During the latest Honkai Star Rail livestream, HoYoverse revealed plans for character reworks in the 3.4 update, set to breathe new life into fan favorites who’ve fallen out of the spotlight. Characters like Kafka, Silver Wolf, Blade, and Jingliu are all on the docket for tweaks, prompted by player calls for revitalization. While the developers were tight-lipped about specifics, they assured that these changes are on the horizon.
If the update timeline remains steady, we can expect HSR 3.4 to launch in early July 2025. Back in 2023, each of these four characters was considered top-tier. Kafka, for instance, gained extra attention in 2024 with the introduction of Acheron. However, over time, their effectiveness and synergy with team builds have waned. Jingliu demands a lot of resources yet struggles to match the damage output of peers. Kafka hasn’t seen any synergy improvements with damage-over-time allies for a while, and let’s not forget Mydei, who feels like a reworked Blade.
This phenomenon, often referred to as “powercreep,” isn’t new to gacha games like Honkai Star Rail. What stands out, though, is how quickly these shifts happen, unlike in HoYoverse’s other games. Take Genshin Impact, for example; many early all-stars still hold their ground in tier lists and tackle endgame with ease. Zenless Zone Zero, meanwhile, allows players to go toe-to-toe with formidable foes using the trio you start with. Both games have evolved without sidelining their original characters.
However, don’t hold your breath for every character to get a makeover. Others like Bailu, Yanqing, Natasha, Hook, and Welt still linger in the shadows with no updates in sight.
In brighter news for vintage character enthusiasts, version 3.2 will offer players the chance to snag a free 5-star character: your choice between Ruan Mei or Luocha. So, be ready to seize the opportunity when the update drops!
