New animated content for Honkai: Star Rail have been released, in the form of a MAPPA-produced concept trailer and a video for the free-to-play RPG’s third anniversary song “Side Quest King.”
The concept trailer is directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa (Mob Psycho 100 Season 3 chief director, Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine, Detective Conan: Zero the Enforcer, Blue Giant) and has character designs from Kayoko Ishikawa (Zenshu).
Honkai: Star Rail is set to get its Version 4.2 update, “So Laughed the Masses,” on April 22. The upcoming additions include 5-star characters Silver Wolf LV.999 and Evanescia, as well as the Trailblazer’s Path of Elation.
The press release describes the upcoming main story developments as such:
In the Version 4.2 Main Story, the stakes of the Phantasmoon Games become a whole lot more complicated once it’s announced that the ultimate reward has received an unprecedented escalation: the victor will become the permanent Aeon of Elation. Caught right in the center of the spotlight, the Trailblazer naturally draws the scrutiny and wariness of every major faction. At that moment, Fulwish — leader of the Research Society of Happy Smiles and a local media mogul — invited all Supplicants to the Fulwish TV headquarters in Seafeld City, a holiday resort renowned for its crisp scenery and idyllic climate. There, Fulwish plans to host a televised debate open to all of arcadia, exploring the burning question: “What kind of future will the Phantasmoon Games bring to this world?”
For the Trailblazer, this “public provocation” is undoubtedly an overt scheme that is impossible to refuse. And beneath the surface of the debate lurks a myriad of traps and tricks. Pitted against Fulwish, a master at swaying minds and inciting public opinion, can the Trailblazer navigate every hurdle, gather more Wishpower, and resolve the hidden crisis? Meanwhile, fellow Supplicants Silver Wolf and Pearl have struck a mysterious deal that might
just be the key to turning the tide of battle.
Version 4.2 will also bring Warps for The Dahlia (Phase 1), Castorice (Phase 1), Firefly (Phase 1), Tribbie (Phase 2), Sunday (Phase 2), and Feixiao (Phase 2). Additionally, there will be:
• A “Cosmic Data Roaming” event for “Trailblazers to build a top-tier streamer career by broadcasting their sleekest combat moments”
• An expansion for Currency Wars
• A Version 2.0 update for Cosmicon Collective
• The “Express Renovation Escapade” and “Relic Recon” events, among others
There are also plans to commemorate Honkai: Star Rail‘s third anniversary, including the Silver Wolf LV.999 themed car “Crown of Aha” that’s one of the grand prizes for the “Aha’s Chosen: Spreading Elation Everywhere” online event. On April 26, the date of the game’s release, players can “select a blessing card from a companion and receive a special gift of 1,600 Stellar Jades.” Players can also expect the return of the “Festive Gifts” and “Stellar Companions” events and Huohuo and Robin’s additions to Stellar Convergence, as well as
• A new Castorice outfit
• Online and offline celebrations in cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Los Angeles
• New additions to Gift of Stardust
Sources: Honkai: Star Rail YouTube channel, press release