Honkai: Star Rail is moving into its next big update with version 3.5. This update is called Before Their Deaths. It brings two new characters, new areas, fresh events, and more story content. Fans have been waiting to explore this new chapter. There is a lot to cover, so let’s go through everything in detail.
3.5 Release Date and Time
Honkai: Star Rail 3.5 is expected to release on Wednesday, 13th August 2025. There will be a short maintenance period before it goes live. Usually, updates are released at 4 AM BST in the UK.
Because of time zone differences, the release date changes depending on your location:
- West Coast US: Tuesday, 12th August – 8 PM (PT)
- Central US: Tuesday, 12th August – 10 PM (CT)
- East Coast US: Tuesday, 12th August – 11 PM (ET)
- Japan: Wednesday, 13th August – 12 PM (JST)
- Australia: Wednesday, 13th August – 1 PM (AET)
- Europe: Wednesday, 13th August – 5 AM (CEST)
This timing follows the same pattern as past updates, so players can plan ahead.
New Story Content – Before Their Deaths
The story for 3.5 takes us into a new cycle of Eternal Recurrence. You will join Cyrene on a journey to the ancient land of Okhema. This kingdom is ruled by Cerydra, one of the new characters in this update.
Expect a mix of time travel and political tension. Okhema is a place with its own mysteries. The setting blends ancient architecture with the strange cosmic elements that Honkai: Star Rail is known for.
From what we know, this story will be heavier on lore and character drama. If you enjoy deep storytelling, this chapter is likely to deliver.
New Playable Characters
Version 3.5 introduces two new 5-Star characters.
1. Hysilens – Winedark Swansong Banner (Phase 1)
- Type: Physical
- Path: The Nihility
- Role: Damage dealer with debuffs
Hysilens focuses on weakening enemies while dealing strong Physical damage. Her skills appear to work well in long battles where stacking effects is important.
2. Cerydra – The Iron Tamer of Tides Banner (Phase 2)
- Type: Wind
- Path: The Harmony
- Role: Support/DPS hybrid
Cerydra can boost her team while dealing consistent Wind damage. She is a mix of offensive and supportive play, making her valuable in many teams.
Returning Characters
- Kafka (Lightning, The Nihility) – Phase 1
- Silver Wolf (Quantum, The Nihility) – Phase 2
Both are popular and powerful picks, so this update gives new players another chance to get them.
Banner Schedule
The update has two phases for its banners.
Phase 1 (13th August – 3rd September):
- Hysilens (new)
- Kafka (rerun)
- 4-Star characters: Asta (Fire, Harmony), Arlan (Lightning, Destruction), Hook (Fire, Destruction)
Phase 2 (3rd September – 23rd September):
- Cerydra (new)
- Silver Wolf (rerun)
- 4-Star characters: Sampo (Wind, Nihility), Qingque (Quantum, Erudition), Dan Heng (Wind, Hunt)
Light Cones
The Brilliant Fixation Banner will also feature two new 5-Star Light Cones:
- Why Does the Ocean Sing – Nihility (Hysilens signature) – Phase 1
- Epoch Etched in Golden Blood – Harmony (Cerydra signature) – Phase 2
Reruns include:
- Patience Is All You Need – Harmony (Kafka signature) – Phase 1
- Incessant Rain – Nihility (Silver Wolf signature) – Phase 2
These Light Cones will match the new characters’ kits, so they are worth considering for dedicated players.
New Areas
3.5 opens Styxia, also called the City of Infinite Revelry. This is a vibrant location full of life, but also with a sense of danger. The design seems to blend festival-like colors with dark undertones. Expect new enemies, puzzles, and environmental storytelling.
New Boss – Lygus
The new boss, Lygus, is designed to challenge even veteran players.
- Lygus can activate your Ultimate ability, but it costs a large amount of HP.
- He has two forms.
- In the first form, he generates Titankin.
- In the second form, he summons Black Tide Creatures with high threat levels.
- His Ultimate attack in the second form can be devastating if you are unprepared.
Defeating him will drop a new ascension material: Sea Siren’s Torn Fin, used for upgrading certain Ice-type characters.
Quality of Life Update
Players can now switch individual voice-overs for certain characters. This means you can choose to hear combat, idle, and interaction lines in either English or Japanese without changing the entire game’s language. This is great for players who prefer specific voice actors.
Events in Version 3.5
Six limited-time events will run during this update:
1. Chrysos Maze Grand Restaurant
A restaurant management simulation. You run a restaurant in Aedes Elysiae, serving meals, recruiting staff, and expanding the business. You also deal with random events and customer satisfaction. Rewards include:
- New 4-Star Harmony Light Cone “The Forever Victual”
- Self-Modeling Resin
- Stellar Jade
- Tracks of Destiny
2. Old Brews and New Friends
Return to Dreamjolt Hostelry and mix drinks for guests. Characters like Dr. Ratio and Director Topaz will appear. You unlock extra dialogue and small story moments. Rewards include Stellar Jade and upgrade materials.
3. Space Station Task Force
Help train AI Herta by completing assignments. Rewards include Stellar Jade, Credits, and level-up materials.
4. Gift of Odyssey
Login event. Earn Star Passes by logging in daily.
5. Planar Fissure
Double drop rate for Planar Ornaments for a limited time.
6. Garden of Plenty
Double drop rate for Calyx materials for a limited time.
Early Impressions
From the information so far, Honkai: Star Rail 3.5 looks like one of the most content-packed updates yet. The addition of two strong new characters, a major story chapter, and a new city gives players a lot to do.
The boss design for Lygus also sounds interesting, as it mixes high-risk mechanics with traditional turn-based strategy. Players will need to think carefully before using his Ultimate-triggering ability.
The events also seem varied. The restaurant simulator is a fun change of pace from battles. The drink-mixing event could give some light-hearted moments between intense story missions.
Final Thoughts
Honkai: Star Rail 3.5 is shaping up to be an exciting patch. The mix of story, characters, events, and new areas keeps the game fresh. Players who enjoy team building will have a lot to experiment with, thanks to the new Light Cones and characters.
If you are new to the game, this is a great time to start. The reruns of Kafka and Silver Wolf give you a chance to pick up fan-favorite units. If you are a veteran, the challenge of Lygus and the new strategic mechanics will keep you engaged.
Overall, Before Their Deaths looks like a strong step forward for Honkai: Star Rail. Now all we have to do is wait for the release and see how the story unfolds.