Honkai Star Rail 4.0 Preview - The Next Chapter
A Brand New World Awaits!
Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.0 marks a major milestone for the game, introducing a new world destination for the Astral Express crew! Originally planned for earlier, the update has been delayed to February 14, 2026.
Let's explore everything we know about this massive update!
📅 Version 4.0 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Version | 4.0 |
| Release Date | February 14, 2026 |
| New World | New destination revealed |
| New Characters | Yao Guang, Sparxie, and more |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation, Mobile |
🌍 New World Destination
The Astral Express Journeys On
Version 4.0 introduces the next major story location:
What We Expect:
- Completely new explorable world
- Fresh environment design
- New NPCs and lore
- Main story progression
- Side quests and events
Previous Destinations:
- Herta Space Station
- Jarilo-VI
- The Xianzhou Luofu
- Penacony
What's Next?
- 4.0 Special Program will reveal all
- Livestream expected late January
🌟 New Characters
Yao Guang
New 5-Star Addition!
- Character details in livestream
- Expected strong kit
- Story significance likely
Sparxie
Another New Character!
- Revealed alongside Yao Guang
- Role and element TBA
- Unique design expected
More Characters Expected
HoYoverse typically releases 2-3 characters per major version:
- Additional 4-star characters
- Potential reruns
- Story-relevant additions
📺 4.0 Special Program
Livestream Details
Expected Date: Late January 2026
What Will Be Revealed:
- New world showcase
- Character abilities and trailers
- Story preview
- Event announcements
- Primogem/Stellar Jade codes
How to Watch:
- Official HoYoverse channels
- YouTube livestream
- Twitch broadcast
- Bilibili (CN)
🎮 Current Content: Version 3.8
January 2026 Updates
Phase 2 Banners (Until ~Jan 28):
- Fugue (5-Star)
- Lingsha (5-Star)
Phase 3 (Starting ~Jan 28):
- Aglia (5-Star)
- Sunday (5-Star)
January Events
Ongoing Activities:
- Pure Fiction (Endgame refresh)
- Remnants of Twilight (Combat event)
- Double drop events
- Planar Fissure
- Realm of the Strange
💎 Stellar Jade Sources
Pre-4.0 Saving Guide
Current Sources:
- Daily missions
- Event participation
- Simulated Universe
- Memory of Chaos
- Pure Fiction
- Story quests
Saving Tips:
- Skip unnecessary banners
- Complete all events
- Don't miss dailies
- Check mail codes
🏆 What to Do Until 4.0
Preparation Checklist
- Complete current events - Don't miss limited rewards
- Save Stellar Jade - For 4.0 characters
- Farm materials - Generic ascension mats
- Level existing characters - Clear endgame content
- Explore fully - Collect all chests
- Watch livestream - Reveals coming soon
Endgame Content
Memory of Chaos:
- Rotating challenge
- Stellar Jade rewards
- Character testing ground
Pure Fiction:
- Wave-based combat
- Team building showcase
- Refresh with 3.8
Simulated Universe:
- Roguelike mode
- Curio collection
- Blessing optimization
🔮 Version 4.0 Speculation
Story Predictions
Where Will We Go?
- New faction encounters
- Stellaron Hunter appearances
- Aeon-related storylines
- Character backstory reveals
Gameplay Additions
Potential Features:
- New exploration mechanics
- Quality of life updates
- Endgame content additions
- System improvements
📊 Meta Expectations
Character Meta Shifts
4.0 May Bring:
- New team compositions
- Element synergies
- Support character additions
- DPS powercreep (typical)
Building Priorities
Focus On:
- Versatile supports
- Element-flexible teams
- Endgame-ready characters
- Relic farming efficiency
🎁 Honkai Impact 3rd Connection
Crossover Notes
- Shared HoYoverse universe
- Easter eggs and references
- Possible crossover events
- Character similarities
Honkai Impact 3rd v8.6 (Current):
- Rita "Miss Espionage" new S-rank battlesuit
- New IMG-type Lightning DMG dealer
- Login events with special rewards
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does 4.0 release?
A: February 14, 2026 (delayed from original date).
Q: Who are the new characters?
A: Yao Guang and Sparxie confirmed, more expected.
Q: What world is coming?
A: Not yet revealed - watch the 4.0 Special Program!
Q: When is the livestream?
A: Expected late January 2026.
Q: Should I pull on 3.8 banners?
A: Depends on your characters - save if you want 4.0 characters.
Q: Is 4.0 a major update?
A: Yes! New world = major version milestone.
Q: Will there be codes?
A: Yes, livestream will have Stellar Jade codes.
Q: Cross-save between platforms?
A: Yes, full cross-platform progression.
🔗 Related Content
🎯 The Bottom Line
Honkai Star Rail 4.0 is the biggest update since launch!
A new world means new stories, characters, challenges, and months of content. The delay to February 14 gives players more time to save Stellar Jade and complete current content.
Don't miss the livestream for early reveals!
Last Updated: January 4, 2026
All aboard the Astral Express! 🚂✨
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