Honkai Impact 3rd has players control a team of up to three characters, known as Valkyries, in real-time combat against various enemies. During battle, players may freely switch between characters and move around the battlefield. Each Valkyrie has unique attack, evasion, switch, and ultimate skills, as well as a type. The three main types: Mecha, Biologic, and Psychic, are based on a
rock-paper-scissors-based system, wherein types are advantaged and disadvantaged depending on both the enemy type and their own type. The two additional types, Quantum and Imaginary, are disadvantaged over each other, neutral towards the above three types, and advantaged over themselves. A third additional type, Stardust, is advantaged towards itself and neutral to all other types. Valkyrie stats and skills can be changed with various weapons and equipment, which can be improved by using in-game resources. New equipment (known as Stigmata), weapons, and Valkyries can obtained either through in-game crafting or through a
gacha system. Single-player game modes include the
Story campaign, consisting of stages punctuated by dialogue in
cutscenes and
full motion videos (FMVs);
Chronicles, a series of brief side stories that explore Valkyries' backstories or other aspects of the world; and
Open World, allowing exploration of several large open-ended fields to gather materials and complete various challenge tasks, coupled with their own storylines. The game features various multiplayer cooperative and competitive modes, such as
Memorial Arena, where players compete against a set of bosses for the highest score across the server;
Abyss, where players attempt to progress as far as possible through a gauntlet of battles to compete for high scores against others in a small group, etc. Players are able to join groups of other players, called
Armadas, which allow for more opportunities for events and rewards. Armadas allow for limited requesting of materials and resources from other players in the Armada. Outside of battles,
Honkai Impact 3rd allows players to interact with the Valkyrie and Stigmata characters through the
Dorm mode. Upon completing character-specific tasks, different characters may be able to move into the dorms, whereupon new character information and dialogues between those characters can be seen. Players can craft various pieces of furniture and design the layout of the dorm rooms to increase the "comfort" of the Valkyries and Stigmata therein. Greater comfort levels allow players to level up their dorm limits for more elaborate decoration. Players are able to visit and view each other's decorated dorm layouts. Secondary gameplay mechanics include various
minigames incorporating
bullet hell,
platforming, and
shoot 'em up elements that allow players to gather various crafting and experience materials. Limited-time seasonal events may also include gameplay styles such as
dungeon crawling and
battle royale which are not normally seen in the main gameplay modes.
Weapons Each Valkyrie can equip one type of weapon. The weapon types in the game are
dual pistols, blades (katanas),
heavy (cannons), greatswords, crosses, fists (gauntlets), scythes, lances, bows,
chakrams, javelins, drive cores (yo-yos,)
rapid-fire crossbows, rocket hammers, chained blades, and mechanical staffs. Players can obtain weapons through shop purchases, crafting, and the
gacha system, among other methods. After players obtain weapons, they can upgrade the weapons to improve their attribute effects. After reaching player level 50 and weapon level 50, some weapons can be further upgraded into PRI-ARMs up to level 65, changing their design, attributes, and effects, provided that the weapon prerequisite is obtained. Upgrading these PRI-ARMs does not consume regular weapon upgrade materials, instead requiring a medley of Einstein's Toruses, SC Metal-H2, and Fluid Alloy Blocks. However, players will not be able to increase the maximum weapon level until reaching player level 81.
Stigmata Each Valkyrie can equip three Stigmata. Players can increase their characters' attack, defense, critical chance, and other attribute effects while those characters wear various Stigmata. Stigmata are usually tailored to the specific uses of the character. The Stigmata system can be divided into three types: top, middle, and bottom, which correspond to the types of attack, defense, and auxiliary. Players can also activate different set effects when wearing two or three Stigmata of the same set. Players can obtain Stigmata through the
gacha, stage completion, events, and crafting. After players obtain a Stigmata, they can enhance, upgrade, and refine it to improve the Stigmata's stats and effects.
Item enhancement Players can enhance Valkyrie stats by enhancing (leveling-up) weapons and Stigmata. Stigmata level up requires a different EXP item type than weapons. Upon enhancement, the equipment can get a better attribute effect bonus.
Item upgrading Players can improve the attribute effect of equipment by upgrading weapons and Stigmata. All weapons or Stigmata can upgrade the star level through an upgrade. After upgrading, the maximum level limit increases, allowing stronger effects. More advanced weapons and Stigmata require more advanced upgrade materials. Players can obtain upgrade materials by challenging stages, pulling in the gacha, and purchasing in stores.
Currency The main currencies are crystals and coins, which have various non-premium obtaining methods. Asterite is a currency obtained from various miscellaneous sources throughout the game and can be exchanged for supplies in specific shops. Many of the game's gameplay modes and events each have their own corresponding currencies and shops. ==Story==