HoYoverse has officially announced the Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.4 update, titled "In Ravages Does the Whistle Sound", arriving July 15, 2026. This version delivers the long-awaited new form for Himeko, a climactic confrontation with the Lord Ravager Asat Pramad, and the second half of the blockbuster Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] collaboration. Here's everything you need to know.
New Character: Himeko • Nova (5-Star Fire, Erudition)
5-Star Himeko • Nova — The Astral Express Reunited
Himeko returns to the battlefield as a playable 5-star Fire attribute character following the Erudition path. Her kit is built around deploying a special field that summons mechanical aide "Stellaris" to fight alongside the team.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Rarity | 5-Star |
| Combat Type | Fire |
| Path | Erudition (AOE Damage Dealer) |
| Signature Light Cone | 5-Star "The Scented Room" (Erudition) |
| Best Relic Set | Iron Cavalry Against the Scourge + Scorching Melee |
Kit Highlights: When Himeko uses her Ultimate, she deploys a field that grants teammates access to a special "Support Skill" — calling Stellaris to perform a coordinated AOE follow-up attack. If the team includes other Astral Express members, a unique synergy bonus is triggered, significantly boosting the team's coordinated attack damage.
This makes Himeko • Nova not just a nostalgic callback, but a genuinely powerful Erudition unit that rewards building around the Astral Express theme. She's expected to be a top-tier Fire AOE dealer in Version 4.4.
Main Story: Confronting Lord Ravager Asat Pramad
Version 4.4 continues the Planarcadia storyline as the Trailblazer and the Astral Express crew confront Lord Ravager Asat Pramad — one of the terrifying generals serving the Destruction Aeon (Nanook).
The story dives deep into Himeko's past and the truth she's been pursuing for 15 years. As the whistle of the Astral Express sounds across the ravaged worlds of the Denizens, the Trailblazer and Himeko must work together to stop Asat Pramad from unleashing a wave of destruction that could consume entire star systems.
Trailblaze Mission: "In Ravages Does the Whistle Sound" — permanently available after the Version 4.4 update. Prerequisite: Complete Trailblaze Mission "Thus Shall the Deceased Rise Again" from Version 4.3.
Fate/stay night [UBW] Collab — Second Half (July 24)
The Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] collaboration continues with its second half, launching July 24, 2026. This phase introduces two new 5-star characters and a continuation of the collaborative story event.
5-Star Rin Tohsaka — Quantum, Unknown Path
Rin Tohsaka joins the roster as a 5-star Quantum attribute character. Her kit revolves around managing magical energy (Prana) and dealing burst damage with spell-based attacks. She synergizes exceptionally well with follow-up attack teams.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Rarity | 5-Star |
| Combat Type | Quantum |
| Warp Banner | Second half of Version 4.4 (shared with Gilgamesh) |
5-Star Gilgamesh — Lightning, Unknown Path
The King of Heroes arrives as a 5-star Lightning attribute character. Gilgamesh's kit is expected to feature AOE treasure-projectile attacks (a reference to Gate of Babylon) and powerful single-target burst potential. He will also be free to claim for all players who log in before the end of Version 4.6.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Rarity | 5-Star |
| Combat Type | Lightning |
| Obtain Method | Free (login event before Ver. 4.6 ends) OR choose from Ver. 4.4 collab warp |
Note: Players can choose to claim Gilgamesh for free, or alternatively claim Archer (the Fate collab 5-star from the first half) — but not both. Plan your choice carefully!
The collab story event continues the "Phantasmagoria: Holy Grail War" event series, where the Trailblazer and the Fate characters work together to uncover the truth behind the "Imaginary: Holy Grail War" unfolding within the Simulated Universe.
Version 4.4 Warp Banner Schedule
| Phase | Duration | Featured Characters |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 (First Half) | July 15 – August 5, 2026 | Sparxie (5-star), Dan Heng • Permansor Terrae (5-star), Evernight (5-star) |
| Phase 2 (Second Half) | August 5 – August 26, 2026 | Cerydra (5-star), Anaxa (5-star), Aventurine (5-star), Rin Tohsaka (5-star), Gilgamesh (5-star) |
Featured 4-Stars: Expect the usual rotation of 4-star characters on each banner. Check the in-game Warp details for the full lineup.
New Events in Version 4.4
Antigraft Brickbuster Event
A brand-new limited-time event where players investigate a mysterious "brick-breaking" competition organized by the IPC. The event features puzzle-solving mechanics, combat challenges, and a storyline that ties into the larger Version 4.4 narrative.
Rewards: Stellar Jade, Trailblaze EXP, Character Level-up Materials, and a free 4-star event Light Cone.
Currency Wars: Zero-Sum Game (Updated)
The fan-favorite Currency Wars mode returns with a major update. The "Zero-Sum Game" variant introduces new rules where players must carefully manage their in-game currency to outbid opponents in a strategic auction-style minigame. Winning requires both combat strength and economic strategy.
Rewards: Stellar Jade, Undying Starlight, and exclusive chat emojis.
Phantasmagoria: Holy Grail War (Continued)
The Fate collab event continues with new stages, new story scenes, and new rewards. Players who completed the first half can continue the story and unlock Rin Tohsaka and Gilgamesh-themed furniture, chat stickers, and profile icons.
Quality of Life & System Updates
- Relic Loadout Slots Expanded: Players can now save more relic presets per character, making it easier to switch between different build configurations.
- Simulated Universe: Swarm Disaster Update: New blessings and curios added to the Swarm Disaster world. The "Path Resonance" mechanic has been rebalanced for better build diversity.
- Photo Mode Enhancements: New filters and poses added, including Fate collab-themed poses for Rin and Gilgamesh.
- Daily Training Optimization: Reduced stamina costs for certain daily activities. Trailblaze Power natural recovery cap increased by 10%.
Pre-Update Preparation Checklist
- Save Stellar Jade: If you want Himeko • Nova, Rin Tohsaka, or Gilgamesh, start saving now. You'll need approximately 160–180 pulls for a guaranteed 5-star.
- Complete Version 4.3 Story: Make sure you've finished the Trailblaze Mission "Thus Shall the Deceased Rise Again" to unlock the 4.4 main story immediately.
- Farm Relic Materials: Himeko • Nova wants Fire damage relics. Start farming Iron Cavalry Against the Scourge in the new Cavern of Corrosion stage.
- Claim Free Gilgamesh: Don't forget to log in before Version 4.6 ends to claim your free 5-star Gilgamesh (or choose Archer if you prefer).
- Finish Fate Collab First Half: Complete the first half of the Phantasmagoria event if you haven't already — the second half continues directly from where it left off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Himeko • Nova free or paid?
A: Himeko • Nova is a standard 5-star character on the event Warp banner. She is not free, but Gilgamesh (from the same update) is free for all players.
Q: When exactly does the Fate collab second half start?
A: July 24, 2026. The collab Warp banner and event stages go live at 11:00 AM (server time) on that date.
Q: Can I get both Rin Tohsaka and Gilgamesh for free?
A: Gilgamesh is free via the login event. Rin Tohsaka is only available on the event Warp banner and is not free. You can choose to claim Gilgamesh for free, or claim Archer (from the first half) for free — but not both collab 5-stars simultaneously.
Q: How long will Version 4.4 last?
A: Approximately 42 days, like most HSR versions. Version 4.5 is expected to launch around August 26, 2026.
Conclusion
Version 4.4 is shaping up to be one of the most content-rich updates in Honkai: Star Rail's history. Between Himeko's long-awaited return as a playable character, the climactic Lord Ravager confrontation, and the explosive second half of the Fate collab, there's never been a better time to be an Astral Express member. Mark your calendars for July 15, save your Stellar Jade, and prepare to board the Express once more.
"In ravages does the whistle sound — and the stars shall answer." — Himeko, Astral Express Chief Researcher