Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.1 "Rampage at Dawn" is a shorter-than-usual patch, but it packs in a brand-new 5-star character, a pair of valuable reruns, fresh Relics, and new Light Cones worth planning around. Whether you're chasing Ashveil, stocking up on free Stellar Jade, or mapping out your pulls for the massive Version 4.2 anniversary update ahead, this guide breaks down everything you need to know before March 25.
When Does Version 4.1 Launch and How Long Does It Last?
Version 4.1 officially launches on March 25, 2026, at 11:00 (UTC+8), according to HoYoverse's official announcement following the special livestream. Unlike the standard six-week cycle, this patch runs for approximately four weeks, wrapping up around April 21, 2026. That compressed window has real implications for your pull strategy and Stellar Jade income, so read on before spending anything.
HoYoverse typically announces delays well in advance (as seen with the Version 4.0 postponement revealed during the 3.8 livestream), so barring any surprise announcement, March 25 is a firm date you can plan around.
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Because 4.1 is only four weeks long, free-to-play players can expect to earn roughly 8,000 to 9,000 Stellar Jade total (approximately 50 to 60 warps including tickets). If you're targeting the 160-warp guarantee, you'll need an existing stockpile.
How to Claim Your Free 300 Stellar Jade (Livestream Codes)
Three redeem codes were revealed during the Version 4.1 special program on March 13, 2026. Each code provides 100 Stellar Jade plus bonus materials, adding up to 300 free Stellar Jade total. You can redeem them on the official Honkai: Star Rail gift website after logging in, or directly in-game through the Redemption Code option in the top-right corner of the main menu.
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These codes expire on March 14 at 11:59 AM ET. Redeem them immediately or you'll miss the free Jade permanently.
On top of the codes, HoYoverse confirmed a free 10-pull (10 Star Rail Special Passes) check-in event at the start of 4.1. Simply log in after the update drops to claim it.
For a full breakdown of everything arriving in this patch, the Honkai: Star Rail 4.1 update summary covers new characters, map details, events, and more in one place.
Who Is Ashveil? Kit Breakdown and Playstyle
Ashveil is the headline addition of Version 4.1: a limited 5-star Lightning character walking the Path of the Hunt, belonging to the Immortal Detective Agency of Planacadia. On paper, Ashveil reads like a standard single-target Hunt DPS, but the "Bait" debuff mechanic and chain-kill system push the character well beyond that label.
Ashveil's Bait mechanic in action
How Does Ashveil's Bait Mechanic Work?
Ashveil's Skill applies the Bait mark to a single enemy. While Bait is active:
- All enemies on the field suffer a 20% DEF reduction
- Every time an ally attacks the marked target, Ashveil consumes 1 Charge stack to fire a follow-up attack dealing 450% of ATK
- Each follow-up attack accumulates Gluttony stacks
- Ashveil's Ultimate detonates all Gluttony stacks for massive Lightning DMG, then chains to the next target if the enemy is defeated
This kit positions Ashveil as both an active DPS and a team amplifier. The character provides +80% Follow-up Attack (FUA) DMG and up to +120% FUA-exclusive CRIT DMG to the entire team, making Ashveil an exceptional fit in any FUA-focused composition.
What Are Ashveil's Core Stats and Priorities?
The primary stats to build toward are CRIT DMG, ATK, and SPD (134+ is the target threshold). For Light Cone investment, Ashveil's signature "The False Finale" (5-star, The Hunt) is the top priority even at Superimposition 1. Here's why:
- S1 grants +18% CRIT Rate baseline
- Activating the "Umbra Devourer" state (triggered at combat start or after 4 follow-up attacks) adds +40% ATK and reduces all enemies' DEF by 12%
- Combined with the Bait debuff's inherent 20% DEF reduction and an additional 24% DEF PEN from the Light Cone, the total team DEF reduction reaches 44%
That 44% DEF reduction figure transforms the entire party's damage output, not just Ashveil's own numbers.
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Ashveil pairs exceptionally well with Erudition characters like The Herta or Argenti, who can exploit the persistent DEF shred applied to non-Baited enemies after a Bait target is eliminated.
New Relics for Ashveil: City of Myriad Forms
Version 4.1 introduces two new 2-piece Relic sets. The one most relevant to Ashveil is City of Myriad Forms:
- +24% ATK whenever the wearer uses a follow-up attack (lasts 2 turns)
- +12% CRIT DMG for all allies when any enemy is defeated (lasts until end of battle, cannot stack)
Ashveil's chain-kill mechanic makes this set a natural fit. Farm this set as your first Trailblaze Power priority after 4.1 launches. Stock up on Immersifiers and Reserve Trailblaze Power before the update drops.
The second new set, Punklorde Stage Zero, is built around the new Elation stat mechanic and will be more relevant for future Elation-based characters arriving in Version 4.2 and beyond.
City of Myriad Forms set bonus
Version 4.1 Banner Schedule: Who Should You Pull?
Because this patch runs four weeks instead of six, each banner phase lasts only two weeks rather than three. Plan your pity accordingly.
Ashveil runs across both phases, so you have the full four weeks to pull. The rerun characters swap at the Phase 1/2 midpoint.
Is Hyacine Worth Pulling in Phase 1?
Hyacine is a Wind-type character on the Path of Remembrance, serving as the Head Physician of the Gleaming Garden in Amphoreus lore. The character's healing output and team survivability scale with SPD up to 200, making Hyacine a strong pick for Remembrance-focused teams or players who lack a versatile SPD-scaling support. If you're building a Remembrance team or want a flexible healer, this rerun is worth serious consideration.
Is Boothill Worth Pulling in Phase 2?
Boothill is a Physical-type Hunt DPS and single-target Break specialist. His Standoff mechanic rapidly depletes enemy Toughness to trigger explosive Break Effect DMG. If you already run a Break support composition (Ruan Mei, Harmony Trailblazer), Boothill's pull value is high. Without that support infrastructure already built, the payoff is more limited.
4-Star Rate-Up Characters
Both phases share the same 4-star rate-up lineup: Misha (Ice/Destruction), Asta (Fire/Harmony), and Moze (Lightning/The Hunt).
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The Version 4.1 Fandom wiki page covers the full official patch notes and character details for this version if you want to cross-reference ability data directly with the Version 4.1 wiki entry.Version 4.1 Story: What Happens in Planarcadia?
The main campaign quests in Version 4.1 continue the Planarcadia storyline introduced in Version 4.0. The Trailblazer's mission to win the Phantasmoon Games picks up where it left off, with new characters to meet and familiar faces returning. While the shorter patch means fewer events than a standard six-week update, HoYoverse confirmed enough content to keep players engaged until Version 4.2 arrives, including additional free Stellar Jade from event participation.
Version 4.0 also introduced the Elation Path as a playable option, currently represented by Sparxie and Yao Guang. The 4.1 story continues building toward the bigger reveals planned for 4.2.
What's Coming in Version 4.2?
Version 4.1 functions as a setup patch. Version 4.2 is Honkai: Star Rail's official Anniversary update, and based on HoYoverse's confirmed information, it will be one of the largest patches of the year. Confirmed additions include:
- Silver Wolf Lvl. 999 (new limited character)
- Evanescia (the Yae Sakura-inspired character)
- Elation Trailblazer (a new playable Trailblazer variant)
- Character enhancements for Firefly, Huohuo, Seele, and Welt
The 4.2 character buffs are particularly notable. Seele gets her Skill speed buff extended from 2 turns to 3 turns, auto-trigger when enemies are below 50% HP, and her Talent duration tripled from 1 to 3 turns. Firefly gains expanded Fire Weakness application to adjacent targets and a significant Super Break DMG increase (from 35%/50% to 100%/150%). Huohuo receives improved healing values and a new ATK boost of 24% when ally max energy is 160 or more. Welt gets a complete trace overhaul, a new Slow application on his Ultimate, and a 40% DEF reduction on enemies in Weightless State.
If you're not invested in the FUA meta, saving your Stellar Jade for 4.2 is a legitimate strategy.
4.2 character buff traces
Should You Pull in 4.1 or Save for 4.2?
Here's a straightforward breakdown to help you decide:
- Pull Ashveil if you run or want to build a FUA team, need a new main DPS, or want a character with strong team-wide utility
- Pull Hyacine if you're building a Remembrance team or lack a reliable SPD-scaling healer
- Pull Boothill if you already have Break supports like Ruan Mei or Harmony Trailblazer built
- Save everything if you're targeting Silver Wolf Lvl. 999, Evanescia, or Elation Trailblazer in 4.2
The four-week window and reduced Stellar Jade income make it harder to chase multiple targets in 4.1. Set one priority and commit.
For more guides on Honkai: Star Rail and other titles, browse more guides on GAMES.GG to keep your strategies sharp heading into the anniversary patch.