For all the new Trailblazers joining the Astral Express in 2026, one of the most charming and unique permanent events you can experience is the Critter Pick event from Version 1.6. Unlike time-limited content, this adorable adventure is saved in the Conventional Memoir, meaning you can enjoy guiding the beloved space puppy Peppy anytime! This isn't just a cute side story—it's a three-part stealth and puzzle challenge packed with Stellar Jades. Let's break down how to ace every difficulty and snag all the rewards, no sweat. 😎

🐾 Difficulty One: It All Started With A Man And A Dog

The first part is your intro to Peppy's world. After a quick combat segment to rescue the good boy, you'll sync up with him at a damaged doorway. Get ready for some classic stealth action!

Step-by-Step Walkthrough:

1. Follow the Origami Cranes: Use the puzzle symbol on your screen. These paper cranes are your guiding light, marking both your collection targets and the safe path forward. 🏮

2. First Stealth Checkpoint: You'll reach two Antimatter Legion enemies with barrels for cover. The key move here is patience. Wait behind the barrels until:

   • The enemy on the right moves right.

   • The enemy on the left moves to the center.

   • That's your cue! Dash across and hide behind the next set of barrels.

3. Timing is Everything: Wait at the new barrels for the next patrolling enemy to start walking to the right, then bolt to the next origami crane on the upper platform.

4. The Return Trip: After grabbing that crane, you'll need to backtrack past the same enemy. Just wait for it to move out of your path—easy peasy.

5. Optional but Crucial - Find Ruan Mei's Creation: Keep dodging enemies and collecting cranes until you hit the main office. Pro Tip: If you want all the Jades (and you do!), you must complete the optional task. Follow the path into a large room to find a familiar white creation from the main story. A quick interaction here seals the deal.

6. Final Platform Puzzle: You'll face a small puzzle requiring you to step on each platform exactly once. Follow this sequence to win:

   Up - Up - Left - Down - Down - Left - Up - Up - Up - Right - Right

Talk to the creation at the end, and congrats! Difficulty one is in the bag.

🐕 Difficulty Two: Deeper into the Stealth Game

After another chat with Peppy and a brief skirmish with the Antimatter Legion, you're back in control of the pup. This section amps up the puzzle complexity.

Your Game Plan:

• First Challenge - Platformer Puzzle: Right off the bat, you're hit with a pathfinding puzzle. Input this direction sequence to solve it:

  Left - Left - Up - Up - Up - Right - Down - Down - Right - Right - Down - Right - Up - Up - Up - Left - Down - Left - Up

• Stealth Room Strategy: Next, you'll enter a room with a single enemy and a central bridge. Dodge it and move on.

• The Double-Barrel Dodge: In the following room, strategy is key:

  1. Hide behind the first set of barrels immediately.

  2. Wait for the enemy to walk close to your barrel.

  3. When it's near, sprint from the right side to the barrel directly ahead.

  4. Hold position there until the second enemy walks left, then grab the next origami crane and the Ruan Mei creation nearby. Two birds, one stone! 🤯

• The Final Stretch: Keep following the origami trail. In the next room, navigate by going around the back from the left side to reach the middle.

Finish up by talking to another one of Ruan Mei's creations and then the Trailblazer. Difficulty two? Check!

🕵️ Difficulty Three: The Butler Did It?

This final act starts quickly, putting you in control of Peppy after a short interaction with a robot to open some doors. You'll enter a giant room to confront "Butler," but you'll need evidence to make your case.

Evidence Gathering Phase (Peppy POV):

• Step 1: Grab the Freshly-Baked Cake from a nearby counter. Then, interact with the terminal right next to Butler.

• Step 2: Head down the stairs on the right. Talk to the first creation you see on your left. It will take the cake and, in return, give you the location of another crucial item.

• Step 3: Retrieve this second item and present both pieces of evidence to Butler to begin the debate.

The Great Debate - Countering the Statements:

This is the climax! You must counter three statements from the suspicious creation to prove its guilt. Here's the winning combo:

Statement Set	Choose This Dialogue Option	Present This Evidence
First Set	Move to & select the third dialogue option.	Abnormal images from surveillance records
Second Set	Move to & select the second dialogue option.	Cosmic Fried Rice 🍛
Third Set	Move to & select the second dialogue option.	External Communication Records

Victory Lap: Successfully winning the debate allows you to take a Curio from a nearby location. Bring it back out, and just like that, you've officially beaten all difficulties of the Critter Pick puzzle! Major props, Trailblazer. 🙌

💎 Final Takeaways for 2026 Trailblazers

This event is a perfect example of Honkai: Star Rail's blend of story, charm, and clever gameplay. Remember:

• Don't Rush: The stealth sections are all about timing. Patience is your best friend.

• Optional = Essential: Always find Ruan Mei's creations if you're after every last Jade. They're non-negotiable for 100% completion.

• Enjoy the Ride: Controlling Peppy is a unique and hilarious experience. Soak in the atmosphere and the adorable perspective!

Whether you're a completionist or just here for the cute doggo moments, mastering the Critter Pick event is a rewarding and fun detour on your journey across the stars. Now go enjoy those well-earned rewards! ✨