If you are a Honkai Star Rail player, stop what you are doing. The Version 4.3 Special Program livestream is happening today, May 22, 2026, and HoYoverse just dropped the most stacked update lineup the game has ever seen. A brand-new 5-star character, a returning Fate collaboration that fans have been begging for, and enough events to drain every Trailblazer’s Stellar Jade stash in weeks.
Mortenax Blade — The Fire Nihility Character Everyone Is Waiting For
The headline of Version 4.3 is Mortenax Blade, a new Fire Nihility character who launches on June 1, 2026 during phase one of the update. Think of Mortenax Blade as an evolution of the Blade archetype we already know — but with Fire element mechanics that completely change how DoT teams operate. If Firefly taught us anything, it is that Fire DoT compositions can absolutely melt endgame content. Mortenax Blade looks like he is taking that formula and pushing it even further.
According to details from the 4.3 Livestream, Mortenax Blade will anchor the first half of the Version 4.3 banner schedule alongside a 4-star roster that has already gotten theorycrafters hyped. Early kit leaks suggest a damage profile that synergizes heavily with debuff-heavy teammates, which means Silver Wolf and Pela players are going to want to pay close attention.
Fate Stay Night Collaboration Part 2 — Gilgamesh and Rin Tohsaka Are Back
Here is the twist nobody saw coming. HoYoverse is bringing back the Fate collaboration, and this time Part 2 features Gilgamesh and Rin Tohsaka as playable characters. The original Fate collab launched back in July 2025 with Saber and Archer, and it was easily one of the most talked-about crossover events in gacha game history. Now Gilgamesh is making his entrance, and if you know anything about the Fate franchise, you know the King of Heroes does not do things quietly.
Rin Tohsaka joins as the second collab character, giving players a taste of the iconic Tohsaka family magecraft inside the Star Rail universe. The collaboration banners will feature custom Light Cones themed around both characters, and the event storyline promises to bridge the Fate universe with the Planarcadia narrative in ways that neither fanbase expected.
Version 4.3 Banner Schedule — What Should You Pull For
The Version 4.3 banner lineup is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the game’s history. Phase one kicks off with Mortenax Blade alongside the Fate Part 2 banners featuring Gilgamesh and Rin Tohsaka. Phase two will likely feature a mix of reruns and potentially new characters that HoYoverse has not yet revealed.
For players who pulled for Evanescia and Silver Wolf Lv.999 in Version 4.2, this means you have about ten days to stock up on Stellar Jades before the Mortenax Blade banner goes live. The Elation Trailblazer path introduced in 4.2 also remains relevant, so teams built around that mechanic should still perform well in the new content.
New Trailblaze Mission and Events
Version 4.3 is not just about banners. The update brings a new Trailblaze Mission that continues the Planarcadia storyline, and based on the teasers, it is going to get emotional. HoYoverse has also confirmed multiple limited-time events, including the return of the Novaflare system that previously buffed characters like Firefly, Huohuo, Seele, and Welt. Players can expect trial stages to test boosted characters before committing resources.
The third anniversary celebration that kicked off in Version 4.2 also carries momentum into 4.3, with free Stellar Jade rewards, login bonuses, and the Golden Companion Spirit system that lets players exchange for characters like Huohuo and Robin through the Stellar Convergence shop.
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What Do You Think
Honkai Star Rail Version 4.3 is shaping up to be a massive update. Mortenax Blade could redefine Fire DoT meta, the Fate collaboration is returning with Gilgamesh and Rin Tohsaka, and the banner schedule means players will have some tough decisions ahead. Are you saving for Mortenax Blade, pulling for the Fate characters, or spreading your jades across both? Drop your pull plans in the comments and let us know who you are most excited about.
