Honkai: Star Rail version 4.2 update ‘So Laughed the Masses’ launches April 22

Celebrating the game's third anniversary.

The version 4.2 update for Honkai: Star Rail, dubbed “So Laughed the Masses,” will launch on April 22, developer miHoYo announced.

Here is an overview of the update, via miHoYo:

With the rewards of Phantasmoon Games receiving a massive escalation, more eyes across the universe will converge on Planarcadia, and the intensity of the competition will greatly increase. Embrace the new power of the Path of Elation, and march towards final victory alongside Silver Wolf LV.999, who has completed her ascension, and the observer Evanescia!
Meanwhile, to celebrate the upcoming third anniversary of Honkai: Star Rail, the game has meticulously prepared a series of special events and generous rewards, inviting players to join in on the fun. In Version 4.2, the anniversary-exclusive event “Festive Gifts” will make its return, allowing players to check in and receive a total of 20 pulls. Also returning is another highly anticipated player tradition: on the anniversary day of April 26, Trailblazers can select a blessing card from a companion and receive a special gift of 1,600 Stellar Jades. Not to mention, the third-anniversary birthday surprises are an absolute must-see: the limited 5-star characters Huohuo and Robin will be added to the “Stellar Convergence” Store. As is tradition, Trailblazers can use a freely claimed Golden Companion Spirit to exchange for their companion of choice in the store. Furthermore, in addition to the annual first-time top-up double bonus reset, there’s even more content waiting for players to explore, including new arrivals in the Gift of Stardust Store and a new Outfit for Castorice! As the anniversary celebration approaches, participate in the “Aha’s Chosen: Spreading Elation Everywhere” online event and leave your message for a chance to win multiple grand prizes, including a “Crown of Aha” Silver Wolf LV.999-themed car. At the same time, global cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, and Los Angeles will progressively launch a series of online and offline celebration activities, including themed parades, street festivities, and brand collaborations. For more details, please visit the official website.
In the Version 4.2 Main Story, the stakes of the Phantasmoon Games become a whole lot more complicated once it’s announced that the ultimate reward has received an unprecedented escalation: the victor will become the permanent Aeon of Elation. Caught right in the center of the spotlight, the Trailblazer naturally draws the scrutiny and wariness of every major faction. At that moment, Fulwish — leader of the Research Society of Happy Smiles and a local media mogul — invited all Supplicants to the Fulwish TV headquarters in Seafeld City, a holiday resort renowned for its crisp scenery and idyllic climate. There, Fulwish plans to host a televised debate open to all of arcadia, exploring the burning question: “What kind of future will the Phantasmoon Games bring to this world?”
For the Trailblazer, this “public provocation” is undoubtedly an overt scheme that is impossible to refuse. And beneath the surface of the debate lurks a myriad of traps and tricks. Pitted against Fulwish, a master at swaying minds and inciting public opinion, can the Trailblazer navigate every hurdle, gather more Wishpower, and resolve the hidden crisis? Meanwhile, fellow Supplicants Silver Wolf and Pearl have struck a mysterious deal that might just be the key to turning the tide of battle.

With the competition heating up, two brand-new 5-star characters Silver Wolf LV.999 and Evanescia will officially join the team, becoming crucial companions to help the Trailblazer turn the tables. First up, a familiar face: Silver Wolf is making her grand entrance with a brand-new look. As a long-time member of the Stellaron Hunters, she needs no introduction. If you had to pick the universe’s most hardcore gamer, Silver Wolf takes the crown, hands down. If you treat the vast universe as a game of endless level ups and progress, then “Silver Wolf LV.999” is what happens when she hits level 999 and evolves into a “Godmode Player.” This hacker from Punklorde also happens to be the very first Emanator of the Elation from the Phantasmoon Games to step into the spotlight. Silver Wolf LV.999 is a 5-star Imaginary character following the Path of Elation. In combat, she can rack up “Hidden MMR” to activate her exclusive Cartridge and enter the “Godmode Player” state. Once active, Silver Wolf pulls both teammates and enemies alike into her own gaming domain, unlocking a “Reward stage” at the start of her turn. During this “Reward stage,” she can use her Cartridge to spawn various in-game items, not only shaking up the combat dynamics but also sharing powerful buffs with teammates to turn the tide together. When “Aha Instant” strikes, Silver Wolf blasts all enemies with a game-crashing laser cannon, dealing massive DMG. On top of that, this hacker from Punklorde has one more trick up her sleeve: when a teammate falls under enemy control, she’ll hack into the battlefield — even if she isn’t actively in the team — granting allies temporary immunity to control. It’s her own special way of keeping the team protected during every battle.
Next up is Evanescia. Since the start of the Phantasmoon Games, this mysterious girl has always been watching this game’s progress as an observer. In fact, as a “Special Observer,” Evanescia has participated in far more than just one iteration of the Phantasmoon Games. Because of this, this multi-playthrough player has already witnessed way too many contestants scheming against one another to fight for Wishpower, and watched countless people repeatedly clash on the heels of Aeonic power. Rather than looking forward to who will become the ultimate champion of the Phantasmoon Games, she pays much more attention to the performance of her favored “protagonist”: the Trailblazer. And in the new story, more secrets regarding Evanescia’s true identity will also gradually reach a final revelation. Evanescia is a 5-star Physical character following the Path of Elation. In combat, Evanescia can continuously accumulate “Certified Banger” through various means: whether she regenerates Energy, teammates Charge her, or the “Certified Banger” on her teammates changes, she continues to gain “Certified Banger.” Whenever Evanescia gains “Certified Banger,” she will simultaneously regenerate Energy, allowing her to maintain her DMG rhythm. As “Certified Banger” continues to accumulate, Evanescia’s DMG will also gradually increase. Whenever it reaches a certain number of points, it will additionally trigger an attack from “Master Fox,” dealing DMG to all enemies and regenerating Energy for Evanescia. Her Elation Skill can also attack all enemies. While delivering a stylish performance, it will further increase the team’s overall DMG.
In addition to the two highly anticipated new characters, the Trailblazer on the Path of Elation will also join the team in Version 4.2. As the Elation Trailblazer’s brand-new weapon, the glow stick features a rich variety of uses. When using their Skill, the glow stick transforms into a lightblade as the Trailblazer deals DMG to all enemies and gains “Certified Banger”. Not only that, the glow stick can also turn into nunchucks, unleashing a spectacular flurry of attacks on surrounding enemies and dealing multiple instances of DMG. Beyond that, it can also be used to hype up teammates. When using their Ultimate, the Trailblazer can select a teammate to cheer for. This allows the chosen teammate to gain “Certified Banger” while immediately using their Elation Skill, paving the way for an even more lively combat experience!
Additionally, a special Warp event will kick off in the first half of Version 4.2. Limited 5-star characters The Dahlia, Castorice, and Firefly will be getting a rerun. Meanwhile, in the Warp event for the second half, limited 5-star characters Tribbie, Sunday, and Feixiao will also have their reruns. On top of that, four existing characters — Firefly, Huohuo, Seele, and Welt — will all be receiving buffs, continuing to provide indispensable help for players on their trailblazing expedition.
Finally, right in time for the 3rd Anniversary of Honkai: Star Rail, a host of exciting events will be arriving alongside the grand festivities. In Version 4.2, the brand-new event “Cosmic Data Roaming” will officially go live, allowing Trailblazers to build a top-tier streamer career by broadcasting their sleekest combat moments. Following the version update, Currency Wars will also receive a massive expansion, offering Trailblazers more diverse gameplay options. Meanwhile, the Cosmicon Collective is bringing the heat with its Version 2.0 update, “Cosmicon, Roll On Again!,” introducing not only new decks and dice, but also a brand-new team challenge gameplay mode. In addition, exciting events and features like “Express Renovation Escapade” and “Relic Recon” will also be rolling out to help Trailblazers fully enjoy the anniversary fun. At the end of this Special Program, the original animation project co-produced by HoYoverse and MAPPA premiered its concept trailer, “Death in the Afternoon.” Please look forward to the continuing cosmic adventures!

Honkai: Star Rail is available now for PlayStation 5, PC via client download and Epic Games Store, iOS via App Store, and Android via Google Play.

Watch a new trailer and special program below. View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.