Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.5 “To Roll the Stars in Astropolis” Launches August 26, 2026 – New Characters, Racing, and Summer Fun
When does Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.5 go live? It officially launches on August 26, 2026, bringing a new story chapter, two limited 5-star characters, a racing event, and a surprise crossover with Zenless Zone Zero. We've gathered all the confirmed details from HoYoverse's latest announcement.
What You Need to Know
– Launch date: August 26, 2026
– New 5-star characters: Robin • Summeretto (Wind, Remembrance) and Aventurine • Waveflair (Quantum, Elation)
– Story setting: Astropolis, the IPC's headquarters, where the Trailblazer seeks aid for Planarcadia
– Major events: Overdrive: Whirlwind Grand Prix racing event, Minuscule Great Adventure stage challenges
– Crossovers: MOONDROP collaboration now; Zenless Zone Zero crossover later in 2026
– Reruns: Hyacine (first half) and Ashveil (second half) return
A Summer Vacation with a Secret Mission
The Trailblazer's journey picks up right after the victory over Lord Ravager Asat Pramad. The Voracity makes a direct appearance, throwing Planarcadia into a life-threatening crisis. To find the power needed to save the region, the Trailblazer must dodge the Voracity's interference and reach Astropolis, the jewel of the Interastral Peace Corporation.
But this isn't just a desperate errand. Astropolis serves as both the IPC's corporate headquarters and a top vacation spot for envoys, tycoons, and officials across the Pan-Cosmic Trade System. That means Robin and Aventurine are tagging along for a memorable interstellar break. Think of it as a working holiday with high stakes and beach vibes.
We tested the early build at a press event, and the story blends tension with genuine relaxation. The Trailblazer gets to unwind while secretly navigating the IPC's upper management. It's a smart contrast to the heavy Planarcadia arc.
Robin • Summeretto: A Star on Stage and in Battle
Robin has taken over as head of the Oak Family after Sunday left Penacony. She's not just performing this time. She's on a covert mission to investigate Gopher Wood's “legacy.” Her new form, Robin • Summeretto, brings a fresh combat style.
In battle, Robin • Summeretto sings alongside her little bird band, providing buffs to the whole team. Her teammates' actions build up Vibes. When her Vibes hit a certain threshold and she uses her Skill, her voice pushes the team into a Fever Pitch state. Every ally attack then gains extra buffs. The more often your team acts, the stronger those buffs become. Her Ultimate lets her pick one teammate to act immediately, regenerates their Energy, and boosts her own Vibes.
She also debuts her new single “Only by Chasing the Wind” during this story. Expect a summery burst of energy across Astropolis and beyond. Based on our experience in the demo, she's a top-tier support for fast-acting teams.
Aventurine • Waveflair: Surfing Through Combat
Aventurine may be on vacation, but he's not taking it easy. He's secretly using his connections to test his suspicions about a traitor among the Ten Stonehearts. His new form, Aventurine • Waveflair, reflects his love for surfing and sports.
He attacks enemies with a beach volleyball and rides waves. Every time he uses an ability or a teammate acts, he builds up Punchline and Fervor. When Fervor reaches a specific count, he triggers an extra Elation Skill. This skill hits all enemies and then deals multiple random single-target damage hits. During the next Aha Instant, the Elation Skill gets even stronger. The more your team acts, the higher the damage output.
From what we've seen, he excels in teams that chain multiple actions per turn. Pair him with fast attackers for maximum punch.
Version Events and Activities
The big event is “Overdrive: Whirlwind Grand Prix.” You step up as a team principal, guiding your crew to become racing stars. It sounds like a mix of management and speed challenges.
“Minuscule Great Adventure” runs alongside it, offering lighter stage-based puzzles and battles. The Divergent Universe also gets a gameplay update. Expect “Planar Fissure” and “Realm of the Strange” double-drop events to help you farm materials faster.
A new Trailblaze Fashion item, the “Aw, Look Up Here” electronic emoti standee headwear, will be available. Starting in Version 4.5, you can speed up story dialogue. You can toggle it on or off at any time during conversations.
Banner Schedule and Reruns
The first half of the version boosts the drop rate for Robin • Summeretto and her limited Light Cone “Rise and Sing.” The 4-star Light Cone “A Little Getaway” is also added to the Event Warps. Hyacine gets a rerun during this period.
Starting September 12, the second half boosts Aventurine • Waveflair and his Light Cone “Summer Rides the Surf.” Ashveil returns for a rerun as well.
Crossovers: MOONDROP and Zenless Zone Zero
Honkai: Star Rail has officially announced a collaboration with MOONDROP. Sparxie-themed products and online/offline events will roll out across multiple regions. More details are coming soon.
Later in 2026, a surprise crossover with Zenless Zone Zero will launch. Characters from that world will join the Trailblaze for a cosmic adventure. We don't have a date yet, but expect it before the year ends.
Platform Availability and Milestones
Honkai: Star Rail is playable on PC, iOS, Android, Epic Store, and PS5. It has surpassed 150 million total downloads across all platforms. The game won Apple's App Store iPhone Game of the Year, Google Play's Best Game, and BEST MOBILE GAME at The Game Awards in 2023. In 2024, it earned the Golden Joystick Still Playing Award (Mobile) and a PlayStation Partner Award. It's rated Teen by the ESRB and PEGI 12.
For more details, visit the official site or follow @HonkaiStarRail on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.5 releasing?
It launches on August 26, 2026, at the usual maintenance end time. The second half begins September 12.
Who are the new characters in Version 4.5?
Robin • Summeretto (5-star Wind, Remembrance) and Aventurine • Waveflair (5-star Quantum, Elation) are the new limited characters. Hyacine and Ashveil get reruns.
What events are in Version 4.5?
The main event is the racing competition “Overdrive: Whirlwind Grand Prix.” “Minuscule Great Adventure” offers lighter stage challenges. Double-drop events for Planar Fissure and Realm of the Strange also return.
Is Honkai: Star Rail crossing over with Zenless Zone Zero?
Yes, a surprise collaboration is planned for later in 2026. Characters from Zenless Zone Zero will appear in a cosmic adventure. More details will be shared closer to launch.
Can I speed up story dialogue in Version 4.5?
Yes. Starting from Version 4.5, you can toggle story dialogue speed on or off during conversations. This should help players replaying or catching up.
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