Honkai Star Rail is about to get an exciting refresh with the 4.0 update, which brings players into an entirely new world—Planarcadia. This update marks the start of the Astral Express’s ongoing battle with Destruction and sets the stage for the big finale ahead. With new characters and a slew of fresh content, fans are in for a treat. So, let’s break down everything you need to know about the 4.0 banners.
What is the Release Date for Honkai Star Rail 4.0?

Circle your calendars—Honkai Star Rail 4.0 drops on February 13, 2026. This major update is your ticket to exploring Planarcadia, the new realm under Aha’s rule, and unveils the Elation path, expanding your gameplay experience.
What Can We Expect from the Honkai Star Rail 4.0 Banners?
The banners for 4.0 are set to introduce two dazzling new 5-star characters: Yao Guang and Sparxie. Yao Guang is a 5-star Physical character, while Sparxie brings the heat as a 5-star Fire character. Interestingly, Sparxie seems to have ties to Sparkle—either as an alter ego or a close relation, adding some delightful intrigue.
As of now, we still need leaks about potential rerun characters. Here’s a look at what we know about the Honkai Star Rail 4.0 banners.
What are the Character Banners for HSR 4.0?
Here are the confirmed characters you can expect in the 4.0 banners:
| Phases | Characters | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 Characters | Yao Guang | February 13, 2026 – March 5, 2026 |
| Phase 2 Characters | Sparxie | March 5, 2026 – March 25, 2026 |
What About the Light Cone Banners in HSR 4.0?
While the names of the Light Cones haven’t been revealed yet, you can expect the Signature Light Cones for both new characters to feature prominently in the banners. Here’s a quick rundown:
| Phases | Light Cones | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 Light Cones | Yao Guang’s Signature Light Cone | February 13, 2026 – March 5, 2026 |
| Phase 2 Light Cones | Sparxie’s Signature Light Cone | March 5, 2026 – March 25, 2026 |
That’s the scoop on the banners for Honkai Star Rail 4.0! Excited to see who else might join Yao Guang and Sparxie? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
What new content will be available in Honkai Star Rail 4.0?
The 4.0 update will bring players to Planarcadia, introducing new quests, challenges, and lore about the Astral Express’s journey against Destruction. It’s sure to enrich the overall experience.
Are there any new gameplay mechanics introduced in HSR 4.0?
While detailed mechanics haven’t been confirmed yet, the addition of the Elation path may introduce fresh strategies and character interactions unique to the world of Planarcadia.
Can we expect more characters in future updates beyond 4.0?
Given the pattern of previous updates, it’s likely that future patches will add more characters and content to keep the game dynamic and engaging for players.