HoYoverse has confirmed that Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.0, titled “No Aha at Full Moon,” will go live on February 13. The update introduces a new world, Planarcadia, alongside new gameplay systems, events, and characters. This version begins a year-long story arc called The Elation, which will extend the main narrative beyond Planarcadia to include other key locations, such as Astropolis, the IPC’s central stronghold.
Exploring Planarcadia and Duomension City
Planarcadia is presented as a vibrant and entertainment-focused world. Previously a flat 2D Canvas world, it has been transformed under IPC management into a fully realized territory. The city of Duomension serves as the first destination for the Astral Express. The metropolis features a sleek, modern design with bustling streets, neon-lit waterways, and dynamic public spaces. Notable locations include the World’s End tavern, a central social hub for the Masked Fools, whose exact location is intentionally elusive.
Planarcadia also introduces imagenae, creatures born from painting and imagination that live alongside humans. These include mechanical workers, animal-like staff, and signal-boosting creatures, all integrated into city life. The update adds a new exploration feature called Interplanar Jump, allowing players to access alternate dimensions within the city. In these areas, the physics and art style of the environment change, letting players perform actions like double-jumping or walking on water, while also transforming into different forms of Trailblazemon.
Phantasmoon Games and The Elation Path
Central to Version 4.0 is the Phantasmoon Games, a competition said to be established by the Aeon Aha. Participation is limited to eight contestants, and winners gain temporary authority tied to the Path of Elation. The games have no fixed rules, meaning success relies on both strategy and creativity. Various factions, including the Xianzhou Alliance, Masked Fools, Stellaron Hunters, and IPC representatives, all converge on Planarcadia for the event. This setup introduces both narrative tension and gameplay opportunities, emphasizing strategic choices and character interaction.
In combat, Elation Path mechanics now allow players to accumulate Punchlines during battles. When a threshold is reached, Aha Instants are triggered, enabling Elation characters to automatically unleash powerful abilities. These events are followed by Certified Banger buffs, which further enhance damage output and team effectiveness. This system integrates performance-based gameplay into traditional turn-based combat, offering both strategic depth and thematic cohesion with the story.
Introducing Yao Guang and Sparxie
Version 4.0 adds two new 5-star characters: Yao Guang and Sparxie, both aligned with the Path of Elation. Yao Guang is a strategist from the Xianzhou Alliance and serves as a support character who manipulates battle outcomes with Weal and Woe Lots, providing both team benefits and enemy debuffs. Her abilities also interact with the Punchline system, enhancing Elation-based combat.
Sparxie, a popular streamer in Planarcadia, engages enemies through a livestream-inspired combat mechanic. Players consume Skill Points to send Gifts, generating Punchlines and Skill Points for the team. During Aha Instants, Sparxie unleashes a chaotic lucky draw that deals damage across all enemies, with her Certified Banger buffs adding extra Elation damage during Gift settlements. Both characters introduce new strategic options and complement existing combat systems.
Limited-time Warp banners will feature characters such as Black Swan, Evernight, and Hysilens in the first half of the version, with Sparkle, Cerydra, and Rappa appearing later. Buffs for Black Swan and Sparkle improve their effectiveness, ensuring they remain viable allies for players navigating Planarcadia.
Events and Gameplay Enhancements
Version 4.0 expands beyond story content to include several new events. Players can participate in Cosmicon Collective, a card-based combat event, and Furbobo Weekly, which allows players to experience the life of a magazine editor-in-chief. The Currency Wars system has been expanded, adding new characters and mechanics, while the Divergent Universe also receives updates to enhance gameplay variety.
Daily gameplay systems have been optimized, allowing players to complete assignments without fixed times or character restrictions. Relic and Team Lineup systems have been improved for convenience, offering smoother management and progression. Upon logging in after the update, players receive 20 Warps, a free Ruan Mei outfit, a 5-star character selection, and 1,600 Stellar Jades from Yao Guang’s Weal Sign event. New Trailblaze Attire, including outfits and headwear, is also available.
Honkai: Star Rail’s Expanding Universe
With Version 4.0, Honkai: Star Rail continues to develop its narrative and gameplay depth. Planarcadia emphasizes social and competitive elements, while integrating combat mechanics that align with the Path of Elation. The update also reflects broader trends in gaming communities, including web3-style engagement where player interactions and in-game economy systems are central to progression. The combination of exploration, story, and strategic combat ensures that the new version expands both the scope and mechanics of the game.
Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.0 “No Aha at Full Moon” is set to release on February 13 across all supported platforms.
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.0 release?
Version 4.0, titled “No Aha at Full Moon,” is scheduled for release on February 13.
What new world is introduced in this update?
The update adds Planarcadia, a city focused on entertainment and social competition. Players will explore Duomension City and the surrounding areas.
Who are the new playable characters?
The version introduces two new 5-star characters: Yao Guang, a strategist from the Xianzhou Alliance, and Sparxie, a streamer character with unique combat mechanics.
What are the Phantasmoon Games?
The Phantasmoon Games are a competition in Planarcadia where victory depends on skill and strategy. Winners gain temporary authority and recognition from the Aeon Aha.
Are there new events in Version 4.0?
Yes, events include Cosmicon Collective, Furbobo Weekly, expanded Currency Wars, and updates to the Divergent Universe, offering new gameplay and rewards.
What system improvements are included?
Daily assignments, Relic management, and Team Lineup systems have been optimized for convenience. Players can complete assignments at any time and manage teams more efficiently.
Does Version 4.0 include login rewards?
Yes, logging in after the update grants 20 Warps, a free Ruan Mei outfit, a 5-star character selection, 1,600 Stellar Jades, and new Trailblaze Attire.
Will older characters receive updates?
Yes, Black Swan and Sparkle are receiving buffs to improve their combat effectiveness and synergy with new gameplay systems.
