Version Update Timeline (Key Highlights)
Based on the latest leaks I've gathered, the timeline is largely confirmed:
Recent Version Schedule:
Version 3.4 'For the Sun Shall Smite' (July 2nd): Bai E debuts + Fate Collaboration
Version 3.5 'Before the Hero Dies' (After August 12th): Haserine and Keryldra
Version 3.6 : First half Long Night Moon + Xia Die, second half Dan Heng · Imbibitor Lunae + Nakasha
Version 3.7 : Xilian exclusive (this is crucial, lower pull pressure)
Version 3.8 'Memory is the Overture to Dreams': Dahlia finally arrives, returning to Penacony
Version 4.0 : Edo Star opens, Elation Path officially launched
Interestingly, HoYoverse has also optimized many system details this time. The story skip function now displays a synopsis by paragraph (finally no need to worry about missing important information), the Simulated Universe save reset is extended to version updates, and the Pure Fiction adds a Battle Will mechanism.
The quick clear for Forgotten Hall has also been increased to nine floors—this change is truly a blessing for veteran players.
Long Night Moon In-depth Analysis: March 7th's 'True Identity'
Core Positioning Interpretation
Long Night Moon is essentially March 7th's SP version, but don't underestimate this setting. Limited 5-star, Path of Remembrance, Ice element, and most importantly, she deals damage based on her Max HP.
Her weapon is an umbrella (which suits her temperament), and the summoned Eidolons look like jellyfish. The entire design revolves around the core concept of 'protecting March 7th's memories'.
Skill Mechanism Analysis
From the currently leaked information, Long Night Moon's Eidolons have multiple functions: damage support, crowd control, and utility. The inherent control characteristics of the Path of Remembrance make her stand out in multi-wave battles.
I personally think she will perform quite well in Pure Fiction and Apocalyptic Shadow—the Path of Remembrance indeed has a natural advantage in these types of content.
Team Composition Recommendations
The combinations I'm currently optimistic about are: Long Night Moon + Xia Die + Tibo + Lingsha
Xia Die's Quantum Main DPS role combined with her off-field revival mechanism complements Long Night Moon's Path of Remembrance characteristics well. Tibo provides comprehensive buffs, and Lingsha ensures stability in high-difficulty content.
This team composition should theoretically cover most high-difficulty content.
Xilian: The Path of Remembrance's 'Super Nanny'
Character Features
Xilian's positioning is very clear—a core support for the Path of Remembrance. From the PV display, she possesses multiple Eidolon skills that can cover the entire team, and her transformation hints at a special burst mechanism.
The community now calls her 'Super Eidolon Support', which is quite fitting.
Value in the Remembrance System
According to my analysis, Xilian's position in the Path of Remembrance is similar to Robin's role in follow-up attack teams—an indispensable core support.
The combination of Xilian + Long Night Moon should produce a 1+1>2 effect. Their Eidolon mechanisms complement each other, and the overall performance will surpass the simple superposition of individual characters.
Pulling Advice
In Version 3.7, she is the only limited new character. For players who want to deeply invest in the Path of Remembrance, her pulling value is extremely high. Moreover, with a single UP, the pulling pressure is relatively low.
Dahlia: The Last Piece of the DoT Team Puzzle
Character Background
Dahlia was originally planned to debut in Version 2.3 but was delayed several times. Now, it's finally confirmed that she will appear in Version 3.8. Her positioning is very clear—Kafka and Black Swan's 'after-sales teammate', specifically providing support for the DoT system.
Team Building Ideas
The core combination should be: Kafka + Black Swan + Dahlia + Sustain Character
Kafka is responsible for detonating DoTs, Black Swan stacks Wind Shear, and Dahlia amplifies the overall DoT damage. For sustain, Lingsha or Huohuo are recommended, which will make the team more competitive in multi-target battles in Pure Fiction.
Equipment Recommendations
Relics should prioritize Effect Hit Rate and Speed. It's recommended to choose sets that increase the team's overall Effect Hit Rate. She should have a dedicated Light Cone. If you don't get her signature weapon, you can choose a general support Light Cone that provides Effect Hit Rate or damage increase.
Edo Star Exploration Guide
Map Design Features
Edo Star's visual design combines neon colors with modern Japanese style, ranging from traditional architectural complexes to modern urban areas.
However, in terms of story setting, it is currently under invasion by the Antimatter Legion, and the distress signal has been cut off. Boothill and Ruin will fight alongside the Trailblazer.
Exploration Key Points
The main story revolves around the Antimatter Legion's invasion, and we need to investigate the reason for the distress signal interruption. New enemy types and combat mechanisms will be encountered. The scenes shown in Sparkle's PV hint at a close connection between this place and the Path of Elation.
Hidden Content
Following HoYoverse's usual practice, there will definitely be special treasure chests, hidden missions, and various easter eggs. This content not only provides rich rewards but also deepens the background story.
Pay special attention to collecting key clues about the Antimatter Legion's invasion. You need to piece together fragments of information to understand the complete story.
Path of Elation System Explained
Core Mechanism
The Path of Elation's characteristic is that follow-up attacks apply random elemental Aftertaste damage. Each Elation Blessing can further increase Aftertaste damage.
The Path Resonance consumes 100 Energy, dealing 3-5 random elemental follow-up attacks to all enemies—this will perform exceptionally well in multi-target battles.
Key Blessing Recommendations
Focus on these: Resonance Formations like 'Carnival of Doom', 'Sapling's Growth Dance', 'Open for a Prize', and follow-up Blessings that trigger Aftertaste effects like 'Licorice Pizza · Mint Shaved Ice'.
The Simulated Universe will also add 'Mr. Violence' and 'Psychedelic Parking Lot' Blessings, specifically to enhance the Crit Rate and Crit DMG of follow-up attacks.
Compatible Characters
Jing Yuan, Clara, and Blade, characters with high-frequency follow-up attacks, can best utilize the Aftertaste mechanism's advantages.
Sub-Path suggestions: The Hunt (extra turns for DPS), The Remembrance (sustain and control), The Abundance (sustain and interwoven resonance), The Destruction (survivability).
Warp Banner Planning and Pulling Strategy
Version 3.4 Banner Schedule
Phase 1 (July 2nd - July 23rd): Bai E, Sunday, Tibo, Sparkle
Phase 2 (July 23rd - August 12th): Firefly, Jingliu, Blade Rerun
The Fate collaboration goes live on July 11th, with Saber and Archer joining the Standard Warp.
Stellar Jade Demand Calculation
For Long Night Moon, you need to prepare 28800 Stellar Jades (180 pulls for guaranteed pity). If you also want Xilian, you'll need 57600 Stellar Jades.
Each version provides approximately 8000-10000 Stellar Jades, so advance planning is necessary. For players who need to top up Honkai Star Rail , it's recommended to prepare before the version update.
My Pulling Priority Recommendations
Xilian (Core of the Remembrance system, must-pull)
Long Night Moon (High rarity for SP characters)
Dahlia (DoT system enhancement, depends on personal needs)
For new players, prioritize versatile supports like Tibo. Sunday is compatible with multiple Main DPS characters like Bai E, Wan Di, and Saber, offering good value.
Resource Management and Character Cultivation
Stellar Jade Income Sources
Version 2.7's 'Cosmic Home Decor Guide' event will provide additional income, 'Star-Gazing Gift' grants a 10-pull, and a permanent 5-star self-select ticket allows you to get Bronya, Seele, Clara, etc. for free.
The 'Golden Companion Eidolon' system provides a stable way for players above Equilibrium Level 35 to obtain permanent 5-stars.
Material Preparation
It's recommended to pre-farm Ice-type materials for Long Night Moon and Path of Remembrance materials for Xilian. The collaboration event provides an Ascension Supply for Archer to instantly reach Level 60, and this benefit might extend to other characters.
Cultivation Priority
Current T0 characters include: Tibo, Xia Die, Herta, Lingsha, Sunday, Robin.
New character value ranking: Xilian (Remembrance core) > Long Night Moon > Dahlia (DoT exclusive).
Version Adaptation Strategies for Different Players
New Players
Focus on the 3.4 collaboration event. Getting Archer for free can significantly boost early combat power. Prioritize Tibo or Robin with the self-select ticket.
It's recommended to build around one Main DPS with supports and sustain to avoid spreading resources too thin.
Returning Veteran Players
Need to understand the current meta and evaluate the competitiveness of existing characters. Characters like Jingliu received mechanical enhancements in Version 3.4, so participate in Honkai Star Rail Ancient Dreamland and other limited content in time.
High-Tier Players
Can pay attention to the development of the Path of Elation in Version 4.0, and cultivate compatible characters like Jing Yuan and Clara in advance. Try the Long Night Moon + Xia Die Remembrance Quantum combination, and look forward to the DoT system innovation brought by Dahlia.
Quick Q&A
Q: When will Long Night Moon be released? A: In the first half of Version 3.6 banner, alongside Xia Die, expected early 2025. It's recommended to prepare 180 pulls for guaranteed pity.
Q: Is Xilian worth pulling? A: As a core support for the Path of Remembrance, she is extremely valuable for players who want to deeply invest in the Remembrance system. She is the only limited character in Version 3.7, making her relatively easier to pull.
Q: How to build a team with Dahlia? A: Designed specifically for DoT, the best team is Kafka + Black Swan + Dahlia + Sustain character, which can significantly enhance the overall DoT output.
Q: How to play the Path of Elation? A: Follow-up attacks trigger Aftertaste damage, suitable for high-frequency follow-up characters like Jing Yuan, Clara, and Blade. Requires pairing with sustain sub-Paths, officially unlocked in Version 4.0.
Based on my two years of tracking Honkai: Star Rail, the content and quality of this version update are quite impressive. I recommend everyone plan their resources in advance, especially players interested in the Path of Remembrance and DoT systems.
You can start topping up Honkai: Star Rail to stock up on Stellar Jades now. Don't wait until the banner goes live to regret not having enough resources!
