Honkai Star Rail 4.0: Release Date, New Characters, Planarcadia Map, Free Rewards, and Major Gameplay Changes

Honkai Star Rail 4.0 is one of the biggest updates ever released for HoYoverse’s award-winning turn-based RPG. Officially titled “No Aha at Full Moon,” this massive patch introduces a brand-new world called Planarcadia, new 5-star characters, powerful gameplay mechanics centered on the Path of Elation, free rewards including Warps and Stellar Jades, and major system optimizations.

Released globally on February 13, 2026, Honkai Star Rail 4.0 marks the beginning of a completely new story arc that will unfold over the coming year. This update significantly expands the game’s universe and introduces entirely new combat strategies, characters, events, and exploration systems.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Honkai Star Rail 4.0, including release time, new characters, map details, gameplay changes, free rewards, and why this update fundamentally reshapes the game.

Honkai Star Rail 4.0 Release Date and Maintenance Schedule

The Honkai Star Rail 4.0 release date was confirmed as February 13, 2026, across all platforms including PC, PS5, iOS, Android, and Epic Games Store.

Before the update launched, servers underwent maintenance lasting approximately five hours.

Global Release Time by Region

• PST (North America West): February 12, 7 PM

• EST (North America East): February 12, 10 PM

• GMT (United Kingdom): February 13, 3 AM

• CET (Europe): February 13, 4 AM

• JST (Japan): February 13, 12 PM

• AEDT (Australia): February 13, 2 PM

Once maintenance ended, players were able to download and access Honkai Star Rail 4.0 immediately.

New World Planarcadia: The Biggest Highlight of Honkai Star Rail 4.0

The most important addition in Honkai Star Rail 4.0 is Planarcadia, a brand-new planet and the central setting of the update’s storyline.

Planarcadia is known as the world of the Path of Elation and is famous for its entertainment-driven society.

Planarcadia Key Features

Planarcadia was originally described as a flat “World in Canvas,” but it has been revived into a fully developed metropolis under IPC management.

Key locations include:

• Duomension City (main urban hub)

• Dovebrook District (neon nightlife area)

• Graphia Academy (prestigious art school)

• Tavern of Elation (secret Masked Fools location)

This cyberpunk-inspired world features:

• Neon-lit streets

• Futuristic architecture

• Living creations called imagenae

• Reality-bending exploration zones

Planarcadia introduces one of the most visually complex environments in Honkai Star Rail.

New Gameplay Mechanic: Aha Instant and Punchline System

A core gameplay innovation in Honkai Star Rail 4.0 is the introduction of Punchlines and Aha Instant mechanics.

These mechanics are exclusive to Path of Elation characters.

Punchline Mechanic

Punchlines accumulate during combat when:

• Using Elation Path characters

• Fighting specific enemies

• Triggering certain abilities

Punchlines increase combat effectiveness.

Aha Instant Mechanic

When Punchlines reach a certain threshold:

• Aeon Aha appears

• Elation characters automatically activate powerful skills

• Massive damage bonuses apply

After activation, characters gain Certified Banger buffs, providing additional damage boosts.

This system adds entirely new strategic depth.

New 5-Star Characters in Honkai Star Rail 4.0

The update introduces two powerful new 5-star characters:

• Yao Guang

• Sparxie

Both follow the Path of Elation.

Yao Guang (Physical, Path of Elation)

Yao Guang is a support-focused character with powerful strategic abilities.

Key abilities include:

• Increases Punchline accumulation

• Boosts team damage output

• Restores Skill Points

• Triggers additional Aha Instant activations

She is ideal for supporting Elation-based teams.

Her Ultimate ability can significantly increase overall team performance.

Sparxie (Fire, Path of Elation)

Sparxie is a high-damage character focused on aggressive combat.

Key features include:

• Massive AoE damage output

• Punchline-based damage scaling

• Skill Point consumption mechanics

• Livestream-themed attack abilities

Sparxie is designed as a primary DPS character.

She synergizes strongly with Yao Guang.

Returning Characters and Buffs

Several popular characters received buffs in Honkai Star Rail 4.0.

These include:

• Black Swan

• Sparkle

Sparkle now provides enhanced support for Elation damage.

Black Swan received improvements to damage-over-time performance.

These buffs improve team composition flexibility.

Phantasmoon Games Event: Core Storyline of Honkai Star Rail 4.0

The main storyline revolves around the Phantasmoon Games.

This competition offers players the chance to become an Aeon for one minute.

Participants include major factions:

• Astral Express

• IPC

• Xianzhou Alliance

• Stellaron Hunters

• Masked Fools

The event drives the primary narrative of Honkai Star Rail 4.0.

Free Rewards and Login Bonuses

One of the most exciting aspects of Honkai Star Rail 4.0 is the massive amount of free rewards.

Players receive:

• 20 free Warps

• 1600 Stellar Jades

• Free 5-star character selector

• Free Ruan Mei outfit

• Free cosmetic items

These rewards significantly improve progression.

Livestream Codes and Free Stellar Jade

Players could redeem livestream codes for additional rewards.

Codes provided:

• 300 Stellar Jade

• Credits

• Upgrade materials

These rewards help players obtain new characters faster.

New Events in Honkai Star Rail 4.0

Several new events were introduced.

These include:

Cosmicon CollectiveCard battle event with strategic gameplay.

Furbobo WeeklyManagement simulation event.

Currency Wars ExpansionUpdated mechanics and character additions.

Divergent Universe UpdateExpanded challenge content.

These events provide additional Stellar Jade rewards.

Major Qualit

y-of-Life Improvements

Honkai Star Rail 4.0 includes major system improvements.

Assignment System Update

Players can now:

• Claim rewards anytime

• Redeploy characters instantly

This removes time restrictions.

Relic System Improvements

Players can preview relic sub-stats before upgrading.

This prevents resource waste.

Ascension Material Exchange System

Players can exchange materials at a 1:1 ratio.

This simplifies character upgrades.

New Exploration Mechanic: Duomension World

Planarcadia introduces Duomension exploration.

Players can:

• Enter alternate reality zones

• Walk on water

• Double jump

• Transform into special forms

This adds entirely new gameplay variety.

Honkai Star Rail 4.0 Banner Structure

Phase 1 characters include:

• Yao Guang

• Black Swan

• Evernight

• Hysilens

Phase 2 characters include:

• Sparxie

• Sparkle

• Cerydra

• Rappa

This banner structure allows players to target preferred characters.

Why Honkai Star Rail 4.0 Is One of the Most Important Updates Ever

Honkai Star Rail 4.0 represents a major turning point.

Key reasons include:

• New planet introduction

• New combat mechanics

• New Path of Elation system

• Major storyline expansion

• Massive free rewards

• Improved gameplay systems

This update establishes the foundation for future content.

Final Thoughts: Honkai Star Rail 4.0 Is a Massive Expansion

Honkai Star Rail 4.0 is one of the most ambitious updates in the game’s history.

The introduction of Planarcadia, new characters like Yao Guang and Sparxie, the Aha Instant combat system, and massive free rewards make this update essential for both new and veteran players.

With its expanded storyline, new combat depth, and improved systems, Honkai Star Rail 4.0 marks the beginning of a new era for Honkai Star Rail.

Players can expect continued updates, new characters, and expanded story arcs as the Planarcadia saga unfolds throughout 2026 and beyond.