HoYoverse is preparing one of the biggest updates yet for Honkai: Star Rail as Version 4.4: “In Ravages Does the Whistle Sound” launches on July 15, 2026. The update advances the dramatic Planarcadia storyline, introduces the long-awaited Himeko • Nova, and sets the stage for the next chapter of the highly anticipated Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] collaboration featuring Rin Tohsaka and Gilgamesh.
Beyond its story expansion, Version 4.4 also delivers new events, free rewards, returning fan-favorite characters, fresh cosmetics, gameplay improvements, and one of the most generous collaboration campaigns the game has seen.
Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.4 Continues the Battle for Planarcadia
The events of Version 4.4 pick up immediately after the shocking conclusion of the previous chapter, where the Lord Ravager Asat Pramad revealed his true identity and shattered the fragile peace that had protected Planarcadia for fifteen years.
Following the confrontation, Himeko mysteriously disappears, leaving behind only a cryptic clue connected to the Astral Express. As the Trailblazer investigates her whereabouts, the truth behind Asat Pramad’s obsession with Himeko and the secrets buried fifteen years in the past slowly begin to unfold.
The journey ultimately leads players toward a decisive showdown that could determine the fate of Planarcadia itself.
Himeko • Nova Debuts as a Powerful New 5-Star Character
One of the biggest highlights of Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.4 is the arrival of Himeko • Nova, an all-new 5-star Fire character following the Path of Erudition.
Unlike her previous incarnation, Himeko • Nova enters combat by deploying a Territory while summoning her massive combat mech, Starblazer.
Her kit revolves around coordinated team attacks:
- Deploys Starblazer immediately at the start of battle
- Ultimate allows the entire team to pilot Starblazer for devastating attacks
- Allies gain a new Assist Skill while inside her Territory
- Astral Express members receive additional combat bonuses
- Her exploration Technique even allows players to pilot the mech while traversing the overworld and bombard enemies from above
Her Warp Banner will remain available throughout the entire Version 4.4 update.
Fate/stay night Collaboration Enters Its Second Phase on July 24
The blockbuster collaboration between Honkai: Star Rail and Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] continues on July 24 with an entirely new story chapter.
After the conclusion of the Fifth Holy Grail War, Rin Tohsaka unexpectedly finds herself transported to Planarcadia after exhausting her magical energy. In search of a way home, she attempts to use the Holy Grail displayed during the Star Rail FEST showcase.
Instead, the immense Wishpower within Planarcadia reactivates the Grail, scattering Gilgamesh’s legendary treasures across the world and triggering another Holy Grail War.
Working alongside Rin, the Trailblazer must recover the King’s treasures while uncovering the mysteries surrounding the Imagenae: Holy Grail War.
Rin Tohsaka and Gilgamesh Become Playable Characters
Version 4.4 expands the collaboration by introducing two iconic Fate heroes as permanent collaboration characters.
Rin Tohsaka
Rin joins as a 5-star Quantum character following the Path of Erudition.
Her combat style revolves around accumulating Gem Energy, allowing her to unleash multiple bonus attacks against enemies. Managing Skill Points with teammates further enhances her CRIT DMG while rapidly building Gem Energy for increasingly powerful follow-up attacks.
Gilgamesh
The legendary King of Heroes arrives as a 5-star Lightning character following the Path of Destruction.
Gilgamesh generates “Interest” whenever allies take actions, increasing the damage of his Ultimate while restoring Energy. Once enough Interest has been accumulated, he unlocks the fearsome Gate of Babylon, raining countless Noble Phantasms upon enemies before finishing them with the devastating Enuma Elish.
Free 5-Star Collaboration Characters and Exclusive Rewards
HoYoverse is also rewarding players generously during the collaboration.
From July 24 until the end of Version 4.5, players can log in and claim either Gilgamesh or Archer for free, along with a selection of upgrade materials.
Additional collaboration rewards include:
- One free limited 5-star collaboration character
- Upgrade materials for the selected character
- Long-term availability of collaboration characters and Light Cones
- Shared Warp guarantees across collaboration banners
- A free limited 5-star collaboration Light Cone after spending 200 Star Rail Special Passes during Version 4.4
Players can choose between:
- I Am As You Behold
- The Hell Where Ideals Burn
Returning Warp Banners in Version 4.4
Several popular characters will also return throughout the update.
First Half Banners
- Sparxie
- Dan Heng • Permansor Terrae
- Evernight
Second Half Banners
- Cerydra
- Anaxa
- Aventurine
Meanwhile, Sparxie also receives a brand-new outfit called Candy-Coated Waves.
New Events, Cosmetics, and Gameplay Updates
Version 4.4 isn’t just about story content.
Players can immediately claim a free 10-pull after the update goes live before diving into several new events.
Fate/Star Rail Night
The collaboration event follows the Trailblazer and Rin as they search for Gilgamesh’s treasures while uncovering the truth behind the renewed Holy Grail War.
Antigraft Brickbuster
Players assist Aventurine in exposing corruption within the IPC through a unique data-stacking investigation mini-game.
Currency Wars: Zero-Sum Game Expansion
The permanent gameplay mode receives significant new content alongside multiple quality-of-life improvements.
Additional rewards and collectibles include:
- Pentaflavor Emoti pet
- Fan-Made Lygus Trailblaze Fashion
- Various system optimizations
- Additional exploration content
Honkai: Star Rail Continues Its Global Success
Since its launch, Honkai: Star Rail has surpassed 150 million downloads worldwide across PC, PlayStation 5, iOS, Android, and the Epic Games Store.
The acclaimed turn-based RPG continues to collect major industry awards, including Apple’s iPhone Game of the Year, Google Play’s Best Game, The Game Awards’ Best Mobile Game, the Golden Joystick Still Playing Award (Mobile), and the PlayStation Partner Award.
With Version 4.4, HoYoverse is combining emotional storytelling, cinematic boss battles, major collaboration content, and generous player rewards into one of the game’s most content-rich updates to date.
For both longtime Trailblazers and newcomers drawn in by the Fate/stay night crossover, July promises to be one of the biggest months in Honkai: Star Rail’s history.
Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.4 Release Date
Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.4: “In Ravages Does the Whistle Sound” launches worldwide on July 15, 2026, while the second phase of the Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] collaboration begins on July 24, 2026.
