HSR 4.0 Banners Leaks: Yao Guang, Hanami and New Path

Good day, Trailblazers! Breaking news! The launch of Honkai: Star Rail's Version 4.0 has been delayed, and the content may also be subject to changes. The new character for 4.0 is still Yao Guang, Hanami (SP Sparkle) and there is a new path waiting for you to discover. Want to know more detailed information about the 4.0 banners? Keep reading!

*Please note that information in this article is based on leaks and is subject to change until officially confirmed by HoYoverse.

 

No HSR 3.9 Banner

Just to confirm, there will be no HSR 3.9 Banner. The story of Amphoreus is set to conclude in 3.7, and according to leaks, we will briefly return to Penacony in version 3.8 before our next big adventure.

 

HSR 4.0 Banners Release Date

The latest news states: For various reasons, Honkai: Star Rail's Version 4.0 version will be delayed by three weeks. Based on the original schedule, Version 4.0 was supposed to launch on January 28, 2026, but the three-week delay pushes it to around February 18, 2026, which is during the Chinese New Year period.

But don't worry, the Version 3.8 Special Program is on December 5, 2025, and it's expected that they will reveal some information about Version 4.0 then. Pyro will continue to follow the developments closely!

This delay easily reminds people of the time when Genshin Impact's Version 2.7 was also postponed for a few weeks, and HoYoverse provided Primogem compensation weekly. Perhaps we can also receive generous Stellar Jade compensation for this Honkai: Star Rail 4.0 delay! ^^

 

No Benzaitengoku?

Recently, Anon leaks that our next station for HSR will no longer be Benzaitengoku, due to the political reasons. What is Benzaitengoku? It is described as "picturesque world" that originated from the confinements of a canvas and it is a world full of Japanese Style. So now you get why they would say there's no longer be Benzaitengoku?

But some Trailblazers suggest that the next station will be Benzaitengoku without Japanese style, actually I'm convinced since it need a lot of time to build whole new different planet and characters's story and model setup. It would be easier if Hoyoverse just get rid of the Japanese element.

HSR 4.0 Banner Leaks

Phase 1: Yao Guang

Yet there's still little confirmed about 4.0. The only things can guarantee are Yae Sakura, Edo Star, and Stellaron Hunters having a role in the story-everything else is too far off.

Also, Anon leaks that the Xianzhou's "Seer Strategist," Yao Guang, could be playable in 4.0. I think this could be true, we all know Xianzhou help us out in the Amphoreus and she appear in the lore again.

According to the leaks, Yao Guang would be a Harmony Support debut in the first half of 4.0 banner, which means I need to save up Stellar Jade for her. Harmony characters are the best!

Yao Guang is one of the seven Arbiter-Generals of the Xianzhou Alliance's Cloud Knights. Described as "cautious and sophisticated," she presides over the Xianzhou Yuque. She is sometimes referred to as the Seer Strategist. 

Additionally, Yao Guang’s official art was originally scheduled to be revealed on December 2nd, but the announcement has been delayed with no new date confirmed yet. It will most likely be mentioned during this Friday’s Version 3.8 livestream on December 5th. Pyro will update her official art as soon as it’s released!

 

Phase 2: Hanami

The undeniable star of 4.0 is Hanami, the newly named SP version of Sparkle. She is expected to launch as as a first Elation DPS in Honaki Star Rail and leaks suggest she will release in the second half of 4.0 version.

Leaks describe her as a powerful hyper-carry who functions by consuming multiple Skill Points in a single turn for massive damage, a mechanic that might feel familiar to players of Dan Heng • Imbibitor Lunae. In addition, we can infer Hanami’s abilities from the new Relic sets.

In a fascinating twist, her best support is rumored to be the original Harmony version of Sparkle herself, creating a unique and powerful synergy on the battlefield.

Beyond her gameplay, Hanami's design is said to be a Japanese student who also moonlights as an online streamer, fitting the vibrant and perhaps even digital nature of Edo Star.

 

NEW Path: The Elation

Version 4.0 is almost certain to introduce the new Path: The Elation.

Leaks from reliable sources suggest that Hanami (Sparkle SP) will be the flagship character for this new Path. Of course, we also expect to see an Elation Trailblazer, and we can't wait to see what their kit looks like. While Sampo (SP) was a strong candidate, his delay leaves the identity of other 4.x Elation characters a mystery for now.

Furthermore, the theme of the new planet will still be Elation. There are leaks suggesting a comedic element, possibly in an Italian comedy style.

 

Conclusion

It is certainly a disappointment that Honkai: Star Rail's Version 4.0 will be delayed by three weeks, but we believe HoYoverse will use this extra time to prepare even better content for Trailblazers: the debut of the new characters—the Seer Strategist Yao Guang and the powerful Elation DPS Hanami (SP Sparkle) —alongside the introduction of the new Elation Path and its anticipated comedic theme, promises an incredibly exciting next chapter.

Don't wanna miss any of the latest news or wanna learn more about 4.1-4.x banners? Don't forget to keep following LDShop!