HSR 4.6 & 4.8: Pearl, ZZZ Crossover Revealed

The Honkai: Star Rail 4.6 Special Program delivered a double dose of news: the immediate arrival of Version 4.6 on September 28, 2026, and a first look at the Version 4.8 crossover with Zenless Zone Zero. For Trailblazers planning their Stellar Jade budgets, this stream was essential viewing.

Version 4.6 introduces Pearl, a five-star Ice character on the Elation Path, and continues the Planarcadia Trailblaze Missions. Meanwhile, the 4.8 crossover will bring Astra Yao and Ellen Joe from Zenless Zone Zero into the HSR universe, though we won't see them until early 2027. Here's everything we know so far, plus early analysis on how these additions might shape the meta.

For more Honkai: Star Rail news and updates, check our game hub.

At a Glance

• Version 4.6 Release Date: September 28, 2026
• New Character: Pearl (5-star Ice, Elation)
• Returning Character: Evanescia (rerun in Phase 1)
• New Outfit: Evanescia's Lunar Blooming
• Phase 2 Rerun: Mortenax Blade
• Events: Love, Ghosts & Robots; Interastral Peace Gala: One Take
• Version 4.8 Crossover: Astra Yao and Ellen Joe from Zenless Zone Zero (expected January 2027)

Version 4.6 Banners and Schedule

Version 4.6 will run for approximately six weeks, from September 28 to early November 2026. The banner schedule is split into two phases:

Phase 1 (September 28 – October 18, 2026)

• Pearl (5-star Ice, Elation) — New character
• Evanescia (5-star, rerun) — Also receives the Lunar Blooming outfit

Phase 2 (October 18 – November 8, 2026)

• Mortenax Blade (5-star, rerun) — Alt version returns

Note: Exact banner dates and times are based on typical HSR update cycles and may be subject to change. Official server times are not stated in official materials.

Pearl's kit is not fully detailed, but as an Ice Elation unit, she may introduce new team synergies. Elation is a rare Path, currently only used by Aha-related characters, so Pearl could be a niche pick or a meta-defining support. We'll reserve judgment until gameplay footage emerges.

Should You Pull?

With two major updates on the horizon, resource management is critical. Here's a quick breakdown for different player types:

• F2P: If you already have a strong Ice DPS or support, consider skipping Pearl unless she proves to be a game-changer. Save for the 4.8 crossover, as limited collab characters often don't rerun.
• Low-spenders: Evaluate Pearl's Eidolons—if her E1 or E2 offers significant team-wide buffs, she might be worth the investment. Otherwise, prioritize Astra Yao or Ellen Joe in 4.8.
• Whales: Pull for Pearl and her Light Cone if you aim for top scores in Memory of Chaos or Pure Fiction. Her Ice element could complement existing freeze teams.

For more detailed pull advice, see our HSR 4.8 banners guide.

The 4.8 Zenless Zone Zero Crossover

The Special Program ended with a teaser for the Honkai: Star Rail × Zenless Zone Zero collaboration, confirming that Astra Yao and Ellen Joe will arrive in Version 4.8. The teaser showed both characters in HSR's engine, hinting at their attacks:

• Ellen Joe appears to wield her signature weapon, dealing what looks like Ice damage with her Sharknami attack.
• Astra Yao seems to enter her Idyllic Cadenza state, suggesting a support or buffing role.

Their exact Paths, elements, and kits remain Unconfirmed — subject to change. Based on the timeline, Version 4.8 is expected around January 2027, given that 4.6 runs until November 2026 and 4.7 will likely follow.

This crossover is significant because it marks the first time ZZZ characters enter HSR, and collab units are often limited and powerful. If you're a fan of either game, start saving now.

Events and Rewards in 4.6

Two events will accompany Version 4.6:

• Love, Ghosts & Robots: Likely a story-driven event with combat challenges. Rewards typically include Stellar Jade, credits, and ascension materials.
• Interastral Peace Gala: One Take: A combat event, possibly with trial characters. Expect rewards like Relic Remains and Light Cone materials.

Exact rewards are not stated in official materials, but based on past events, you can expect around 1,000–1,500 Stellar Jade from events alone.

Teams and Synergies

Pearl's Ice Elation kit could shake up existing team compositions. Elation characters often focus on follow-up attacks or debuffing enemies. If Pearl can apply Ice Weakness or enhance follow-up damage, she might pair well with:

• Jingliu (Ice DPS) — For a mono-Ice team.
• Ruan Mei (Support) — To boost break effect and speed.
• Aventurine (Sustain) — For shield and follow-up synergy.

However, without concrete numbers, this is speculative. We'll update once Pearl's kit is officially revealed.

For the 4.8 crossover, Astra Yao and Ellen Joe will likely bring unique mechanics from ZZZ. Ellen's Ice damage could make her a direct competitor to existing Ice DPS, while Astra's Idyllic Cadenza state might provide team-wide buffs. Their viability will depend on how HoYoverse translates ZZZ's fast-paced combat into HSR's turn-based system.

Conclusion

Version 4.6 arrives on September 28, 2026, with Pearl and a packed event schedule. The 4.8 crossover with Zenless Zone Zero is still months away, but the teaser gives us plenty to speculate about. Stay tuned to EarlyGG for more Honkai: Star Rail updates as we approach the release.

Note: All dates and details are based on the official Special Program and are subject to change. Unconfirmed information is labeled as such.