Version 4.4 launches on July 14, 2026 (NA servers) and July 15, 2026 (EU and Asia servers). This patch delivers one of the most stacked lineups in recent memory, featuring the debut of Himeko Nova, the continuation of the Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] collaboration, and several high-value reruns. With limited Stellar Jades, knowing the pull priority for each banner is essential.

Himeko Nova’s banner runs for the entire patch. Phase 1 reruns accompany her in the first half, while Phase 2 brings another trio of reruns later. The Fate collaboration banners arrive on July 24 and run longer than the patch itself. Gilgamesh stands out as a completely free 5-star obtainable through a login event or selection.

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Banner Schedule Overview

  • Himeko Nova Banner (entire patch): Himeko Nova (new) + rotating Phase 1 and Phase 2 reruns
  • Phase 1 Reruns (July 14/15 – August 5): Sparxie, Dan Heng • Permansor Terrae, Evernight
  • Phase 2 Reruns (August 5 – August 25): Anaxa, Cerydra, Aventurine
  • Fate Collaboration Banners (July 24 onward): Rin Tohsaka and Gilgamesh

Limited character pity carries over between all character banners. Light Cone pity is separate.

New Characters Pull Value

Himeko Nova (Fire Erudition)

This is the flagship limited 5-star of the patch. She brings fresh mechanics centered on Starblazer deployment and Assist Skills, delivering strong multi-target Fire damage while offering team synergy. She excels in Pure Fiction and Simulated Universe-style content and serves as a modernized Erudition carry.

Pull value: High if you need a strong Fire DPS or want to explore new Erudition playstyles. Skip only if your current Fire or Erudition roster is already optimized and you have no interest in the new mechanics.

Rin Tohsaka (Quantum Erudition – Fate Collab)

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A premium limited banner character focused on Gem Energy and Skill Point management. She converts resource management into burst Skill damage and pairs well with other collab units.

Pull value: Solid for players chasing Quantum Erudition damage or Fate fans. Consider her after securing Himeko Nova if your account needs Quantum coverage.

Gilgamesh (Lightning Destruction – Fate Collab)

Gilgamesh 1

Lightning Destruction DPS built around Blast attacks and Gate of Babylon mechanics. He offers flexible single-target and AoE pressure.

Pull value: Extremely high because he is free. Claim him immediately. His signature Light Cone can still be worth pulling if you want maximum power on his banner.

Rerun Characters Pull Value

  • Sparxie (Fire Elation): Top-tier performer across Memory of Chaos, Pure Fiction, and Apocalyptic Shadow. She generates and consumes Punchline stacks for high-frequency multi-hit Fire damage and serves as a dedicated Elation core. Pull value: Very high if you lack a strong Elation DPS or want one of the best generalist carries available.
  • Dan Heng • Permansor Terrae (Physical Preservation): Premium shield-based sustain with strong team protection and Bondmate utility. Pull value: High if you need a reliable Physical Preservation sustain or want to strengthen defensive options.
  • Evernight (Ice Remembrance): Excellent sub-DPS and memosprite support that boosts Remembrance teams. Pull value: High for Remembrance enthusiasts or players needing Ice damage options.
  • Anaxa (Wind Erudition): Strong AoE Wind DPS with weakness implant utility. Pull value: Good if you need Wind coverage or another Erudition unit.
  • Cerydra (Wind Harmony): Hypercarry-oriented support that boosts Skill damage and single-target buffs. Pull value: Decent if your account relies on Skill-focused DPS units.
  • Aventurine (Imaginary Preservation): Classic shield support with follow-up attack synergy. Pull value: Solid for general sustain needs.

Light Cone Recommendations

Signature Light Cones provide noticeable power spikes, especially for new or heavily invested characters:

  • Himeko Nova’s “A Star That Lights the Night” — Strong priority if you pull her.
  • Rin Tohsaka’s “Flickering Stars” and Gilgamesh’s “I Am As You Behold” — Worth considering on collab banners.
  • Rerun Light Cones — Pull only if you already own the character and want the full power spike.

General rule: Prioritize character banners first. Only chase Light Cones after securing the unit you want at E0.

Pull Priority Recommendations

F2P / Low Spenders

  1. Claim free Gilgamesh immediately.
  2. Pull Himeko Nova (main target for most accounts).
  3. Selective Phase 1 or Phase 2 reruns only if they fill clear roster gaps (Sparxie and Evernight are especially strong).
  4. Rin Tohsaka only with leftover pulls or strong personal interest.
  5. Save remaining Jades for future favorites.

Mid Spenders: Focus on Himeko Nova E0S1, then high-value reruns like Sparxie or Evernight, followed by collab units as desired.

Whales: Go for desired Eidolons and signature Light Cones across the board. The patch offers excellent value for vertical investment.

Final Thoughts

Honkai Star Rail 4.4 delivers strong new content through Himeko Nova and the Fate collaboration while providing multiple meta-relevant reruns. The free Gilgamesh alone makes this patch feel generous. Pull for characters that meaningfully improve your account rather than chasing every banner. With careful planning, you can walk away from 4.4 with powerful new additions without overextending your resources.

Happy pulling, Trailblazers!