Image Credit: HoyoVerse

The latest Honkai: Star Rail Special Program has officially wrapped up, giving Trailblazers a detailed look at Version 4.6, titled “Dance With the Beast Before Moonrise.” The livestream introduced the next chapter of the Planarcadia story, revealed the new five star character Pearl, showcased new events and outfits, and even teased a major crossover with Zenless Zone Zero for a future update.

Version 4.6 is scheduled to launch on September 28, 2026, continuing the story following Nihilux’s shocking revelation and sending the Trailblazer deeper into Astropolis.

Version 4.6 Continues the Planarcadia Story

The story will move into the Life Sciences Institute, a facility deep within Astropolis that serves as the source of the Imagenae found throughout the area. The Trailblazer will work alongside Pearl as they investigate a dangerous plan involving the weaponization of the “husk.”

The situation becomes even more complicated following Nihilux’s revelation that she is actually Aha, the Aeon of Elation. With the threat surrounding Planarcadia continuing to grow, the Trailblazer and Pearl will venture into the Life Sciences Institute to uncover what is really happening behind the weaponization project.

The update also introduces new enemies and additional story content as the narrative continues to explore the growing conflict surrounding Astropolis, the IPC, and the mysterious forces connected to Voracity.

Pearl Joins the Playable Roster

The biggest character reveal of the livestream was undoubtedly Pearl, a new five star Ice character who follows the Path of Elation.

Pearl is a member of the Ten Stonehearts and serves as the CEO of Planarcadia. Rather than simply functioning as another conventional damage dealer, her combat mechanics focus heavily on supporting her team and learning from her allies.

Pearl can consume her Certified Banger resource to reduce some of the damage received by the entire team. She can also enter a Deep Learning state, allowing her to study the combat data of a designated teammate and gain an Enhanced Attack based on that character.

Her mechanics become particularly interesting when she is paired with other Elation characters. If the teammate she studies follows the Path of Elation, Pearl’s Enhanced Attack can deal additional Elation damage. A full Elation team can also trigger additional effects, including an extra turn for the studied ally.

Pearl’s signature Light Cone, Colors for Tomorrow, will also receive an increased drop rate alongside her character banner.

Version 4.6 Banner Schedule

Version 4.6 will focus heavily on Pearl, with her banner running throughout the update. The first half will also feature a rerun for Evanescia, while the second half will bring back Mortenax Blade.

This gives players another opportunity to obtain several Elation related characters while also adding Pearl to the roster. Her mechanics could make the update particularly interesting for players who have already invested in the newer Elation playstyle.

New Events Bring Mechatrons, Combat Shows, and More

One of the major events coming with Version 4.6 is Love, Ghosts & Robots. In this event, the Trailblazer will assist Skott with running a mechatron workshop. Players will be able to assemble and sell mechatrons while working toward developing the workshop into a five star operation.

Another major event is Interastral Peace Gala: One Take, which puts players into a large combat focused reality show.

Version 4.6 will also introduce Astral Imagea, a new gameplay feature that allows players to collect various creatures that can accompany them on their adventures. The feature also connects to the Astral Slammers Squad challenge, giving players a way to participate in multiplayer activities with friends.

The update will also bring back the familiar Gift of Odyssey login event, providing players with additional Star Rail Special Passes, alongside returning double reward activities such as Planar Fissure and Garden of Plenty.

Two New Relic Sets Are Coming

Version 4.6 is also adding two new Cavern Relic sets: Dreamlit Actor and The Edacious Heretic.

Dreamlit Actor focuses on Speed and supporting allies through Elation related effects, while The Edacious Heretic is centered more around Critical Damage and improving Basic Attack focused gameplay.

The addition of these sets should give players new options for building characters around the evolving combat systems introduced during the Planarcadia storyline.

New Outfits for Hyacine and Evanescia

HoYoverse is also expanding the Outfit Show Window with two new character outfits.

Hyacine will receive Warm Cotton Skies, while Evanescia will receive Lunar Blossoming. Both outfits will become available during Version 4.6.

For players who enjoy the cosmetic side of Honkai: Star Rail, these outfits add another reason to explore the new update beyond its story and combat content.

Razer and Silver Wolf LV.999 Return to the Spotlight

The livestream also highlighted a collaboration between Honkai: Star Rail and Razer centered around Silver Wolf LV.999.

The collaboration includes gaming peripherals such as a themed gaming chair, keyboard, mouse, and headset. The products are planned for release across multiple regions.

Silver Wolf LV.999 has already become one of the game’s more recognizable promotional versions of the character, making the collaboration another example of HoYoverse expanding Honkai: Star Rail beyond the game itself.

A Zenless Zone Zero Crossover Is Coming

Perhaps the biggest surprise toward the end of the presentation was the announcement of a future crossover between Honkai: Star Rail and Zenless Zone Zero.

The crossover is currently planned for Version 4.8 and will feature Astra Yao and Ellen Joe from Zenless Zone Zero. HoYoverse showed a brief teaser during the Version 4.6 presentation, giving players an early look at how the two characters will appear inside Honkai: Star Rail.

The crossover is still some time away, but its announcement gives players something major to look forward to beyond the immediate 4.6 and 4.7 updates.

Community Reaction

The Version 4.6 livestream has generated plenty of discussion among the Honkai: Star Rail community, particularly surrounding Pearl and the unexpected Zenless Zone Zero crossover.

Pearl’s arrival gives the Elation Path another major character while also introducing mechanics designed around learning from teammates and creating stronger interactions with other Elation characters. Meanwhile, the addition of Astral Imagea gives players a more casual collection focused feature alongside the larger story and combat content.

The crossover announcement has arguably been one of the biggest talking points outside of Version 4.6 itself. Bringing Astra Yao and Ellen Joe into Honkai: Star Rail opens up plenty of possibilities for future interactions between HoYoverse’s games.

Final Thoughts

Version 4.6 looks like another major step forward for the Planarcadia storyline. Pearl is the centerpiece of the update, but she is far from the only new addition. The Life Sciences Institute, new Relic sets, Love, Ghosts & Robots, Interastral Peace Gala: One Take, Astral Imagea, new outfits, and additional gameplay activities give players plenty to explore when the update arrives.

The biggest surprise, however, may be what comes after Version 4.6. With Astra Yao and Ellen Joe officially teased for Version 4.8, Honkai: Star Rail is setting up one of its most unusual crossovers yet.

Version 4.6, “Dance With the Beast Before Moonrise,” launches on September 28, 2026. Stay tuned to The Gamers Cut for more Honkai: Star Rail news, character guides, livestream coverage, and updates.