8-week HSR content drought over! V4.0 preview scheduled — free 5★ selector + new system incoming.

Version 4.0 Highlights at a Glance

Free 5★ Selector + New System + Lunar New Year Rewards

Based on official teasers and community information, Version 4.0 is shaping up to be packed with content. Both the reward value and overall scope are strong enough to ease the frustration built up during the long dry period.

Core Reward: Limited 5★ Selector (Extremely High Value)

The most anticipated reward in Version 4.0 is the Limited 5★ Character Selector. According to current information, the selectable pool includes Jingliu, Jing Yuan, Acheron, and four other highly popular limited characters. Trailblazers can choose one directly—no gacha involved.

This is a huge boost for new players looking to complete their roster, and an excellent opportunity for veteran players to strengthen or refine their existing team archetypes.

Priority suggestions:

• If you want to experience the new The Elation system, Sparkle is a top choice thanks to her post-buff performance as a true Skill Point–positive core DPS enabler.

• Players invested in DoT teams should prioritize Kafka, especially with Black Swan receiving buffs at the same time.

• Classic main DPS units like Jingliu and Jing Yuan can be selected based on account needs and preferences.

That said, choosing purely based on personal preference is always valid—liking a character is still the most important part of the game.

New Characters & System: The Elation Team Takes Shape

Version 4.0 will introduce two brand-new characters:

• First half banner: Yaoguang, a Xianzhou General following The Elation Path

• Second half banner: Sparxie, a special upgraded variant of Sparkle

With buffs to Sparkle and Black Swan, the The Elation team archetype finally becomes a complete and functional system. This new setup is expected to diversify combat strategies and challenge the dominance of existing meta teams.

Rerun expectations:

• First half: Likely Black Swan and Kafka

• Second half: Sparkle (original version)

Trailblazers are advised to plan their Stellar Jade spending early to avoid being caught off guard.

New Planet & Events: Biphasic Wonderland + Lunar New Year Content

Version 4.0 is scheduled to launch on February 13. Players will explore a brand-new planet, Biphasic Wonderland, experience a new main story arc, and participate in Lunar New Year–themed limited events centered around Yaoguang. Completing event challenges will grant generous rewards.

During the content drought, many players also hoped for broader improvements, such as controlling power creep, improving the long-term value of older characters, streamlining overly long story segments and puzzles, and optimizing high-difficulty gameplay. The announced character buffs, new system, and free 5★ selector strongly suggest that Version 4.0 is directly addressing these concerns.

Final Thoughts

After eight long weeks, the content drought will finally end with Version 4.0. A new planet, new characters, a free limited 5★ selector, and The Elation system are all on the way.

Be sure to tune in to the official preview livestream on February 6 and get ready to uncover everything Version 4.0 has in store for the Astral Express.

Follow Keygold for more Honkai: Star Rail updates and content!