Honkai Star Rail 4.0: Full Moon on the Vacant Throne – Review & Gameplay

HoYoverse’s Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.0, dubbed “No Aha at Full Moon” (or “Pleine Lune sur le Trône Vacant” in French), launched February 13, 2026, and introduces a significant expansion to the gacha-RPG experience. Tested on a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 – equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 16GB of RAM, and an 8-inch 120Hz internal display – this update delivers a visually rich and optimized experience, particularly on foldable screens. But does this latest iteration revitalize the game, or is it merely a cosmetic upgrade? Having had early access courtesy of HoYoverse, here’s a detailed assessment.

A Playground of Entertainment: Planarcadia Unveiled

Version 4.0 sees the Astral Express arrive at Planarcadia, the realm of the Aeon Aha, a world where “clout” – a measure of popularity and influence – reigns supreme. The update introduces Yao Guang, a support character specializing in generating “Aha” moments, and Sparxie, a DPS character arriving in March. These characters are central to a narrative filled with divine conspiracies, absurd quests, and revelations about Aha, culminating in a surprisingly challenging and comedic boss encounter. The storyline, while initially somewhat disjointed, distinguishes itself through witty dialogue and philosophical twists. Planarcadia itself is described as a world revived from a 2D canvas by the IPC (Interastral Peace Corporation), as detailed in RPG Site’s coverage, and overseen by Pearl, one of the Ten Stonehearts of the Strategic Investment Department.

Gameplay Enhancements: The Path of Elation

The turn-based combat system receives an injection of novelty with the introduction of the Path Elation. Yao Guang can deploy a zone that boosts critical hit rate and SP (Skill Points), while Sparxie unleashes chaotic “Punchlines.” These abilities synergize with buffs like Sparkle (prolonged CDMG – Critical Damage Multiplier, and excess SP) and Black Swan (unlimited arcana), creating new tactical possibilities. According to the official Honkai: Star Rail website, Version 4.0 also includes refinements to game balance, such as boosted EXP gains and visible relic substats, streamlining endgame progression and enhancing tactical depth.

Events and Replayability

Exploration of Planarcadia is punctuated by a variety of events, including platforming challenges, a fast-paced Trading Card Game (TCG), and enhancements to Sparkle and Black Swan. The addition of the Ruan Mei skin further enriches the experience. On the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the unfolded screen significantly enhances the gacha menus and maps, while timerless assignments and accelerated material exchanges streamline daily grinding. This increased replayability is a key strength of the update.

Technical Performance and Optimization

Running on the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s Android implementation, the game maintains a consistent 60fps (with 120Hz enabled) without noticeable bugs, even during extended play sessions. This is thanks to HoYoverse’s optimization efforts and the device’s vapor chamber cooling system, effectively mitigating the overheating issues that plagued previous foldable models. The native foldable UI expands maps and team displays, while fast loading times and improved battery life (approximately 6 hours of gameplay on a full charge in unfolded mode) contribute to a smooth and immersive experience. The soundtrack, a blend of catchy and theatrical themes with Elation-inspired tracks and epic boss music, further enhances the atmosphere, even though some tracks are recycled from previous content.

Honkai Star Rail 4.0: Official Trailer

The Version 4.0 update for Honkai Star Rail, experienced on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, elevates the game through its playful narrative, revitalizing Elation mechanics, and impeccable foldable optimization, making grinding on the go a pleasure. While the gacha system’s inherent demands remain, the abundance of free rewards, gameplay innovations, new characters, and the captivating world of Planarcadia outweigh these concerns. This update represents a creative peak, offering over 20 hours of engaging content and demonstrating HoYoverse’s mastery of mobile game development, signaling a promising future for the saga.