HoYoverse has revealed the next major update for Honkai: Star Rail, and it’s just around the corner. Version 3.5, titled Before Their Deaths, launches on August 13 across all platforms. This new chapter kicks off the second half of the Amphoreus storyline and brings a fresh mix of story content, new maps, limited-time events, and powerful characters.
If you’ve been following the Trailblazer’s journey, you’ll now head back a thousand years into Okhema’s past, alongside Cyrene. The update also includes the long-awaited arrival of Hysilens and Imperator Cerydra as playable 5-star characters. Returning characters Kafka and Silver Wolf will also reappear in the upcoming warp banners.
Here’s a closer look at what’s in store for Version 3.5, including new characters, limited-time events, returning favourites, and gameplay updates.
Honkai Star Rail 3.5 Introduces Hysilens, Cerydra, and a Return to Ancient Okhema
Version 3.5 continues the Amphorean arc with a new Trailblaze Mission that sends you back in time. This part of the story follows Cyrene into a new cycle of Eternal Recurrence, set a thousand years ago in ancient Okhema.
Two new 5-star characters join the roster in this update. Hysilens is a Physical-Type follower of Nihility and the commander of Okhema’s holy knights. Her skills focus on Damage over Time (DoT) effects and team support. Using her Ultimate creates a Zone where each DoT instance triggers extra damage, while also lowering enemy ATK and DEF. Her attacks can apply random DoT types, making her a strong pick for DoT-heavy builds.
Imperator Cerydra is a Wind-Type Harmony path character known for her strategic focus and long-term support. Her Skill gives an ally a buff called Military Merit, increasing their ATK and enabling additional effects. As battles progress, this buff evolves to improve CRIT DMG and Resistance Penetration. Her Ultimate also deals damage to all enemies and charges her support ability further.
You’ll also face off against Lygus, who changes form mid-battle and adds another wrinkle to the story. Some familiar faces return too, but not always in the ways you might expect.
New Events, Quality-of-Life Features, and More
There’s more to Honkai Star Rail Version 3.5 than just story updates and new characters. This update also adds new areas, events, and quality-of-life features that shake things up between battles.
You’ll explore a brand-new location: Styxia, the City of Infinite Revelry. Limited 5-star characters Kafka and Silver Wolf are also coming back during the Version 3.5 warp event. If you missed them the first time, this is another chance to roll for them. The update brings limited-time events with mini-games and management gameplay. In “Chrysos Maze Grand Restaurant,” you’ll team up with the Chrysos Heirs to run a restaurant for the fairies of the Membrance Maze. Serving food and improving the space earns their support.
Another event, “Old Brews & New Friends,” takes you back behind the bar at the Dreamjolt Hostelry. This time, you’ll mix drinks, meet returning characters, and unlock small moments along the way. A new voice toggle lets you switch between in-game and licensed voice lines for crossover characters. It’s a small touch, but a welcome one for those who follow voice talent across franchises.
Honkai Star Rail Version 3.5 Launches August 13
Honkai Star Rail Version 3.5 goes live August 13. If you’ve been waiting for new characters, story content, or a few more side activities to dive into, this update has a bit of everything.
Between the return of Kafka and Silver Wolf, the introduction of Hysilens and Cerydra, and events like running a fairy restaurant, there’s quite a bit packed into this update. Whether you’re deep into the Amphorean story or jumping in for the limited banners, 3.5 adds new ways to mix up your time on the Astral Express.
You can also play Honkai: Star Rail in the cloud. Check out our guide to playing it on any device via cloud gaming here.
Are you planning to roll for Hysilens or Cerydra? Which event are you most curious about? Let us know what you’re looking forward to in Version 3.5.
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