Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.5, "To Roll the Stars in Astropolis", launched on August 26, 2026 (August 25 in UTC-5 regions) and moves the Trailblazer to Astropolis in support of Planarcadia. Alongside a new story chapter with racing and summer-themed content, the version introduces two limited 5-star characters and keeps one of the game's most generous login rewards alive. This guide covers what to build, who to pull, and what not to miss before Version 4.6 arrives.
Version 4.5 at a Glance
| Content | Detail | Account Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Story update | Trailblazer supports Planarcadia in Astropolis | Permanent rewards and unlocks |
| New limited 5-star 1 | Robin • Summeretto (Wind / Remembrance) | New support and damage profile |
| New limited 5-star 2 | Aventurine • Waveflair (Quantum / Joy) | New sustain and utility angle |
| Theme | Racing and summer content | Limited-time activities |
The Story: To Roll the Stars in Astropolis
The Trailblazer heads to Astropolis to support Planarcadia in a new storyline chapter that mixes the version's racing theme with the usual mix of exploration and combat encounters. If you are a story-first player, this chapter is worth clearing early: permanent content rewards are always the most efficient use of time in a patch window.
- Clear the chapter before the event grind: permanent rewards beat temporary ones.
- Summer and racing activities: time-limited, so prioritise their exclusive items.
- New area exploration: chests and puzzles feed the pull economy for the patch.
The New Limited 5-Star Characters
Version 4.5's banner pair covers two different account needs. Robin • Summeretto is a Wind character on the Remembrance Path, while Aventurine • Waveflair is a Quantum character on the Joy Path. Their banner timing determines which team-building windows matter this patch.
| Character | Element | Path | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robin • Summeretto | Wind | Remembrance | Teams needing a Wind-based support/damage hybrid |
| Aventurine • Waveflair | Quantum | Joy | Accounts missing Quantum coverage or a flexible utility option |
Before pulling either, re-check your existing roster. Both characters slot into teams you may already own, and in the current endgame rotation a character that fills a coverage gap is worth more than a sidegrade for a role you already have.
Don't Miss: The Free 5-Star Login Reward
The Version 4.4 collaboration bonus is still active: log in before Version 4.6 ends to claim one free limited 5-star, either Gilgamesh (Destruction / Lightning) or Archer (Hunt / Quantum), plus level-60 ascension materials for whichever you choose. This is the most valuable login reward in recent memory, and it expires, so claim it early.
- Choose based on roster: pick the character whose element and role you lack, not the one that sounds stronger in a vacuum.
- Claim early: the deadline is the end of Version 4.6; do not leave it for the final week.
- Do not pull a duplicate: if you already own one of the two, claim the other.
- Spend the ascension materials immediately: the free level-60 materials lose value the longer they sit.
Pull Economy: Fate's Gift Reminder
Separate from the login reward, the Version 4.4 promotion's Fate's Gift system remains relevant: players who accumulated 200 Star Rail Special Passes during Version 4.4 can receive the corresponding Fate's Gift reward. If you were active in 4.4, confirm whether you have unclaimed progress here before you spend passes in 4.5.
- Check your claim status early: unclaimed milestone rewards are easy to forget.
- Budget 4.5 pulls around confirmed income: count the login reward and Fate's Gift before deciding on banners.
- Bank for 4.6: the free 5-star deadline aligns with the next version, so saving a reserve is usually the right call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which of Robin Summeretto or Aventurine Waveflair should I pull?
A: Pull the one that fills a coverage gap in your roster. If you have no strong Quantum unit, Waveflair is the safer pick; if you need a Wind-based team core, Summeretto wins.
Q: Is the free Gilgamesh or Archer reward still available?
A: Yes, until the end of Version 4.6. Log in and claim it early, along with the level-60 ascension materials.
Q: Is 4.5 worth pulling on for a returning player?
A: Only if one of the new characters covers a missing role. Returning players should spend the patch catching up on story content and claiming the free 5-star first.
Q: When does the 4.5 summer event content end?
A: It is limited-time within the version window. Prioritise exclusive items before the story chapter if you are short on time.
Conclusion
Version 4.5 is a steady-state patch for most accounts. Clear the Astropolis chapter, evaluate the two new 5-stars against your actual coverage, and claim the free Gilgamesh or Archer login reward before Version 4.6 ends. The characters that will matter most next patch are the ones you already own.