В Honkai: StarRail February's 4.0 update will unlock the next waypoint for the Pathfinders, allowing the Star Express to reach a previously unseen planet. This next journey won't involve confronting a disaster. Stellaron, but rather participation in a game orchestrated by Aha himself, the Aeon of Joy. Visiting this colorful and unusual "cartoon" world will introduce a multitude of new mechanics, areas, and characters.
Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 release date
Update 4.0 will be released in XSR 13 February 2026 yearThe usual schedule has changed slightly, as the previous patch, 3.8, was extended by two weeks. A couple of days before this date, the HoYoPlay launcher will launch a pre-load, allowing you to download all the necessary files in advance and reduce the wait time for the release.
Codes from the developers stream
On the official broadcast introduced a new planet and its heroes, and also revealed the participants of the event banners and future events. The developers also shared three gift cards promo codes, which in total brought in 300 star jade:
- AHAHAHAHAHAHA (Pumpkin) - ×100 Star Jades and ×50,000 Credits.
- QWQXDDLOLOMO (Pumpkin) - ×100 Star Jades and ×5 Traveler's Guide.
- HITLIKETOBEAHA (Pumpkin) — ×100 star jades and ×4 purified ether.
An additional 120 units of currency can be claimed for participating in the pre-registration event. Two-Dimensional: The Decisive Battle for Supreme Joy.
What heroes will be released in the patch?
The update will feature a new version of Sparkle the Clumsy and General Yuque Yao Guang. A new Pathfinder Path and epic characters have not been announced.
Yao Guang
Yao Guang (Joy: Physical) — "Insightful Strategist" Yuque Xianzhou and the Alliance's chief Farseer, working directly with Marshal Hua. The Farseer will be the first support for the Path of Joy.
Iskra
Spark (Joy: Fire) — an alternate version of Sparkle the Slowpoke and a popular streamer residing in Two-Dimensional Space. He promises to become a leading damage dealer, playing to burn through skill points quickly.
What will be the banners
The official stream announced the exact lineup for both halves, including Legendary and Epic representatives. General Yao Guang's event jump and her signature cone, "When She Dared to See," will last for the entire patch. from February 13 to March 24, 2026Both phases will also feature the following 4⭐ heroes and weapon cards:
- Pela (Nihility: Ice), Hanya (Harmony: Physical) и Qingque (Erudition: Quantum).
- Date with the Stars (Harmony), Determination Shines Like Pearls of Sweat (Non-Existence) and The Next Page of History (Memory).
The first phase ((February 13 – March 3)
The reruns will last a little less than the usual three weeks:
- Evernight (Remembrance: Ice) — "Starlight in the darkness."
- Hysilens (Nihility: Physical) — "Why does the ocean sing".
- Black Swan (Nihility: Wind) — Reforged Remembrance.
The second phase (March 3–24)
The following Event Jumps will take place over the remaining three weeks:
- Spark (Joy: Fire) - "Enchanted by the kingdom of lights."
- Cerydra (Harmony: Wind) — "The Age of Golden Blood."
- Rappa (Erudition: Imaginary) — "Ninjutsu Inscription: Dazzling Evilbreaker".
- Sparkle (Harmony: Quantum) — "Worldly pranks."
Free Chinese New Year lego
To celebrate the Chinese New Year, all players will be able to obtain a limited-edition 5-degree hero for free. From the launch of version 4.0 until the end of patch 4.2, a special event will be running during which players can choose one legendary character from the character selector:
- Ranger Acheron,
- Stone Heart Aventurine,
- Sparkle,
- Swordswoman Jingliu,
- Dragon Dan Heng: Moon Eater,
- huntress kafka,
- General Jing Yuan.
Expanding the list of light cones
In addition to the legendary heroines' signature cards, other cards are expected to appear in connection with the release of The Path of Joy:
- 4⭐ Mushroom Adventures (Joy) - will be available for purchase in the Priceless Values store.
- 4⭐ Auspicious Day (Joy) is a new reward from the Star Sea Jewels for purchasing the Nameless Glory BP.
- 3⭐ Taunt and Uncontrollable Tears (Joy) - a possible reward for jumping on any banner.
Cave relics for the representatives of Joy
Two sets of artifacts can be obtained in the Cave of Corrosion, located in the Two-Dimensional territory:
- The Brilliant Sorceress. 2 pieces: Increases critical damage by 16%. 4 pieces: Joy damage dealt by the wearer and their Memory Spirit ignores 10% of the target's defense, plus an additional 1% for every 5 Punchline levels accumulated by the team, stacking up to 10 times.
- The Unattainable Prophetess. 2 parts: Increases speed by 6%. 4 parts: If the wearer's speed is 120/160 before the start of battle, their critical chance increases by 10/18% accordingly. When the wearer activates the Joy skill for the first time in battle, all allies receive a 10% bonus to Joy damage.
New Planet - Two-Dimensional
Two-Dimensional is an unusual world where the Star Express crew once crashed. The settlement is somewhat similar to Penaconia With its cartoonish feel and vibrant content, the planet's release, as always, will bring a number of unique mechanics, enemies, and puzzles.
Locations
At least five game areas will be available for exploration upon world release. These include:
- Flat City, the most prosperous settlement and the center of all Two-Dimensions.
- Academy of Grafia, an art school whose graduates include Himeko navigator and mangaka Nigilux.
- Pigeon Creek area, the criminal outskirts of the city of Ploskoye.
- Fountain Courtyard, the core of the matrix of the Phantasma Games, hidden deep in the bowels of the planet.
- Tavern "Edge of the World", headquarters Klutz in masks, located on the border of the colorful world.
Riddles and puzzles
The challenges you'll encounter while exploring new areas are primarily platformer minigames. Control a Pom-Pom-like character to complete levels and collect coins to unlock more valuable rewards.
Another unique activity will be the "Wool Weekly," a local newspaper publication suffering losses. Take on the role of editor-in-chief and help the woolies find newsworthy stories, prepare materials, and publish articles. This is a local system of leveling up and donations, similar to statue of Chasik on Penakonia and Cup of tides on Amphoraeus.
Bosses and Enemies
The following hostile creatures will be encountered while exploring locations and progressing through the main storyline:
- @ShowIskraOfficial — the first boss you'll encounter as you progress through the Fantana Games. A popular streamer will take on a unique appearance and launch a captivating broadcast for her subscribers.
- Rock 'n' Roll Hooligan and Canvas Peac**k are powerful opponents, distinguished by their impressive size and unique sets of combat skills.
- The Woolly Journalist, Automatic Magic Wand, Aggressive Reading Item, Law Enforcement Dog, and Writing Assistant are common units found in both Danger Zones and Modes.
Release of unique costumes
Scholar Ruan Mei will be the next heroine to receive the special "Plum Blossom Letter" outfit. This outfit will only be available for free during version 4.0. Also expected to be released in the Stardust Gift store is the unique "Fighting Fervor" skin for the Pathfinder and the "Sparkling Rabbits and Fire Mushrooms" accessory.
The "Supplicant Raccoon Mask" is awarded as a reward for participating in the "Wool Telecom" mode. "Ah! Youth!" is one of the prizes in the "Dice Are Rolled! Gang" event. The unique "Loading" effect will be available as part of a paid pack.
Version Events
In addition to the traditional login events, several more will be held—all in Two-Dimensional space and dedicated to teaching new mechanics and the planet's mysteries.
Login events
Three events will become available with the release of this version:
- Traditional Comet Gift Allows you to collect 10 Special Star Passes for logging in within 7 days.
- A Gift of Utopia - a prize in honor of the release of a new planet, which will bring another 10 Special Star Passes, 3 units self-modeling resin and 600 lone star dust.
- General Yao Guang will hold a festive distribution May good luck be with youBy checking in for 5 days, you can collect 1600 Star Jade and also win 100 Special Star Passes with a 0.01% chance.
The dice are rolled! Gang
A unique card game in which the Pathfinder will participate alongside Detective Ashvale and an unknown celebrity from Xianzhou. Collect cards featuring familiar characters and challenge representatives of Two-Dimensional combat alliances to defeat the dangerous Mogur gang and prevent a crisis.
Beep! Mandatory entertainment in utopia
Sherstyaka Telecom has prepared a special entertainment for the arriving Nameless, allowing you to learn more about the traditional entertainment of Two-Dimensions. Find slot machines and complete various platforming challenges to master their core mechanics.
Planar Rift and the Realm of Strangeness
Two events with double rewards for farming Planar Jewelry and Cave Relics will take place simultaneously in the February patch.
Currency Wars and Divergent Universe Updates
New levels, rules and characters will be added Currency wars, Divergent Universe will be updated for the last time before the conclusion of the Hero with a Thousand Faces season and the start of the new theme. More details regarding Update 4.0 will be revealed later as its release in Honkai: Star Rail approaches.
