Honkai: Star Rail 3.8 Banner Guide

The next patch, Honkai: Star Rail (HSR) Version 3.8 represents a pivotal moment for the game’s meta and story. The 3.8 banner schedule officially reveals the introduction of Constance “The Dahlia”, a 5 Star character with the Fire-element and Nihility path, along with a handful of rerun characters and Light Cones. This article highlights what we know so far about the 3.8 banner phases: timing, character lineup, and Light Cone reruns.

Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.8 Release Date & Banner Duration

Image via: HoYoverse

Version 3.8 is planned for release approximately on December 16, 2025 (UTC-5). For Asia/Europe time zones, this probably translates to December 17, 2025. Therefore, the end date (if we again assume the normal), 42 days for a version, is around January 27, 2026.

Banner Phases

The banners are seemingly separated into two phases:

Phase 1 (December 16, 2025 – January 6, 2026): Includes The Dahlia + reruns of Firefly, Boothill, Rappa

Phase 2 (January 6, 2026 – January 27, 2026): Reruns of Fugue, Lingsha, Yunli

Light Cone Banners

Alongside the character banners, the Light Cone banners will also go as follows:

Phase 1 (Dec 16 → Jan 6): “Never Forget Her Flame”, “Whereabouts Should Dreams Rest”, “Sailing Towards A Second Life”, “Ninjutsu Inscription: Dazzling Evilbreaker”.

Phase 2 (Jan 6 → Jan 27): “Long Road Leads Home”, “Scent Alone Stays True”, “Dance at Sunset”.

Character Breakdown

The Dahlia (Constance)

Image via: HoYoverse

Rarity: 5 Star
Element/Path: Fire / Nihility.
Importance: Important as she is supposedly the only new playable 5 Star in version 3.8 according to leaks.
Lore Context: She is introduced as part of the “Ever-Flame Mansion” and is connected with the “Annihilation Gang” narrative.
Gameplay Note: As a new 5 star limited character, players interested in new meta units may consider her banner to be the most desirable. Other players may prefer to pursue the reruns instead.

Conclusion

Version 3.8 of Honkai: Star Rail is an important one: there is one new top-tier 5 Star (The Dahlia), plus multiple reruns with popular character options and strong Light Cones. For the players, the simplified question is, do you chase the new meta unit or work your way through reruns and snag some important Light Cones for your roster? Regardless of the path you choose, deciding how to time your pulls (Phase 1 vs Phase 2) will be very important.

Ahsan Kabir

Ahsan Kabir is a seasoned esports writer with over 5 years of experience covering the mobile gaming scene, especially titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Apex Legends Mobile. With a deep understanding of tournament ecosystems, player dynamics, and in-game meta shifts, his coverage blends sharp analysis with a passion for competitive play. Currently, he tracks the ever-evolving world of PC esports, diving into games like Valorant, Marvel Rivals, and more, always with an eye on what’s next in competitive gaming.