Yao Guang Release Date Honkai Star Rail

The anticipation for the next major chapter in Honkai: Star Rail is reaching a fever pitch as we approach the launch of Version 4.0. Central to this update is the debut of Yao Guang, a highly anticipated figure from the Xianzhou Alliance who is set to redefine the game’s combat meta.

Yao Guang Release Date

Yao Guang is scheduled to make her playable debut on February 13, 2026 (UTC+8), alongside the launch of the Version 4.0 update, “Planarcadia.”

Depending on your region, the maintenance end time and banner availability may vary slightly:

• Asia/Europe: February 13, 2026
• North America: February 12, 2026 (due to time zone differences)

She will be featured in the Phase 1 event warp, titled “Gleam of a Thousand Plumes.” Uniquely, reports suggest her banner may remain active for the entirety of the 4.0 cycle, giving players more time to secure this powerful support.

Want to get Oneiric Shard for Yao Guang? Visit LootBar and save up to 32%

Character Profile: The Seer Strategist

Known as the Seer Strategist of the Xianzhou Yuque, Yao Guang is one of the prestigious Seven Arbiter-Generals. While she holds titles like the “Honorary Dean of the Omniscience Sapientia Academe,” she famously prefers the simpler address: Madam Yao.

Kit Overview & Gameplay Role

Yao Guang is designed as the cornerstone of the brand-new Path of Elation. Unlike traditional Harmony units, her kit focuses on a unique “Punchline” mechanic and team-wide synergy that enables high-frequency burst windows.

Key Abilities

• Skill (Decalight Unveils All): Deploys a support Zone for 3 turns. While active, it increases all allies’ Elation stats based on a percentage of Yao Guang’s own.
• Ultimate (Hexagram of Feathered Fortune): This is her “nuke” button. It triggers an “Aha Instant,” granting the team an extra turn where every character capable of using an “Elation Skill” unleashes it simultaneously.
• Talent (Behold Wherever Light Unfolds): When Yao Guang has the “Certified Banger” buff, she performs a “Great Boon” follow-up attack after an ally acts, dealing extra Physical Elation DMG.

Why Pull for Yao Guang?

If you plan on building a team around the new Elation meta, Yao Guang is considered an “irreplaceable” engine. She is best paired with other Elation units like Sparxie (also debuting in 4.0) to maximize the effectiveness of her Zone and “Aha Instant” triggers.

Her ability to grant extra turns and massive RES Penetration makes her a top-tier candidate for endgame content like the Simulated Universe and Memory of Chaos.

Tip: If you’re planning to pull for her, you can start pre-farming materials in the new Planarcadia regions. Look for Whimsy Wax and Dreamweave Steel to ensure she’s battle-ready on day one!