand new take on the character, often dubbed “Dan Heng SP2,” and it’s bringing some fascinating changes to the table.
Dan Heng SP2: A Physical Preservation Powerhouse?
Initially, whispers in the community suggested a Fire-type Dan Heng. However, reliable leaker Luna has recently indicated a significant shift: our stoic guard is now expected to be a Physical type character. This is a surprising pivot, as Physical units often occupy different team compositions compared to Fire ones. This change alone sparks a wealth of new possibilities for team synergy and strategic depth.
Despite the elemental change, Dan Heng’s Path remains Preservation. For those new to the terminology, Preservation characters excel at bolstering their team’s defenses through shielding and enhancing survivability, rather than focusing solely on dishing out massive damage. So, forget the idea of another hyper-carry like Imbibitor Lunae. Instead, prepare for a more supportive, tank-hybrid role, a unit you can build a resilient team around.
The Intriguing Dragon Summon Mechanic
One of the most unique aspects of this new Dan Heng is his connection to a dragon summon. But here’s where it gets interesting: Dan Heng doesn’t directly summon the dragon himself. Instead, he grants a buff to his teammates, allowing them to summon the dragon.
This is a crucial distinction. The dragon is treated as the teammate’s summon, opening up some truly innovative interactions. Consider Feyen, whose ultimate creates a domain where most characters temporarily leave the field. Because the dragon is considered Feyen’s summon under Dan Heng’s buff, it would remain on the field even while other allies disappear. This hints at advanced strategies and synergies with characters who have unique battlefield mechanics, making Dan Heng SP2 potentially much more versatile than initially imagined.
From a gameplay perspective, this dragon buff introduces a novel utility layer beyond simple shields or defense boosts. Depending on the dragon’s abilities – its stats, damage potential, and how it scales (defense, attack, or something else entirely) – this mechanic could significantly impact team compositions and combat strategies. We’ll need more concrete details to fully assess its potential, so let’s avoid making too many assumptions for now.
Release Window: Version 3.6 Confirmed
Unlike some earlier speculation, the release timeframe for Dan Heng SP2 is quite clear. Multiple reliable sources point to his arrival in version 3.6. And he’s not coming alone! March 7th will also receive an alternate form in the same patch, transitioning to an Ice-type character on the Path of Remembrance. This dramatic shift from her usual Preservation role, coinciding with Dan Heng’s move towards protection, feels almost thematic – perhaps hinting at deeper narrative connections.
For players who enjoy exploring fresh playstyles and seeing familiar faces in new roles, version 3.6 is shaping up to be a particularly exciting update.
Potential Strength: Internal Projections
Adding to the anticipation, internal projections from Hoyoverse reportedly place Dan Heng SP2 at an A-rank for sales performance. While not the top-tier S+ ranking of someone like Feyen, an A-rank historically suggests a strong and well-designed kit. Characters with this level of internal projection tend to be genuinely viable and useful additions to a variety of team compositions, even if they aren’t universally considered “must-pulls.” This is a promising sign for Dan Heng SP2’s potential impact on the meta.
Final Thoughts (for now!)
Of course, it’s crucial to remember that pre-release information is always subject to change. Multipliers, buff values, and even the exact mechanics of the dragon summon could still be adjusted before the official release. So, while this information is exciting, it’s wise to keep a degree of caution when planning your pulls.
What are your initial thoughts on this new version of Dan Heng? Does a Physical Preservation unit with a unique dragon-buffing mechanic pique your interest? Do you think this dragon mechanic will be a game-changer or simply a cool addition? And how do you feel about March 7th’s shift to a Remembrance role? Share your opinions in the comments below! And as always, stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the release of version 3.6.
