HoYoverse has announced that Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.5, titled “To Roll the Stars in Astropolis,” will launch on 26 August 2026. The update introduces a new storyline set in Astropolis, a stronghold of the Interastral Peace Corporation, alongside two new playable characters.
Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.5 Update Highlights
New Storyline Follows Trailblazer’s Journey To Astropolis
Following the Express Crew’s defeat of Lord Ravager Asat Pramad, a new threat referred to as the Voracity emerges, again placing Planarcadia in crisis. The Trailblazer departs for Astropolis, the headquarters of the Interastral Peace Corporation, to secure resources needed to help Planarcadia survive. Astropolis is described in the update as a hub reflecting the lifestyle of IPC executives and a vacation destination for figures across the Pan-Cosmic Trade System. As part of the story, the Trailblazer travels to Astropolis alongside characters Robin and Aventurine.
New Characters: Robin Summeretto & Aventurine Waveflair
The update introduces Robin • Summeretto, a 5-star Wind character on the Path of Remembrance. In the story, Robin has taken over as head of the Oak Family following Sunday’s departure from Penacony and is investigating a matter connected to a character referred to as Gopher Wood.
In combat, Robin • Summeretto provides team buffs through a mechanic called Vibes, which accumulates based on teammates’ actions. Once her Skill is used and Vibes reach a certain threshold, her Ultimate triggers a Fever Pitch effect that strengthens allies’ attacks, with buff strength scaling based on how frequently allies take action. Her Ultimate can also trigger immediate action and Energy regeneration for a designated teammate.
Aventurine • Waveflair, a 5-star Quantum character on the Path of Elation, is introduced in the second half of the version. In the story, Aventurine continues investigating a suspected traitor among a group referred to as the Ten Stonehearts while on vacation in Astropolis.
In combat, he attacks using a volleyball or by surfing, accumulating Punchline and Fervor points through ability use and teammate actions. Once Fervor reaches a set threshold, he triggers an additional Elation Skill that damages all enemies and deals extra single-target damage, with further enhancement during a mechanic called Aha Instant.
Following the update, drop rates for Robin • Summeretto and the Light Cone “Rise and Sing” will be increased, alongside a rerun for character Hyacine and the addition of the 4-star Light Cone “A Little Getaway.” Starting September 12, drop rates will shift to Aventurine • Waveflair and the Light Cone “Summer Rides the Surf,” alongside a rerun for character Ashveil.
Additional Events & Collaborations
Version 4.5 introduces the racing event “Overdrive: Whirlwind Grand Prix,” in which the Trailblazer leads a team as principal, alongside a separate event called “Minuscule Great Adventure.” The Divergent Universe mode will receive updates including “Planar Fissure” and “Realm of the Strange” double-drop events, along with new cosmetic content. Starting in Version 4.5, players can toggle a story dialogue speed-up feature on or off.
HoYoverse also announced a collaboration with MOONDROP featuring Sparxie-themed products and related events across multiple regions, with further details to be announced. A separate collaboration with Zenless Zone Zero is planned for later this year, which will introduce characters from that title into Honkai: Star Rail.
Pokdepinion: With two new characters and a fresh storyline dropping together, this update feels like a lot to take in at once, though returning players will likely appreciate the steady stream of new content.
