Honkai Star Rail Next & Current Banners
The current and next Honkai: Star Rail banners are always changing, but as of this writing, the featured 5-star characters are Robin (Physical, The Harmony) and Dr. Ratio (Imaginary, The Hunt) in Phase 2 of Version 3.0, with the next phase bringing Aglaea (Lightning, The Erudition) as the first Remembrance character. This article explains how banner schedules work, what to expect in upcoming versions, and how to plan your pulls wisely.
How Banner Schedules Work
Each Honkai: Star Rail version lasts about six weeks and is split into two phases of roughly three weeks each. Each phase features two 5-star character banners (one new, one rerun) and two 5-star light cone banners that mirror the character elements and paths. The 4-star characters and light cones on each banner rotate with the phase, and they are usually announced a few days before the phase starts via the official social media channels.
The current version is 3.0, which launched with the new world Amphoreus. Phase 1 featured The Herta (Ice, The Erudition) and Feixiao (Wind, The Hunt). Phase 2, which is live now, features Robin and Dr. Ratio. The exact dates for phase changes are always listed in the in-game notice board under “Events” and on the official HoYoverse website.
Current Banners (Version 3.0 Phase 2)
As of the current phase, the following banners are available:
- Robin – 5-star Physical character on The Harmony path. She is a top-tier support who provides team-wide damage buffs, extra turns, and follow-up attack synergy. Her best light cone is “Flowing Nightglow.”
- Dr. Ratio – 5-star Imaginary character on The Hunt path. He is a single-target DPS that excels in follow-up attacks and debuff synergy. His signature light cone is “Baptism of Pure Thought.”
Both characters are also featured on their respective light cone banners. The 4-star characters on these banners are typically a mix of older units, and the exact lineup is announced in-game.
Next Banners (Version 3.1 and Beyond)
Version 3.1 is expected to arrive in late February or early March 2025. Based on official drip marketing and leaked beta data, the next banners will likely be:
- Aglaea – 5-star Lightning character on the new Remembrance path. She is the first playable Remembrance unit and is expected to be a DPS that summons a memosprite (a special companion) called Garmentmaker.
- Tribbie – 5-star Quantum character on The Harmony path. She is a support unit that provides team-wide buffs and is expected to be strong in the new meta.
Following them, a rerun of a popular character like Kafka or Blade is likely, though HoYoverse has not confirmed the exact rerun lineup. Always wait for the official announcement before spending pulls.
How to Plan Your Pulls
Deciding which banner to pull on depends on your account’s needs and your favorite characters. Here are practical steps to help you decide:
- Check your roster: If you lack a strong support, Robin is a better pick than Dr. Ratio. If you lack a single-target DPS, Dr. Ratio is excellent.
- Consider the path and element: Look at your current team’s coverage. For example, if you already have a strong Physical DPS, Robin might still be worth it for her buffs, but Dr. Ratio might be redundant.
- Save for future characters: If you are more excited about Aglaea or Tribbie, skip the current banners and save your Stellar Jade.
- Use the guarantee system: Every 90 pulls guarantees a 5-star, and if you lose the 50/50, your next 5-star is guaranteed to be the featured character. This carries over between banners of the same type.
Common Misconceptions
One common mistake is assuming that the current banner characters are the “best” just because they are new. In reality, some older units like Seele or Jingliu remain top-tier in the meta. Another misconception is that you need the signature light cone for a character to be viable – that is rarely the case. Most characters work perfectly fine with free-to-play or 4-star light cones.
Also, players often forget that the 4-star characters on a banner are not guaranteed to appear even if you pull a 5-star. The rate-up only increases the chance, not the guarantee, so do not pull solely for a 4-star.
Comparing Current and Next Banners
If you are torn between pulling now or waiting, compare the value:
- Robin is a universal support that fits into almost any team, making her a high-value pull for both new and veteran players.
- Dr. Ratio is a strong single-target DPS, but he was given free to all players during Version 2.0, so many players already have him at Eidolon 0. If you have him, pulling for his Eidolons is generally not worth it unless you are a whale.
- Aglaea is a new path, so she may introduce new mechanics that could be meta-defining. However, new paths often have a learning curve, and her kit might not be fully optimized until later versions.
- Tribbie is expected to be a Harmony support, which is always valuable. If you lack a second strong support, she could be a better long-term investment than Robin.
Cost and Currency Management
Pulls in Honkai: Star Rail cost 160 Stellar Jade each, or you can use Star Rail Special Passes. You can earn Stellar Jade through daily missions, events, Simulated Universe, and the Nameless Honor battle pass. A free-to-play player can expect around 60-80 pulls per version, depending on events and exploration. If you plan to pull for a specific character, it is wise to save at least 180 pulls to guarantee them (in case you lose the 50/50).
Never spend real money impulsively. Set a budget and stick to it. The game is fully playable without spending, and all content can be cleared with 4-star characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the current banner end?
The current Phase 2 banner (Robin and Dr. Ratio) ends on February 26, 2025, at 11:59 AM server time. The exact time is always shown in the in-game banner details.
Who is the next 5-star character after Robin?
Based on official drip marketing, the next 5-star character is Aglaea, a Lightning Remembrance character. She is expected to be released in Version 3.1 Phase 1, which starts around late February or early March 2025.
Should I pull for Robin or wait for Aglaea?
If you lack a strong support, Robin is a safe choice because she is proven and flexible. If you are interested in the new Remembrance path and want to try the latest mechanic, wait for Aglaea. Consider your current roster and how many pulls you have saved.
Are the 4-star characters on the banner guaranteed?
No, the 4-star characters on the banner have a rate-up, but they are not guaranteed. You could pull a different 4-star character or a light cone instead. If you want a specific 4-star, be prepared for the possibility of not getting them.
Does the pity carry over between banners?
Yes, the pity count (both the 50/50 and the guaranteed) carries over between banners of the same type. So if you pulled 50 times on Robin’s banner and did not get a 5-star, those 50 pulls count toward your next character banner.
What is the best way to farm Stellar Jade for the next banner?
Focus on daily missions, limited-time events, and Simulated Universe (which resets weekly). Also, explore the new Amphoreus map for chests and puzzles. The Nameless Honor battle pass gives a few pulls if you purchase it, but the free track also provides some.
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