SINGAPORE (Apr. 2026) — Three years in, Honkai: Star Rail is still pulling players deeper into the cosmos — and Version 4.2 might be its most loaded update yet.
Titled “So Laughed the Masses,” Version 4.2 launches on April 22, 2026, dropping two new 5-star characters, a new Trailblazer path, anniversary rewards, and a giveaway with an actual car as the grand prize.
New characters: Silver Wolf LV.999 and Evanescia
The headliner is Silver Wolf LV.999 — a fully evolved version of the fan-favorite hacker, now reimagined as an Imaginary character on the new Path of Elation. In combat, she builds “Hidden MMR” to enter “Godmode Player” state, spawning in-game items and buffs for teammates. Her ultimate fires a game-crashing laser cannon at all enemies, and in a passive twist, she can hack into battles even when she’s not on the active team to grant allies temporary immunity to crowd control.
Joining her is Evanescia, a mysterious Physical character also on the Path of Elation. She’s a multi-playthrough observer of the Phantasmoon Games who has watched countless players scheme for Aeonic power. In battle, she accumulates “Certified Banger” through energy regeneration and teammate interactions, scaling her damage output over time and triggering attacks from “Master Fox” when the gauge fills.
The Trailblazer also unlocks the Path of Elation in Version 4.2, wielding a glow stick that doubles as a lightblade, nunchucks, and a team hype tool — all tied to the same “Certified Banger” mechanic.
Reruns and buffs
First-half Warp events bring back The Dahlia, Castorice, and Firefly. The second half features Tribbie, Sunday, and Feixiao. Firefly, Huohuo, Seele, and Welt are also getting character buffs this version.
Anniversary rewards
For the third anniversary, HoYoverse is going generous. The returning “Festive Gifts” check-in event hands out 20 free pulls total. On April 26 — the anniversary date — players can claim 1,600 Stellar Jades by selecting a blessing card from a companion. Huohuo and Robin are being added to the Stellar Convergence Store, where a freely claimed Golden Companion Spirit can be exchanged for one character of choice. The annual first-time top-up double bonus also resets this version.
New events and a car giveaway
New events include “Cosmic Data Roaming,” which lets players build a streaming career around combat highlights, and a Version 2.0 expansion of Currency Wars with new decks, dice, and a team challenge mode.
On the giveaway side, the “Aha’s Chosen: Spreading Elation Everywhere” online event offers a chance to win a Silver Wolf LV.999-themed car as the grand prize, alongside other surprise gifts, by leaving a message on the official event page. Offline celebrations are also rolling out in Tokyo, Seoul, and Los Angeles.
At the end of the version’s special program, HoYoverse and MAPPA co-premiered the concept trailer for an original animation project titled “Death in the Afternoon.”
Availability
Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.2 launches April 22, 2026, on PC, iOS, Android, Epic Games Store, and PS5. More details at hsr.hoyoverse.com.
