Release Date, Livestream Codes, New Characters, Banners, Story Updates, Events, & More

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After a short delay in development, the Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 update had its contents revealed during a livestream, letting players know when the patch will arrive, as well as what they can expect from the new destination, playable characters, story updates, and much more. Version 4.0 takes players to a brand-new area. There had already been leaks about the map area in Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 beta tests.

However, now HoYoverse has provided more details about it. In addition to that, the company revealed the gameplay details about the new playable characters, who are going to follow a brand-new playable Path. A lot of information was revealed during the Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 livestream, and you can check it all out now.

Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 – Release Date

The Update Will Arrive In Mid-February

HoYoverse had already announced that Version 4.0 would have a short delay, with the Version 3.8 update being extended from six weeks to eight weeks. With the livestream, we now have a confirmation of when the update will arrive. Despite the delay, which goes against the game’s regular update schedule, as per usual, the next update will arrive two weeks from the livestream, on Wednesday.

The Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 update will be released on February 18, across all platforms on which the game is available. With the confirmation of the release date, it’s very unlikely that the update will be delayed any further.

Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 – Livestream Codes

Redeem Codes To Obtain Free Items

Custom Image by Bruno Yonezawa

In addition to the content reveal, the livestream also served as a stage for the regular promo codes, which grant in-game benefits, including free Stellar Jade. These Version 4.0 livestream codes let you gather resources to then pull for new characters in the banners. In total, you can claim up to 300 free Stellar Jade in Honkai: Star Rail.

The table below lists all the livestream codes and their respective rewards:

All of these livestream codes are limited, and you are required to redeem them before they expire. You can redeem them through the in-game tool or via the official Honkai: Star Rail website, after logging in. Once you redeem these codes, the rewards will be sent to your in-game mailbox, from which they must be claimed before use.

New Characters Confirmed For Honkai: Star Rail 4.0

Sparxie & Yao Guang Debut As The First Elation Characters

One of the main aspects showcased during the Version 4.0 livestream was the duo of new characters. Both Sparxie and Yao Guang had been teased by HoYoverse, but they have now been detailed by the company. There had already been leaks about Sparxie in Honkai: Star Rail 4.0. Sparxie is a 5-star Fire character following the brand-new Path of the Elation.

Sparxie will be a character focused on dealing damage to enemies, and she will need a lot of Skill Points to operate well, which is why she will work well with Sparkle in Honkai: Star Rail, especially after her buff. As an Elation character, Sparxie will be able to deal extra damage based on her accumulated Elation value.

Yao Guang will be a 5-star Physical character on the Path of the Elation, too. Unlike Sparxie, however, Yao Guang will be a support character. She will be particularly good for Elation characters, like Sparxie, boosting their powers by increasing their Elation value. Additionally, Yao Guang will improve her allies’ All-Type RES PEN, like Ruan Mei or Tribbie in Honkai: Star Rail.

It is worth noting that Sparkle and Black Swan will have their reworked kits brought forth in Version 4.0, too.

Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 – Story Updates, New Map, Events, & More

Players Will Go To Planarcadia

Custom Image by Bruno Yonezawa

Aside from the new characters, Version 4.0 will also be huge in terms of new playable content. As was mentioned, the Astral Express will head over to Planarcadia, an urban destination with cyberpunk vibes. The exact path the story will take has yet to be seen, as HoYoverse is attempting not to spoil the player experience. HoYoverse has revealed that the Aeon Aha is hosting the Phantasmoon Games on Planarcadia, which will allow the winner to become an Aeon for a minute.

The Astral Express is well known in Planarcadia, and its members are revered by the locals. The Trailblazer will participate in the games. We also know that Planarcadia is Himeko’s home world. HoYoverse also revealed some new characters and others that will be seen again in the destination. Silver Wolf and Blade, for example, are returning characters with secondary Paths. Meanwhile, Nihilux, Ashveil, and Evanescia, who is Yae Sakura’s expy in Honkai: Star Rail, should also be gradually introduced.

HoYoverse also revealed the limited-time events that players will be able to participate in during the upcoming patch, which will grant them several rewards, including more Stellar Jade.

There will be a lot to do with the arrival of the new patch, as it inaugurates a new year of content for the turn-based RPG. Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 should put the game back on its tracks after the unusual delay.

Systems

Released

April 26, 2023

ESRB

Teen / Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Simulated Gambling, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items), Users Interact

Developer(s)

HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)

Publisher(s)

HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)

Engine

Unity