“Honkai Star Rail 3.5 banners” are officially confirmed following Hoyoverse’s August 10, 2025, livestream, sparking massive anticipation. The update launches globally on August 13, 2025, introducing two new 5-star characters—Hysilens and Cerydra—alongside coveted reruns of Kafka and Silver Wolf. Phase 1 kicks off with Hysilens’ debut, while Phase 2 features Cerydra’s arrival, both paired with the ongoing HSR x Fate collab. For Trailblazers strategizing their pulls, this is the most consequential banner lineup of 2025.
Phase Breakdown: Characters and Light Cones
Phase 1 (August 13 – September 4)
- 5-Stars: Hysilens (New, Imaginary/Erudition) and Kafka (Rerun, Lightning/Nihility).
 - 4-Stars: Asta (Fire/Harmony), Arlan (Lightning/Destruction), Hook (Fire/Destruction).
 - Light Cones: Why Does the Ocean Sing (Hysilens’ signature), Patience Is All You Need (Kafka’s signature), plus 4-stars Eyes of the Prey, Poised to Bloom, and Indelible Promise.
 
Kafka’s rerun is a strategic win for DoT (Damage over Time) teams, synergizing with recent meta shifts. As noted in Hoyoverse’s Combat Design Insights 2025, her resurgence aligns with new end-game content favoring multi-target debuffs.
Phase 2 (September 4 – September 24)
- 5-Stars: Cerydra (New, Ice/Hunt) and Silver Wolf (Rerun, Quantum/Nihility).
 - 4-Stars: Sampo (Wind/Nihility), Qingque (Quantum/Erudition), Dan Heng (Wind/Hunt).
 - Light Cones: Epoch Etched in Golden Blood (Cerydra’s signature), The Birth of the Self (Silver Wolf’s signature), plus 4-stars Swordplay and Past and Future.
 
Silver Wolf’s return offers universal support, crucial for breaking high-level Memory of Chaos stages. Her versatility was highlighted in PC Gamer’s July 2025 tier list, cementing her as S-tier for weakness implantation.
HSR x Fate Collab Continuation
Archer and Saber remain available through Phase 2, alongside signature Light Cones:
- The Hell Where Ideals Burn (Saber)
 - A Thankless Coronation (Archer)
Collab mechanics will expand with new story quests, per Hoyoverse’s Special Program Recap. 
Resource Planning Guide
- Jade Savings: F2P players earn ~7,200 Stellar Jades monthly (via daily activities/events).
 - Pity System: Soft pity starts at 75 pulls (guaranteed 5-star at 90). Plan around dual banners!
 - Priority Tips: Pull Kafka for DoT supremacy or Silver Wolf for flexibility. New characters’ kits will be testable in trial stages post-launch.
 
Must Know
Q: When do the Honkai Star Rail 3.5 banners end?
A: Phase 1 ends September 4; Phase 2 concludes September 24. The HSR x Fate collab has no confirmed end date but may conclude with 3.5.
Q: Are Archer and Saber worth pulling in 3.5?
A: Yes—both excel in burst damage. Saber’s AoE clears mobs efficiently, while Archer’s ranged attacks dominate single-target fights, per RPG Site’s collab review (July 2025).
Q: What’s the best banner for new players?
A: Phase 1 (Hysilens + Kafka) offers balanced DPS/Nihility options. Kafka’s rerun is especially beginner-friendly due to low investment requirements.
Q: Will 3.5 add free characters or Light Cones?
A: Hoyoverse hasn’t announced free 5-stars, but login events typically reward 4-star Light Cones (e.g., Poised to Bloom in Phase 1).
Q: How long is the 3.5 update?
A: Six weeks—shorter than standard patches due to accelerated content schedules.
Q: Should I save for future versions after 3.5?
A: Datamines suggest 3.6 introduces a Quantum Harmony unit. Balance immediate needs (Kafka/Silver Wolf) against long-term roster gaps.
The Honkai Star Rail 3.5 banners deliver strategic depth with meta-defining reruns and high-risk/high-reward new units. Kafka and Silver Wolf remain essential for account progression, while Hysilens and Cerydra promise fresh playstyles. With Phase 1 launching August 13, start stockpiling Stellar Jades now—your next 5-star could redefine your end-game viability. Prioritize wisely, Trailblazers!
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