TL;DR
- HSR 3.8 launches December 17, 2025 with extended 8-week duration ending February 12, 2026
- Constance ‘The Dahlia’ debuts as Fire Nihility character – the only new 5-star addition
- Three-phase banner structure offers diverse rerun options including Firefly, Sunday, and Aglaea
- Strategic pulling requires evaluating team compositions and existing character rosters
- Extended timeline provides more farming opportunities for Stellar Jade accumulation
Mark your calendars, Trailblazers! Honkai Star Rail version 3.8 officially launches on December 17, 2025, commencing an extended update cycle that continues through February 12, 2026. This eight-week duration represents a significant extension from previous versions, providing ample time for strategic resource planning and character building.
The narrative shifts focus to explore Firefly’s Penacony experiences while introducing Constance “The Dahlia” from the formidable Annihilation Gang. This update serves as a transitional chapter, concluding the extensive Amphoreus storyline while establishing narrative groundwork for the Astral Express’s forthcoming destination: Edo Star.
Important Update: This HSR 3.8 banner information was last verified on December 15, 2025
Version 3.8’s extended timeline offers strategic advantages for free-to-play players. The additional weeks translate to more daily and weekly rewards, event completions, and simulated universe clears – crucial for accumulating the Stellar Jade needed for targeted banner pulls.
The Honkai Star Rail 3.8 banner lineup introduces one highly anticipated new character while bringing back several fan-favorite units across three distinct phases. This structure allows players to strategically allocate their pulling resources based on team composition needs and character preferences.
Constance “The Dahlia” emerges as the sole new 5-star addition, occupying the Nihility path while wielding Fire element capabilities. Her kit focuses on debuff application and damage amplification, making her particularly valuable in teams that rely on weakening enemy defenses.
The three-phase approach represents a departure from previous update structures, with Phase 1 running from December 17, 2025 to January 7, 2026, followed by Phase 2 (January 7-28, 2026) and concluding with Phase 3 (January 28 – February 12, 2026). This extended timeline provides breathing room for players to reassess their pulling strategies between phases.
When planning your banner pulls, consider your existing character roster and team synergies. Fire Nihility characters like The Dahlia excel in compositions that can capitalize on enemy vulnerabilities while maintaining sustained damage output.
HSR 3.8 Character Banners
| Phases | Characters | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 Characters | The Dahlia Firefly Gallagher Luka Preservation March 7th |
December 17, 2025 – January 7, 2026 |
| Phase 2 Characters | Fugue Lingsha Sampo Natasha Arlan |
January 7, 2026 – January 28, 2026 |
| Phase 3 Characters | Aglaea Sunday Tingyun Yukong Dan Heng |
January 28, 2026 – February 12 |
Phase 1 Analysis: The Dahlia’s debut alongside Firefly creates a powerful Fire-focused lineup. Gallagher provides sustain while Luka and Preservation March 7th offer defensive utility – ideal for players building comprehensive Fire teams.
Phase 2 Considerations: Fugue and Lingsha present niche options that may appeal to collectors, while Sampo, Natasha, and Arlan serve as valuable additions for newer players lacking these 4-star options.
Phase 3 Value: This phase delivers exceptional meta relevance with Aglaea and Sunday, complemented by strong support options in Tingyun and Yukong. Dan Heng remains a solid free-to-play damage dealer option.
HSR 3.8 Light Cone Banners
| Phases | Light Cones | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 Light Cones | Never Forget Her Flame Whereabouts Should Dreams Rest Concert for Two Memories of the Past Good Night and Sleep Well |
December 17, 2025 – January 7, 2026 |
| Phase 2 Light Cones | Long Road Leads Home Scent Alone Stays True Geniuses’ Repose Post-Op Conversation The Moles Welcome You |
January 7, 2026 – January 28, 2026 |
| Phase 3 Light Cones | Time Woven Into Gold A Grounded Ascent Geniuses’ Greetings Trend of the Universal Market Dance! Dance! Dance! |
January 28, 2026 – February 12 |
Light Cone Pulling Strategy: Prioritize signature Light Cones for your main damage dealers. “Never Forget Her Flame” significantly enhances The Dahlia’s debuff capabilities, while “Whereabouts Should Dreams Rest” remains Firefly’s best-in-slot option.
For budget-conscious players, evaluate which 4-star Light Cones provide the most value for your existing roster. “Memories of the Past” offers exceptional energy regeneration for support characters, while “Good Night and Sleep Well” serves as a strong Nihility alternative.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t spread your pulls too thinly across multiple Light Cone banners. Focus on obtaining one or two high-value cones rather than multiple mediocre options.
Advanced players should consider the long-term value of each Light Cone. Those that provide unique mechanics or significantly enhance multiple characters offer better return on investment than those with narrow applications.
Action Checklist
- Calculate your Stellar Jade budget across all three phases
- Audit your current character roster to identify synergy gaps
- Research character kits and team compositions before pulling
- Plan your pulling stops (e.g., guarantee at 75+ pulls)
- Farm necessary upgrade materials in advance for targeted characters
No reproduction without permission：Tsp Game Club » Honkai Star Rail (HSR) 3.8 Banners Complete guide to HSR 3.8 banners featuring Constance 'The Dahlia' with strategic pulling advice