Updated on December 8, 2025 at 5:270pm: Added official HoYoverse announcement about Planarcadia.
The Edo Star release date in Honkai Star Rail had made waves, bringing with it mysterious characters, a shift in the meta, and a new region for Trailblazers to explore. This world features a Japan-inspired cyberpunk setting with neon signs, tall skyscrapers, and floating buildings.
This planet also introduces a roster of characters in HSR banners.
Before Edo Star, the Astral Express stopped at The Eternal Land, Amphoreus, where the crew planned to fuel the train for the next leg of the journey. This Greek-inspired planet introduced the Chrysos Heirs, individuals with golden blood who take part in the Flame Chase to inherit the powers of Titans.
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The Astral Express’ time on the planet revealed a secret tied to one of the world’s Aeons.
Edo Star release date: When does this Japan-themed planet come out?
The original destination of the Astral Express prior to their stop in Amphoreus was Edo Star, a planet threatened by the Antimatter Legion and located within a vast ion storm. Although the IPC reported successfully repelling the Legion, the planet remains under a temporary lockdown.
The storyline is moving past this original goal as Honkai Star Rail’s Amphoreus chapter is concluding with its final major update version 3.8, titled “Memories are the Prelude to Dreams.” This conclusion signals the transition to the next major content update, HSR 4.0, which introduces an entirely new world, diverting the Astral Express from Edo Star.
Contrary to earlier community expectations and leaks, the Japan-themed planet, Edo Star, will not be the new major region for HSR 4.0. Instead, HoYoverse has officially announced the launch of Planarcadia.
Planarcadia release date: When does HSR 4.0 come out?
Based on the confirmed eight-week duration of version 3.8 starting December 17, 2025, players can expect HSR 4.0 (Planarcadia) to be released on February 13, 2026 on Friday.
HSR 3.8 delay compensation details: Free Jades and Fuel to all players
Since HSR 3.8 is being extended from its standard six weeks to a full eight weeks, the developers are issuing compensation to all eligible players.
To acknowledge the change in the schedule and ensure a “better experience in the next world, ‘Planarcadia,'” HoYoverse is distributing 1,000 Stellar Jades and 10x Fuel to all players.
This compensation is being distributed after December 8, 2025 at 12 p.m. UTC+8. The extra development time is dedicated to finalizing HSR 4.0 game content.
What is Planarcadia in Honkai Star Rail?
Planarcadia is a planet associated with the Aeon of Elation, Aha, based on HoYoverse’s version description. The main feature of this world is a “game” offered to their followers, which lets them experience the power of an Aeon for a brief moment.
The Astral Express has visited Planarcadia before, and they are returning now because a major cosmic crisis requires them to seek help from other powerful Aeons like Aha.
Warning: Major spoilers if you have yet to play the Honkai Star Rail Trailblaze Missions.
The Astral Express has traveled through several worlds, including Herta Space Station, a museum-like starship founded by Herta; Jarilo-VI, a planet home to multiple civilizations; Penacony, a dreamlike world; Xianzhou Luofu, a massive spaceship so large it functions as a planet; and Amphoreus, a simulation contained within a machine.
The Astral Express was created by Akivili, the Aeon of Trailblaze, to transport Akivili and the Nameless across the galaxy. Its current crew, which includes Welt, Himeko, Dan Heng, March 7th, Sunday, and the Trailblazer, follows the same route Akivili once traveled. Their journey is leading them toward Pegana, Akivili’s home world.
