Image Credit: HoyoVerse

The Version 3.5 Special Program, titled Before Their Deaths, aired on August 2, 2025, revealing major content drops, character banners, redeem codes, and quality of life upgrades for the impending patch kicking off August 13. Here’s everything you need to know.

Livestream Timing and Where to Watch

The stream premiered globally on August 2, 2025, at 6:30 AM UTC‑5 and 7:30 PM UTC+8 and was accessible via the official Honkai: Star Rail channels on YouTube and Twitch.

New Characters Revealed

Two brand new 5‑star characters were unveiled:

• Hysilens, a Physical Path Nihility unit from Helektra Styxia
• Cerydra, a Wind Harmony character tied into the Amphoreus storyline

They will headline the banner phases, with Hysilens launching in Phase 1 and Cerydra leading Phase 2. Fan favorites Kafka and Silver Wolf will also rerun across the update cycle.

Banner Schedule & Light Cones

Phase 1 (Aug 12 – Sep 2): Hysilens plus Kafka rerun. Light cones include Why Does the Ocean Sing (Signature) and Patience Is All You Need (Kafka rerun). 4‑star rate ups: Asta, Arlan, Hook.
Phase 2 (Sep 2 – Sep 23): Cerydra plus Silver Wolf rerun. New cone Epoch Etched in Golden Blood stars for Cerydra. Other featured cones: The Forever Victual, Incessant Rain. Rate‑up four stars: Sampo, Qingque, Dan Heng.

Story Mission & New Area

The new Trailblaze mission “Before Their Deaths” continues the Amphoreus arc, taking place in Styxia’s past. Players will explore Warbling Shores, a pristine version of Dragonbone City before its fall. Expect lore packed scenes, large enemies, and new boss fights, including Theoros: Lygus.

Events & Activities

Version 3.5 brings a suite of events:

• Chrysos Maze Grand Restaurant: grow crops, serve dishes, earn Stellar Jade and a 4‑star cone The Forever Victual
• Old Brews & New Friends: profile drinksmith skills and earn materials
• Space Station Task Force, Gift of Odyssey, Planar Fissure, and Garden of Plenty offer passive rewards, double drops, and login bonuses including Star Rail Special Passes.

Livestream Redeem Codes

Redeem these codes before they expire on August 3, 2025 at 10:59 AM UTC‑5:

• TB2NPKQ8USKF (100 Stellar Jade + 50 000 Credits)
• CT2N72RRUAJK (100 Stellar Jade + 5 Traveler’s Guides)
• YA37N29RUSJ7 (100 Stellar Jade + 4 Refined Aether)

Final Take

Version 3.5’s Before Their Deaths livestream sets the bar high for content pacing and storytelling. New characters, rerun value, event variety, and sweet redeem codes add up to one of the most complete patch previews HoYoverse has offered. With August 13 global release confirmed, now’s the time to plan pull budgets, farm materials, and get hyped for the next adventure aboard the Astral Express.

For breakdowns on team comps, banner optimal pulls, or post‑launch guides, make sure to subscribe to The Gamers Cut. I’ll toss out the fluff and keep you ahead of the meta.