Image Credit: HoyoVerse

HoYoverse has officially released Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.3, titled “The Lethe Below the Living,” and it is shaping up to be one of the most significant updates of the Planarcadia arc so far. The update continues the main story, introduces a brand-new 5-Star character, adds new events and game systems, and prepares the stage for future content arriving later this year.

For many Trailblazers, Version 4.3 feels less like a typical patch and more like the culmination of months of storytelling across Planarcadia.

The Story Continues in Planarcadia

The centerpiece of Version 4.3 is the continuation of the Trailblaze Mission, which brings players deeper into the mysteries of Planarcadia.

According to HoYoverse, the Trailblazer and Mortenax Blade travel separately through the World in Canvas while confronting the influence of Lord Ravager Asat Pramad and the seal of the Aeon Voracity. The update finally begins revealing the truth hidden beneath Planarcadia and explores the conclusion of Blade’s long-running personal journey.

The version’s title, The Lethe Below the Living, references the ancient river hidden within the painted world, where long-buried memories and secrets begin to surface.

Players invested in the ongoing narrative can expect:

• New Trailblaze Missions
• Major lore revelations
• Important developments for Blade
• Further exploration of the Aeon Voracity and its influence on Planarcadia

Mortenax Blade Makes His Debut

The headline character of Version 4.3 is Mortenax Blade, a new 5-Star Fire character following the Path of Nihility.

Unlike the original Blade, Mortenax Blade is an alternate version that focuses on Fire damage and Nihility-based mechanics.

His debut banner, Now I Am Become Blade, launched alongside Version 4.3 and serves as the primary attraction for players looking to expand their roster.

His signature Light Cone, Reforged in Hellfire, also arrived with the update.

Community discussion surrounding Mortenax Blade has been intense ever since his reveal, with many players excited to see a new take on one of the game’s most popular characters.

Current and Upcoming Banners

Version 4.3 features two banner phases.

Phase One

• Mortenax Blade
• Yao Guang

Phase Two

• Phainon
• Cyrene

Players also have access to returning Light Cone banners corresponding to each featured character.

For those saving Stellar Jade, Version 4.3 offers several strong options regardless of whether you prefer Nihility, Elation, or support-oriented playstyles.

Events Arriving in Version 4.3

Like most major Star Rail updates, Version 4.3 includes a variety of limited-time events.

Pixel Plane Rumble

The flagship event of the patch is Pixel Plane Rumble, which runs throughout much of the update cycle and offers substantial rewards including:

• Stellar Jade
• Tracks of Destiny
• Self-Modeling Resin
• Exclusive cosmetics
• Upgrade materials

HoYoverse has also included the usual collection of:

• Login events
• Material farming events
• Combat challenges
• Resource bonuses

These events provide players with additional opportunities to prepare for future banners while earning valuable progression resources.

New Relic and Material Farming Content

Version 4.3 introduces several new farming stages for players looking to optimize their characters.

New additions include:

• Cavern of Corrosion: Path of Insight
• Stagnant Shadow: Shape of Devour
• Bud of Erudition: Seafeld TV Tower
• Bud of Destruction: Inkford Hermitage

These stages provide materials for newer characters and offer additional farming options for players preparing upcoming teams.

Quality-of-Life Improvements

One of the most appreciated additions in Version 4.3 is the expansion of Warp History storage.

Following the update, players can now view:

• Up to 12 months of Warp history
• Extended archive access for collaboration banners

Additional improvements include:

• UI adjustments
• Combat display optimizations
• Audio updates
• Character interaction improvements
• Various bug fixes and system refinements

While not as flashy as new characters, these changes help improve the overall player experience.

Community Reaction

Community reception to Version 4.3 has generally been positive.

Many players have praised:

• The continued Planarcadia story
• Mortenax Blade’s reveal
• New quality-of-life features
• The expanded Warp history system

Discussion surrounding the story has been particularly active, with many Trailblazers eager to see how Blade’s journey concludes and what revelations await at the end of Planarcadia.

The addition of Mortenax Blade has also generated substantial excitement among longtime Blade fans, many of whom have been anticipating his debut since the first teasers appeared.

Final Verdict

Version 4.3 may not be the largest update in Honkai: Star Rail’s history, but it is one of the most important.

Between:

• The continuation of the Planarcadia storyline
• The debut of Mortenax Blade
• New events and rewards
• Additional farming content
• Meaningful quality-of-life improvements

there is plenty for both casual and dedicated Trailblazers to enjoy.

As the Planarcadia arc approaches its conclusion, Version 4.3 serves as a crucial stepping stone toward the future of Honkai: Star Rail.

Final Thoughts

Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.3 delivers a compelling blend of story progression, character releases, and gameplay improvements. Whether you’re pulling for Mortenax Blade, diving into the latest Trailblaze Mission, or preparing for future banners, there is no shortage of content to explore.

If you want more Honkai: Star Rail coverage, character guides, livestream recaps, meta-analysis, and gaming news, be sure to subscribe to The Gamers Cut.