Honkai: Star Rail version 4.2 update ‘So Laughed the Masses’ launches April 22

miHoYo has announced that the next update for Honkai: Star Rail, version 4.2 – titled “So Laughed the Masses” – will be released on April 22nd.

Here is an overview of the update, via miHoYo:

Phantasmoon Games are offering bigger and better rewards now, which means more players from across the universe will be joining the action in Planarcadia, making the competition much fiercer. Harness the strength of the Path of Elation and fight for ultimate victory with Silver Wolf, now at her full potential, and the mysterious observer, Evanescia!

To celebrate its third anniversary, Honkai: Star Rail is hosting a variety of events and offering players exciting rewards! Version 4.2 will bring back the “Festive Gifts” event, where you can log in daily for a total of 20 chances to get new characters or Light Cones. On April 26th, players can choose a special blessing card from a companion character to receive 1,600 Stellar Jades. The anniversary update also introduces the highly anticipated 5-star characters, Huohuo and Robin, to the Stellar Convergence store. As usual, you’ll be able to exchange a free Golden Companion Spirit for the companion of your choice. There’s even more to look forward to, including a reset of the first-time top-up bonus, new items in the Gift of Stardust store, and a new Outfit for Castorice! Don’t miss the “Aha’s Chosen: Spreading Elation Everywhere” online event for a chance to win amazing prizes, including a Silver Wolf-themed car! Celebrations will also extend to cities around the world, like Tokyo, Seoul, and Los Angeles, with parades, street parties, and collaborations. Check the official website for complete details.

The latest update to Honkai: Star Rail, Version 4.2, dramatically raises the stakes of the Phantasmoon Games. The winner will now become the permanent Aeon of Elation, making the competition incredibly important. This puts the Trailblazer under intense pressure and scrutiny from all the major groups involved. To address the situation, Fulwish, head of the Research Society of Happy Smiles and a powerful media figure, has invited all participants to a televised debate at Fulwish TV headquarters in the beautiful resort city of Seafeld. The debate, open to everyone in Arcadia, will focus on the crucial question: “What future will the Phantasmoon Games create for the world?”

Okay, so this whole thing with Fulwish feels like a setup, a challenge I can’t just ignore. It’s not just a simple debate, though – there are definitely hidden dangers and tricks everywhere. I’m up against a real pro at manipulating people, and I need to collect enough Wishpower to figure out what’s really going on and solve this crisis. Luckily, my fellow Supplicants, Silver Wolf and Pearl, seem to have a secret plan brewing – maybe they have something that can help us win this!

As the competition gets tougher, two powerful new 5-star characters, Silver Wolf LV.999 and Evanescia, are joining the fight to help you succeed. First up is Silver Wolf, a familiar face with a fresh new look. As a veteran member of the Stellaron Hunters, she’s a true expert, and you could easily call her the universe’s ultimate gamer. Think of her as reaching the highest possible level – level 999 – becoming a practically unbeatable ‘Godmode Player.’

Silver Wolf LV.999 is an Imaginary character who specializes in manipulating battles. She builds up ‘Hidden MMR’ to activate her special Cartridge and enter ‘Godmode,’ creating a ‘Reward stage’ at the start of her turn. During this stage, she can use her Cartridge to generate helpful items, changing the flow of combat and boosting her allies. Her ultimate ability, ‘Aha Instant,’ unleashes a devastating laser cannon on all enemies.

But that’s not all! Even when she’s not actively in battle, Silver Wolf will hack into the game if a teammate is controlled by the enemy, giving everyone temporary protection. She’s a dedicated teammate who always has your back.

Evanescia is a mysterious character who has been observing the Phantasmoon Games since its beginning. She’s not just a first-time viewer – as a “Special Observer,” she’s seen many iterations of the games, witnessing countless schemes and battles for power. Unlike most, she’s less interested in who wins and more focused on the Trailblazer. The new story will finally reveal more about who Evanescia really is.

In battle, Evanescia is a 5-star Physical character who follows the Path of Elation. She builds up a resource called “Certified Banger” by regaining Energy, receiving support from teammates, or when her teammates’ “Certified Banger” changes. Gaining “Certified Banger” restores her Energy, helping her maintain a consistent attack rhythm. As she accumulates more, her damage increases, and eventually triggers an attack from “Master Fox” that damages all enemies and restores her Energy. Her Elation Skill attacks all enemies, boosts team damage, and adds a stylish flair to her performance.

Version 4.2 introduces two new characters, and the Trailblazer will gain a new Path: Elation. This new Path features a versatile glow stick weapon. When using their Skill, the glow stick becomes a lightblade, allowing the Trailblazer to damage all enemies and gain a buff called “Certified Banger.” It can also transform into nunchucks for a rapid series of attacks. Beyond combat, the glow stick can even be used to boost teammates! The Trailblazer’s Ultimate lets them cheer on a teammate, granting them “Certified Banger” and immediately activating their Elation Skill for a more dynamic battle experience.

In the upcoming Version 4.2, special Warp events will be held in two phases. First, you’ll have a chance to get the 5-star characters Dahlia, Castorice, and Firefly again. Then, in the second phase, Tribbie, Sunday, and Feixiao will return as limited 5-star characters. Plus, Firefly, Huohuo, Seele, and Welt will all receive improvements to their abilities, making them even more helpful during your adventures.

Just in time for the 3rd Anniversary of Honkai: Star Rail, lots of exciting events are coming! In Version 4.2, you’ll be able to become a streamer in the new “Cosmic Data Roaming” event, sharing your best battles. The “Currency Wars” event will also get a big update with more ways to play. Plus, the Cosmicon Collective is launching Version 2.0, “Cosmicon, Roll On Again!,” with new cards, dice, and a team challenge mode. To make the anniversary even more fun, look out for events like “Express Renovation Escapade” and “Relic Recon.” And during the special livestream, a concept trailer for an original animated project—a collaboration between HoYoverse and MAPPA called “Death in the Afternoon”—was revealed. Get ready for more cosmic adventures!

You can now play Honkai: Star Rail on PlayStation 5, PC (through a downloadable client or the Epic Games Store), and mobile devices (iOS via the App Store and Android via Google Play).

Watch a new trailer and special program below. View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.