HSR 4.8 Banners: Astra Yao and Ellen Confirmed for ZZZ Collab

The HSR 4.8 banners just became much more exciting.

During the latest HSR Special Program, HoYoverse officially revealed that Astra Yao and Ellen from Zenless Zone Zero will appear in Version 4.8 as part of the upcoming Honkai: Star Rail × Zenless Zone Zero collaboration.

For now, their exact Paths, elements, kits, and banner arrangement have not been officially revealed.

HSR 4.8 Banner Overview

The Version 4.8 banner phases are still unknown, so it is too early to say whether Astra Yao and Ellen will appear together or be split between Phase 1 and Phase 2.

HSR 4.8 Release Date

The Honkai: Star Rail 4.8 release date is expected to be around December 21, 2026.

Version 4.5 is scheduled to end on September 28, 2026. Versions 4.6 and 4.7 both follow the usual 42-day update cycle, so Version 4.6 should run until around November 9, followed by Version 4.7 until around December 21. You can also check our HSR banner schedule for the broader upcoming banner roadmap.

This is still a projected date based on the current patch rhythm rather than an official announcement.

HSR 4.8 New Characters

Astra Yao

Astra Yao is officially coming to Honkai: Star Rail in Version 4.8.

For Zenless Zone Zero players, she hardly needs an introduction. Astra Yao is one of New Eridu's biggest stars, known both for her career as a singer and for the strong support role she plays in combat.

That naturally makes her Star Rail version especially interesting.

Early information has repeatedly connected Astra Yao with a support-oriented role, which would fit her original character very well. However, HoYoverse has not officially revealed her Star Rail Path, element, or full kit yet.

Ellen

The second confirmed Version 4.8 crossover character is Ellen, one of the most recognizable Agents from Zenless Zone Zero.

Ellen is an Ice attacker in her original game, with fast melee combat centered around her shark-themed weapon and aggressive damage output.

That gives HoYoverse a very clear foundation to work with when adapting her to Star Rail.

Early rumors have pointed toward Ellen remaining a damage-focused character, potentially keeping her Ice identity as well. Still, I would not lock either detail in until her official Star Rail character reveal arrives.

What I am more interested in is how Star Rail translates Ellen's fast combat style into a turn-based kit.

Her original gameplay relies heavily on quick movement and repeated slashes, so mechanics involving extra actions, follow-up attacks, enhanced turns, or multi-hit damage would all make sense for her.

For now, though, that is still something we will have to wait and see.

Final Thoughts

The biggest takeaway from today's reveal is that the crossover is no longer just a general Winter 2026 announcement.

We now know that Version 4.8 is the HSR × ZZZ collaboration version, and Astra Yao and Ellen are officially coming to Honkai: Star Rail.

That alone makes 4.8 a patch worth saving for.

And if your 4.8 pull plans end up getting expensive, you can also check top up Honkai: Star Rail on LDShop to prepare more Oneiric Shards for the upcoming banners.

FAQ

Is the HSR × ZZZ collaboration confirmed?

Yes. The Honkai: Star Rail × Zenless Zone Zero collaboration was previously announced for Winter 2026, and HoYoverse has now confirmed that it will take place in Version 4.8.

Will Ellen be free in HSR 4.8?

There have been leaks claiming Ellen could be distributed for free, but HoYoverse has not officially confirmed this yet.

What are Astra Yao and Ellen's HSR Paths?

Their official Paths and elements have not been revealed yet. Earlier information about their roles should still be treated as leaks until HoYoverse releases their full character details.

When will HSR 4.8 release?

The collaboration is officially scheduled for Winter 2026. The exact Version 4.8 release date has not been announced yet, and the current expected date is December 21, 2026.