В Honkai: StarRail December's update 3.8 will return the Star Express, having completed its journey across the Eternal Land, to familiar territory. Before heading off to its next destination, the crew will once again visit the entertainment planet to prepare for the next pioneering mission and meet up with old friends.
We've gathered all the available information from developers and insiders and broken down everything expected in the upcoming patch: Event Jumps, events, and various new features.
Some details described below are taken from insider sources and may be changed by the developers by the time of release.
Honkai: Star Rail 3.8 release date
Update 3.8 will be released in XSR 17 Dec 2025Pre-downloading will begin via the HoYoPlay launcher a day or two before the scheduled release date. Downloading all the necessary files in advance will reduce the download time on release day.
In connection with the current situation in the country the patch will last 8 weeks instead of the usual 6.
Codes from the developers stream
The broadcast, timed to coincide with the release of the patch, took place 5 Dec 2025 on the developers' official platforms on Twitch and YouTube. During the event, all the banner participants were introduced, game events were announced, and other new features were revealed, along with gift cards. promo codes 300 star jade:
- PS3QWS3ACGDK (Pumpkin) - ×100 Star Jades and ×50,000 Credits.
- RSJ9EB2TDGC7 (Pumpkin) - ×100 Star Jades and ×5 Traveler's Guides.
- MTKQEAJAUZWB (Pumpkin) — ×100 star jades and ×4 purified ether.
What heroes will be released in the patch?
The official announcement confirmed the release of only one legendary heroine - the "daughter" of the Duke of Infernal Fire, Dahlias 'Constantia'You will be able to get to know the demoness's mechanics better in Character Presentations, a test run, and a battle with a suitable team. After the demonstration battle, you'll also be able to claim a small reward—20 Star Jades.
Dahlia
Georgina (Non-existence: Fire) — a support hero designed for gank teams. According to insiders, she should be a more effective replacement scientist Ruan MeiThanks to its unique mechanics that allow it to deal super-piercing damage while the enemy's stamina bar is still full, it pairs well, first and foremost, with hunter Firefly. It can also show itself well in groups gathered around Ranger Boothill и Ninja Rappa.
What will be the banners
Due to the extended duration of the patch, there will be three phases of the Jump event, each of which will include two heroes.
The first phase
Term: from December 17, 2025 to January 7, 2026
Immediately after the launch of the new version, the following will be available within the standard 3 weeks:
- Georgina (Non-existence: Fire) — "Don't forget her flame".
- Firefly (Destruction: Fire) — "Where Dreams Return".
- Epic heroes Gallagher (Abundance: Fire), Luka (Nihility: Physical), March 7 (Preservation: Ice) and cones Good night and peaceful sleep, Memories of the Past, "Concert for two".
The second phase
Term: from January 7 to January 28, 2026
In the next 3 weeks, there will be reruns:
- Fugue (Nihility: Fire) — "Long Road Leads Home".
- Lingsha (Abundance: Fire) — "Scent Alone Stays True".
- 4⭐ characters Sampo (Nihility: Wind), Natasha (Abundance: Physical), Arlan (Destruction: Lightning) and cones Post-Op Conversation, "The Moles Welcome You", "Rest of geniuses".
The third phase
Term: from January 28 to February 12, 2026
In the remaining two weeks, repeat Jumps of the event will take place:
- Aglaea (Remembrance: Lightning) — Time Woven into Gold.
- Sunday (Harmony: Imaginary) — A Grounded Ascent.
- Epic Tingyun (Harmony: Lightning), Yukong (Harmony: Imaginary), Dan Heng (Hunt: Wind) и "Greetings from geniuses", Trend of the Universal Market, "Dance! Dance! Dance!.
Adding to the list of light cones
Signature of Constance "Don't forget her flame" — the only weapon that will be available in the December version. This card increases the wearer's penetration effect. Penetration damage is also increased for the wearer and the person who initiated the battle. If the battle wasn't initiated by the wearer of the cone, this bonus applies to Georgina herself and the ally with the highest HP. When a hero equipped with the cone inflicts vulnerability on an enemy, they restore 1 skill point. This effect can only occur once. The counter resets after each activation of the superpower.
Continuation of the history of Development
The story will take the Star Express back to Penakonia, where the story of Firefly and Glatiramer's Iron Cavalry unfolds. The story will be told from the perspective of Georgina, a representative of the Cremators. Thanks to the former servant of the Garden of Memories, it will be possible to return to the past and relive distant events and the moment of the Stellaron Hunters' arrival on the planet of celebration.
Expanding existing worlds
The main events of the storyline will take place in the Dreams of the Rotten Oak location, located far from the known areas of the entertainment planet.
Story boss
During the main story, you'll encounter the Harbinger of Death: Terror of the Swarm. This powerful enemy will not only deal devastating fire damage but also summon special Stingbugs onto the battlefield.
Version Events
Throughout the patch, there will be several in-game events that will allow you to earn Star Jades and other rewards.
Comet Gift
A traditional login event with 10 special Star Passes. Log in for a total of 7 days to claim your prizes.
Golden Olympiad
The main event of the update will take place on the territory of Amphoraeus. This will be a reset "Our au-u-utta" but with new mechanics and PvE duels.
Fragments of the glow
A combat event on the Eternal Land. Over the course of 5 days, levels will unlock, divided into Easy, Hard, and Nightmare difficulties. Complete all stages to earn prizes.
Other activities
In connection with the extension of the version, the developers decided to carry out a number of smaller events:
- Treasure hunt — Spend your Exploration energy in any way you can to collect useful resources and even star jades.
- Planar Rift\Realm of Strangeness\Garden of Multitude — All types of events with double rewards will take place in the update, allowing you to accumulate the necessary materials and relics.
- Unscheduled update Apocalyptic Shadow — An additional season of the mode with the usual rewards will be launched in the version.
As the release date approaches, more details about the upcoming 3.8 update for Honkai: Star Rail are being revealed.
