HoYoverse has revealed exciting details about the soon-to-launch Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.4, which is aptly named “For the Sun is Set to Die.” This much-anticipated update is set to roll out on July 2 and promises to deliver fresh narrative content, enhanced gameplay elements, and a noteworthy collaboration with the renowned anime series Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]. Fans can expect to see iconic characters Saber and Archer join the fray as playable figures, along with a captivating trailer that showcases the upcoming features.
### Honkai: Star Rail x Fate/stay night Event: New Playable Characters and Rewards
Beginning July 11, players can immerse themselves in a unique story event known as “Sweet Dreams and the Holy Grail War,” set in the intriguing location of Penacony. This event adopts a Grail War-style format, where participants will face off against seven competitors, each summoning heroic spirits to aid them in battle. According to HoYoverse, players will witness the arrival of three legendary Heroic Spirits—Saber, Archer, and Lancer—responding to the call of the Holy Grail.
In this crossover event, both Saber and Archer will be available as playable characters. Saber stands out as a 5-star Wind-type character who follows the Path of Destruction. Her Ultimate ability, Excalibur, unleashes devastating area-wide Wind Damage while enhancing her Basic Attack to target all adversaries. As players engage in combat, Saber builds up “Core Resonance” through various actions. Once fully charged, she gains an additional turn, significantly increasing her Skill damage and accelerating her Ultimate recharge.
Archer, also classified as a 5-star character, embodies the Quantum-type and follows the Path of the Hunt. His gameplay focuses on delivering consistent single-target damage. Archer’s Skill allows him to act multiple times in a turn under a unique state called “Circuit Connection.” His Ultimate ability, Unlimited Blade Works, unleashes a powerful strike followed by a series of conditional follow-up attacks. Notably, HoYoverse highlights that Archer can consume [Special Charge] whenever an ally attacks, activating a Follow-up Attack and replenishing one Skill Point for the entire team. Players who log in during the event window from July 11 to the conclusion of Version 3.6 will be able to unlock Archer at no cost.
### Expanding the Main Story: Introducing Phainon
Version 3.4 will also advance the overarching narrative of Honkai: Star Rail by introducing a significant new character named Phainon. Emerging from Aedes Elysiae, Phainon joins the Trailblazer following the events transpiring in Amphoreus. While described as “calm and reliable,” he carries the weight of immense expectations beneath his composed exterior.
In battle, Phainon wields “Coreflames” to transform his surroundings and create a distinct “Territory.” This ability temporarily removes allies from the active battle while retaining their bonuses. His powers are derived from the elements of Origination, Calamity, and the Foundation Titans. Additionally, Phainon has the ability to enhance the team’s Technique Point cap and can instantly eliminate regular enemies within range without initiating combat.
### Returning Characters and Gameplay Improvements
The update will also reintroduce several limited 5-star characters throughout its duration. In the first half, players can expect to see Tribbie, Sunday, and Sparkle. Meanwhile, in the latter half, Firefly, Jingliu, and Blade will return. Notably, the characters Silver Wolf, Kafka, Jingliu, and Blade will receive various combat and Eidolon adjustments, offering players a greater degree of flexibility and customization in their builds.
A new outfit for Firefly, titled “Spring Missive,” will also debut in this version. Additionally, players can look forward to the long-awaited “skip dialogue” feature, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Fans of the popular Origami Bird minigame will be pleased to know that it will make its return as well.
### Voice Cast and Trailer
The Japanese voice cast for this update features notable talents, including:
– Hino Satoshi as Phainon
– Karato Syuntaro as Lygus
– Endo Aya as Aglaea
– Inoue Marina as Cyrene
– Ayako Kawasumi as Saber (Fate/UBW)
– Junichi Suwabe as Archer (Fate/UBW)
– Kikuchi Michitake as Old Oti
– Konishi Katsuyuki as Boothill
– Nazuka Kaori as Robin
– Ishikawa Yui as Stelle
Players can view the latest trailer to catch a glimpse of what’s to come.
### Availability and Popularity of Honkai: Star Rail
Honkai: Star Rail is accessible on multiple platforms, including PC, iOS, Android, PlayStation 5, and the Epic Games Store. Since its release, the game has garnered immense popularity, amassing over 150 million downloads. It has also received numerous accolades, such as:
– 2023 Apple App Store iPhone Game of the Year
– 2023 Google Play Best Game
– 2023 The Game Awards Best Mobile Game
– 2024 Golden Joystick Awards “Still Playing”
– 2024 PlayStation® Partner Awards “Partner Award”
This level of success reflects the game’s engaging content, captivating characters, and the ongoing support from its developers.
### HoYoverse’s Portfolio
HoYoverse is well-known for its impressive portfolio, which includes other significant titles such as Genshin Impact, Honkai Impact 3rd, Tears of Themis, and Zenless Zone Zero. Each of these games has contributed to the company’s reputation for creating immersive experiences that blend compelling storytelling with innovative gameplay mechanics.
With the upcoming release of Version 3.4 for Honkai: Star Rail, players can anticipate an exhilarating blend of new characters, enriched gameplay features, and a crossover that brings beloved anime figures into the gaming universe. As the launch date approaches, excitement builds within the community, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this captivating saga.
