Version 4.4 launches on July 15, 2026, bringing a fresh wave of limited banners in its first half (roughly July 15 to early August). The standout addition is the brand-new limited 5-star Himeko Nova (Fire Erudition), whose banner runs for the entire patch. Alongside her are several strong rerun options: Dan Heng Permansor Terrae (Physical Preservation), Evernight (Ice Remembrance), and Sparxie (Fire Elation).

Here is a clear breakdown of the first-half 5-star options and honest recommendations on who deserves your Stellar Jade.

Himeko Nova – The Patch Headliner

Himeko Nova is a Fire Erudition main DPS who summons a powerful mech and uses a unique Assist Skill system. Her kit focuses on building massive buffs that explode during her Ultimate for huge damage output. She shines especially in teams featuring Astral Express members like Dan Heng and March 7th, offering both strong personal damage and team support elements.

Strengths:

  • Excellent multi-target performance for Pure Fiction and Memory of Chaos.
  • Strong hypercarry potential with flexible support options, including many free-to-play units.
  • Cool mech aesthetics and deep story ties to Himeko’s past.
  • High future-proofing as a fresh limited DPS with room to grow alongside new companions.

Who should pull?
Most players should prioritize Himeko Nova. She is currently one of the strongest new DPS units available and offers immediate value even at E0. If you enjoy Fire teams, like her design, or want a fresh hypercarry that rewards Express crew investment, go for her. Her signature Light Cone further boosts her performance, but E0 alone is already very competitive.

Banner details: Runs the full version (until August 25). Rate-up 4-stars are Moze, Hanya, and Serval.

Dan Heng Permansor Terrae – Top-Tier Sustain Rerun

This Physical Preservation unit provides excellent team-wide shielding and brings offensive utility through dragon-based attacks. He functions as both a reliable sustain and a supportive presence that can enable aggressive playstyles.

Strengths:

  • Outstanding universal shielding and survivability.
  • Good synergy across many team archetypes.
  • Strong even without heavy investment.

Who should pull?
Pull if you lack a premium sustain or want his E1 for extra team buffs and SP recovery. Many players already received a free copy in an earlier patch, so this banner is mainly for constellations or latecomers. If your account struggles with survivability in endgame modes, he is a safe and valuable pickup.

Evernight – Ice Remembrance Rerun

Evernight brings unique Remembrance mechanics to Ice teams, focusing on summon or memory-based gameplay that can create strong niche synergies.

Who should pull?
Only if you are building a dedicated Ice Remembrance team or already love the character’s playstyle. She is a solid option for specialized rosters but lower priority for most players compared to the new DPS or a top sustain.

Sparxie – Fire Elation Rerun

Sparxie offers Fire Elation damage with follow-up or team synergy potential, fitting into specific Elation-focused compositions.

Who should pull?
Skip unless you are heavily invested in Elation teams or simply adore the character. She is a good rerun for collectors but does not stand out as a must-have in the current first-half lineup.

Final Pull Recommendations

  1. Top priority – Himeko Nova
    New limited DPS with strong performance, great synergies, and long-term value. Pull here first if you have the tickets.
  2. Strong secondary – Dan Heng Permansor Terrae
    Excellent if you need better sustain or missed the free copy earlier.
  3. Skip or low priority – Evernight and Sparxie
    Only pull if they complete a specific team you are passionate about.

General advice:

  • Check your current roster and endgame progress. A strong new DPS like Himeko Nova often gives the biggest immediate power spike.
  • Remember the Fate/stay night collab banners (Rin Tohsaka and Gilgamesh) arrive around July 24, so budget pulls accordingly if you are interested in those.
  • Himeko Nova’s banner lasts the whole patch, giving you plenty of time to decide after testing her in events.
  • Always consider your pity count and whether you want constellations or her signature Light Cone.

Version 4.4’s first half gives players meaningful choices between a powerful new carry and reliable reruns. Himeko Nova stands out as the character most players will want to add to their roster. Good luck on your pulls, Trailblazer!