Honkai: Star Rail, the popular space-fantasy RPG developed by HoYoverse, launched its 3.4 update, “For the Sun is Set to Die,” on July 2, 2025. First revealed during a livestream on June 20, this update brings new characters, story missions, enemies, gameplay improvements, and an exciting collaboration with Fate/stay night. This article dives into the update’s details, with a focus on the enhanced abilities of the character Blade, and offers tips for topping up in-game currency to elevate your experience.
New 5★ Characters
The 3.4 update introduces three new 5★ characters, expanding strategic options for players:
- Phainon: Physical attribute, Destruction Path, available in a limited-time banner from July 1 to July 23, 2025. Phainon excels at high burst damage, making them a core damage dealer.
- Saber: Wind attribute, Destruction Path, available in a limited-time banner starting July 11 (end date TBD). As a Fate/stay night collaboration character, Saber boasts a unique skill set.
- Archer: Quantum attribute, Hunt Path, also available from July 11. Players can claim Archer for free through a login event running from July 11 until the end of Version 3.6, lowering the barrier to entry.
These additions offer diverse combat strategies, especially in high-difficulty content.
Returning Characters
For players who missed earlier characters, Version 3.4 brings back several fan-favorites in limited-time banners:
- Phase 1 (July 1 to July 23, 2025):
- Tribbie
- Sparkle
- Sunday
- Phase 2 (July 23 to August 12, 2025):
- Firefly
- Jingliu
- Blade
These returning banners provide a chance to complete your roster or strengthen your team, with Blade’s enhancements making him particularly appealing this patch.
Character Enhancements and New Skins
Version 3.4 introduces the “Radiant Refinement Character Optimization System,” boosting several characters’ abilities, with Blade standing out:
- Blade:
- Talent “Blood Soul Resonance”: Now grants a new effect where using an enhanced Basic Attack triggers a 2-turn Crit Rate boost for the entire team. This significantly improves Blade’s role as a team supporter in crit-reliant battles.
- Technique “Gale Shadow Blade”: Improved energy efficiency, granting 2 extra Charge Marks per use and fixing a display issue with mark stacking, enhancing skill usability and clarity.
- Overall Impact: These buffs make Blade more survivable and consistent in high-difficulty content like Memory of Chaos, preserving his high-speed, multi-hit playstyle while improving sustained performance across various scenarios.
- Other Characters: Kafka, Silver Wolf, and Jingliu also received skill tweaks; check the official patch notes for details.
- New Skin: Firefly gets a new school uniform-themed skin, offering more customization options.
These changes don’t disrupt existing builds, so players can keep using current Relics and materials. For Blade, prioritize Relics that boost Crit Rate and HP to maximize his new potential.
The table below compares Blade’s abilities before and after the update:
| Ability Name | Pre-Update Effect | Post-Update Effect | Change Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Soul Resonance (Talent) | Damage boost based on HP consumption | Enhanced Basic Attack grants team 2-turn Crit Rate boost | Adds team-wide buff |
| Gale Shadow Blade (Technique) | Energy-consuming multi-hit attack | Higher energy efficiency, +2 Charge Marks per use, fixed display | Improves frequency and usability |
| Applicable Scenarios | High-damage single-target output | High-damage output + team support, broader scenarios | Enhances team synergy |
Free 5★ Characters
Version 3.4 offers two opportunities to snag 5★ characters at no cost:
- Archer: Available for free via the Fate/stay night collaboration login reward, claimable from July 11, 2025, through the end of Version 3.6.
- Golden Companion Spirit: Players who reached Trailblaze Level 4+ between Versions 3.2 and 3.4 can choose between Ruan Mei or Luocha.
These rewards make the game more accessible for both new and veteran players, boosting roster strength.
New Story Content
The update advances the main storyline with fresh content:
- Trailblaze Mission Chapter: “For the Sun is Set to Die” sees players join Phainon and the Trailblazer to confront fateful choices, deepening the cosmic narrative.
- New Enemy: The “Ashen Form” boss, found in “Stagnation Shadow,” drops “Twilight Sprout” materials for Wind characters like Saber, aiding their ascension.
New Features and Improvements
Version 3.4 enhances gameplay with several quality-of-life updates:
- Story Skip and Review Function: Allows players to skip completed story segments or revisit key moments, perfect for busy schedules.
- New Relic Sets: “Arcadia of Woven Dreams” and “Feast of the Sea” debut in “Divergent Universe,” catering to varied character builds and strategies.
- Character Buffs: As mentioned, Blade and others benefit from ability tweaks, strengthening their team roles.
Fate/stay night Collaboration Event
A highlight of the update is the Fate/stay night collaboration, running from July 11 to August 11, 2025. It includes:
- New Characters: Saber and Archer join as playable units.
- Exclusive Battle Event: Features a unique storyline with special stages and rewards.
- Login Reward: Grants free access to Archer for logging in during the event.
This crossover blends Fate/stay night’s iconic elements with the Honkai universe, delivering a thrilling experience for fans.
Event Overview
Version 3.4 packs in multiple events with generous rewards, including Stellar Jade and Light Cones:
- Paper Bird Battle (Official): July 2 to August 11, 2025
- Fate/Star Night: July 11 to August 11, 2025
- Novaflare: Starting July 2, 2025
- 3.4 Odyssey Gifts: July 11 to August 12, 2025, rewards 10 Star Rail Special Passes
- 3.4 Planar Fissure: July 16 to July 28, 2025, double Planar Ornaments
- 3.4 Realm of the Strange: July 31 to August 11, 2025, double Relics
Here’s a summary of key events, dates, and rewards:
| Event Name | Dates | Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Bird Battle | July 2 – Aug 11, 2025 | Stellar Jade, materials, etc. |
| Fate/Star Night | July 11 – Aug 11, 2025 | Unique storyline, free Archer |
| Novaflare | From July 2, 2025 | Stellar Jade, Light Cones, etc. |
| 3.4 Odyssey Gifts | July 11 – Aug 12, 2025 | 10 Star Rail Special Passes |
| 3.4 Planar Fissure | July 16 – July 28, 2025 | Double Planar Ornaments |
| 3.4 Realm of the Strange | July 31 – Aug 11, 2025 | Double Relics |
Player Tips
- Relic Builds: Equip Blade with Relics that boost Crit Rate and HP to leverage his updated abilities.
- Team Comps: Pair Blade with support characters like Sparkle or healers like Luocha to enhance team damage and survivability.
- Event Priority: Focus on “3.4 Odyssey Gifts” and “Fate/Star Night” to secure free characters and Star Rail Passes.
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Closing Thoughts
Honkai: Star Rail’s 3.4 update, “For the Sun is Set to Die,” delivers a wealth of content with new characters, enhanced features, a Fate/stay night crossover, and generous rewards. Blade’s upgrades make him a top pick for tough battles, while free characters and events keep the game accessible. Jump into the game to explore the latest chapter of your interstellar adventure, and use EnjoyGM for the most cost-effective top-up experience!
