[4.0] Version 4.0 Complete Guide: Planarcadia & Elation Path

Overview

Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.0 "No Aha at Full Moon" launched on February 12, 2026, introducing:

• New Planet: Planarcadia (虚空星域)
• New Path: Elation (欢愉)
• New Characters: Yao Guang (5★) & Sparxie (5★)
• New Mechanics: Punchline & Aha Instant

What's New in 4.0

Planarcadia - The New World

Planarcadia is a virtual reality planet where Aha's influence has created a realm of comedy and entertainment. Key features:

• Streamiverse: Digital realm with streaming-themed aesthetics
• Comedy Stages: New exploration puzzles based on comedic timing
• Punchline Collection: Gather comedy materials for rewards

Elation Path - New Playable Path

The Elation Path introduces unique mechanics:

Mechanic	Description
Punchline	Shared team resource, increases Elation DMG
Aha Instant	Special burst state triggered by Ultimate
Certified Banger	Post-Aha buff that enables Great Boon attacks
Great Boon	Extra Elation DMG on ally attacks

New Characters

Yao Guang (瑶光) - 5★ Physical Elation Support

• Role: Elation team enabler & buffer
• Key Features:
  • Deploys Zone that boosts team Elation by 20%
  • Generates Punchlines through Basic ATK/Skill
  • Ultimate triggers Aha Instant for burst windows
  • Provides 20% All-Type RES PEN to team
• Best Teams: Sparxie + Yao Guang + Sparkle + Sustain

Sparxie (闪灵) - 5★ Fire Elation DPS

• Role: Main DPS with Punchline scaling
• Key Features:
  • Livestream state transforms Basic ATK
  • Engagement Farming generates Punchlines + SP
  • Massive Fire Elation burst damage
  • Provides team-wide CRIT DMG based on Punchlines
• Release: Phase 2 (March 3, 2026)

Banner Schedule

Phase 1 (Feb 12 - Mar 3, 2026)

Banner	Character	Rate Up
Yao Guang	5★ Physical Elation	New
Light Cone	When She Decided to See	New

Phase 2 (Mar 3 - Mar 24, 2026)

Banner	Character	Rate Up
Sparxie	5★ Fire Elation	New
Light Cone	Dazzled by a Flowery World	New

Events & Rewards

Cosmicon, Roll On! (Flagship Event)

• New card game mode
• Rewards: Stellar Jades, Relic materials, enhancement items

Ding! Arcadia Fun-Time Clock-In

• Daily login rewards
• 10 days of free materials

Other Events

• Simulated Universe: World 10 with Elation bonus
• Pure Fiction refresh with Elation-favoring buffs

New Relics & Ornaments

Diviner of Distant Reach (4pc)

• 2pc: SPD +6%
• 4pc: At SPD 120/160+, CRIT Rate +10%/18%. First Elation Skill enhances all allies' Elation by 10%
• Best For: Yao Guang

Ever-Glorious Magical Girl (4pc)

• 2pc: CRIT DMG +16%
• 4pc: Elation DMG ignores 10% DEF per 5 Punchline (max 20%)
• Best For: Sparxie

Pull Priority

Must Pull 🔴

• Yao Guang: Essential for Elation teams, first true Elation support
• When She Decided to See: Her signature LC is very strong

Recommended 🟡

• Sparxie: Strong Elation DPS, but can wait for her to pair with Yao Guang

Skip 🟢

• Wait if you don't have Elation characters or plan to skip this path

Quick Start Tips

1. Explore Planarcadia for free Stellar Jades and materials
2. Pull Yao Guang if you want to build Elation teams
3. Save for Sparxie if you already have Yao Guang
4. Farm new relics from Cavern updates
5. Complete all events before they expire

Summary

4.0 is a content-rich update introducing the Elation path as a new viable team archetype. Yao Guang is the must-have support for this path, while Sparxie provides the DPS. The new planet offers plenty of exploration rewards.

Verdict: Great time to start or return to HSR!