HoYoverse is preparing Trailblazers for one of Honkai: Star Rail’s most ambitious updates yet. *Version 4.0, titled “No Aha at Full Moon,” officially launches on February 13, 2026, ushering players into the dazzling, absurd, and dangerously entertaining world of Planarcadia. With the debut of the Phantasmoon Games, a year-long narrative centered on The Elation, and powerful new characters joining the roster, this update marks a major turning point for the game’s ongoing saga.
A New Chapter Begins in Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.0
Version 4.0 introduces Planarcadia, a vibrant amusement-world ruled by spectacle, attention, and unrestrained chaos under the gaze of the Aeon Aha. Here, fame is currency, entertainment is survival, and even conflict exists purely for amusement. The update kicks off a Trailblazing journey themed around Elation, which will continue unfolding throughout 2026.
Beyond Planarcadia, players can also look forward to future explorations in Astropolis, the Interastral Peace Entertainment headquarters, as the Astral Express Crew expands its cosmic itinerary.
Planarcadia: A World Where Attention Is Power
Once known as a flat “World in Canvas,” Planarcadia was revitalized after falling under IPC management, evolving into a sprawling hub of spectacle and excess. Upon arrival, the Astral Express is welcomed by Madam Pearl, a member of the IPC’s elite Ten Stonehearts.
For longtime fans, Planarcadia holds deeper significance. It is Navigator Himeko’s homeland and the place where the Astral Express reignited its journey fifteen years ago. This return comes with an unexpected twist: the Express Crew has become celebrities, starring in a hit comic currently being serialized across the city.
Duomension City and the Vanishing Imagenae
At the heart of Planarcadia lies Duomension City, home to mysterious beings known as imagenae. These creatures coexist with the city’s residents, shaping everyday life—from the station master Meowton to massive mechanical entities like the Bullet Wyrm and the towering Thundercoil.
However, imagenae exist only as long as they remain remembered. Fueled by “Wishpower,” they fade away when forgotten, which explains why Duomension City never stops performing. Entertainment venues dominate every corner, and laughter is constant.
Hidden gateways throughout the city allow Trailblazers to access alternate Duomensions, leading to locations such as:
- Dovebrook, a radiant commercial district
- Graphia Academy, Himeko’s alma mater and a world-famous art school
- The Tavern of Elation, a rumored hideout of the Masked Fools
The Phantasmoon Games: Chaos for the Spotlight
The centerpiece of Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.0 is the Phantasmoon Games, a lawless competition designed by The Laughter itself. With no fixed rules, victory belongs to whoever attracts the most attention—by any means necessary.
Only eight masks exist as entry tickets, and as the Games approach, major factions converge on Planarcadia. The Astral Express, IPC, Masked Fools, Xianzhou Alliance, and even the Stellaron Hunters have entered the fray. Silver Wolf and Blade are already making moves, raising the stakes even higher.
The prize?
An audience with Aha—and the chance to become an Aeon for one minute.
New Elation Combat Mechanics in Version 4.0
Combat in Planarcadia embraces spectacle as much as strategy. Version 4.0 introduces Punchlines, a new resource earned when Elation characters fight or face special enemies.
As Punchlines accumulate, Aha may trigger an “Aha Instant,” temporarily taking control of the battlefield. During this phase:
- Elation characters unleash their abilities in sequence
- Effects scale with Punchline count
- Afterward, Elation units receive unique “Certified Banger” buffs
This system adds layers of unpredictability and rewards aggressive, high-energy playstyles.
New 5-Star Characters: Yao Guang and Sparxie
Yao Guang — Physical, Path of Elation
A long-awaited debut, General Yao Guang of the Xianzhou Alliance finally joins the roster. Known as “Madam Yao,” she is revered as a goddess of fortune and a master diviner.
Her kit revolves around Weal and Woe Lots, manipulating battle flow by:
- Increasing ally Elation and generating Punchlines
- Debuffing enemies during Aha Instants
- Triggering additional Aha Instants through her Ultimate
Yao Guang excels at sustaining momentum while empowering Elation-focused teams.
Sparxie — Fire, Path of Elation
A mysterious streamer sensation in Planarcadia, Sparxie bears an uncanny resemblance to Sparkle and debuts alongside her in the story.
In combat, Sparxie turns battles into livestreams:
- Skill Points are spent to send random Gifts
- Gifts generate Punchlines or restore resources
- Her Ultimate unleashes massive multi-hit damage
- Certified Banger effects add extra Elation damage
Sparxie thrives on risk, reward, and overwhelming spectacle.
Warp Banners, Enhancements, and Free Rewards
Version 4.0 features rotating Warp banners with Black Swan, Evernight, Hysilens, Sparkle, Cerydra, and Rappa across both halves of the update. Black Swan and Sparkle also receive enhancements, strengthening DOT and Elation teams respectively.
Players can also expect:
- 20 free Warp pulls
- Ruan Mei’s new outfit at no cost
- 1,600 Stellar Jades from the Yao Guang fortune event
- New Trailblaze outfits, headwear, and a free 5-star selector
New Events and Long-Term Gameplay Updates
Several fresh modes arrive in Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.0, including:
- Cosmicon Collective, featuring strategic card-based battles
- Furbobo Weekly, a management-focused magazine editor experience
- Expanded Currency Wars
- Updates to the Divergent Universe for deeper endgame challenges
Learn more details, please visit https://hsr.hoyoverse.com or follow @HonkaiStarRail on Twitter (X), Instagram, and Facebook.
