Honkai Star Rail V4.0 Update Summary: New Path, Characters, Map and More

Alright, Trailblazers, buckle up—Version 4.0 and the Path of Elation, is finally rolling into the station! Yao Guang and Sparxie will absolutely melt faces while we laugh-cry. Ready? Because this patch promises memes, chaos, and emotional trauma served with a side of spaghetti… I mean, comedy.

And here’s what this article will cover: all the details on HSR 4.0’s update, including the new Path, characters, buffs, map, skins, events, rewards, and system optimization.

*Version 4.0 will run from February 13 to March 31, lasting 6 weeks minus 2 days.

4.0 NEW Path: The Elation

Version 4.0 is basically screaming that it’s bringing in a brand-new Path: The Elation. Front and center for this Path are Yao Guang and Sparxie ( Sparkle SP), who is set to be the Elation poster children.

 

4.0 New Characters

Phase 1: Yao Guang

Rarity: 5-Star | Element: Physical | Path: Elation

Yaoguang is a 5-star Physical Elation support in Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.0.

As a Seer Strategist of the Xianzhou Yuque, her kit revolves around deploying a support Zone that boosts team Elation and generates Punchline stacks to enhance allies' performance.

Her abilities focus on teamwide buffs, energy support, and Elation synergy that elevates her allies' damage potential. She is definitely designed to be a core enabler for future Elation-based teams. For detailed information on Yao Guang's kit, please refer to the Yao Guang Guide article.

Phase 2: Sparxie

Rarity: 5-Star | Element: Fire | Path: Elation

Sparxie is a Fire Elation main DPS debuting in Version 4.0 as the alternate "streamer" persona of Sparkle.

Her kit revolves around high-tempo combat, using her unique Engagement Farming ability to repeatedly enhance her boosted attacks and generate Punchline points, which scale her Elation damage higher the more she performs.

With an Ultimate that deals powerful Fire AoE while adding Punchline, and a Talent that further strengthens her enhanced hits, Sparxie is designed to shine as an explosive DPS in Elation teams.

For detailed information on Sparxie's kit, please refer to the Sparxie Kit Guide article.

 

Old Character Buffs

Black Swan

• Arcana can exceed the maximum stack limit when triggered.
• Arcana stacking efficiency increased.
• Increases DMG dealt by all allies.

Sparkle

• Skill Point Recovery Rate increased.
• Skill Duration extended.
• Energy Regeneration increased.

For detailed breakdowns of their exact changes, please refer to the “Sparkle and Black Swan to Get Buffed in HSR 4.0” guide.

 

4.0 New Light Cone & Relic Set

New Light Cone

Dazzled By A Flowery World	When She Decided To See
Today's Good Luck	Mushy Shroomy's Adventures
Lingering Tears	Sneering

New Relic Set

Magical Girl's Shining Medal

Diviner's Extrapolation Jade Abacus

 

4.0 New Map

Version 4.0 is expected to introduce an entirely new world. This world is described as a major destination that will serve as a central setting for story progression, rather than just a side location. In the official compensation announcement, the new world for 4.0 was also mentioned, and we are certain that this new world is Planarcadia.

 

Duomension City

Dovebrook District

Graphia Academy

"World's End" Tavern

Astropolis

In the second half of the year, the Astral Express will travel to the headquarters of Interastral Peace Entertainment, which also serves as the corporation's resort destination—"Astropolis".

 

4.0 New Enemy

New Upgrade Materials

New Boss/Enemies

 

New Trailblaze Fashion

Vim and Vigor	A brand-new Trailblazer outfit, "Vim and Vigor." Featuring a festive red color scheme, the design emphasizes a refreshed and energetic look, highlighting the Trailblazer's renewed spirit and presence.
Sparkly Rabbit and Fire Shroom	The head accessory "Sparkly Rabbit and Fire Shroom." Originally popular in Sparkle's livestreams, this accessory gives the Trailblazer a multi-ear appearance when equipped, making it especially suitable as fan-support themed cosmetic content.
Raccoon Supplicant Mask	A newly added head accessory in the form of a cute raccoon mask. The design focuses on charm and visual appeal, offering a lighthearted cosmetic option.
Ah! Youth!	A specialty head accessory from "Two-Dimensional City," featuring a uniquely styled miniature Dust Spirit. This category also includes a humorous accessory themed around "thoughts loading," visually representing the Trailblazer appearing present while mentally disconnected.
Loading	A novelty head accessory with a "loading" visual effect. While the character remains on screen, the design conveys a paused or disconnected state, emphasizing comedic contrast.

 

Version Event lnfo

Cosmicon, Roll on!

The Mole Forces are closing in on Planarcadia! For the peace ofthe local gaming community,grab your dice and cards, and go face offagainstthose old friends!

Ding! Arcadia Fun-Time Clock-In Essentials

 

Calling all explorers! Furbobocom has puttogether "Planarcadia Essentials"" just for you.Let yoururban adventure begin!

Curreney War: Zero-Sum Game

This update raises the overall progression cap, unlocking higher promotion levels and new challenge stages with additional rewards.

Several new characters are added to Monetary War, including Dahlia, Yaoguang, and Sparkle, all available starting on the Version 4.0 update day. With their arrival, certain synergies are expanded, opening up more team-building and gameplay options.

A new Expert Advisor system is also introduced, bringing unique investment environments and strategies that add further variety to each match.

In addition, selected characters and synergies have been adjusted and strengthened, further improving overall balance and gameplay depth.

Planar Fissure & Realm ofthe Strange

 

Special Event Info

Choose 1 of 7 Limited 5-Star Characters

After the Version 4.0 update on 2026/02/13 - Before Version 4.2 ends

After Version 4.0 launches and before Version 4.2 ends, log in to thegame to claim your choice ofone of seven limited 5 star characters.Check officialchannels for details.

Claim Ruan Mei's Outfit for Free

Log in during Version 4.0 to claim Ruan Mei (Harmony: lce)'s limited-timeOutfit "Plumblossom Letter""!

After the event concludes, the Outfit "Plumblossom Letter" will becomeavailable for purchase in the Outfit Show Window for Oneiric Shard x1680.

Gift of Arcadia

A gift from Planarcadia awaits! As is thecustom here, a good laugh is the best way toshow your gratitude.

Log in duringVersion 4.0 to claim Star Rail Special Pass x10, LoneStardust x600, and Self-Modeling Resin x3!

A Flip of Fortune

After the event starts, one "Fortune Slip" will be unlocked each day, for atotal of 5. After revealing a "Fortune Slip," you will obtain Stellar Jadex320,up to a maximum of Stellar Jade x1,600.

Gift of Odyssey

After the Version 4.0 update -2026/03/24 03:59 (server time)

Check in for a total of 7 days during the event to claim Star Rail Special Pass x10!

Experience Optimization

Assignment System Optimization

Starting from Version 4.0, the Assignment system has been significantly optimized.

Players can now collect assignment rewards at any time and immediately redeploy, with no fixed completion timers required. In addition, all character restrictions have been removed, allowing any available character to be assigned freely.

These changes greatly reduce time-gating and roster management overhead, making assignments more flexible and efficient. Overall, the optimized system emphasizes on-demand collection and redeployment, improving daily resource acquisition and better accommodating flexible play schedules.

Added Preview for Unactivated Relic Stats

In addition, Version 4.0 introduces a Relic substat preview function.

All Relics will now display their unactivated substats in advance, allowing players to see the full substat pool before enhancement. This makes enhancement decisions more transparent and informed, eliminating the need to rely on early upgrade rolls to check substat outcomes.

With this feature, Relic strengthening becomes more predictable and efficient, helping players plan upgrades with greater accuracy and reduced resource waste.

Team Lineup System Optimization

In Version 4.0, the Team Formation system will receive further optimization.

The process of borrowing support characters from friends will be streamlined, improving accessibility and reducing unnecessary steps during team setup.

This adjustment enhances overall team-building efficiency and provides a smoother, more consistent preparation experience across different gameplay scenarios.

Phonograph now features white noise function

In Version 4.0, the phonograph inside the passenger car will be updated with additional white-noise tracks.

These ambient audio options allow players to relax aboard the Astral Express during downtime, providing a calm environment for rest and idle moments between gameplay sessions.

Returner Experience Optimization

For Trailblazers returning after a long absence, Version 4.0 introduces a series of updates designed to make the return journey smoother and more accessible.

The story of Planarcadia can now be accessed directly through "Finality's Vision," allowing returning players to experience the latest Version 4.0 content immediately without following the full original progression path.

Summary

Overall, Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.0 marks a clear shift in both gameplay direction and player experience. The introduction of the Path of Elation, led by Yao Guang and Sparxie, establishes a new combat identity focused on tempo, synergy, and spectacle. Alongside new areas, events, and cosmetic options, the update delivers substantial system optimizations that improve daily play efficiency, team management, and long-term progression.

Whether you are pushing new Elation-based team compositions, exploring Planarcadia and Astropolis, or returning to the Astral Express after a break, Version 4.0 provides a dense and forward-looking content package.