Honkai: Star Rail 4.2 launches April 22 with new anniversary rewards

Hoyoverse says Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.2, “So Laughed the Masses,” will launch on April 22, setting up the RPG’s next major update just ahead of its third anniversary celebrations. The official reveal ties the patch to anniversary content as well as a new chapter in the Planarcadia storyline.

Hoyoverse says the returning Festive Gifts event will hand out 20 pulls, while players will also be able to receive 1,600 Stellar Jades on April 26. The update also includes a freely claimable Golden Companion Spirit, which can be used in the Stellar Convergence Store, where Huohuo and Robin are being added.

Silver Wolf LV.999 and Evanescia headline the update

Version 4.2 also pushes the Phantasmoon Games story further, with the stakes escalating around the race to become the permanent Aeon of Elation. Hoyoverse’s overview points to Silver Wolf LV.999 and Evanescia as the two major character additions tied to the patch’s story and banner cycle.

Another notable gameplay change is the arrival of the Trailblazer on the Path of Elation. Hoyoverse says this version of the protagonist uses a glow stick as a weapon and can support teammates by granting “Certified Banger” and triggering an immediate Elation Skill, making it one of the more unusual character-kit additions the game has introduced so far.

Hoyoverse is stretching the anniversary beyond the patch itself

The rollout is not limited to the in-game update. Official Star Rail channels are also promoting a 3rd anniversary theme song, a MAPPA animation concept trailer, and a broader anniversary campaign with global activities. Hoyoverse’s anniversary site says celebration events are planned across multiple regions, while the Version 4.2 reveal specifically mentions activities in cities including Tokyo, Seoul, and Los Angeles.

Between the anniversary rewards, two headline characters, a new Trailblazer path, and the wider event campaign, Version 4.2 looks like Hoyoverse’s main spring beat for Honkai: Star Rail rather than just another update.