If you’ve been exploring the dreamscape of Penacony recently, you’ve probably stumbled upon a retro-styled minigame that has everyone talking. I’m talking about the Hanu Wars event, and more specifically, the hunt for that elusive currency: Pixcoin. If you are scratching your head wondering why you can’t find “Pixcoin” in your general inventory or how to get more of it, don’t worry—you aren’t alone.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about this pixel-perfect currency. We’ll cover where it comes from, how to farm it efficiently, and why it’s crucial for grabbing those limited-time rewards. Let’s dive in and boost your stash before the event wraps up!
First things first, let’s clear up the confusion. Unlike Stellar Jade or Oneiric Shards, Pixcoin isn’t a permanent currency you’ll keep forever. It is a limited-time event currency specifically associated with the “Hanu Wars” event (and similar pixel-style mini-events within the Penacony storyline).
In my experience, these specific event currencies are often the most stressful to farm because they usually come with a ticking clock. Pixcoin is essentially your ticket to the event shop. You use it to purchase upgrade materials, Stellar Jade, and exclusive profile pictures or consumables within the event interface. If you don’t spend it before the event ends, it turns into dust (or Credits), which is a total waste of potential pulls.
I have to admit, when HoYoverse first introduced the “Paperfox” and pixel-art style events, I was skeptical. I play Honkai Star Rail for the high-fidelity graphics and the flashy Ultimate animations. Why would I want to play a retro 8-bit game inside my space fantasy RPG?
But after spending a few hours grinding for Pixcoin, I actually found it refreshing. It’s a palate cleanser. The mechanics usually shift to something simpler—often stealth-based or arcade-style shooter mechanics—which provides a nice break from optimizing Crit Ratios and Speed boots for my DPS characters. Plus, the nostalgic chiptune versions of the Penacony soundtrack are absolute bops. It’s a cozy way to farm rewards without burning my mental stamina on the Memory of Chaos.
Now, let’s get down to business. You’re here for the grind. Based on my playthrough and analyzing the top strategies, here are the primary ways to stockpile those coins.
The bulk of your Pixcoin income will come from the main event stages. In the “Prison Break” or similar narrative modes, you control a pixelated character (often resembling the Trailblazer or the infamous Hanu).
This is often where the replay value—and the grind—comes in. The Machine Mapping (or similar rogue-lite lite elements) allows you to revisit stages with different modifiers or “bugs” enabled.
Sometimes, the event bleeds into the open world. During the Penacony storyline, certain “Dreamscape” areas hide pixelated interactables.
Once you’ve got a wallet full of pixelated gold, you need to spend it wisely. The event shop is usually stacked, and time is money. Here is the priority list I follow to maximize value:
Pro Tip: Don’t buy the 2-star relics unless you are a completionist. The stats are usually mediocre compared to what you can farm in Caverns of Corrosion.
As of the recent Penacony updates, HoYoverse has been experimenting heavily with these “meta” events. Unlike the choppy events in the Belobog arc, the Pixcoin events are much more polished. They fixed several collision bugs in the pixel maps that used to trap players behind walls.
Also, keep an eye on the [Internal Link: Honkai Star Rail Update Schedule]. These events often run for about two weeks. If you log in late, HoYoverse usually provides a “Quick Start” or catch-up mechanic, but you will miss out on the daily login bonuses associated with the event. Make sure you check the event timer in the top right corner of the event menu.
I’ve seen a lot of players struggle with the mini-games, so here are a few advanced tips to make your life easier:
No, it is strictly a limited-time event currency. Once the event ends, any unused Pixcoins will likely be converted to Credits or lost. Spend them while you can!
Generally, no. You have to earn them through gameplay. HoYoverse typically does not sell event currencies directly for premium currency, which I think is a great move for game balance.
Unfortunately, event stories and rewards are usually time-gated. If you miss the farming window, you miss the exclusive rewards (like the “Hanu” related profile pictures). However, the standard gameplay areas remain.
Yes. Usually, you need to have unlocked Penacony and reached a specific point in the Trailblaze Mission (often around Trailblaze Level 34-40). If you are a new player, you might need to rush the main story to participate.
Farming Pixcoin in Honkai Star Rail might feel like a distraction from the main Trailblaze Missions, but it’s one of the most rewarding side activities you can do. The retro aesthetic is charming, and the rewards—especially the Stellar Jade—are essential for F2P and low-spending players alike.
I highly recommend knocking out these event stages early in the patch cycle. There is nothing worse than rushing through a pixel maze ten minutes before the server reset because you need those last few Jades for a pull. So, hop in, embrace the pixel art, and get that bread!
Got any cool strategies for the pixel stages? Drop a comment and let me know how your farming is going. Happy Trails!
