Honkai: Star Rail 4.2 Update, 3rd Anniversary unveiled

The new Version 4.2 of Honkai: Star Rail, titled "So Laughed the Masses," is scheduled for release on April 22, 2026, featuring two new limited 5-star characters, Evanescia and Silver Wolf LV.999.

Along with the major patch update, developer HoYoverse revealed the game's 3rd Anniversary events and massive rewards, including Stellar Jade giveaways, free character redemption, and 20 free pulls.

So, this is a high time for you to redeem Honkai Star Rail codes if you sought more Stellar Jades and Credits.

3rd Anniversary Events and Rewards

Honkai Star Rail has carefully planned a series of events and significant rewards for its third anniversary. The anniversary-exclusive "Festive Gifts" event will return in Version 4.2, giving players 20 pulls upon check-in. Another in-demand player tradition returns on April 26, 2026, where they can choose a blessing card from a companion and get 1,600 Stellar Jades. It's also worth noting that the "Stellar Convergence" Store will add the limited 5-star characters Robin and Huohuo. As usual, you can swap a freely claimed Golden Companion Spirit for your preferred companion in the store. The annual first-time top-up double bonus reset and new Gift of Stardust Store arrivals and Castorice's Outfit give even more things to discover.

As the 3rd anniversary approaches, leave a message in the online "Aha's Chosen: Spreading Elation Everywhere" event to win various grand prizes like the "Crown of Aha" Silver Wolf LV.999-themed car. Global cities, including Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Seoul, will gradually implement online and offline celebration activities like themed parades, street parties, and brand collaborations.

When the "Cosmic Data Roaming" event launches, gamers can establish a top-tier streamer career by sharing their sleekest fighting moments. Currency Wars will have a significant expansion with the version update, giving players new gaming possibilities. With the Version 2.0 update of "Cosmicon, Roll On Again!," the Cosmicon Collective brings new decks, dice, and a team challenge game mode. Also enjoy "Relic Recon" and "Express Renovation Escapade" events and features throughout the anniversary. The HoYoverse-MAPPA original animation project "Death in the Afternoon" aired its concept trailer at the end of the Special Program.

For more details about the HSR 3rd birthday, visit https://hoyo.link/GXrf0ZdtR.

Honkai Star Rail Version 4.2 Update Overview

When the Phantasmoon Games' ultimate reward—becoming the permanent Aeon of Elation—is disclosed in Version 4.2's Main Story, the stakes become much higher. Fulwish, the Research Society of Happy Smiles leader and a local media tycoon, called all Supplicants to an open debate at Fulwish TV headquarters in Seafeld City, a holiday town known for its pristine beauty and perfect climate. Many traps and tricks lie beneath the surface. Can the Trailblazer overcome Fulwish, an expert at manipulating public opinion, amass Wishpower, and solve the hidden crisis? Pearl and Silver Wolf, fellow Supplicants, have made a secret deal that could change the fight.

Silver Wolf LV.999 and Evanescia, two new 5-star characters, will assist Honkai Star Rail players in turning the tables.

Silver Wolf is back with a fresh look. No introduction is needed for this Stellaron Hunters veteran. She is the universe's most dedicated gamer. If you view the cosmos as a game of limitless level-ups, "Silver Wolf LV.999" is exactly what happens when she becomes a "Godmode Player." This Punklorde hacker is the first Phantasmoon Games' Emanator of the Elation to gain fame. Silver Wolf LV.999, a 5-star Imaginary character in the Path of Elation, can activate her Cartridge and "Godmode Player" state by racking up "Hidden MMR" in the fight. She unlocks a "Reward stage" at the beginning of her turn by drawing teammates and enemies into her gaming domain. In this "Reward stage," she can utilize her Cartridge to spawn items, changing combat dynamics and sharing strong buffs with teammates to reverse the tide. Silver Wolf uses a game-crashing laser cannon to deal enormous DMG to all adversaries during "Aha Instant." In addition, this Punklorde hacker will hack into the battlefield even if she is not actively in the squad to provide teammates with temporary immunity to enemy control. She protects the team in every combat with her own special method.

Another new character is Evanescia. This mysterious girl has been a spectator of Phantasmoon Games since its beginning. Evanescia, a "Special Observer," has participated in multiple Phantasmoon Games. Due to this, this multi-playthrough player has seen too many participants plotting against each other for Wishpower and too many people fighting for Aeonic power. Instead of waiting to see who would win the Phantasmoon Games, she watches her favorite "protagonist"—the Trailblazer. In the new plot, Evanescia's real identity will be revealed in pieces. Evanescia, a 5-star Physical character in the Path of Elation, can continuously collect "Certified Banger" in combat by regenerating Energy, charging teammates, or changing her teammates' "Certified Banger." Evanescia regenerates Energy when she earns "Certified Banger," maintaining her DMG rhythm. Her DMG will rise as "Certified Banger" accumulates. It also triggers "Master Fox," which deals DMG to all foes and regenerates Evanescia's Energy when it reaches a particular point total. All opponents can be attacked by her Elation Skill. The team's DMG will rise while performing stylishly.

Also joining the lineup in the HSR V4.2 patch update is the Trailblazer on the Path of Elation. As the Elation Trailblazer's new weapon, the glow stick has several uses. While utilizing their Skill, the Trailblazer's glow stick becomes a lightblade and delivers DMG to all enemies, earning "Certified Banger." In addition, the light stick can become nunchucks, launching a barrage of hits on nearby rivals and delivering multiple DMG. Beyond that, it can motivate teammates. Players can cheer for a teammate with their Ultimate. The chosen teammate gains "Certified Banger" while instantly activating their Elation Skill, making fighting more exciting.

In Honkai Star Rail Version 4.2 Warp (banner) events, limited 5-star characters The Dahlia, Castorice, and Firefly will be having a rerun in the first half. This will be followed by the second half with another rerun of the limited 5-star characters Tribbie, Sunday, and Feixiao. Meanwhile, characters Firefly, Seele, Huohuo, and Welt will also receive buffs to support gamers on their courageous journey.

Before HSR version 4.2 goes live, I would appreciate knowing what your impression is of the previous 4.0 Update, which added 5-star characters Sparxie and Yao Guang. – PinoyTechSaga