HSR 2026 Anniversary Banners|Complete Guide to April-May Warp Characters

I. Version 4.1 Banner Overview (Current and Ending Soon)

Version 4.1 serves as a transition patch before the anniversary update. Running from March 25 to April 21, it uses a structure that combines a full-version limited banner with phase-based reruns, giving different types of players a chance to fill out missing roles or strengthen existing teams. This makes Version 4.1 less of a “must-pull immediately” patch and more of a resource-management patch before the bigger anniversary cycle begins. The currently known schedule places Ashveil across the full version, Hyacine in Phase 1 until April 8, and Boothill in Phase 2 from April 8 to April 21.

1) Version 4.1 Full-Version Banner: Ashveil

From the start of Version 4.1 until April 21, the limited 5-star character Ashveil appears as the version-long featured unit. Ashveil is a Lightning character on The Hunt path, making this banner especially relevant for players looking to add a direct single-target damage dealer to their roster. For newer accounts, Ashveil offers clearer main DPS value. For veteran players, the banner matters more as a collection choice, an Eidolon investment option, or a selective pull based on whether their current Hunt lineup still needs reinforcement. Ashveil’s signature Light Cone is officially listed as The Finale of a Lie.

2) Version 4.1 Phase 1: Hyacine Rerun (March 25 - April 8)

The Phase 1 rerun character in Version 4.1 is Hyacine, whose official path and element are listed in current English materials as Remembrance: Wind. Her signature Light Cone is Long May Rainbows Adorn the Sky. This phase is better suited for players who specifically need a Remembrance unit or want to strengthen a more specialized team core. However, if your highest priority is the 2026 anniversary patch, Hyacine is more of a targeted pull than a banner you should chase purely because it is currently available.

3) Version 4.1 Phase 2: Boothill Rerun (April 8 - April 21)

Version 4.1 Phase 2 shifts the rerun spotlight to Boothill, a Physical character on The Hunt path. Boothill remains a high-impact Hunt DPS with strong single-target burst and sustained pressure, making him a notable option for players who missed him previously and still want to strengthen their Physical lineup. His signature Light Cone, Sailing Towards a Second Life, also returns during this phase, offering additional value for players who want to maximize Hunt-focused builds or further develop Boothill specifically.

4) Featured 4-Star Characters: Asta, Moze, and Misha

The featured 4-star lineup remains the same across both Version 4.1 phases: Asta, Moze, and Misha. This trio gives the patch a decent amount of baseline value, especially for new or returning players who still need broader roster coverage. While these 4-star options are solid and flexible, they are still unlikely to override a more disciplined anniversary-saving strategy for players who are already focused on Version 4.2.

II. Version 4.2 Anniversary Banner Outlook (Late April to Early June)

Based on the current public release rhythm, the Version 4.2 Special Program is widely expected around April 10, 2026, with the patch update itself likely landing shortly after Version 4.1 ends. That places Version 4.2 firmly in the anniversary window and makes it the most important upcoming patch for resource planning. At this stage, not every Version 4.2 detail has been formally confirmed through official in-game announcements, so the most accurate way to frame it is that the anniversary banner direction appears increasingly clear, not that every final detail is already locked beyond change.

1) Version 4.2 Phase 1: Silver Wolf LV.999 May Be the Anniversary Centerpiece

From the currently circulating public information and broader community discussion, Silver Wolf LV.999 is widely seen as one of the headline units of Version 4.2. She is already being treated by many players as the likely face of the anniversary patch. The main discussion around her focuses on how quickly the new Elation-oriented playstyle can come together, how much impact she may have on the evolving meta, and whether she will become the highest-priority pull of the patch. For power-focused players, anniversary collectors, and anyone planning to prioritize the patch’s featured unit, Silver Wolf LV.999 currently looks like one of the clearest reasons to save resources.

2) Version 4.2 Phase 2: Evanescia Is Another Major 5-Star to Watch

Another highly discussed Version 4.2 unit is Evanescia. Based on the currently available public information, she appears to be deeply tied to the Elation archetype and may function as an important secondary damage dealer or dual-core enabler within that framework. Compared with Silver Wolf LV.999, who carries stronger “anniversary centerpiece” expectations, Evanescia looks more like the unit that raises the overall ceiling of the team and completes the broader structure of the archetype. For players already planning to build around Elation, Evanescia does not look like a minor side option. She looks more like a key piece that could determine how complete the final team actually feels.

3) Free Characters and Anniversary Rewards Could Be the Real X-Factor

Beyond the new characters themselves, Version 4.2 is also expected to draw major value from anniversary rewards. Community discussion has consistently pointed toward free character access, event giveaways, and additional upgrades for older characters as possible elements of the patch. If those expectations hold, they would directly affect how players evaluate banner value. Free rewards can lower team-building costs, reduce pressure to chase every unit immediately, and change whether pulling for a second 5-star feels necessary. In that sense, Version 4.2 may not just be about banner strength. It may be about total resource efficiency across the full anniversary package.

III. Pull Recommendations for Different Types of Players

1) Free-to-Play or Very Low-Spending Players (Under ~80 Pulls)

If your resources are limited, the safest approach is to skip Version 4.1 entirely and save for Version 4.2. In that case, Silver Wolf LV.999 should be the first priority, especially if the patch also includes a free Elation Trailblazer option that helps form a functional core team at lower cost. If your savings end up being stronger than expected, then Evanescia becomes the natural next target for players who want to complete a double-Elation setup.

2) Monthly Pass or Light-Spending Players (~80-160 Pulls)

For players in the mid-budget range, Version 4.1 should only be used to patch a very specific roster weakness. If you are still missing a strong Hunt DPS, pulling Boothill can be justified. Otherwise, skipping 4.1 remains the more efficient choice. Once Version 4.2 arrives, Silver Wolf LV.999 should generally remain the first pull priority, with Evanescia becoming a second-step option depending on how many pulls remain and how strongly you want to commit to the anniversary archetype.

3) Meta-Focused or Collection-Focused Players (160+ Pulls)

If your budget is more flexible, Version 4.1 can be used to fill out reruns, improve your Hunt roster, or complete your collection. Even so, the real target remains Version 4.2. For this type of player, the ideal anniversary plan is likely to secure both Silver Wolf LV.999 and Evanescia, while also taking advantage of any free anniversary character or bonus event rewards that arrive alongside them. That approach offers the best chance to maximize both banner value and patch-wide progression.

Additional Notes

The Version 4.2 official livestream is currently expected around April 10, 2026, and it should be the key moment when banner rates, 4-star featured units, and anniversary reward details become clearer. At the same time, the banner information discussed here is still based on officially released Version 4.1 details plus currently circulating public information for Version 4.2, so final in-game implementation should still be treated as the ultimate source of truth. There is also ongoing discussion that Version 4.2 may introduce another round of upgrades for older characters, which could slightly affect team-building priorities depending on the state of your current roster.

Which of these characters would you pull? Feel free to join the discussion 🙋✨

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