The Isolated Zone is a small challenge within the Star Hunt event in Honkai: Star Rail. To protect the station’s information, players face four difficulty levels. This guide explains how to begin, how to complete the task, and what rewards await at the end.
Honkai Guides: Star Rail
How to start the Isolated Zone challenge in Honkai: Star Rail
The challenge becomes available after finishing the Spirit of Panklord companion mission in the Stellaron Hunters arc. It is a straightforward search, so players should not encounter major hurdles.
After finishing the mission, head to the Main Control Zone on the Hertha Space Station. At the entrance to Gert’s office, a man named Leonard appears and the Isolated Zone task becomes visible in the quest log. Speak with him to begin the test.
What is ethereal graffiti
The challenge uses special mechanics that let players with moderate levels complete every stage of the Isolated Zone. The recommended unit level aligns with the player’s balance level.
Ethereal graffiti refers to unique drawings scattered around the test area. Scanning these cards raises the virtual count and powers a special ability that deals quantum damage to all enemies at the start of each turn and drains enemy stamina regardless of type.
Subsequent sections explain how to locate all Hack Calling Card graffiti.
How to complete the Isolated Zone challenge on difficulty 1
Exit the capsule and take a right turn. In the dead end, a picture will unlock the gate. A graffiti tag is on the left side of the entrance. Scan it to begin.
Leave the sector and cross the bridge toward the central area. You will face two groups of enemies first, then inspect the left column to find a second graffiti behind it. Scan it as well.
Proceed forward. On the left, you will spot graffiti labeled Business card hack 3 on a small platform. Reaching it requires solving a puzzle and, if needed, you can replenish energy using the nearby conduits.
Turn and run in the opposite direction. The graffiti there is guarded by two enemy groups. With a 3x boost to the new ability, overcoming them is manageable.
Open the final door and face the boss. Focus on weak physical, quantum, or ice damage to reduce its defenses. The main adversary is supported by a strong retinue which can be cleared quickly once the boss is weakened.
Note: If all three Hack Calling Card sprays have not been collected, rewards do not increase. Ensure you pick them all before exiting the zone. You can check by pressing the Esc key.
- Star Jade (30);
- Travel guide (2);
- Purified ether (1);
- Ultra Long Range Visor of Genius (4 stars);
- Credits (10,000).
Additional target rewards:
- Complete the current challenge: Star Jade (10);
- Complete the challenge without losing more than 2 characters in battles: Star Jade (10);
- Find all Hacking Calling Card graffiti: Star Jade (10).
How to complete the Isolated Zone challenge on difficulty 2
At the next level, new graffiti types appear. If a strong opponent has a nearby mark, defeating them without weakening them first can be tough. Scan other graffiti to reduce their power and clear the path. The two key figures are shown in the image below.
Advance forward and turn right after the energy anchor. The first graffiti is on the wall.
Turn around, follow the corridor with two enemies, win the fight, then inspect the graffiti to open a passage at the previous marker.
How to solve the bridge puzzle on difficulty 2
Descend the stairs, turn left, and enter a familiar compartment on the ground floor. This is the area where the bridge puzzle is solved. A first boss appears with two fresh graffiti tags. Scan the first to weaken the enemy, then engage.
Cross the orange bridge and locate graffiti at the end of the platform labeled Business card hack 2. Return to activate the control to enable the blue bridge below.
Behind the second foe on the lower level lies the final graffiti (3).
Activate the orange bridge again and interact with the top level control console. This creates a beige bridge you can cross to swap the blue bridges.
Remember to locate graffiti to weaken the boss. The mark is opposite the beige control console on the wall. Defeat the last opponent, then claim all available rewards.
- Star Jade (30);
- Travel guide (2);
- Purified ether (2);
- Genius Frequency Trap (4 stars);
- Credits (12,000).
Additional target rewards:
- Complete the current challenge: Star Jade (10);
- Complete the challenge without losing more than 2 characters in battles: Star Jade (10);
- Find all Hacking Calling Card graffiti: Star Jade (10).
How to complete the Isolated Zone challenge on difficulty 3
The scene mirrors the previous test, but there are more paths to explore. Move forward, defeat two regular opponents, activate the bridge, and enter the next area. The graffiti on the wall is labeled Business card hack 1.
Further along, there is an image that opens the door to the corridor and reveals a quest-giver marked with a question mark. Interact to teleport.
A reinforced foe wears Silver Wolf graffiti. Turn to the right, and on the wall is a debilitating graffiti opposite the energy anchor.
After the boss, walk the hallway to a dead end on the left where a group remains. Find the question mark image to move to another part of the location.
Two graffiti marks Hacking business cards 2 and 3 appear here. Scan them and defeat several groups to weaken the boss.
Winning the battle yields strong rewards.
- Star Jade (30);
- Travel guide (3);
- Purified ether (2);
- Genius Suit for Metafield Immersion (4 stars);
- Credits (14,000).
Additional target rewards:
- Complete the current challenge: Star Jade (10);
- Complete the challenge without losing more than 2 characters in battles: Star Jade (10);
- Find all Hacking Calling Card graffiti: Star Jade (10).
How to complete the Isolated Zone challenge on difficulty 4
The top difficulty mirrors earlier tests but relies on graffiti mechanics to keep progress smooth.
Upon encountering two enemies, do not rush. Turn left into an open section. Right behind the door is Hack business card 1 and additional graffiti that unlocks the next area.
Run along the right and activate the bridge. Then go left to locate Business card hack 2.
In the next corridor, move right, clear the minions, and enter the right-side compartment. On the wall you will find Hack business card 3 and a question mark graffiti. Use it to teleport and weaken a strong foe.
All that remains is to push through to the lower level boss and defeat it. Collecting all the graffiti will ensure success.
- Star Jade (30);
- Travel guide (3);
- Purified ether (3);
- Genius Gravity Skates (4 stars);
- Credits (14,000).
Additional target rewards:
- Complete the current challenge: Star Jade (10);
- Complete the challenge without losing more than 2 characters in battles: Star Jade (10);
- Find all Hacking Calling Card graffiti: Star Jade (10).
Other guides
These notes reflect the approach used for the Isolated Zone and are intended to help players plan their strategy efficiently. This guide is compiled with information from VG Times.