Honkai: Star Rail

As anticipation builds for the next major update to Honkai: Star Rail, version 4.0 is shaping up to be one of the most transformative patches the game has seen so far. Leaks and community speculation have begun circulating, teasing exciting new characters, revamped banner strategies, and possibly fresh gameplay philosophies that could redefine how players approach team building in the game. Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know ahead of the 4.0 banner debut.

Expected Release Window

Although developer HoYoverse hasn't publicly locked in an exact date, most sources now point to a mid-February 2026 launch for Version 4.0. Specifically, February 13, 2026 is frequently cited as the likely global rollout date for the update and the accompanying banners. This aligns with Honkai: Star Rail's ongoing schedule for major version releases, and gives players something exciting to look forward to after the tail end of Version 3.8.

With major new characters arriving in a short time window, many players are already planning their Stellar Jade and Oneiric Shard usage in advance. For those who want to stay flexible during banner pulls, some Trailblazers choose to buy Honkai: Star Rail Oneiric Shards from Z2U as a convenient way to prepare for high-value banners without missing limited-time opportunities.

Banner Structure in Version 4.0

Rather than a single rotating banner, version 4.0 appears to continue the trend of two major phases, each spotlighting its own headline five-star unit. According to leaks, Phase 1 will highlight Yao Guang, while Phase 2 will feature Sparxie, an alternate version of the popular character Sparkle. Both are tied to the game's newer Elation mechanics and are expected to share banner space throughout the patch cycle.

In addition to the headliners, 4.0's structure seems to include a collection of rerun units drawn from prior banners, giving players a chance to pick up characters they may have missed in earlier versions. Rumored lineups include fan-favorite four-star characters such as Hysilens, Sparkle, Black Swan, Cerydra, Feixiao, and Yunli, split across the two phases of the patch.

Spotlight Characters: Who They Are

Yao Guang — Elation Support Specialist

In Phase 1, Yao Guang takes the stage as a Physical Elation support, designed to bolster her team's effectiveness through buff management and energy generation. Her abilities focus on creating zones that enhance ally Elation and generate strategic effects referred to as “Punchlines,” which can significantly boost damage and utility. In short, she's built to be a centerpiece of Elation-based team compositions.

Sparxie — Elation Fire DPS Extraordinaire

Phase 2 introduces Sparxie, a Fire-aligned damage dealer with a kit centered on maximizing Elation and maintaining momentum in battle. Her skillset encourages repeated actions that generate and consume Punchlines, creating a playstyle focused on sustained output and rapid engagement. Sparxie's design marks an evolution in how DPS characters are presented in Star Rail, leaning into resource manipulation as much as raw attack power.

What This Means for Players

The banner lineup for 4.0 isn't just a simple rehash of previous patches — it points toward deeper mechanical themes. The introduction of Elation as a core gameplay element indicates a shift in how players might build teams, placing greater importance on timing, buff synergy, and resource timing management. Trailblazers who capitalize on these systems early could find themselves at a strategic advantage as the meta evolves.

Moreover, with the inclusion of rerun characters across both halves of the update, players who missed earlier releases have a second chance to chase favorites or fill essential roles in their rosters. This dual-phase approach also offers flexibility: players can focus their pulls on one banner phase before doubling down on another, depending on their strategic priorities.

To ensure smooth progression during these high-demand banners, you can top up Honkai: Star Rail Oneiric Shards at Z2U.com, allowing them to react quickly when limited characters return.

Final Thoughts

Version 4.0 looks poised to be a pivotal moment in Honkai: Star Rail's ongoing evolution. From brand-new five-star characters to altered combat mechanics and strategic banner pacing, the update promises opportunities both for seasoned veterans and free-to-play players alike. Whether you're chasing the next big DPS unit or tinkering with cutting-edge team synergies, now is a great time to start planning ahead for the new patch cycle.

Stay tuned for official confirmations closer to the drop date, and once 4.0 goes live, don't forget to experiment with the new content and see how these changes reshape the Astral Express's journey!