The second anniversary of Honkai Star Rail, which will occur on April 26th, is quickly approaching. As part of the Version 3.2 update titled Through the Petals in the Land of Repose, HoYoverse is bringing a massive batch of content that celebrates the occasion. New characters, story updates, gameplay events, and major login bonuses are all rolling out in this RPG, making this one of the game’s most exciting updates yet.

The anniversary update is a combination of lighthearted events and a serious storyline based in the destroyed city of Styxia. It is not just a regular update, but a blend of celebration and chaos. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to jump back in or keep your streak going, Version 3.2 delivers plenty. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from the anniversary content, especially on April 26.

April 26 Rewards and Bonuses

This year’s anniversary date is packed with goodies that any player can claim just by logging in. On April 26, Trailblazers will receive:

• 1,600 Stellar Jades
• 10 Fuel items
• A commemorative in-game card from a companion

On top of that, players will also get to choose one free limited 5-star character—either Ruan Mei or Luocha. This offer stays valid throughout Versions 3.2 to 3.4, so there’s time to decide. All these rewards are part of the broader “Festive Gifts” event, which also gives 20 free pulls through daily check-ins during the anniversary period. In total, players can get 30 free rolls by participating in all the events.

Castorice and Anaxa Join the Roster

Version 3.2 brings in two new 5-star characters who both offer unique playstyles and lore-heavy backstories.

• Castorice (Remembrance): Castorice, Heir of Chrysos, is known as the cursed daughter of the River of Souls. She commands the Netherwing, a spectral dragon that sacrifices its own HP to inflict damage on enemies. Castorice excels in damage-sharing mechanics and provides crucial life-saving support by keeping fallen allies in a recoverable state, even when she is not actively on the team.

• Anaxa (Erudition): A scholar empowered by the Coreflame of Cerces, utilizes new mechanics centered around applying debuffs to enemies. His skills have a chance to inflict random Weaknesses, and when enough are applied, he can unleash potent follow-up attacks without consuming Skill Points. His Ultimate ability instantly applies multiple Weaknesses, priming the battlefield for devastating damage.

Both characters add depth not just in gameplay but in narrative to the roster of characters in Honkai Star Rail, as they’re central figures in the unfolding drama within Styxia and the Flame-Chase Journey.

Story Update: A Journey into Styxia

The main story of Version 3.2 takes the Trailblazers deep into the city-state of Styxia. Submerged in the Sea of Souls and surrounded by the bones of dragons, Styxia is a haunting place filled with ancient secrets and spectral memories. Guided by a magical lantern, players uncover the lost history of the Titans and a draconic disaster that still echoes through the ruins.

The journey isn’t just about exploration. A massive new boss, Pollux, awaits in the depths. This leviathan uses mechanics that manipulate HP in complex ways, forcing players to constantly monitor their team’s health. It’s a brutal test of timing and resource management, especially for those running high-risk setups.

Okhema’s Council and Anaxa’s Secrets

While players navigate Styxia, a parallel conflict brews in Okhema. The Council of Elders wants to shut down the Flame-Chase Journey through a formal vote, and Anaxa might be pulling strings behind the scenes. The politics of Okhema intersect directly with the field missions, adding layers of tension to the plot. If you’re into the deeper lore, this update brings a lot to unpack.

Fan-Favorite Warps Return

To mark the anniversary, several high-demand characters are coming back in limited banners: Fugue, Jiaoqiu, and Acheron will return during the first half of this update, and later on Dr. Ratio will make an appearance in the banners.

These returns offer a chance to pick up powerful units you may have missed. Combined with the free pulls and login bonuses, it’s a great time to try your luck.

Anniversary Events, Extras, and What’s Coming Next

Outside the main story and character drops, the Honkai Star Rail second anniversary update includes a mix of casual events, player rewards, and future patch teases that round out the celebration.

• The highlight is Star Rail WORLD, a management-style event that tasks players with running a pan-cosmic gala. Instead of just battling enemies, you’ll coordinate venue logistics, hire assistants, and unlock special booths as you level up the event space. It’s part strategy, part celebration, and a great way to interact with characters in a more relaxed setting. The event evolves as you progress, offering plenty of rewards along the way.

• Also sticking to the lighter tone is Seal Slammers, a chaotic seal-bumping mini-game that brings some comic relief. Sponsored by Aglaea, this event pits you against your allies in fast-paced collisions, mixing unpredictable outcomes with flashy effects. It’s silly, it’s fun, and its extended runtime means you can join in whenever you’re ready.

• Meanwhile, April 26 marks the launch of the Annual Trailblaze Report. This feature gives players a personalized snapshot of their adventures on the Astral Express so far. You’ll see stats, milestones, and a summary of your journey—all topped off with 180 Stellar Jades as a reward. It’s a nice bit of reflection that fits the anniversary theme well.

• HoYoverse also used this anniversary window to look ahead. During the Version 3.2 preview stream, developers confirmed upcoming balance changes in Version 3.4. Fan favorites like Silver Wolf, Blade, Kafka, and Jingliu are set to receive buffs or reworks. While the details are still under wraps, the confirmation alone is enough to build some hype and encourage players to stick around.

From event chaos to sentimental throwbacks and future updates, this anniversary is more than just a patch—it’s a statement that Honkai Star Rail is growing, listening, and evolving.

Version 3.2 isn’t just an anniversary update—it’s a full-on content explosion that hits all the right notes. Between the dramatic story in Styxia, the arrival of Castorice and Anaxa, and a generous reward pool, there’s something here for every type of player. Whether you’re logging in for the freebies or ready to dive deep into new challenges, April 26 is a date you won’t want to miss.

And if you’re looking for the best way to experience it all, try playing Honkai Star Rail on PC with BlueStacks. You’ll get smoother controls, better visuals, and an optimized experience that makes every battle and dialogue scene more enjoyable.