HoYoverse has officially announced that Honkai: Star Rail‘s Version 3.4 update, titled “For the Sun is Set to Die,” will be released on July 2, 2025. The update introduces new characters, story developments, feature enhancements, and a major crossover event.
New Characters and Main Story Progression
Three new playable characters — Phainon, Saber, and Archer — will debut in Version 3.4. Phainon joins the Trailblazer’s team as a central figure in the main story. Originating from Aedes Elysiae, Phainon is a powerful ally who accumulates “Coreflames” during battle, allowing him to transform and deploy enhanced abilities. His presence increases the team’s Technique Point cap, and his Technique can eliminate standard enemies without initiating combat.
The story continues the events from previous updates, focusing on Phainon and the Trailblazer’s efforts to return the final Coreflame to the Vortex of Genesis. As secrets surrounding Amphoreus unravel, players will explore Phainon’s origins and role in the emerging Era Nova.
“Sweet Dreams and the Holy Grail” Collaboration Event
A new storyline and event collaboration with Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] will launch on July 11. In this crossover, the Trailblazer is invited to participate in a special “Sweet Dreams and the Holy Grail War” program hosted in Penacony, where they, along with characters like Aventurine, Boothill, and Robin, will summon Heroic Spirits to battle alongside them.
The iconic Fate/Stay Night characters Saber and Archer will be made available as new playable characters. Saber is a 5-star Wind Destruction character whose Ultimate, Excalibur, deals AoE damage and enhances her Basic ATK. Archer is a 5-star Quantum Hunt character capable of dealing sustained single-target damage through repeat Skill usage and activating Unlimited Blade Works as his Ultimate.
Players can obtain Archer for free during the event period starting July 11 and continuing through Version 3.6. Both characters, along with their Light Cones, will remain available via banners beyond the event’s conclusion.
Returning Characters and Enhancements
Several popular 5-star characters will be returning throughout the update. Tribbie, Sunday, and Sparkle will feature in the first half, followed by Firefly, Jingliu, and Blade in the second half. Selected characters, including Silver Wolf, Blade, Kafka, and Jingliu, will receive performance enhancements, such as changes to combat mechanics and Eidolon effects. Players will also be able to toggle between classic and enhanced combat modes.
Firefly will also receive a new outfit, Spring Missive, as part of this update.
System Improvements and Mini-Games
Version 3.4 introduces a long-requested “skip dialogue” feature, allowing players to control the narrative pacing. Additionally, the “Origami Bird” minigame returns, offering casual gameplay alongside the main content.
For more details, visit https://hoyo.link/18zDCBAd.
