Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.3 Preview Revealed
HoYoverse has officially unveiled the first major preview for Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.3, titled The Lethe Below the Living. Scheduled to launch on June 1, 2026, the update introduces a new chapter in the ongoing story, two new 5-star characters, multiple limited-time events, free Star Rail Special Passes, expanded endgame content, and a community strategy competition offering thousands of Stellar Jades in rewards.
With content running until July 15, 2026, Version 4.3 is shaping up to be one of the game's largest updates this year, giving Trailblazers plenty of reasons to return throughout June and July.
A New Chapter Begins in The Lethe Below the Living
At the heart of Version 4.3 is a brand-new Trailblaze Mission called The Lethe Below the Living.
The story follows a mysterious journey toward the end of an ancient painting where the legendary Lethe flows. Along the way, Trailblazers will encounter memories, lingering regrets, and echoes of the past hidden within the world of Planarcadia.
The preview hints at an emotional narrative centered around remembrance, loss, and the consequences of choices made long ago. As players continue exploring Planarcadia's mysteries, new revelations surrounding its inhabitants and history are expected to take center stage.
Players who want immediate access to the new storyline can make use of the Finality's Vision: Leap of Trailblaze feature, allowing them to unlock the Planarcadia Trailblaze Missions earlier than usual.
The new story becomes available immediately after the Version 4.3 update goes live on June 1.
Mortenax Blade Headlines Version 4.3 Phase One
The first half of Version 4.3 will focus heavily on Mortenax Blade, the featured 5-star character showcased throughout the update's promotional material.
Phase One begins immediately after the update launches and runs until June 24, 2026.
Featured Warp characters include:
- Mortenax Blade (5-Star)
- Yao Guang (5-Star)
Featured Light Cones include:
- Reforged in Hellfire
- When She Decided to See
Mortenax Blade appears to be deeply connected to the events of The Lethe Below the Living, making him one of the most story-relevant characters released in recent updates.
Players interested in obtaining both the character and his signature equipment will have nearly three weeks before the second banner phase begins.
Cyrene Arrives in Phase Two
The second half of Version 4.3 introduces another highly anticipated 5-star character, Cyrene.
Phase Two starts on June 24, 2026, and continues until July 14, 2026.
Featured Warp characters include:
- Cyrene (5-Star)
- Phainon (5-Star)
Featured Light Cones include:
- This Love, Forever
- Thus Burns the Dawn
With both Mortenax Blade and Cyrene arriving in the same update, many players will likely need to carefully manage their Stellar Jade savings throughout Version 4.3.
Free Trailblazer Cosmetic for Mortenax Blade Owners
One of the standout rewards arriving with Version 4.3 is the Gift of Tempered Blade event.
Players who successfully recruit Mortenax Blade through Warps will receive access to an exclusive Trailblazer Outfit Back Ornament called:
Karmic Fire of the Distant Shore
The reward can be claimed through the Gift of Tempered Blade event interface after obtaining the character.
The event remains available from the launch of Version 4.3 until June 24.
Gift of Odyssey Returns With 10 Free Pulls
As expected, HoYoverse is once again bringing back the popular Gift of Odyssey login campaign.
By logging in throughout the event period, players can collect a total of:
- 10 Star Rail Special Passes
The event runs from the Version 4.3 launch until July 14, 2026, giving players additional opportunities to save resources for both banner phases.
For many players, these free pulls could make a significant difference when chasing Mortenax Blade, Cyrene, or their signature Light Cones.
Pixel Plane Rumble Offers More Than 1,200 Stellar Jades
One of the largest limited-time events in Version 4.3 is Pixel Plane Rumble.
The event features an arcade-inspired combat system where players customize futuristic aircraft and battle through various challenges to earn rewards.
According to the preview, participants can obtain:
- Self Modeling Resin ×1
- Tracks of Destiny ×2
- Stellar Jade ×1240
- Above the Firmament Chat Bubble
- Additional progression materials
Pixel Plane Rumble begins immediately after the Version 4.3 update and continues until July 15, 2026.
Among all announced events, this appears to be one of the most rewarding in terms of Stellar Jade income.
Build an Arcadia in Wispae Amusement Park
Another major event arriving during the second half of the update is Wispae Amusement Park.
The event challenges players to design routes, organize facilities, and help construct a thriving attraction for the Wispae.
Rewards include:
- Tracks of Destiny ×1
- Stellar Jade ×500
- Upgrade materials
- Additional event-exclusive rewards
The event runs from June 24 to July 15, 2026.
While smaller than Pixel Plane Rumble, it offers a solid collection of resources for players looking to strengthen their roster.
Starward Mode Expands Endgame Challenges
Version 4.3 is also introducing a new challenge setting known as Starward Mode.
The feature will be added to the highest difficulty levels of:
- Apocalyptic Shadow
- Pure Fiction
- Memory of Chaos
Players who successfully clear Starward Mode can earn additional Stellar Jade rewards during each refresh cycle.
According to the preview, each gameplay mode can provide up to:
- 100 additional Stellar Jades per cycle
This gives experienced players a new layer of difficulty while also increasing the overall amount of premium currency available through endgame content.
Updated Endgame Schedule
Several recurring challenge modes will receive new rotations throughout Version 4.3.
Apocalyptic Shadow
Available from:
- June 8 to July 20
Pure Fiction
Available from:
- June 22 to August 3
Forgotten Hall
Available from:
- July 6 to August 17
Anomaly Arbitration
Available during Version 4.3
The new enemy lineups and stage mechanics are expected to encourage players to experiment with fresh team compositions, particularly with newly released characters.
Double Drop Events Return
Version 4.3 also brings back two of the game's most popular farming events.
Planar Fissure
Planar Ornament drop rates will be doubled during:
- June 17 to June 29
This event is ideal for players farming endgame ornament sets.
Realm of the Strange
Cavern Relic drop rates will be doubled during:
- July 3 to July 13
Players looking to optimize builds for Mortenax Blade, Cyrene, or future characters will likely want to save Trailblaze Power for these periods.
Furbobocom Rewards Are Being Upgraded
The Furbobocom system is receiving an update with new progression rewards.
By increasing their Furbobo levels, players can earn:
- Self Modeling Resin ×1
- Tracks of Destiny ×1
- Stellar Jade ×200
- Star Rail Pass ×1
- Additional materials
The update becomes available immediately after Version 4.3 launches.
Nameless Honor Refreshes With New Cosmetics
The Nameless Honor battle pass will also receive its Version 4.3 refresh.
Among the new rewards are themed profile avatars featuring:
- Mortenax Blade: Emberblaze
- Yunli: Emberblaze
The updated Nameless Honor season runs until July 13, 2026.
Herta Contract Bundles Reset
Following the launch of Version 4.3, purchase limits for all Herta Contract bundles will reset.
Available bundles include:
- Strategic Support
- Strategic Cooperation
- Roaming Refill
- Resource Supply V2
Players who previously purchased these packs will once again have the opportunity to buy them after the reset.
New Community Strategy Contest Offers Up to 6,000 Stellar Jades
Alongside the Version 4.3 launch, HoYoverse is hosting a large-scale strategy guide competition.
The event encourages players to create content covering topics such as:
- Mortenax Blade team-building guides
- Forgotten Hall optimization
- Pure Fiction strategies
- Currency Wars tactics
- Character builds and gameplay tips
The submission period runs from:
June 1, 2026, 14:00 (UTC+8)
to
July 14, 2026, 23:59 (UTC+8)
Players can participate by publishing content on platforms such as:
- X
- YouTube
- HoYoLAB
- Other supported social media platforms
To qualify, participants must use the designated submission tags and complete the official submission survey.
Event Rewards
Stellar Guide Award
- 8 winners
- 6,000 Stellar Jades each
Strategy Master Award
- 12 winners
- 3,000 Stellar Jades each
Light of Exploration Award
- 20 winners
- 1,000 Stellar Jades each
Lucky Award
- 10 winners
- Honkai: Star Rail merchandise lucky bags
Players should review the official event page for complete rules, submission requirements, and judging criteria.
Final Thoughts
Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.3 looks set to deliver a substantial amount of content across both story and gameplay. From the arrival of Mortenax Blade and Cyrene to the continuation of Planarcadia's narrative, the update combines new characters, generous rewards, limited-time events, and expanded endgame challenges into a packed six-week schedule.
With more than 1,700 Stellar Jades available through featured events alone, free Special Passes from Gift of Odyssey, and a strategy competition offering thousands more, Version 4.3 gives Trailblazers plenty of opportunities to prepare for future banners while experiencing the next chapter of Honkai: Star Rail's evolving story.
