MiHoYo, the developer behind popular gacha (gachapon-based) games like Genshin Impact and Honkai Impact 3rd, has a reputation for creating characters with intriguing similarities across their titles. This trend seems to be reaching new heights with the introduction of Arlecchino in Genshin Impact and Boothill in Honkai: Star Rail, sparking fan theories about a potential interconnected universe.
A History of Character Crossovers
Honkai: Star Rail, a recently announced turn-based RPG set in a new world, has already established itself as a melting pot for alternate versions of beloved characters from Honkai Impact 3rd and Genshin Impact. Acheron, for example, appears to be a third iteration of the formidable Raiden Shogun. This strategy allows MiHoYo to explore familiar personalities in vastly different contexts, keeping players engaged with established lore while introducing fresh narratives.
The Curious Case of Arlecchino and Boothill
The recent unveiling of Arlecchino and Boothill has sent ripples through the miHoYo fanbase due to their striking similarities. Both characters were revealed on their respective games’ social media channels within the same week. They share a distinctive black and white hair color scheme, and their outfits utilize a similar palette. These visual echoes have ignited speculation about a potential multiverse connection, although a coincidental design choice cannot be entirely ruled out.
Beyond Appearance: Exploring Character Tropes
The parallels extend beyond aesthetics. Both Arlecchino and Boothill appear to embody the intriguing trope of the sympathetic villain. Arlecchino, a member of the Fatui Harbingers known as “The Knave,” leads the House of the Hearth. Here, she oversees the training of orphans like Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet. Despite wielding immense power and possessing a menacing demeanor, this nurturing role has led many Genshin Impact players to believe she may not be as ruthless as other Fatui members. Boothill, shrouded in mystery, follows a similar pattern. His intimidating appearance and profession remain undisclosed, yet hints suggest he might be a well-intentioned individual or even an anti-hero.
Fueling the Multiverse Fire
While there’s no concrete evidence suggesting Arlecchino and Boothill are directly connected or alternate versions of the same character, the coincidences are hard to ignore. MiHoYo has previously stated that alternate character iterations don’t necessarily mirror their original counterparts. This leaves the door open for even more exciting character crossovers as the recently announced Zenless Zone Zero enters the picture.
Looking Ahead: A Universe of Possibilities
The potential for a miHoYo multiverse, hinted at by these character parallels, is a captivating prospect for fans. It opens up a vast narrative space where familiar faces can reappear in unexpected roles, sparking new storylines and deepening player engagement. While only time will tell if Arlecchino and Boothill’s similarities are a clever homage or indicative of a larger interconnected universe, their existence adds another layer of intrigue to the ever-expanding world of miHoYo games.
