Honkai: Star Rail 4.4 Release Date & Banners: Himeko Nova Debut!

The Honkai: Star Rail 4.4 Livestream has officially revealed one of the biggest updates of the year. Version 4.4, titled “In Ravages Does the Whistle Sound,” continues the Planarcadia storyline, brings Himeko back in a powerful new form, and opens the next major phase of the Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] collaboration.

From Himeko • Nova and the Fate collab characters Rin Tohsaka and Gilgamesh, to new banners, free rewards, livestream redeem codes, events, cosmetics, and system updates, there is a lot for Trailblazers to prepare for.

Here is everything you need to know from the HSR 4.4 Special Program.

🔥 Bonus Tip: For exclusive discounts on your next HSR Top-Up, visit LootBar!

HSR 4.4 Release Date

Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.4 is scheduled to launch on July 15, 2026. Depending on your region and server time, some players may see the update arrive slightly earlier or later.

Version 4.4 continues the crisis in Planarcadia, where the Trailblazer must face the Lord Ravager Asat Pramad. After Himeko disappears during her confrontation with Asat Pramad, the Trailblazer follows the clues she left behind and uncovers more of the truth behind Planarcadia’s past.

This update is not only a major story patch but also a huge banner update, especially for players saving Stellar Jade for Himeko Nova, Rin Tohsaka, or Gilgamesh.

HSR 4.4 Banners

Version 4.4 brings a packed banner schedule with one new main Honkai: Star Rail character and two new Fate collaboration characters.

Himeko Nova Banner

The new 5-star character Himeko • Nova will be available throughout the entire Version 4.4 update.

Himeko • Nova is a 5-star Fire character who follows the Path of Erudition. Her banner is one of the main highlights of the patch, especially because this is a new version of one of Honkai: Star Rail’s most iconic Astral Express characters.

Phase 1 Banners

During the first half of Version 4.4, the characters are:

Phase 2 Banners

During the second half of Version 4.4, the characters are:

Himeko Nova’s banner will still be active during Phase 2, which gives players more time to decide whether they want to pull for her or save for the collaboration units.

New Fate Collaboration Banners

The second phase of the Honkai: Star Rail x Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] collaboration begins on July 24, 2026.

This phase introduces two new playable collaboration characters:

Just like the previous Fate collaboration banners, the Fate characters and Light Cones are expected to remain available for a long-term period. The collaboration banners also share guarantee counts, making it easier for players to plan their pulls across multiple Fate units.

Even better, players will be able to claim either Gilgamesh or Archer for free by logging into the game before the end of Version 4.6. This is one of the biggest free character rewards in Honkai: Star Rail so far and makes Version 4.4 extremely important for both new and returning players.

HSR 4.4 New Characters

New Character: Himeko Nova

Himeko • Nova is the biggest Honkai: Star Rail character reveal in Version 4.4. She is a 5-star Fire Erudition character who brings a completely new battle style built around her mech, Starblazer.

At the start of battle, Himeko Nova deploys a Territory and summons Starblazer to assist the team. When her Ultimate is used, she leads her allies to pilot Starblazer and launch a powerful attack against enemies.

Her kit also gives teammates an Assist Skill, allowing them to summon Starblazer during combat. This makes Himeko Nova more than just a traditional AoE damage dealer. She acts as a team-enabling DPS who turns the whole party into part of her damage cycle.

Himeko Nova also has special synergy with Astral Express Crew members. If a teammate is part of the Express Crew, they can gain additional effects, making her especially interesting for players who enjoy lore-based team building and coordinated rotations.

Outside of combat, Himeko Nova can also use her Technique to pilot her mech and attack enemies from above, giving her one of the most stylish overworld abilities in the game.

New Character: Rin Tohsaka

Rin Tohsaka joins Honkai: Star Rail as a new 5-star Quantum Erudition collaboration character.

Her kit centers around Gem Energy, which she gains during combat. By consuming Gem Energy, Rin can deal multiple extra instances of damage to random enemies. The more Gem Energy she consumes, the more additional damage instances she can trigger.

Rin also benefits from team Skill Point activity. When allies consume or recover Skill Points, Rin can gain more Gem Energy while also helping increase CRIT DMG. This gives her a flexible, team-oriented Erudition playstyle that rewards smart rotation planning and Skill Point management.

For players who enjoy fast, resource-based DPS characters, Rin looks like one of the most exciting collaboration units in Version 4.4.

New Character: Gilgamesh

Gilgamesh is another major Fate collaboration character arriving in Version 4.4. He is a 5-star Lightning Destruction character built around stacking power through ally actions.

When allies take action, Gilgamesh accumulates Interest, regenerates Energy, and increases the damage of his Ultimate. Once enough Interest is built up, he unlocks his Skill and unleashes Gate of Babylon, firing weapons from his treasury to deal multiple hits against enemies.

His Ultimate summons Enuma Elish, dealing massive AoE damage. This makes Gilgamesh a powerful Destruction unit with strong burst potential and excellent synergy with teams that take frequent actions.

Since players can claim either Gilgamesh or Archer for free during the collaboration period, Gilgamesh will likely be one of the most discussed characters of Version 4.4.

HSR 4.4 New Light Cones

A Star That Lights the Night (5★)

The wearer ignores 32% of the target's DEF when dealing DMG. When the wearer uses an Assist Skill, they regenerate 6 Energy and gain "Sail," lasting for 2 turns and stacking up to 3 time(s). Each stack of "Sail" increases Assist Skill DMG by 20%. When "Sail" reaches 3 stacks, each stack of "Sail" increases Ultimate DMG by 20%.

Flickering Stars (5★)

Increases the wearer's CRIT Rate by 18%. When any ally character consumes a total of 4 or more Skill Points in a single turn, the wearer gains "Radiant Crown," lasting for 3 turn(s). While the wearer has "Radiant Crown," all allies' DMG ignores 20% of the target's DEF, and Skill DMG dealt by the wearer increases by 72%. Effects of the same type cannot stack.

I Am As You Behold (5★) 

Increases the wearer's ATK by 18% and Energy Regeneration Rate by 10%. When the wearer uses their Ultimate, increases the Ultimate DMG dealt this time by 0.2% for every 1 Energy consumed, up to 72%. When the wearer enters combat or uses their Ultimate, the wearer gains "King's Entertainment," lasting for 3 turn(s). While the wearer has "King's Entertainment," increases all allies' CRIT DMG by 24%. Effects of the same type cannot stack.

HSR 4.4 New Map

Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.4 also introduces new areas in Planarcadia, giving Trailblazers more locations to explore as the story reaches its next major turning point. These new maps expand the darker side of Planarcadia and serve as the main backdrop for the battle against Asat Pramad.

For players who enjoy exploration, treasure hunting, hidden objectives, and map completion, the HSR 4.4 new map update is another important part of the patch.

Desolate Maw’s Demonhold

Desolate Maw’s Demonhold is one of the new Planarcadia areas coming in Version 4.4. Unlike the bright city districts seen earlier in the Planarcadia storyline, this location appears to focus on a much more dangerous and ruined atmosphere.

As the name suggests, Desolate Maw’s Demonhold is likely tied closely to the growing destruction caused by Asat Pramad. Trailblazers can expect a darker environment filled with enemy encounters, story-related exploration, and hidden rewards. This map should play an important role in the climax of the Planarcadia crisis.

Fallen Star’s Cradle

Fallen Star’s Cradle is another new area arriving in the HSR 4.4 update. This location sounds especially important for the main story, as Version 4.4 focuses heavily on Himeko Nova, the Astral Express, and the truth behind Planarcadia’s past.

With its dramatic name and connection to the Version 4.4 storyline, Fallen Star’s Cradle may become one of the most memorable locations in the update. Players should make sure to fully explore the area for treasure chests, mission objectives, collectibles, and possible lore details connected to Himeko and the Starblazer.

Free Gilgamesh or Archer Reward

One of the biggest announcements from the HSR 4.4 livestream is the free limited 5-star collaboration character reward.

From the start of the Fate collaboration on July 24 until before Version 4.6 ends, players can log in and choose one free limited 5-star collaboration character:

• Gilgamesh
• Archer

Players will also receive some of the corresponding upgrade materials for the selected character. This is a very generous reward and gives players a strong reason to log in even if they are not planning to pull immediately.

Fate Collaboration Light Cone Reward

Version 4.4 also includes a special Fate collaboration Light Cone reward.

During Version 4.4, players who spend a total of 200 Star Rail Special Passes can select one limited 5-star collaboration Light Cone after the collaboration begins. The available choices include:

• I Am As You Behold

• The Hell Where Ideals Burn

This reward is especially useful for players investing heavily into the Fate collaboration banners, since it helps secure important signature Light Cones while pulling for characters.

New Story: Planarcadia Crisis

The main story of Version 4.4 continues the Planarcadia arc. After the previous chapter, the Lord Ravager Asat Pramad reveals his true identity and destroys the peace that Planarcadia had maintained for fifteen years.

Himeko disappears during her battle against Asat Pramad, leaving behind a hidden clue connected to the Astral Express. The Trailblazer must follow that clue, locate Himeko, and uncover the truth behind Asat Pramad’s obsession with her identity.

This chapter appears to be one of the most dramatic story updates in the Planarcadia arc, with Himeko Nova playing a central role in the final battle.

Fate/Star Rail Night Event

The collaboration event Fate/Star Rail Night will unfold during Version 4.4.

In this event, Rin Tohsaka arrives in Planarcadia after the Fifth Holy Grail War. When her magical energy runs out, she attempts to use the Holy Grail displayed in the Star Rail FEST collection to return home.

However, the Wishpower in Planarcadia restores the Holy Grail, causing Gilgamesh’s treasures to scatter across the arcadia. The Trailblazer then works with Rin to track down the King of Heroes’ treasures and uncover the truth behind the new Imagenae: Holy Grail War.

For Fate fans, this is easily one of the most exciting parts of Version 4.4.

New Events and Game Modes

Version 4.4 also adds several new events and gameplay updates.

Fate/Star Rail Night

This is the main collaboration event tied to Rin Tohsaka, Gilgamesh, and the new Holy Grail War storyline. Players will investigate the scattered treasures and experience the second major chapter of the Fate collaboration.

Antigraft Brickbuster

In Antigraft Brickbuster, the Trailblazer takes on a request from Aventurine and investigates IPC corruption through a data-brick stacking gameplay mode. This event gives Version 4.4 a more playful side while still connecting to the larger world of Honkai: Star Rail.

Currency Wars: Zero-Sum Game Update

The permanent gameplay feature Currency Wars: Zero-Sum Game will also receive an expansion and update in Version 4.4. This should give endgame-focused players more content to explore beyond the main story and banner releases.

New Skins, Pets, and Accessories

Version 4.4 also brings several cosmetic additions.

Sparxie will receive a new outfit called Candy-Coated Waves, while players can also look forward to the new pet Pentaflavor Emoti and the Trailblaze Fashion item Fan-Made Lygus.

These additions give players more customization options and add extra personality to the update beyond combat and banners.

Login Rewards

Once Version 4.4 goes live, players will be able to claim a 10-pull reward simply by logging into the game.

Combined with the livestream codes, free collaboration character, and other event rewards, Version 4.4 gives players a strong amount of free resources to help prepare for the new banners.

Quality of Life Updates

The livestream also revealed some useful quality-of-life improvements.

Characters and Light Cones will support Quick Level Up, making it easier to enhance units and gear. The Achievement system will also receive a one-button claim feature and a search function, which should make reward collection much smoother.

These changes may not be as flashy as new characters, but they will make daily account management much more convenient.

Conclusion

Overall, Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.4 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting updates in the game’s recent history. Between Himeko • Nova, the continuation of the Planarcadia story, the second phase of the Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] collaboration, free Gilgamesh or Archer, new banners, livestream codes, events, cosmetics, and quality-of-life changes, there is a lot for Trailblazers to look forward to.

For players saving Stellar Jade, Version 4.4 is a patch that requires careful planning. Himeko Nova runs throughout the whole update, while Rin Tohsaka and Gilgamesh arrive later through the Fate collaboration banners. With so many strong options available, every pull matters.

If you are planning to pull for Himeko Nova, Rin Tohsaka, Gilgamesh, or any of the Version 4.4 rerun characters, make sure you prepare enough Stellar Jade and Special Passes before the banners arrive. For fast and secure top-ups, you can top up Honkai: Star Rail Top Up through LootBar and get ready for everything Version 4.4 has to offer.