Honkai Star Rail Anniversary: Date, Rewards & Events
The Honkai: Star Rail anniversary is celebrated annually on April 26, marking the game’s global release date. The 2.x anniversary patch (e.g., Version 2.1 in 2024, Version 3.2 in 2025) brings a major login event, free 10 pulls, a free 5-star character selector, double drop events, and a special web event with additional Stellar Jade.
Anniversary Date and Patch Schedule
HoYoverse launched Honkai: Star Rail globally on April 26, 2023. Since then, the anniversary has been tied to this date, with the celebration typically starting in the patch that runs through late April. For example:
- 1st Anniversary (2024): Version 2.1, which ran from March 27 to May 8, 2024. The main celebration events were live from April 26 to May 8.
- 2nd Anniversary (2025): Version 3.2, expected to launch around April 9, 2025, with the anniversary events going live on April 26 and lasting until mid-May.
The exact dates for the current year’s events are always announced in the in-game notice board and on the official social media channels about two weeks before the patch goes live.
Key Anniversary Rewards (2024 & 2025)
While the specific rewards can vary slightly each year, the core package has been consistent:
- 10 Free Star Rail Special Passes – Given via login event, usually as a single bundle or split across several days.
- Free 5-Star Character Selector – In 2024, players could pick one of seven standard 5-star characters (Himeko, Welt, Bronya, Gepard, Clara, Yanqing, Bailu). In 2025, the same selector returned, and some versions also added a free 4-star selector.
- 1,600 Stellar Jade – Distributed via the in-game mail, often split into two 800-jade gifts.
- Special Web Event – A browser-based mini-game that gives additional Stellar Jade, credits, and upgrade materials. In 2024, it was the “Cosmic Lucky Star� event.
- Double Drop Events – For Relics, Calyx (character/light cone materials), and Simulated Universe, with a limited number of extra drops per day.
How the Anniversary Login Event Works
The main login event is called “Gift of Odysseyâ€� (or a similar name). It runs for 14 days. You don’t need to log in every single day – you just need to log in on 7 different days during the event period to claim all rewards. The rewards are:
- Day 1: 1 Star Rail Special Pass
- Day 2: 1 Star Rail Special Pass
- Day 3: 1 Star Rail Special Pass
- Day 4: 1 Star Rail Special Pass
- Day 5: 1 Star Rail Special Pass
- Day 6: 1 Star Rail Special Pass
- Day 7: 1 Star Rail Special Pass
That totals 7 passes. The remaining 3 passes are typically given via a separate one-time mail gift or as part of the web event.
What Else Happens During Anniversary?
Beyond the login rewards, the anniversary patch usually includes:
- Limited Character Banners: The anniversary character banner is always a highly anticipated 5-star. In 2024, it was Acheron; in 2025, it’s Castorice. Both are considered powerful DPS units.
- Anniversary Light Cone Banner: A signature light cone for the featured character, with a special “select a light cone� banner that allows you to choose one of several limited light cones after a certain number of pulls.
- New Area and Story: The anniversary patch always adds a new explorable area and continues the main Trailblaze Mission.
- Special Music and Art: HoYoverse releases an anniversary music video and commemorative artwork.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that the anniversary rewards are available for only a few days. In reality, the login event and web event usually run for 2-3 weeks, so you have plenty of time. However, the mail with the Stellar Jade expires after 30 days, so claim it promptly.
Another mistake is assuming the free 5-star selector includes limited characters like Acheron or Sparkle. It does not – it only includes the standard banner characters. The selector is a one-time choice, so think carefully if you’re a new player. Bronya is often recommended as the best all-round pick, but if you already have her, Gepard or Clara are strong options depending on your roster.
Costs and How to Prepare
All anniversary events are free to participate in. There is no paid track for the login event or the web event. However, if you want to pull for the limited 5-star character and their light cone, you’ll need to spend Stellar Jade or real money. To prepare:
- Save your Stellar Jade and Special Passes for the anniversary banner – don’t spend them on the standard warp.
- Complete daily missions and events in the weeks before to accumulate resources.
- If you’re a new player, focus on the main story to unlock all event features (the events usually require Trailblaze Level 21 or higher).
Safety and Account Security
During anniversary, there are often scams offering “free Stellar Jadeâ€� or “anniversary codesâ€� that are fake. HoYoverse never asks for your password or account credentials in-game or via email. All legitimate rewards are distributed through the in-game mail or the official web event link found in the game’s notice. Never enter your login information on third-party websites, and enable two-factor authentication on your HoYoverse account to protect your progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly is the Honkai Star Rail anniversary?
The anniversary is April 26 every year, the global release date. The in-game celebration events start on that date and run for about two weeks.
Do I need to log in every day to get the anniversary rewards?
No. The login event requires you to log in on 7 separate days during the 14-day event period. You can skip days and still get all rewards.
Can I get a free 5-star character every anniversary?
Yes, so far every anniversary has included a free 5-star character selector for the standard banner characters. It’s not guaranteed for future years, but it has been a consistent trend.
Is the anniversary web event worth doing?
Yes, it’s free and takes about 5 minutes. It gives a few hundred Stellar Jade, which is roughly 2-3 pulls, plus some upgrade materials.
What happens if I miss the anniversary login event?
If you miss the login days, you miss those rewards. The event is time-limited and does not return. However, the mail with the Stellar Jade is usually sent on the first day, so even if you log in just once, you can claim that.
Are the anniversary rewards the same for new and veteran players?
Yes, the login event, mail gifts, and web event are identical for all players. The only difference is that new players may have more content to catch up on, but the rewards are the same.
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