Are you having trouble keeping on top of the Honkai Star Rail update schedule? Wanna know what the current update is introducing and what the next update is set to bring?
Well, sit back and relax, dear passenger, as we're here to fill you in on all the latest content, characters, and more coming in the next HSR update. You can also check out our list of all the new Honkai Star Rail codes to grab any freebies from the livestream and beyond.
Here's everything in the current and next Honkai Star Rail update:
When is the Honkai Star Rail 4.0 release date?
Due to version 3.8 running for two additional weeks, the HSR 4.0 went live on Friday, February 13, 2026.
Before each update, there is a maintenance period during which you can't access the game. If you reach Trailblaze level 4 or higher by the time a maintenance period starts, you will receive a minimum of 300 stellar jade in your in-game mailbox as compensation after maintenance concludes.
When is the next Honkai Star Rail livestream?
The Honkai Star Rail 4.0 livestream went live on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 19:30 UTC+8. You can watch it on the official Honkai Star Rail YouTube or Twitch, or catch up with all the latest info right here.
What are the Honkai Star Rail update 4.0 banners?
Hoyoverse has confirmed that the current characters will feature on the banners during the HSR 4.0 update:
Gleam of a Thousand Plumes - phase one and two
- HSR's Yao Guang
- HSR's Pela
- HSR's Hanya
- HSR's Qingque
Indelible Coterie - phase one
- HSR's Evernight
- HSR's Hysilens
- HSR's Black Swan
- Pela
- Hanya
- Qingque
Project: Party Time - phase two
- HSR's Sparxie
- Pela
- Hanya
- Qingque
Indelible Coterie - phase two
- HSR's Cerydra
- HSR's Rappa
- HSR's Sparkle
- Pela
- Hanya
- Qingque
In addition to the featured characters, you can also pull for their signature light cones through the light cone banners. Check out our Honkai Star Rail banners guide to keep on top of all the current and upcoming Honkai Star Rail characters and light cones.
Is there a new area in the Honkai Star Rail 4.0 update?
Honkai Star Rail's 4.0 update introduces the whole new planet of Planarcadia. As the planet of Elation, Planarcadia is Aha's domain, and boasts a vibrant, amusement park aesthetic. You may also be surprised to learn that Planarcadia is actually Himeko's homeland!
The Astral Express Crew's first stop is Duomension City, which sits at the center of Planarcadia and acts as the entrance to the world. It's a futuristic city with heaps of activities to do and lively characters on every corner.
Duomension City is home to the world-renowned art institute, Graphia Academy, as well as the bustling commercial Dovebrook District, which is known for its lively nightlife - and the mysterious Tavern of Elation. There are plenty of other secrets to uncover in Planarcadia, so be prepared to explore.
Are there any new quests in Honkai Star Rail update 4.0?
The HSR 4.0 update introduces the new Trailblaze Mission Chapter, No Aha at Full Moon, which sees the Astral Express arriving on Planarcadia to star Aha's new game in pursuit of the opportunity to become an Aeon for one minute.
Of course, as you arrive on the new planet, you can also expect to find a variety of side quests scattered around, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.C
What are the Honkai Star Rail update 4.0 events?
As always, the HSR 4.0 update features a variety of events for you to participate in, each offering a heap of handy rewards.
Here's a brief overview of the events in the HSR 4.0 update:
- Free Limited Five-Star Character - log in any time between the start of version 4.0 and the end of version 4.2 to claim a free limited five-star character from a select pool
- Cosmicon, Roll On! - participate in matches of the new Cosmicon Collective TCG to earn new cards and other rewards
- Ding! Arcadia Fun-Time Clock-In Essentials - check in and complete daily tasks on the new planet
- Gift of Arcadia - a log-in event offering ten limited pulls and other rewards
- A Flip of Fortune - a log-in event where you flip fortune slips to claim stellar jade
- Plumblossom Letter Free Outfit - log in to claim a free copy of Ruan Mei's new outfit
- Planar Fissure - double planar ornament drops
- Realm of the Strange - double rewards from Caverns of Corrosion
If you want to find out more about all the current and upcoming festivities, be sure to keep an eye on our Honkai Star Rail events guide.
What are the new Honkai Star Rail 4.0 optimizations and features?
Each update, Hoyoverse continues to add new features and optimize existing ones in hopes of providing a more enjoyable experience for Trailblazers everywhere.
Here's a brief summary of the new features and optimizations in the HSR 4.0 update:
- Permanent buffs for Sparkle and Black Swan
- New 'Ever-Glorious Magical Girl' and 'Diviner of Distant Reach' relics
- New three- and four-star light cones on the banners
- New Cosmicon Collective CCG mode similar to Genshin's Genius Invokation TCG
- Currency Wars: Zero-Sum Game receives its first expansion, with a new level cap of 110, more rewards, a higher rank to provide more challenge, the Dahlia, Yao Guang, and Sparxie joining the roster, and more
- You can now claim rewards from dispatch assignments at any time, with no fixed time limits or character restrictions
- New preview function for unactivated relic stat affixes
- Optimized lineup system when using support characters from friends
- The phonograph on the Astral Express now features a white noise function
- New Trailblaze fashion, including Vim and Vigor outfits and a rabbit mushroom headband from the Stardust Store, a raccoon mask and a wispae head accessory through gameplay, and the loading accessory from a purchasable bundle
That's all we've got on the current Honkai Star Rail update for now, but keep your eyes peeled as we'll be updating this guide with fresh information in the future.