HoYoverse has some exciting news for fans of Honkai Star Rail. During the latest livestream for this popular RPG, they announced plans to revitalize four beloved characters in version 3.4. Set for an early July 2025 release, this update promises to breathe new life into Kafka, Silver Wolf, Blade, and Jingliu—all of whom made a significant impact when they first launched in 2023.
When these characters joined the roster, they were among the game’s top contenders. Kafka, in particular, had a resurgence in popularity in 2024 with the introduction of Acheron. However, over time, their effectiveness has waned. Jingliu demands significant investment but still doesn’t quite measure up in damage output compared to her peers. Meanwhile, Kafka hasn’t had fresh synergy with new damage-over-time characters for a while, and the recent addition, Mydei, feels like a rehash of Blade.
This decline in character viability, known in the world of gacha games as “powercreep,” isn’t unfamiliar territory. Yet, HoYoverse’s other hits, like Genshin Impact, typically avoid leaving their characters in the dust so rapidly. Players can still rely on some of Genshin’s early powerhouses for tough challenges, and Zenless Zone Zero allows you to face formidable foes using just the initial three free characters. It’s evident these games have evolved while managing to keep their heroes relevant.
That said, it doesn’t look like every character in Honkai Star Rail will be getting a revamp. For instance, Bailu, Yanqing, Natasha, Hook, and Welt haven’t kept up with the changing tides, and it seems they’ll remain sidelined for now.
On a brighter note, when version 3.2 hits, players will have the opportunity to choose a free 5-star character, either Ruan Mei or Luocha. So, while you wait for the big changes in 3.4, there’s still something to look forward to in the nearer term!
