HSR 4.8 Welcomes the ZZZ Collab, With Astra Yao and Ellen Locked In for the Banners
Excitement levels around the HSR 4.8 banners just jumped in a big way.
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HoYoverse made it official during the newest HSR Special Program: Astra Yao and Ellen, a character hailing from Zenless Zone Zero, will show up in Version 4.8 when the upcoming Honkai: Star Rail × Zenless Zone Zero collaboration arrives.
As of right now, nothing official has been shared about their Paths, elements, kits, or how their banners will be arranged.
HSR 4.8 Banner Overview
| Character | Banner |
 Astra Yao | TBA |
 Ellen | TBA |
Since the banner phases for Version 4.8 haven't been shared yet, it's far too soon to tell whether Astra Yao and Ellen will share a phase or end up divided between Phase 1 and Phase 2.
HSR 4.8 Release Date
And now, the Honkai: Star Rail 4.8 release date is expected to be around December 21, 2026.
Version 4.5 is set to wrap up on September 28, 2026, and because 4.6 and 4.7 both stick to the standard 42-day update cycle, Version 4.6 should last until roughly November 9, with Version 4.7 then carrying on until around December 21. For a wider look at the upcoming banner roadmap, our HSR banner schedule is worth checking too.
Keep in mind that this date is a projection built on the current patch rhythm, not something an official announcement has confirmed.
HSR 4.8 New Characters
Astra Yao
If you play Zenless Zone Zero, Astra Yao needs almost no introduction. She ranks among New Eridu's biggest stars, celebrated both as a singer and for the powerful support she contributes in combat.
Which is exactly why the Star Rail take on her holds so much appeal.
A support-oriented role is what early information keeps tying Astra Yao to, and that would suit her original character remarkably well. Officially, though, HoYoverse has yet to reveal her Star Rail Path, element, or full kit.
Ellen
The second confirmed Version 4.8 crossover character is Ellen, one of the most recognizable Agents from Zenless Zone Zero.
In her original game, Ellen fills an Ice attacker slot, slicing through enemies in fast melee with a shark-themed weapon and aggressive damage output.
When the time comes to adapt her for Star Rail, that leaves HoYoverse with a very clear foundation to build on.
Word from early rumors suggests Ellen stays a damage-focused character, and she may hold onto her Ice identity as well. Even so, until her official Star Rail character reveal arrives, I wouldn't treat either detail as settled.
The bigger question, as far as I'm concerned, is how a turn-based kit will capture Ellen's fast-paced combat style.
Quick movement and repeated slashes drive how she plays in her original game, so any mechanics built around extra actions, follow-up attacks, enhanced turns, or multi-hit damage would all make sense for her.
Right now, though, we're still firmly in wait-and-see territory.
Final Thoughts
Today's reveal makes one thing clear above all: this crossover has grown well past being a vague Winter 2026 announcement.
What we now know is this: Version 4.8 is the HSR × ZZZ collaboration version, and Astra Yao and Ellen are officially coming to Honkai: Star Rail.
That reason alone is enough to put 4.8 on your savings list.
Should your 4.8 pulls start running expensive, WISHGM is another spot worth checking to line up extra Oneiric Shards before the upcoming banners arrive.
FAQ
Is the HSR × ZZZ collaboration confirmed?
Yes. The Honkai: Star Rail × Zenless Zone Zero collaboration was previously announced for Winter 2026, and HoYoverse has since confirmed that it will arrive in Version 4.8.
Will Ellen be free in HSR 4.8?
Some leaks have claimed that Ellen may be given away for free, but HoYoverse has not officially confirmed this information.
What are Astra Yao and Ellen's HSR Paths?
Their official Paths and Elements have not been revealed yet. Any earlier information about their roles or gameplay should be treated as leaks until HoYoverse publishes their official character details.
When will HSR 4.8 release?
The collaboration is officially planned for Winter 2026. HoYoverse has not announced the exact Version 4.8 release date yet, while the currently expected date is December 21, 2026.
