HoYoverse is celebrating three years of Honkai: Star Rail in a big way. Update v4.2 drops on April 22 loaded with over 30 free pulls on login, more earnable through events, three working redemption codes live right now, and two brand-new 5-Star characters headlining the patch.
Grab these codes before they expire
Three anniversary redemption codes are active right now, each worth 300 Stellar Jade (enough for roughly two pulls per code). Redeem them directly through the HoYoverse gift portal:
- HERESTHECODE
- SHAREANDSAVEIT
- HAPPY3RDANNIV
Those three codes combine for 900 Stellar Jade total, which stacks nicely on top of the 30-plus pulls coming with the update itself. The key here is that reward top-ups reset when v4.2 goes live, so players who have been saving will enter the patch in a strong position.
The two new characters pulling focus in v4.2
The first half of the update is headlined by Silver Wolf LV.999, a 5-Star Imaginary character following the Path of Elation. Her kit leans into a retro gaming aesthetic, complete with animations that ape old-school bonus stages. She grants teammates immunity to enemy control and can spawn virtual loot boxes that apply buffs to allies, which makes her a natural pairing with Sparxie. Reruns for The Dahlia, Castorice, and Firefly run alongside her banner.
The second half shifts focus to Evanescia, a 5-Star Physical character also on the Path of Elation. She builds energy and damage over time through her 'Certified Banger' status and buffs teammates via her Elation Skill. Her banner phase brings reruns of Tribbie, Sunday, and Feixiao.
What most players will want to note: the Trailblazer is also getting a full kit rework tied to the Elation path this patch. Armed with a glowstick and access to the Certified Banger mechanic, the protagonist becomes a free support option for Evanescia's team compositions. The Trailblazer's new path is free to unlock.
What else is packed into the anniversary update
Beyond the pull economy, v4.2 continues the Phantasmoon Games storyline and opens a new area called Seafeld City on Planarcadia. The endgame mode Currency Wars is getting a major expansion pack, and a new combat event tasks players with simulating a livestream broadcast.
The trading card game Cosmicon Collective is adding a co-op mode. Social features are also expanding, with players now able to invite friends onto the Astral Express and customize their virtual bedroom.
For anyone planning to pull for Silver Wolf LV.999, Evanescia, or any of the returning characters, the full livestream breakdown is worth watching for a complete picture of the event schedule. The MAPPA-produced Honkai: Star Rail anime teased alongside this announcement is also worth tracking if you want to follow the story off-platform.
For more on what's dropping across gaming this month, browse more guides to stay across the latest updates and event schedules.
