NTE 1.4 Banners: Blackbird & Akane Rin Revealed

NTE 1.4 Banners: Blackbird & Akane Rin Revealed

Neverness to Everness Version 1.4 is shaping up to be a major patch, with two new S-Rank Espers expected to headline the banners: Blackbird and Akane Rin. While Hotta Studio has yet to officially detail their kits, the community is already buzzing about their potential roles and synergy. For the latest NTE news and guides, visit our Neverness to Everness hub.

Based on the current version schedule, NTE 1.4 is expected to launch on October 1, 2026. The livestream is set for September 16, 2026, where we'll likely get our first official look at both characters. Until then, here's everything we know so far.

At a Glance

• Version 1.4 Release Date: October 1, 2026 (expected)
• Phase 1: Blackbird (S-Rank, Psyche) – October 1, 2026
• Phase 2: Akane Rin (S-Rank, Lakshana) – October 22, 2026
• Livestream: September 16, 2026 – expect redeem codes and kit reveals
• Reruns: TBA

NTE 1.4 Banner Schedule

The patch will follow the usual two-phase structure, with each phase lasting three weeks. Here's the expected schedule:

Phase	New Character	Rerun	Dates
Phase 1	Blackbird (S-Rank, Psyche)	TBA	October 1 – October 21, 2026
Phase 2	Akane Rin (S-Rank, Lakshana)	TBA	October 22 – November 11, 2026

Note: Rerun characters have not been announced. Check back after the livestream for updates.

New Characters

Blackbird (Phase 1)

Blackbird is an S-Rank Esper with the Psyche element. She has appeared in the story before, but her playable debut is highly anticipated. As a Psyche character, she may fill a niche in teams that rely on mental debuffs or psychic damage.

Her full kit, including skills, weapon type, and ascension materials, is not stated in official materials. Early leaks suggest she could be a main DPS or sub-DPS, but treat all speculation as Unconfirmed — subject to change.

Akane Rin (Phase 2)

Akane Rin is the second new S-Rank, aligned with the Lakshana element. Lakshana characters often excel at support or sub-DPS roles, and Akane Rin is rumored to have strong team synergy, possibly with Blackbird. However, without an official kit reveal, her exact role remains unclear.

Community discussion points to her being a valuable addition for players who need a Lakshana enabler or a flexible support. Again, this is Unconfirmed — subject to change.

Should You Pull?

With kits still under wraps, deciding whether to pull requires caution. Here's a quick guide based on what we know:

Pull if:
– You need a Psyche or Lakshana character to round out your roster.
– You're a collector aiming for all S-Ranks.
– You have enough Riftcrystals to guarantee at least one character (assuming standard pity).

Skip if:
– Your current teams already cover these elements.
– You're saving for Version 1.5, which leaks suggest will feature Elyms and Exe (see our 1.5 leak breakdown).
– You prefer to wait for official kit details before committing.

Save for:
– Future reruns of meta-defining characters.
– Version 1.5 if the leaked characters interest you more.

For F2P players, it's wise to hold until the livestream on September 16, 2026, when we'll get official info and redeem codes. If you're short on currency, consider topping up via trusted sources, but always prioritize safe, official methods.

Teams & Synergies

Without confirmed kits, team-building is speculative. However, we can make some educated guesses:

• Blackbird (Psyche): Likely pairs well with characters who apply mental debuffs or benefit from Psyche resonance. If she's a DPS, she may want a dedicated buffer and a healer.
• Akane Rin (Lakshana): Could serve as a support or sub-DPS, enabling reactions or buffing allies. If she synergizes with Blackbird, a dual-element team might be viable.

Keep an eye on the livestream for official synergy reveals. For now, avoid pre-farming materials unless you're comfortable with uncertainty.

Preparation Checklist

• Save Riftcrystals: Aim for at least 180 pulls to guarantee a character (assuming 90-pity).
• Complete current events: Stock up on any limited-time rewards before 1.4.
• Watch the livestream: September 16, 2026 – codes often provide free currency.
• Check your roster: Identify gaps in Psyche or Lakshana coverage.
• Hold off on farming: Wait for official ascension materials to avoid wasted resin.

Conclusion

NTE 1.4 is set to introduce two promising S-Rank characters in Blackbird and Akane Rin. While their kits remain unconfirmed, the potential for new team compositions is exciting. Stay tuned to EarlyGG for the latest updates, and don't miss the livestream on September 16, 2026, for official reveals and codes. For more NTE coverage, check out our Iroi banner guide and 1.4 livestream expectations.