Understanding Honkai Star Rail Banners and Warp Mechanics

Every version in Honkai Star Rail features limited Character Event Warps and Light Cone Event Warps that run in phases, usually two per patch. The HSR banner schedule follows a predictable rhythm: new 5-star characters debut with signature Light Cones, while reruns rotate in the second phase or through special banners like Indelible Coterie.

Base rates sit at 0.6% for a 5-star character and 0.8% for a 5-star Light Cone. Every 10 pulls guarantees at least one 4-star. Hard pity guarantees a 5-star at 90 pulls on character banners and 80 pulls on Light Cone banners. Soft pity begins ramping up noticeably around pull 75 on characters (and earlier on Light Cones), which is why most players see their 5-star land between 70-85 pulls on average.

The 50/50 rule applies to character banners: your first 5-star has a 50% chance to be the featured limited unit. Losing the 50/50 grants a guarantee on the next 5-star. Light Cone banners offer a 75/25 split in favor of the featured cone. These guarantees carry over between banners of the same type, making how to plan your pulls a matter of tracking your current pity and guarantee status in-game.

Current HSR Banners (Version 4.1 – As of April 2026)

Honkai Star Rail Version 4.1 runs from late March to April 21, 2026, with a slightly compressed four-week cycle and two-week phases.

• A Hunt Through Night (Character Event Warp): Features Ashveil (new 5-star Lightning Hunt character) for the entire patch. Ashveil brings a unique “Bait” execute mechanic that marks a target, shreds team-wide DEF while the mark lives, and boosts follow-up attack synergy.

• Phase 1 (until ~April 8): Pairs with Hyacine rerun (Wind Remembrance).
• Phase 2 (April 8–21): Swaps to Boothill rerun (Physical Hunt Break specialist).

Light Cone banners run alongside: The Finale of a Lie (Ashveil signature) and phase-specific options including Bygone Reminiscence (Boothill signature).

If you’re in the middle of this patch, check your in-game timer for exact remaining time because server times vary slightly between NA, EU, and Asia.

HSR Next Banner and Upcoming Banners (Version 4.2 and Beyond)

Honkai Star Rail version 4.2, the anniversary patch, begins around April 21–22, 2026, and runs into early June with two phases.

• Phase 1: Silver Wolf Lv.999 (new 5-star Imaginary Elation attacker, heavily marketed as the anniversary centerpiece) alongside reruns such as The Dahlia, Castorice, and Firefly. Expect strong Elation team synergy and possible triple rerun pressure.

• Phase 2: Evanescia (new 5-star Physical Elation carry) with additional reruns (likely including Sparkle or Yao Guang variants). The Elation Trailblazer upgrade also arrives here, marking a major payoff for follow-up and Elation-focused teams.

Further ahead, these are also projected based on consistent community tracking and pattern analysis. You can just follow these but for the confirmation, it is always better to check with official livestreams:

• Version 4.3 (June–July 2026): Focus on Nihilux (potentially a high-impact DoT or Nihility unit tied to “Origin of Aha” lore) and Blade SP (Elation path redesign with possible body/model updates).

• Version 4.4 (August 2026): Himeko SP as a major story payoff unit with modernized AoE Fire DPS kit.
• Version 4.5 (September–October 2026): Double SP banner featuring Robin SP and Aventurine SP.
• Version 4.6–4.7 (late 2026): Introductions like Sugilite, Elation Trailblazer refinements, Void Archives, and Sampo SP, alongside potential collaboration elements.

These projections align with observed patch lengths (mostly 6 weeks after 4.1) and the game’s emphasis on Special Form (SP) upgrades and path reworks in the 4.x cycle. Reruns often fill gaps with popular units like Firefly, Castorice, or Harmony supports to create high-value windows.

How to Plan Your Pulls in Honkai Star Rail – Smart Resource Strategy

Planning pulls separates consistent endgame clears from constant regret. So, here’s a practical framework that you can go with:

1. Track Your Resources: Count Stellar Jades, Star Rail Passes, and Express Supply Passes. F2P and low-spenders average roughly 80–100 pulls per full patch through dailies, events, Simulated Universe, and MoC/PF/AS rewards. Low-spenders gain more flexibility.
2. Decide Your Targets: Limit yourself to 1–2 high-priority characters per major cycle. Prioritize versatile supports (Harmony/Nihility) first—they multiply the strength of existing DPS. Only chase new DPS if they fit a clear team gap or you love the playstyle.
3. Pity and Guarantee Math:
   • Guarantee a limited 5-star from zero pity/no guarantee: ~105–120 pulls (worst-case 180, but soft pity makes it lower on average).
   • With guarantee: ~50–80 pulls.
   • Light Cone: ~65–80 pulls for signature.
   • Save at least 140–160 pulls if you want both a character and their signature cone.
4. Phase Timing: Pull early in a phase if the featured unit is must-have. Wait for Phase 2 if reruns appeal more. Anniversary patches (like 4.2) often bring extra free pulls and rewards so factor those in.
5. Team Building Focus: Aim for one strong carry + two supports + one sustain. Over-investing in multiple unbuilt DPS wastes resources. Build traces and relics efficiently before pulling new units.

When a banner excites you but your Jade count is low, a quick top-up through Enjoygm can bridge the gap right as the new Elation units in 4.2 drop, letting you secure key synergies without missing limited-time rewards or events tied to fresh content.

Pull Planning Suggestions for 4.1–4.7

• Conservative (F2P/Low-Spender): Skip most of 4.1 unless Ashveil fits your Hunt/FUA teams perfectly. Save aggressively for 4.2 anniversary as Silver Wolf Lv.999 and Evanescia look like strong Elation anchors. Target one SP unit in 4.4–4.5 if your account needs Fire or Preservation upgrades.
• Mid-Spender: Grab Ashveil if you enjoy single-target burst, then guarantee Silver Wolf Lv.999 + signature if Elation is your direction. Alternate between new carries and supports.
• Collector/Completionist: Budget for 2–3 targets per version, using the 50/50 safety net and reruns. Focus on SP upgrades for beloved classics like Himeko or Blade because they often bring significant QoL and power.

Always check the official livestream (usually a week before patch) for confirmed lineups, free rewards, and exact dates. In-game news and drip marketing provide the most accurate final details.

Conclusion

And that is our Honkai Star Rail banner schedule as of now. Mastering the HSR banner schedule and how to plan your pulls turns gacha anxiety into confident decisions. All you have to do now it to maintain your patience, track pity, and align pulls with your favorite teams and playstyle. Then you’ll clear Memory of Chaos, Pure Fiction, and Apocalyptic Shadow more comfortably while enjoying the story.