This major update marks the game's third anniversary and focuses heavily on the Path of Elation. It introduces two powerful new 5-star characters, a new Trailblazer path, and a packed lineup of limited-time events packed with Stellar Jade rewards and free pulls. Whether you are pulling for fresh DPS options or farming anniversary goodies, here is everything you need to know about the banners and event schedule.

Banner Schedule and Featured Characters

Version 4.2 splits into two phases, each lasting about three weeks. Both phases include a new limited character banner, an Indelible Coterie rerun banner, a signature Light Cone banner, and a rerun Light Cone banner.

Phase 1: April 21/22, 2026 – May 13, 2026

  • Limited Character Banner (Godmode Player): Silver Wolf Lv.999 (5-star, Imaginary, Elation) headlines as the main attraction. She is a brand-new hypercarry DPS built around Elation mechanics. Featured 4-stars are Gallagher, Xueyi, and Hook.
  • Indelible Coterie Rerun Banner: Features The Dahlia, Castorice, and Firefly (all with boosted rates). Same 4-stars as the limited banner: Gallagher, Xueyi, and Hook.
  • Brilliant Fixation Light Cone Banner: Features the new 5-star signature "Welcome to the Cosmic City" (Silver Wolf Lv.999's Light Cone). Featured 4-star Light Cones: Poised to Bloom, Indelible Promise, and Eyes of the Prey.
  • Coalesced Truths Rerun Light Cone Banner: Features rerun 5-star Light Cones Never Forget Her Flame, Make Farewells More Beautiful, and Whereabouts Should Dreams Rest (with the same 4-star Light Cones as above).

Phase 2: May 13, 2026 – June 1, 2026

  • Limited Character Banner: Evanescia (5-star, Physical, Elation) takes the spotlight as another strong Elation DPS with unique summon-based gameplay. Featured 4-stars are Guinaifen, Lynx, and Sushang.
  • Indelible Coterie Rerun Banner: Features Tribbie, Sunday, and Feixiao. Same 4-stars: Guinaifen, Lynx, and Sushang.
  • Brilliant Fixation Light Cone Banner: Features the new 5-star signature "Until the Flowers Bloom Again" (Evanescia's Light Cone). Featured 4-star Light Cones: Swordplay, Memories of the Past, and Shared Feeling.
  • Coalesced Truths Rerun Light Cone Banner: Features rerun 5-star Light Cones If Time Were a Flower, A Grounded Ascent, and I Venture Forth to Hunt (with the same 4-star Light Cones as above).

Additional Banner Notes

A new 5-star Lightning Elation Trailblazer becomes available through the main story. The 4-star Light Cone "Tomorrow, Together" (Elation path) can be earned for free via an in-game event.

Full Event Schedule

Version 4.2 is loaded with anniversary celebrations that run alongside permanent additions and limited-time activities. Here is the complete list with dates and quick summaries:

  • Express Renovation Escapade (Permanent from April 22, 2026): Customize the Party Car with new decorations and Cat Cake pets, then invite friends to visit.
  • Cosmic Data Roaming (April 22 – June 1, 2026): Play as a streamer broadcasting the Astral Express journey and earn rewards, including the new 4-star Light Cone "Tomorrow, Together."
  • Cosmicon, Roll On Again! (April 29 – June 1, 2026): Return of the dice-based event with updated team-up boss battles for fresh rewards.
  • Relic Recon (April 22 – June 1, 2026): Complete missions to open chests full of targeted Relics and Planar Ornaments.
  • Festive Gifts (April 22 – June 1, 2026): Log in daily for 7 days and collect 20 Star Rail Special Passes.
  • Stellar Companion (April 22, 2026 – End of Version 4.4): Log in across versions to earn a Golden Companion Spirit and redeem a free 5-star character (Huohuo or Robin available in the shop).
  • Annual Trailblaze Report (April 26 – May 7, 2026): Check your personal 3rd Anniversary data review for 180 Stellar Jades.
  • Phantasmoon New Game (April 23 – May 6, 2026): Web event with missions that unlock up to 800 Stellar Jades.
  • Cherished Recollection (April 22 – June 1, 2026): Hit purchase milestones with Oneiric Shards for exclusive rewards.
  • Novaflare (April 22 – June 1, 2026): Test the newly buffed kits for Firefly, Huohuo, Seele, and Welt to earn Stellar Jades.
  • 300% Planar Fissure (May 4 – May 18, 2026): Triple Planar Ornaments in the Simulated Universe.
  • 300% Garden of Plenty (May 13 – May 25, 2026): Triple rewards in Golden and Crimson Calyxes.
  • 300% Realm of the Strange (May 22 – June 1, 2026): Triple Relics in Caverns of Corrosion.
  • To The Ones That Blaze Mail (April 26, 2026): Anniversary login reward of 1,600 Stellar Jades and 10 Fuel plus a companion selector.
  • Third Anniversary Celebration (Starts April 26, 2026): Massive login rewards, web events, in-game bonuses, and offline perks throughout the patch.

Final Tips for Trailblazers

Version 4.2 delivers one of the strongest anniversary patches yet, with dual new Elation DPS units, generous free pulls, and plenty of farmable resources. Save your Stellar Jades if you want both Silver Wolf Lv.999 and Evanescia, or focus on one phase based on your team needs. The free 5-star selector and login rewards make this an excellent time for new or returning players to catch up.

Mark your calendars, complete those daily missions, and get ready to laugh along with the masses in Honkai Star Rail 4.2. The Astral Express is heading into its most entertaining journey yet. Happy pulling and happy trailblazing!