Honkai: Star Rail 4.4 Update Guide: Release Date, Upcoming Banners, and New Events

Everything you need to know about the current Honkai: Star Rail update and what’s coming next in versions 4.3 and 4.4, including banner schedules, events, and major gameplay additions.

When Is the Next Honkai: Star Rail Update?

The next major Honkai: Star Rail update is scheduled to launch on Wednesday, July 15, bringing players into Version 4.4.

This update will introduce Himeko Nova as a playable character and is also expected to continue the popular Fate/stay night collaboration, potentially adding Gilgamesh and Rin to the roster. The release date aligns with the Phase 2 banner schedule announced during Version 4.3, confirming that HoYoverse is returning to its standard Wednesday patch cycle.

When Is the Next Honkai: Star Rail Livestream?

If HoYoverse follows its usual schedule, the next Honkai: Star Rail livestream should air on Friday, July 3.

Livestream broadcasts typically arrive around 12 days before a new update and provide a detailed preview of upcoming banners, events, story content, and rewards. Version 4.4’s presentation is expected to showcase Himeko Nova and potentially reveal additional Fate collaboration characters.

Honkai: Star Rail 4.3 Banner Schedule

Phase 1 Banners (June 1 – June 24)

The first phase of Version 4.3 features the following five-star banners:

• Mortenax Blade
• Yao Guang

Players who successfully obtain Mortenax Blade from his banner also receive the exclusive Karmic Fire of the Distant Shore cosmetic. This fiery halo effect floats above the Trailblazer and occupies an entirely new cosmetic equipment slot.

Featured Four-Star Characters

• Sampo
• Luka
• Tingyun

Phase 2 Banners (June 24 – July 14)

The second half of Version 4.3 introduces:

• Cyrene
• Phainon

Featured Four-Star Characters

• March 7th
• Arlan
• Yukong

Players should also remember that the Archer and Saber collaboration banners remain available. Originally introduced during the Fate crossover event in July 2025, these banners continue to be accessible for anyone still looking to recruit the iconic heroes.

Honkai: Star Rail 4.3 Events

Alongside recurring double-drop events such as Planar Fissure and Realm of the Strange, Version 4.3 includes two limited-time activities packed with rewards.

Pixel Plane Rumble

This event brings a fast-paced arcade shooter experience to Honkai: Star Rail. Imagine a modern take on Star Fox with on-rails gameplay, customizable ships, and increasingly challenging enemy encounters.

As players progress, they can upgrade their spacecraft using various components to improve performance and tackle tougher battles.

Event Duration: June 1 – July 15

Rewards Include:

• New texting background
• Self-Modeling Resin
• Tracks of Destiny
• Stellar Jade

Wispae Amusement Park

This strategic management mini-game tasks players with designing efficient routes and placing attractions to maximize visitor satisfaction.

The objective is simple: create the most appealing environment possible while guiding Wispaes through your park. The happier they are during their journey, the higher your score.

It’s a compact but entertaining experience that feels somewhat like a simplified RollerCoaster Tycoon focused entirely on queue and route management.

Event Duration: June 24 – July 15

Rewards Include:

• Tracks of Destiny
• Stellar Jade

What’s New in Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.3?

Version 4.3 introduces a wide range of new content and quality-of-life improvements.

Story and Exploration

• New Trailblaze Mission set in Planarcadia
• New explorable area: Inkford Hermitage

Characters and Cosmetics

• Exclusive Karmic Fire of the Distant Shore cosmetic for players who obtain Mortenax Blade from his banner

Rewards and Progression

• Gift of Odyssey login event awarding 10 Star Rail Special Passes
• New permanent Daily Training mission
• New Quantum Path Ascension material
• New Trace materials for Erudition and Destruction characters

Endgame Updates

• Starward Mode added to:
  • Memory of Chaos
  • Pure Fiction
  • Apocalyptic Shadow

New Relic Sets

Two additional Relic sets are arriving:

• As Navigator Isee Sees It
• Devine Querying Master Smith

Quality-of-Life Improvements

• Fuel Vouchers and Deep Immersifiers can now be used to claim daily rewards more quickly
• New mobile widget support for players with Star Rail installed on their phones
• Cross-device synchronization for selected settings, including the Auto-Battle toggle

Looking Ahead to Version 4.4

With Himeko Nova preparing to make her debut and the Fate/stay night collaboration expected to continue, Version 4.4 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated updates of the current Planarcadia storyline.

Players can also expect new story developments, additional events, fresh banners, and potentially more endgame content updates when the full details are revealed during the upcoming livestream.