Planarcadia marks the next major destination for the Astral Express crew in Honkai Star Rail, bringing with it a roster of characters connected to the Aeon of Joy, Aha. The region debuts with Version 4.0 and introduces the Elation Path as a playable mechanic, along with a mix of brand-new units and alternate versions of familiar Stellaron Hunters.
Quick answer: Seven Planarcadia characters have been officially revealed: Yao Guang, Sparxie, Blade SP, Silver Wolf SP, Evanescia, Nihilux, and Ashveil. Yao Guang and Sparxie arrive first in Version 4.0, expected on February 12, 2026.
Yao Guang
Yao Guang serves as an Arbiter-General of the Xianzhou Yuque and holds the title of Seer Strategist. She wields the ability to perceive fortune through what's described as the "eye" of the Hunt. In gameplay terms, she's a 5-star Physical character following the Elation Path. Her kit revolves around setting up a field that converts team attacks into additional Elation hits, building stacks based on combat tempo, then cashing them out with a finishing burst. She's expected to release in the first phase of Version 4.0.
Sparxie
Sparxie functions as an alternate take on Sparkle, reimagined as a high-energy streamer persona. She's a 5-star Fire character on the Elation Path and a member of the Masked Fools faction. Her playstyle leans into SP-hungry damage loops, spending skill points to build "Punchline" momentum before firing off encore hits when the meter is primed. Sparxie is slated for the second phase of Version 4.0.
Blade SP
Blade returns in Planarcadia with a new outfit and potentially a new form. The Stellaron Hunter known for his HP-consuming combat style, appears to be getting an Elation-flavored variant. His existing kit centers on sacrificing health to enter enhanced states and building stacks that cash out as AoE follow-up attacks. The SP version likely pushes payoff frequency toward more theatrical finishers that fit Elation's follow-up-centric identity. No confirmed release version has been announced yet.
Silver Wolf SP
Silver Wolf also receives a Planarcadia variant. The genius hacker who treats the universe like an immersive game already fits Elation's personality profile. Her original kit revolves around implanting weaknesses onto targets and stacking debuffs. The SP form appears to expand this concept from single-target manipulation into broader stage-wide rule changes, potentially cycling "bugs" that alter what actions trigger bonus effects. Release timing remains unconfirmed.
Evanescia
Evanescia represents an entirely new character introduced through Planarcadia. Her visual design features sakura-miko styling with long pink ears, drawing clear parallels to Yae Sakura from Honkai Impact 3rd. She's positioned as a significant story figure within the Planarcadia arc, potentially holding importance similar to Firefly's role in Penacony. Her element appears to be Ice based on early reveals, though her Path hasn't been officially confirmed. Expected release falls around Version 4.3.
Nihilux
Nihilux arrives as another brand-new addition to the roster. She's described as a "strict mother of the Aeons" with a manga-panel aesthetic and a personality that undercuts her authoritative presence with relatable flaws around procrastination. Her "Origin: Aha" title suggests a kit focused on authoring triggers rather than flashy randomness, setting up frames that convert normal actions into scripted bonus sequences. She's expected around Version 4.2.
Ashveil
Ashveil rounds out the confirmed Planarcadia lineup as a new character with a showman aesthetic. His design features mostly black hair with white tips and red streaks, and he's been speculated to be La Mancha, leader of the Galaxy Rangers alongside Boothill and Rappa. His "True Aha" title points toward a kit involving randomized spectacle, with marks that flip into different bonus hit patterns. He follows the Hunt Path and is expected to debut around Version 4.1 as the sole new 5-star character for that update.
Planarcadia character release schedule
| Character | Rarity | Element | Path | Expected Version |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yao Guang | 5-star | Physical | Elation | 4.0 Phase 1 |
| Sparxie | 5-star | Fire | Elation | 4.0 Phase 2 |
| Ashveil | 5-star | Unknown | Hunt | 4.1 |
| Nihilux | 5-star | Unknown | Unknown | 4.2 |
| Silver Wolf SP | 5-star | Unknown | Elation | 4.2 |
| Evanescia | 5-star | Ice | Unknown | 4.3 |
| Blade SP | 5-star | Unknown | Unknown | 4.3–4.4 |
What is Planarcadia?
Planarcadia functions as Aha's Elation-themed playground within the Honkai Star Rail universe. The Astral Express has history with this location, having once crashed into it before departing. The region's narrative centers on Aha's invitation to "join their game and become an Aeon for a minute," setting up a stage-like world filled with Masked Fools vibes and mechanics that emphasize follow-up attacks and extra damage procs. Version 4.0 introduces the Elation Path as a playable option, with the Planarcadia characters serving as its first representatives.
The Planarcadia roster brings a distinct identity to Honkai Star Rail's character lineup, mixing entirely new faces with reimagined versions of existing Stellaron Hunters. Players looking to build Elation teams should prioritize Yao Guang and Sparxie when Version 4.0 launches, while keeping resources ready for the subsequent releases throughout the 4.x update cycle.
