HoYoverse recently announced an upcoming update for Honkai Star Rail that has fans buzzing with excitement. For those eagerly following the game’s development, update 3.4 is set to roll out some intriguing changes to certain characters, aiming to revitalize their place in the game. Although the specifics are still under wraps, popular characters such as Kafka, Silver Wolf, Blade, and Jingliu are lined up for some adjustments. Players have been vocal about wanting these character tweaks, and HoYoverse is finally responding to the call.
If everything stays on track, July 2025 is the expected release period for version 3.4, unless any unforeseen delays occur.
Back in 2023, these characters were the top picks in Honkai Star Rail, with Kafka even enjoying a resurgence in 2024 after the introduction of Acheron. But as time has passed, their effectiveness has waned due to newer and more potent additions. For instance, players often find Jingliu requires a lot of resources but still doesn’t hit as hard as her peers, while Kafka’s synergy with damage-over-time strategies hasn’t been supported with fresh characters in a while. This situation isn’t unusual in gacha games, where the term “powercreep” describes this very phenomenon.
Interestingly enough, HoYoverse has a track record of maintaining a balanced character lineup in their other games. Take Genshin Impact, for example, where many of the initial characters still hold their ground against the latest contenders. Zenless Zone Zero also showcases durability, allowing players to face formidable challenges with the original team.
Despite the upcoming changes, it’s not expected that HoYoverse will address all of the lesser-used characters. Veterans like Bailu, Yanqing, Natasha, Hook, and Welt have unfortunately fallen out of favor, with no hints of their revival on the horizon.
On a brighter note, as version 3.2 approaches, players will have the opportunity to acquire one of two free 5-star characters: Ruan Mei or Luocha. It’s a lovely incentive for those following the game’s progress and eager to enhance their rosters with new powerhouses.
