Hello, fellow Trailblazers! Based on current speculation, the inaugural characters for Version 4.0 are expected to be Yao Guang and Sparxie. According to the current schedule, the next major release milestone is set for December 30th. 

Barring any delays from the official side, the test server is scheduled to go online on January 6th. This means the hype for Honkai: Star Rail is set to return soon. Super excited! 

Regarding the new planet, the official name has been confirmed as "Planarcadia". This is a planet full of Elation, and it is also the place where the Star Rail once crashed and set sail again.

According to the officially released text introduction, the main story quest will revolve around a game. The winner can become an "Aeon" for one minute. As for what stories are buried within, we'll have to wait until the new version is released to find out.

Regarding the new mechanics for the Path of Elation in Version 4.0, we might find some clues from the official previous "Fun and Games" activities.

For example, an Independent Surprise Gift Box would appear when a character with the Elation attribute is on the field. It possesses its own independent action bar and carries various different buffs.

When its turn arrives, the entire team's action bar will be pulled forward, and all players can randomly draw a buff (each ally's buff is different, drawn randomly, which is very fun) and then launch an attack. Judging from this mechanic's design, it appears to be more advanced than the Memosprite gameplay.

Of course, to increase the appeal of pulling for the Elation path, it's highly likely that a special shield will be added that only Elation characters can quickly break. This would limit the effectiveness of existing core teams like Remembrance, Break, and Follow-up.

However, the above speculation is based on information gathered from previous event gameplay. The official intention was certainly to test things in advance. As for the specific gameplay details, we still need to wait for the official follow-up arrangements! 

The new event "Planar Fissure" is about to begin on December 29th, offering another chance to farm double Relics! Finally, an important reminder: a new month is approaching. The exchange shops and time-limited items in the Synthesis Workshop will be refreshed soon. Trailblazers who haven't made their exchanges yet should hurry—missing out would be a real pity.

That's all the foreseeable content about the new version of Honkai: Star Rail for now! I wonder which part you are most looking forward to? What are your thoughts on the upcoming new characters? Feel free to share your opinions with us! Remember to stay tuned for our brand new in-site merchandise and articles. See you next time!