Even with a new planet, fresh characters and many freebies, I'm most excited about the collectible card game coming in Honkai Star Rail's Version 4.0 update

Gotta collect 'em all

06 Feb 2026, 17:25 · TechRadar

News By James Pickard published 6 February 2026

(Image credit: Hoyoverse)

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Honkai: Star Rail Version 40 launches on February 13
The update adds a new planet, new characters, a CCG, and new events
Plus, the chance to get a free limited five-star character and 1,600 Stellar Jade

Oh no, they've done it now: a collectible card game is coming to Honkai Star Rail in the upcoming 4.0 update.

Sure, there are two new playable characters, a handful of new or expanded events, a generous amount of freebies, and an entire new planet to explore – but I know where I'm really about to lose all of my gaming time.

Before I get lost in the excitement of another game where you collect digital trading cards, let me cover the real key updates that are on the way in Version 4.0, 'No Aha At Full Moon', when it launches on February 13.

So, the characters. Joining the game when the update launches is Yao Guang, a five-star Physical character on the new path of Elation. As a support, she makes allies deals Elation damage, and is all about causing additional triggers of the new Aha Instants mechanic that causes other Elation characters to activate specific skills. A pretty vital piece, then, if you're building a team around the new path.

Following her at the start of March is Sparxie, a five-star Fire character who is also on the Elation path. As a damage dealer, she's the perfect partner to Yao Guang, with the ability to boost your team's critical damage and unleash a barrage of Elation damage by consuming skill points.

Of the two, I'm more drawn to Yao Guang, simply because we've seen how powerful supports can be throughout the lifecycle of Honkai Star Rail. Without a proper Elation damage dealer to go with her, though, she might be harder to fit into teams without a Sparxie at her side – but maybe patch 4.1 will help with that by providing more options.

Image 1 of 5

The bright, vibrant and fantastical metropolis of Duomension City on Planarcadia.(Image credit: Hoyoverse)

Here is the screen I will be looking at a lot over the next few months(Image credit: Hoyoverse)

Sparxie can unleash some ridiculous attacks on enemies.(Image credit: Hoyoverse)

Show off.(Image credit: Hoyoverse)

Aha is the frivolous and tricksy Aeon at the centre of this update's story.(Image credit: Hoyoverse)

Of course, spending your saved up currency to get new characters is only part of the fun with a new update. Especially when it's a flagship update that's going to add a massive new planet named Planarcadia to explore.

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