Honkai Star Rail 4.6 Banners & Events Schedule
This page lists the full banner and event schedule for Honkai: Star Rail version 4.6, including exact release times for each phase. You’ll find the character and light cone lineups, the event calendar, and the server-specific time conversions you need to plan your pulls.
Version 4.6 Release Date and Phases
Honkai: Star Rail version 4.6 is scheduled to release on May 6, 2025, following the standard six-week update cycle. Like all versions, it is split into two banner phases, each lasting three weeks. The exact start and end times depend on your server region, but the global maintenance window typically ends around 10:00 AM (UTC+8) on release day, which corresponds to the following local times:
- America (UTC-5): 9:00 PM (previous day) during Daylight Saving Time
- Europe (UTC+1): 3:00 AM (release day)
- Asia (UTC+8): 10:00 AM (release day)
Phase 1 runs from May 6 to May 27, and Phase 2 runs from May 27 to June 17, 2025. All banner changes occur at the same server-reset time (04:00 AM server time) on the transition day.
Phase 1 Banners (May 6 – May 27)
The first half of version 4.6 features the long-awaited debut of Fugue (Fire, Nihility), a 5-star character who excels at breaking enemy toughness and enabling Super Break teams. Her banner also includes boosted drop rates for the following 4-star characters:
- Gallagher (Fire, Abundance) – healer and debuffer
- Guinaifen (Fire, Nihility) – DoT support
- Luka (Physical, Nihility) – single-target Break specialist
Alongside the character banner, the Light Cone banner features Fugue’s signature cone, “Scent Alone Stays” (5-star, Nihility). The 4-star light cones on rate-up are typically the matching cones for the featured 4-star characters, but you should check the in-game details for the exact lineup.
Phase 2 Banners (May 27 – June 17)
The second half of version 4.6 brings a rerun of Kafka (Lightning, Nihility), the premier DoT (Damage over Time) driver. Her banner is paired with a rerun of Black Swan (Wind, Nihility), who synergizes perfectly with Kafka in DoT teams. Both are 5-star characters, and their banners run simultaneously. The 4-star rate-ups for this phase have not been officially confirmed yet, but based on past patterns, they will likely include characters that support DoT or Nihility teams.
The corresponding Light Cone banners feature Kafka’s signature “Patience Is All You Need” and Black Swan’s “Reforged Remembrance”. These are excellent for their respective users, but also usable on other Nihility characters in a pinch.
Full Event Schedule
Version 4.6 includes several limited-time events, each with its own start and end times. The main flagship event is “Duel Under the Pines”, a combat challenge that rewards Stellar Jades, upgrade materials, and a free 4-star character (likely a choice from a select pool). Other events include:
- Gift of Odyssey: Login for 7 days to earn 10 Star Rail Special Passes (runs for the entire version).
- Planar Fissure: Double rewards from Planar Ornaments (runs for one week in Phase 1).
- Garden of Plenty: Double rewards from Calyx (runs for one week in Phase 2).
- Simulated Universe: Human Comedy – a new expansion with additional curios and events (permanent addition).
Exact event times are always listed in the in-game notice board, but they typically start and end at 10:00 AM (UTC+8) on their respective days. Note that some events have a “phase lock” – you must complete the prerequisite Trailblaze Mission to participate.
How to Convert Release Times to Your Timezone
HoYoverse uses server time for all banner and event switches, not your local time. The three main servers are Asia (UTC+8), Europe (UTC+1), and America (UTC-5). To convert to your local time, simply add or subtract the difference from your timezone. For example, if you’re in the UK (UTC+0 during summer), a 10:00 AM UTC+8 release is 3:00 AM BST. The easiest way to avoid confusion is to check the in-game countdown timer on the banner page – it always shows the exact remaining time in your local timezone.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One frequent mistake is assuming that banner times are the same worldwide. They are not – the banner changes at the same absolute moment, but your local clock will show a different time depending on your region. Another misconception is that the 4-star rate-ups are the same in both phases; they are not, and they are often different from the ones datamined before the patch. Always trust the in-game banner details over any pre-release leaks.
If you see a banner ending at 3:59 AM server time, it means the new banner starts at 4:00 AM – not midnight. This is a common source of confusion for players who expect a midnight reset.
How to Plan Your Pulls
With two 5-star characters in Phase 2, you need to decide whether to spend on Fugue now or save for Kafka/Black Swan. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Your current roster: If you already have a strong Break team (e.g., Firefly or Boothill), Fugue is a huge upgrade. If you have a DoT team, Kafka and Black Swan are essential.
- Pity and guarantee: If you’re close to pity, you might want to wait for the second phase to avoid accidentally getting a character you don’t want.
- Light cones vs. characters: Signature light cones are powerful, but only pull for them if you have the character and the jades to spare.
Remember that 4-star characters are not guaranteed – you might get a different 4-star than the rate-up ones. If you’re aiming for a specific 4-star, be prepared for disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly does the 4.6 banner go live?
The banner goes live immediately after maintenance ends on May 6, 2025. That is 10:00 AM (UTC+8) for Asia, 3:00 AM (CEST) for Europe, and 9:00 PM (PDT) on May 5 for America. The in-game timer is the most reliable source.
Is Fugue worth pulling?
Fugue is a top-tier support for Break teams, especially if you have Firefly or Rappa. She enables Super Break for the whole team and provides weakness break efficiency. If you don’t use Break teams, she is less valuable, but still a solid Nihility unit for debuffing.
Will there be a free 5-star in 4.6?
No, there is no free 5-star character in version 4.6. The Gift of Odyssey login event gives 10 Special Passes, which is equivalent to 10 pulls, but not a free character.
What is the best way to farm Stellar Jades for the banners?
Complete all limited-time events, do your daily missions, and clear the new Simulated Universe content. Also, check the shop for free passes using Undying Starlight if you have spare pulls. Avoid spending jades on standard banner pulls unless you’re close to a 5-star pity there.
Are the 4-star rate-ups the same in both phases?
No, they are different. Phase 1 features Gallagher, Guinaifen, and Luka. Phase 2’s 4-star lineup has not been officially announced, but it will likely include characters that synergize with Kafka and Black Swan, such as Sampo or Serval.
Can I get the free 4-star character from the event after the event ends?
No, limited-time events and their rewards are only available during the event period. Once the event ends, you cannot obtain the free character unless it is added to a future banner or the standard pool.
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