Summary
- Launch on December 16, 2025 at 10:00 PM ET for most players and will run for over eight weeks instead of the usual six.
- Introduces The Dahlia, a new 5-star Fire Nihility character serving as a Break Support unit, alongside reruns for Aglaea, Firefly, Fugue, Lingsha, and Sunday.
- Version 3.8 returns to Penacony through their memories, featuring 3 banner phases, a Harbinger of Death boss, and The Dahlia’s signature Light Cone.
After the year-long journey to Amphoreus, Honkai Star Rail is taking players back to Penacony for Version 3.8. This upcoming version extends over eight weeks while offering new banner phases, boss, and character. Here’s everything you need to know about the Honkai Star Rail 3.8 including its release date and more.
Honkai Star Rail 3.8 Release Date and Maintenance Schedule
Honkai Star Rail 3.8 officially releases on December 16, 2025 at 10PM ET, ending the journey to Amphoreus. The release time may vary depending on the region you’re playing. North American players can access the update on the evening of December 16, 2025.
Meanwhile, European players will need to wait until early morning on December 17, 2025. For other regions, here’s when the exact release date and time:
-
- Pacific Time: 7PM on December 16, 2025
- Central European Time: 4AM on December 17, 2025
- Singapore and other SGT Zones: 11AM on December 17, 2025
Unlike other versions, the 3.8 update ran for over eight weeks. It will end on February 12, 2026 for North American servers and February 13, 2026 for other regions.
The Dahlia: New Character and Banner Details
The new character, The Dahlia, serves as the star of the Honkai Star Rail 3.8 update. Also known as Constance, she is an Everflame Mansion Family member from the Annihilation Gang. She is a 5-star Fire element character, specializing in a Break Support unit with particular synergy alongside Firefly.
The Dahlia’s unique kit allows allies to deal Super Break damage even without completely breaking enemy toughness bars. This makes her a great addition to Break-focused team compositions. Based on the storyline, she is one of Duke Ifrit Inferno’s daughters and holds the position of second-in-command within the Mansion.
Dahlia also previously appeared as a Memokeeper and operates as a Cremator. Her banner launches alongside the version released on December 16 until January 7, 2026 for Phase 1. Meanwhile, the banner will include three 4-star characters such as Luka, Gallagher, and Preservation March 7th.
New Light Cone and Equipment
It will also introduce one new 5-star Light Cone “Never Forget Her Flame,” serving as The Dahlia’s signature weapon. This will increase the wearer’s Break Effect by 60% and provides additional Break DMG buffs when entering combat. It specifically enhances Break DMG for both the wearer and a teammate that triggered the combat by 32%.
Meanwhile, its unique mechanics involve Skill Point recovery to gain one Skill Point after the wearer applies Weakness Break to the enemy. However, this effect can only trigger once per Ultimate use. If you’re investing in The Dahlia, the Light Cone will help amplify her Break Support capabilities.
Plus, the upcoming update will also feature rerun of signature Light Cones for returning 5-star characters. It includes A Grounded Ascent, Long Road Leads Home, Whereabouts Should Dreams Rest, Scent Alone Stays True, and Time Woven Into Gold.
Banner Reruns and Three-Phase Structure
For its three banner phase run, the Phase 1 will feature The Dahlia alongside Firefly rerun. Then, subsequent phases will include reruns for Aglaea, Fugue, Lingsha, and Sunday. However, specific phase assignments for these characters haven’t been shared officially. Regardless, this structure will help them build flexibility in their pulls and managing Stellar Jade resources.
New Content: Boss and Story Elements
What makes the update exciting for many is its return to Penacony for Version 3.8. However, it will be through their memories instead of a physical visit. It’ll tie up the loose ends from previous storylines, delivering emotional and action moments.
Also, a new boss enemy sets to arrive called the Harbinger of Death to challenge you during the storyline. This Iron Cavalry Knight bears resemblance to SAM’s design and appears influenced by The Swarm. Some speculation suggests it is a corrupted version of Sam within Firefly’s consciousness.
Conclusion
There’s plenty of things for you to look forward to in the upcoming Honkai Star Rail 3.8 update on December 16, 2025. You may want to start saving your resources if you’re looking to get the new character, The Dahlia. Also, you’ll have lots of time to enjoy the contents it will offer with its 8-weeks run.
Writer’s Recommendations
Hi there, it’s Stal! If you loved that article, make sure to check out these other articles I’ve written just for you. See you there!
