Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 Update: Edo Star, Yao Guang Banners & Patch Notes

Just a few days left until the release of Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 update, and the excitement of Trailblazers is reaching its peak. Version 4.0 marks a major turning point for the game with a wave of new content and system updates.

The debut of Yao Guang & Sparxie banners, the new planet's theme, exciting events and rewards, and much more await Trailblazers as they step into the next chapter of Honkai: Star Rail.

So, let's have a closer look at what's coming in the Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 update in this comprehensive guide.

Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 Release Date

Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 is expected to release on February 13, 2026. Based on the previous releases, the expected HSR 4.0 release times for different servers will be:

The developers had also announced a special programme on February 6, 2026, at 7:30 pm (CST/UTC+8). This programme presented the upcoming content, including new characters, new maps, Light Cones, events, and more.

HSR 4.0 Banners

4.0 New Characters

Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 update will release two new characters:

Yao Guang Banner in HSR 4.0 (Phase 1)

	Rarity	5-Star
	Element	Physical
	Path	Elation

Yao Guang is a 5-star Physical Elation support coming in HSR 4.0. She offers Punchline generation and Elation buffs to increase her team's damage.

Yao Guang stands among the seven Arbiter-Generals of the Xianzhou Alliance within Honkai: Star Rail's lore that commands the Cloud Knights of Xianzhou Yuque. She blends sharp intellect with battlefield precision, which makes her a calculating and composed presence in combat. Therefore, she is positioned as a dependable support unit with strong strategic value in Version 4.0.

Learn more through our detailed Yao Guang kit guide.

Sparxie Banner in HSR 4.0 (Phase 2)

	Rarity	5-Star
	Element	Fire
	Path	Elation

Sparxie is a SP version of Sparkle and the first 5-star Fire Elation DPS in Honkai: Star Rail. Her gameplay focuses on generating and consuming Punchlines via repeated actions. Her Skill upgrades the Basic Attacks and leads to Engagement Farming, which can generate more Punchlines with a chance to recover Skill Points. This helps her keep up repeated action in combat.

Beyond their roles as playable characters, Yao Guang and Sparxie banners seem tied more closely to the story, with hints of direct interactions with the Express crew. Their introduction also signals a shift in gameplay design, as they are expected to slot naturally into emerging team compositions.

4.0 Rerun Characters

There are a total of six rerun characters in Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 update:

Phase 1 (Feb 13 - March 3)	Evernight	Hysilens	Black Swan
Phase 2 (March 3 - March 24)	Cerydra	Rappa	Sparkle

4.0 Old Character Buffs

Black Swan

Black Swan is changing from a slow ramp-up DoT DPS into plug-and-play and consistent DoT core with DEF-penetrating damage and powerful team-wide utility. The key buffs include:

• Arcana can now exceed the max stack limit when ignited.​
• Arcana stacking efficiency is enhanced.​
• Arcana now enhances DMG dealt by all allies.

Sparkle

Sparkle's role has evolved into a true tempo driver that turns Skill Point management into offensive power. The substantial SP regeneration and SP-scaling Vulnerability effects make her impact extend well beyond CRIT-focused teams. The key buffs include:

• Increased skill point recovery rate.
• Extended skill duration.
• Increased energy regeneration.

These updates are designed to reinforce the relevance of existing limited 5-star characters. They ensure that the old characters remain competitive in the shifting meta. The timing also coincides with the arrival of the Elation Path and newer units, including the Yao Guang and Sparxie banners.

HSR 4.0 New Path Elation Features

The Elation Path introduced in Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 update offers a mechanically complex and unique playstyle that the game has seen so far. The core of it is Elation Damage, a brand-new damage type that scales with a new Elation stat instead of traditional DMG bonuses. Only abilities that explicitly state they deal Elation Damage will use this scaling.

A defining feature of the path is Aha, the Aeon of Elation, who joins battles whenever at least one Elation character is on the team. Aha appears on the action bar as an independent entity and gains Speed based on the number of Elation units in the party. When Aha takes a turn, known as an Aha Instant, all Elation characters immediately unlock their unique Elation Skills. They function like synchronized follow-up attacks regardless of turn order.

Damage output is enhanced through Punchline, which is a stacking resource gained at battle start and through Elation character abilities. Punchline increases Elation Damage but is consumed during each Aha Instant. Afterward, characters enter the Certified Banger state and temporarily preserve the consumed Punchline's benefits for two turns. Overall, the Elation Path strongly rewards multi-Elation team compositions and signals a clear shift toward synergy-driven and path-focused gameplay in Version 4.0.

HSR 4.0 Events Schedule

The event schedule of Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 update is:

Event	Schedule	Summary
Planarcadia Ultimate Elation League	02/06/26 - 02/13/26	Get yourself pre-registered for HSR 4.0 and take part in the web event to get the chance to acquire different physical and in-game rewards.
Cosmicon, Roll On!	Sometime in 4.0	You can win different rewards by facing off against other opponents with dice and cards.
Ding! Arcadia Fun-Time Clock-In Essentials	Sometime in 4.0	Get limited-time rewards by completing objectives over Planarcadia
Planar Fissure	Sometime in 4.0	Challenge Worlds in the Simulated Universe to get double the planar ornaments
Realm of the Strange	Sometime in 4.0	Challenge Caverns of Corrosion to get double the relics

HSR 4.0 Free Rewards

Some of the anticipated rewards in HSR 4.0 are:

Choose 1 of 7 Limited 5-Star Characters

Between the launch of Version 4.0 and the end of Version 4.2, players can log into the game to select one of seven limited 5-star characters for free. Be sure to follow official channels for full eligibility rules and event details.

Free Ruan Mei's Outfit

Log in during Version 4.0 to obtain Ruan Mei (Harmony: Ice)'s exclusive outfit, "Plumblossom Letter", available for a limited time. After the event ends, the outfit will be added to the Outfit Show Window and can be purchased for 1,680 Oneiric Shards.

Gift of Arcadia

Planarcadia has prepared a special gift. Log in during Version 4.0 to receive 10 Star Rail Special Passes, 600 Lone Stardust, and 3 Self-Modeling Resins as part of the celebration.

A Flip of Fortune

After the event begins, one Fortune Slip will unlock daily, up to a total of five. Each revealed slip grants 320 Stellar Jade, which allows players to earn as much as 1,600 Stellar Jade overall.

Gift of Odyssey

Available from the Version 4.0 update until 2026/03/24 03:59 (server time). Log in for seven cumulative days during the event to receive 10 Star Rail Special Passes.

Novaflare

Test Black Swan and Sparkle's new buffs to claim Stellar Jades.

HSR 4.0 New Skins

Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 update introduces new skins, highlighted during the HSR 4.0 Livestream and Special Programme:

Free Ruan Mei Skin

Ruan Mei is getting a stunning new outfit in Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.0! Claim the free Plumblossom Letter skin by logging in during the event period. After the event, it will be available in the in-game Store for 1,680 Oneiric Shards.

New Trailblaze Fashion

Vim and Vigor

A new Trailblazer costume titled "Vim and Vigor" makes its debut. It brings a bold red color palette that reflects celebration and vitality. The updated design focuses on a sharper and more dynamic appearance. This symbolizes the Trailblazer's renewed energy and stronger on-screen presence.

Sparkly Rabbit and Fire Shroom

The "Sparkly Rabbit and Fire Shroom" head accessory also joins the cosmetic lineup. First seen during Sparkle's livestreams, this item adds multiple ear-like elements to the Trailblazer's look. This makes it a playful and fan-oriented cosmetic that celebrates community support and charm.

Raccoon Supplicant Mask

A new head accessory arrives as an adorable raccoon-themed mask. It offers a fun and whimsical cosmetic choice for players looking to add a touch of charm to their Trailblazer's appearance.

Ah! Youth!

A special head accessory inspired by Two-Dimensional City introduces a creatively designed mini Dust Spirit as part of its look. The same collection also features a lighthearted "thoughts loading" accessory that captures the Trailblazer's body being present while their mind is clearly elsewhere.

Loading

This novelty head accessory features a looping "loading" visual effect that suggests a temporary mental freeze. The character remains fully visible, but the design leans into humor through portraying a disconnected and buffering state.

HSR 4.0 New Map: Planarcadia

In the previous Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 leaks, we got the info about the new map coming in Version 4.0 called the HSR Edo Star region. However, the official name of the new map is Planarcadia.

Planarcadia will be a large, district-based metropolis. It will act as a central setting for story progression (Astral Express). It will feature an amusement park and might be closely linked to the Path of Elation.

Duomension City

Doverbrook District

Graphia Academy

"World's End" Tavern

Astropolis

How to unlock Edo Star Region?

To unlock the Edo Star or the Planarcadia region, there aren't any exact Trailblaze missions yet known. Usually, unlocking new major planets requires completing the previous main story arc (Trailblaze Missions) and reaching a specific level.

HSR 4.0 New Mission

No Aha at Full Moon in HSR 4.0

No Aha at Full Moon launches as a core Trailblaze Mission in Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.0. The Astral Express crew warps into Planarcadia and dives headfirst into Aha's chaotic game, the Aeon of Elation's wild playground. This chapter unlocks high-stakes festivities where cunning and flair dictate the winners.

HSR 4.0 New Items

New Lightning Ascension Material

Thunder Strum arrives as a vital Ascension Material for Lightning characters in Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.0. Farm it exclusively from the new Stagnant Shadow stage to fuel rapid power spikes for your electric roster.

New Elation Trace Materials

The Fluffy Hand-drawn Storyboards	The Fluffy Serialization Memorial Issue	The Fluffy Collector's Edition

New Hunt Trace Materials

Version 4.0 rolls out fresh Trace Materials for Hunt characters and Light Cones. Leading the pack is Lance of Retribution.

Planarcadia Enhancement Materials

Whimsy Wax	Dreamweave Steel	Lucid Awl

HSR 4.0 New Boss

SparxiCon Official debuts as a boss enemy in Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 update. Trailblazers will clash with this powerhouse right in the heart of the 4.0 Trailblaze Mission.

HSR 4.0 New and Rerun Light Cone

New Light Cones
Dazzled By A Flowery World	When She Decided To See
Today's Good Luck	Mushy Shroomy's Adventures
Lingering Tears	Sneering
Rerun Light Cones
Why Does the Ocean Sing	Reforged Remembrance
To Evernight's Stars	Epoch Etched in Golden Blood
Ninjutsu Inscription - Dazzling Evilbreaker	Earthly Escapade

HSR 4.0 New Relics

Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 update offers two powerhouse Relic Sets: Ever-Glorious Magical Girl and Diviner of Distant Reach. Hunt them down in the new Cavern of Corrosion: Path of Possession.

HSR 4.0 Gameplay Mode Updates

4.0 Currency Wars Expansion

Version 4.0 shakes up Currency Wars with fresh character additions and role upgrades. New recruits join the roster as hireable talent, while select veterans ascend to Expert Advisors status.

These advisors bring proprietary Investment Environments and Strategies that unlock rare buffs. The mode's Ascension Levels also expand and fuel deeper progression and bigger rewards.

4.0 Divergent Universe Update

Version 4.0 caps off Divergent Universe: Protean Hero with potent endgame boosts. Trailblazers scoop up double Synchronicity Points to accelerate rewards. Activating Insight Mode amps up the final DMG and power through the finale with devastating force.

HSR 4.0 New Optimization

The HSR 4.0 Patch Notes reflect several updates/expansion to gameplay systems:

Assignment System Optimization

Beginning with Version 4.0, the Assignment system receives major performance upgrades. Players gain the freedom to harvest rewards whenever they choose and redeploy units right away. This eliminates all mandatory wait periods. Every character restriction vanishes too, so you can dispatch any ready team member without limitations.

These enhancements slash downtime and simplify squad juggling. They turn assignments into a smooth and adaptable process. The revamped setup prioritizes instant access to collections and quick relaunches to streamline resource farming and fit easily into varied player routines.

Added Preview for Unactivated Relic Stats

Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 update also brings a Relic substat preview tool. Every Relic reveals its complete set of dormant substats upfront, which gives players full visibility into potential rolls prior to any upgrades. This transparency enables smarter enhancement decisions and eliminates the guesswork associated with initial leveling reveals.

The addition transforms Relic upgrading into a precise and low-risk endeavor. Players can strategize builds and cut down on wasted materials to accelerate the path to optimal gear setups.

Team Lineup System Optimization

Version 4.0 delivers key upgrades to the Team Formation interface. Borrowing friends' support characters now flows with fewer clicks to increase ease of access during squad assembly.

This tweak sharpens team creation speed across all modes. It delivers a fluid and reliable prep phase that adapts to any battle setup.

Phonograph Now Features White Noise Function

Version 4.0 upgrades the passenger car phonograph with fresh white-noise tracks. These soothing soundscapes let players unwind on the Astral Express and create peaceful vibes for downtime and casual hangs between missions.

Returner Experience Optimization

Version 4.0 welcomes back lapsed Trailblazers with customized catch-up features for a frictionless reentry. The Planarcadia storyline unlocks instantly via "Finality's Vision", so returnees dive straight into the new content without retracing the entire legacy trail.

Conclusion

The Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 update is advancing the game across exploration, system depth, character metas, and more in an interconnected way. In the next few days, we will experience Planarcadia, new Elation path characters like Yao Guang and Sparxie, new Trailblazer skins, dice-themed modes, events, rewards, and buffs for Sparkle/Black Swan. Stay tuned for ongoing coverage as the patch launches February 12/13, 2026. Plus, top up Honkai: Star Rail with BuffBuff to have enough resources before the launch.