The next major Honkai Star Rail 3.5 banners are part of the version 3.5 update, “Before Their Deaths.”
This highly anticipated patch marks the official beginning of the second chapter in the ongoing Amphoreus storyline. Trailblazers can expect to meet a fresh cast of allies, battle new adversaries, participate in exciting events, and see familiar faces transformed.
The update will also introduce Hysilens and Cerydra to the playable roster, allowing fans to finally recruit these characters as they continue their exploration during the Amphorean expedition.
Honkai Star Rail 3.5 release date
Honkai Star Rail version 3.5 releases on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
Honkai Star Rail 3.5 banners: Complete list of characters
Version 3.5 bolsters the Trailblazer team with two formidable additions, starting with Hysilens, a five-star character following the Path of Nihility and deals Physical-Type damage, serving as the commander of the holy city’s knights.
She is a powerful asset, particularly when integrated into teams that specialise in Damage over Time (DoT). When Hysilens activates her Ultimate ability, she establishes a Zone where any DoT inflicted upon enemies triggers an extra, simultaneous DoT effect from her. While this Zone is active, enemy Attack and Defense stats are also reduced.
Furthermore, every one of her actions—Basic Attack, Skill, and Ultimate—has a chance to apply a random DoT type, and her Skill specifically increases the damage taken by enemies, significantly enhancing the party’s total damage output.
Phase 1
| RARITY | HONKAI STAR RAIL 3.5 BANNER PHASE 1 CHARACTER | PATH | COMBAT TYPE |
| 5-star | Hysilens | Nihility | Physical |
| 5-star | Kafka | Nihility | Lightning |
| 4-star | Asta | Harmony | Fire |
| 4-star | Arlan | Destruction | Lightning |
| 4-star | Hook | Destruction | Fire |
Phase 1 version 3.5 runs from August 13, 2025 for three weeks until September 2, 2025.
Phase 2
The second five-star addition is Imperator Cerydra, a Wind-Type character who follows the Path of Harmony. As the originator of the first Flame-Chase Journey and the current holder of the Law Coreflame, she is a master strategist whose combat style is rooted in the principles of chess, showcasing an aptitude for command and extensive long-term planning.
In battle, her Skill grants an allied unit a unique, upgradable status known as “Military Merit,” which provides an Attack increase and allows them to deal bonus damage. As the fight continues, Military Merit accumulates levels.
The buffed ally gains increased Critical Damage and All-Type Resistance Penetration when using their Skills, and can even duplicate their Skill effects, substantially boosting the entire team’s damage potential. Cerydra’s Ultimate ability inflicts damage upon all enemies and simultaneously grants her a Charge, ensuring she provides sustained utility and support for the party.
| RARITY | HONKAI STAR RAIL 3.5 BANNER PHASE 1 CHARACTER | PATH | COMBAT TYPE |
| 5-star | Cerydra | Harmony | Wind |
| 5-star | Silver Wolf | Nihility | Quantum |
| 4-star | Sampo | Nihility | Wind |
| 4-star | Qingque | Erudition | Quantum |
| 4-star | Dan Heng | The Hunt | Wind |
Phase 2 version 3.5 runs from September 3, 2025 for three weeks until September 30, 2025.
Honkai Star Rail 3.5 new Light Cones
- Why Does the Ocean Sing (5-star)
- Epoch Etched in Golden Blood (5-star)
What to expect in Honkai Star Rail version 3.5 story
Carrying the momentum from the previous chapter, the Trailblazer accepted the role of the Deliverer after making a vow to Phainon. In exchange, Phainon unleashed a devastating assault on Nanook, successfully halting Irontomb’s relentless march once more.
However, the overarching mission remains incomplete: the rescue of Amphoreus is still a challenge that must be overcome.
The upcoming Trailblaze Mission will see the Trailblazer accompany Cyrene into yet another loop of the Eternal Recurrence. This journey plunges them a thousand years into the past, landing them in the ancient realm of Okhema—a time when Imperator Cerydra, the wielder of the Law Coreflame and predecessor to Aglaea, still reigned from the Okhema throne.
During exploration, you’ll be able to visit new map, Styxia, known as the City of Infinite Revelry. The storyline is heading toward a climactic turning point, culminating in a direct battle between the Trailblazers and Lygus.
This challenging opponent uniquely shifts between two distinct combat forms. As the fight progresses and the stakes rise, players may finally uncover Lygus’s hidden motivations and reveal their mysterious true identity.
New events in Honkai Star Rail version 3.5
Version 3.5 is packed with more than just new narratives and characters; it also offers a variety of engaging events for Trailblazers. In the “Chrysos Maze Grand Restaurant” event, players will partner with the Chrysos Heirs to take over and manage a restaurant situated in Aedes Elysiae.
As the appointed “Restaurant Manager,” the goal is to serve various delectable dishes to the Membrance Maze’s fairies, while applying shrewd business tactics to renovate the venue. Success in management will earn the fairies’ praise and necessary support.
Separately, the “Old Brews and New Friends” event invites Trailblazers back to the “Dreamjolt Hostelry,” where they will assume the role of a guest drinksmith, mixing customized beverages and reconnecting with familiar faces for shared heartwarming moments.
You’ll finally be able to voice toggle from Honkai Star Rail version 3.5 onwards!
In an effort to deepen player immersion, this version introduces a voice toggle option specifically for collaboration characters.
This new feature grants Trailblazers the flexibility to switch a character’s interaction, combat, and idle voice lines between the standard in-game dub and the original voices provided by the licensed actors.
