Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.6 “Dance With the Beast Before Moonrise” Is Now Live
Hello, Trailblazers! The Astral Express is moving again. Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.6, “Dance With the Beast Before Moonrise,” officially went live on September 28, 2026, and the latest update is already packed with new content. Version 4.6 continues the increasingly intense storyline, introduces a brand-new 5-star character named Pearl, brings a unique banner schedule, and adds several events with plenty of Oneiric Shard and other rewards.
For players who have been following the story, saving Oneiric Shard, or simply waiting for a reason to return to the game, Version 4.6 has plenty to explore. Here is everything you need to know about the latest Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.6 update, including the new story, Pearl, banner schedule, events, rewards, and important dates.
Version 4.6 Pre-Install and Maintenance Schedule
According to the official Honkai: Star Rail announcement, pre-installation for Version 4.6 opened on September 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM (UTC+8), or 1:00 PM WIB. Pre-installation allows players to download part of the update resources in advance, helping them access the new version more quickly once maintenance is complete. The Version 4.6 maintenance took place on September 28, 2026, starting at 6:00 AM (UTC+8), or 5:00 AM WIB. After maintenance, the game was updated to Version 4.6. If your connection is limited, pre-installation can be useful because the update can be downloaded ahead of time rather than waiting until the server maintenance is over.
Version 4.6 Story: Investigating the Life Sciences Institute
This update takes the story into another dangerous chapter. According to the official HoYoverse announcement, the Trailblazer and Nihilux, with help from Pearl, head to the Life Sciences Institute at the heart of Astropolis to uncover a dangerous plan known as “weaponize the husk.” The institute is the source of all imagenae in Astropolis and was established under the leadership of Madam Yabuli, head of the IPC's Technology Department.
Yabuli is carrying out a plan that puts all life on Planarcadia at risk. She is also suspected of having connections to a mysterious faction in Astropolis that worships Voracity.
To protect Planarcadia, Pearl plans to use the restoration of Leviathan Essence as a cover. She sends Kuchiba and Ashveil to investigate the institute before eventually joining the Trailblazer and Nihilux to uncover and stop the conspiracy. The opening of Version 4.6 sets an appropriately dark tone. A beast hiding in the darkness opens its jaws once again and demands a god as a sacrifice, making the title “Dance With the Beast Before Moonrise” feel especially fitting.
The story also explores the relationship between Preservation and Erudition through Pearl and the Trailblazer. Pearl is known for her extraordinary computational ability and rational decision-making. When the threat of Voracity emerges, she helps organize the evacuation of Planarcadia's residents onto the Astral Express while remaining behind to oversee the ritual. For players who enjoy the story side of Honkai: Star Rail, Version 4.6 continues to build on the mysteries surrounding Astropolis and its characters.
Read to: Official Website Honkai: Star Rail
Pearl: New 5-Star Ice Character on the Path of Elation
Who Is Pearl?
Pearl is introduced as a specialist in art investment within the IPC's Strategic Investment Department and the current CEO of Planarcadia.
Her official profile describes her as a perfectionist artist. She once tried to capture the curve of the ocean in her artwork, but every wave produced by her brush failed to match the image in her mind.
Her goal is clear: Pearl wants to create art for everyone, not simply follow the paths of others, but instead portray a path forward for them.
Pearl’s Gameplay
Pearl's understanding of art is reflected in her combat mechanics. According to the official information, two mechanics play an important role in her gameplay: Certified Banger and Deep Learning. Certified Banger can be consumed by Pearl to reduce part of the damage received by all allied characters.
Deep Learning allows Pearl to study the combat data of a designated teammate, granting her an Enhanced ATK based on that character's characteristics. If the teammate being studied follows the Path of Elation, Pearl's Enhanced ATK can also deal additional Elation DMG.
There are also additional effects for teams made up entirely of Elation characters. These effects can provide an extra turn for the designated teammate while also generating additional Punchline and Certified Banger. This makes Pearl particularly relevant for players interested in building an Elation focused team.
Version 4.6 Warp Banner Schedule
The Version 4.6 banner schedule is somewhat different from a typical update because the new character banner remains available throughout the entire version while rerun characters rotate during the update. The main banner, “An Ocean in a Pearl,” features Pearl and remains available throughout Version 4.6 until November 10, 2026, at 3:00 PM server time.
The Phase 1 rerun features Evanescia, a 5-star Physical character on the Path of Elation. Her banner is available after the Version 4.6 update until October 21, 2026, at 11:59 AM.
Phase 2 then introduces the rerun of Mortenax Blade, a 5-star Fire character on the Path of Nihility. The banner begins on October 21 at 12:00 PM and remains available until November 10 at 3:00 PM.
The official Version 4.6 information also confirms that Pearl's limited 5-star Light Cone, “Colors for Tomorrow,” receives an increased drop rate during the update.
As always, players should check the Warp menu in-game for the latest banner countdowns and availability.
Evanescia or Mortenax Blade?
For players deciding how to spend their Oneiric Shard, the two reruns provide different options. Evanescia gives players another opportunity to obtain a character they may have missed previously and can also fit into Elation-focused teams. Mortenax Blade arrives during Phase 2, giving players another option to consider after the first half of the update.
Rather than rushing to pull immediately, players can take advantage of the long Pearl banner duration to collect more Oneiric Shard and consider which characters best fit their existing roster.
Version 4.6 Events and Oneiric Shard Rewards
For players looking to collect Oneiric Shard, Version 4.6 offers several different events and activities.
Gift of Odyssey
The Gift of Odyssey event rewards players through a daily login system in the Travel Log. By checking in for a total of seven days during the event, players can receive 10 Star Rail Special Passes. This is one of the easiest rewards to collect because it only requires players to log in.
Wishpower UP! Down with Voracity
Wishpower UP! Down with Voracity is one of the largest reward events in Version 4.6. Players must defeat enemies corrupted by Voracity and collect Wishpower to unlock rewards, including 500 Oneiric Shard and 18 Trendible Vouchers, along with a commemorative medal. The event also provides buffs during battles against Voracity Corrosion, adding another gameplay element to the challenge.
Love, Ghosts & Robots
An old mechatron production line modified by Skott's ghosts can apparently give spirits physical bodies through Lyndon™ EmbodiMech. Players will help the familiar ghost complete an assessment while dealing with the sudden arrival of Rakshmi. The event takes the form of a circuit-board puzzle mini game.
Interastral Peace Gala: One Take
The Interastral Peace Entertainment reality show One Take is officially starting production. Players can participate in auditions, demonstrate their combat abilities, and complete challenges according to the director's instructions to earn event rewards.
Astral Slammers Squad
To celebrate the opening of Imagea Park, the IPC is hosting the Astral Slammers event. The challenge can be completed together with friends, giving players an opportunity to team up while working through the event content.
Currency Wars: Zero-Sum Game Update
Currency Wars also receives an update in Version 4.6 with the introduction of Double Ascension Points. The new mode speeds up point collection, allowing players to reach Ascension Level rewards more quickly, including valuable items such as Self Modeling Resin.
Double Drop Events: Garden of Plenty and Planar Fissure
Version 4.6 also features double-drop opportunities for players farming character and upgrade materials through Calyx activities, as well as Planar Ornaments through Simulated Universe and Divergent Universe content. This can be a useful opportunity to stock up on materials for characters you plan to build.
For newer players, Love, Ghosts & Robots and Astral Slammers Squad! can also be accessed earlier through Finality's Vision if they have not yet met the normal story requirements.
Additional Warp Information
According to the official Version 4.5 Update Details, the 4-star Light Cone “A Little Getaway” from the Elation Path is available in Stellar Warp during Version 4.6.
However, it is not available in Departure Warp. Players looking for additional Elation-related Light Cone options may want to keep this in mind while checking the current Warp lineup.
Tips for Managing Oneiric Shard in Version 4.6
Version 4.6 gives players several opportunities to build up their Oneiric Shard and other resources. Start by logging in every day to collect the 10 Star Rail Special Passes from the seven-day Gift of Odyssey check in. After that, keep an eye on the event schedule, particularly Wishpower UP Down with Voracity, which offers 500 Oneiric Shard and 18 Trendible Vouchers among its listed rewards.
The double-drop events are also useful for players who are currently building characters. Consider using your available Trailblaze Power on Calyx and Planar Fissure activities while the bonuses are active. When it comes to Warps, there is no need to rush. Since Pearl's banner remains available throughout Version 4.6, players have more time to collect rewards and decide where they want to spend their Oneiric Shard.
Players planning to build an Elation focused team can also consider how Pearl and Evanescia fit into their existing roster before spending their resources. Most importantly, keep checking in-game mail and official announcements for maintenance rewards and additional Version 4.6 information.
Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.6 FAQ
Q. When did Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.6 release?
A. Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.6, “Dance With the Beast Before Moonrise,” officially released on September 28, 2026.
Q. When did Version 4.6 pre-installation begin?
A. Pre-installation began on September 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM (UTC+8), or 1:00 PM WIB.
Q. What time was the Version 4.6 maintenance?
A. Maintenance began on September 28, 2026, at 6:00 AM (UTC+8), or 5:00 AM WIB.
Q. Who is the new character in Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.6?
A. The new character is Pearl, a 5-star Ice character who follows the Path of Elation.
Q. What are Pearl's main gameplay mechanics?
A. Pearl's two main mechanics are Certified Banger and Deep Learning. Certified Banger helps reduce damage received by allies, while Deep Learning allows Pearl to study a designated teammate and gain an Enhanced ATK.
Q. How long is Pearl's banner available?
A. Pearl's banner is available throughout Version 4.6, until November 10, 2026, at 3:00 PM server time. Players should still check the in-game Warp menu for the latest countdown.
Q. Which characters are rerunning in Version 4.6?
A. Evanescia is featured in Phase 1, while Mortenax Blade is featured in Phase 2.
Q. Which Version 4.6 event gives the most Oneiric Shard?
A. Wishpower UP! Down with Voracity! is one of the largest listed reward events, offering 500 Oneiric Shard and 18 Trendible Vouchers.
Q. How many Star Rail Special Passes can players get from the login event?
A. The seven-day Gift of Odyssey login event rewards players with 10 Star Rail Special Passes.
Q. Can new players participate in Version 4.6 events?
A. Some events, including Love, Ghosts & Robots and Astral Slammers Squad!, can be accessed earlier through Finality's Vision if players have not yet met the normal story requirements.
Q. Is Pearl worth pulling for?
A. It depends on your existing roster and preferred team composition. Pearl is particularly relevant for players interested in building an Elation-focused team, while other players may prefer to save their Oneiric Shard for a future character.
Q. Where can I find official Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.6 information?
A. The most reliable sources are the official Honkai: Star Rail website, official social media channels, and in-game announcements. Players should avoid unofficial sources that request account information.
Final Thoughts
Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.6 “Dance With the Beast Before Moonrise” brings together a new story chapter, a brand new 5-star character, rotating reruns, and a variety of events for players to explore. Pearl takes center stage in the new update, while the continued story surrounding Astropolis and the Life Sciences Institute adds another layer to the ongoing narrative.
The long Pearl banner duration also gives players more time to collect Oneiric Shard and decide which characters best fit their teams. For Version 4.6, the basic strategy is simple: pre-install the update, log in regularly, complete the major events, take advantage of double-drop opportunities, and plan your Warps carefully. Good luck on your next Warp, Trailblazers!
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