Honkai Star Rail (HSR) 4.0 Pull Priorities & Banner Analysis — Who to Pull First, Free 5★ Tips

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Version 4.0 has launched on February 13, 2026, and Trailblazers everywhere are asking: "Do I pull for Yao Guang first or Sparxie later with my 80 pulls?" While news outlets covered the announcements, players now want data-driven guidance, Light Cone recommendations, and meta insights. This guide combines verified patch information, community strategies, and optimized pull advice to help you make the smartest decisions.

Table of Contents

Quick tables are perfect for Featured Snippet visibility. Here’s the verified banner lineup:

Phase Featured 5★ Key Reruns Signature Light Cone
Phase 1 Yao Guang (Physical/Elation) Evernight, Hysilens, Black Swan When She Decided to See
Phase 2 Sparxie (Fire/Elation) Cerydra, Rappa, Sparkle Dazzled by a Flowery World

Key Takeaways: Yao Guang enables Elation/FUA teams; Sparxie delivers high Fire DPS. Timing your pulls matters for optimal efficiency.

2. Pull Priority by Player Archetype

Honkai Star Rail (HSR) 4.0 Pull Priorities & Banner Analysis

A. Meta-Future Player: Pull Yao Guang

  • Logic: Yao Guang acts like Kafka for the Elation Path — enabling even non-Elation characters (Topaz, Dr. Ratio) to trigger Elation damage.
  • Why Now: Her Great Boon talent bridges existing FUA teams.
  • SEO Target: Yao Guang vs Sparxie meta value 2026

B. Hypercarry Enjoyer: Pull Sparxie

  • Logic: Sparxie is a Fire Elation DPS variant of Sparkle — they are different personas but can be used together.
  • Constraint: SP-hungry; works best with Sparkle or planning Phase 2 pulls.
  • SEO Target: Sparxie best team comps 4.0

C. Account Gap Players: Black Swan or Rappa?

  • Black Swan (Phase 1): Essential for DoT-focused teams; 4.0 buffs improve Arcana scaling.
  • Rappa (Phase 2): Needed for Imaginary Break DPS against Planarcadia enemies.

3. Light Cone Recommendations

Character Recommended LC Key Benefits Alternative / F2P
Yao Guang When She Decided to See 18% SPD, team-wide CRIT buffs, converts SPD to Elation via Traces Mushy Shroomy’s Adventures (4★)
Sparxie Dazzled by a Flowery World Increases SP limit to 8, boosts Elation DMG & DEF ignore Any 4★ Elation-support LC

Tips: Prioritize 5★ signature LCs, F2P players can use 4★ alternatives effectively for early Elation setups.

4. Expected Pull Count & F2P Strategy

  • 5★ Base Rate: 0.6%
  • 50/50 System: First 5★ has a 50% chance to be featured; if lost, next 5★ is guaranteed featured
  • Soft Pity: ~74 pulls; Hard Pity: 90 pulls guarantees 5★

F2P Strategy: Pull Yao Guang first for Elation teams, save remaining pulls for Sparxie in Phase 2, and factor in pity and LC acquisition.

With Version 4.0 live, here’s the verified information for players planning their pulls:

📅 Phase 1 Duration

Phase 1 banners, featuring Yao Guang, run from February 13 – March 5, 2026. Both phases continue through Version 4.0.

⭐ 4-Star Characters — Double Rate-Up

  • Pela
  • Hanya
  • Qingque

🎯 Free 5-Star Selector Pool

  • Acheron
  • Aventurine
  • Sparkle
  • Jingliu
  • Imbibitor Lunae
  • Kafka
  • Jing Yuan

🎁 Free Rewards — Special Passes & Stellar Jades

  • Gift of Odyssey Login Bonus: 10 Special Passes
  • A Flip of Fortune Event: 10 additional Special Passes (small chance for 100 extra)
  • Additional event rewards provide Stellar Jades, enabling ~80+ pulls

💡 Pro-Tip: Free 5★ Pull Strategy

  1. Pull Yao Guang first to secure the Elation/FUA core.
  2. If successful, best Free 5★ picks: Aventurine (FUA/Elation) or Sparkle (Phase 2 prep).
  3. If Yao Guang not obtained, consider Acheron for raw damage.

6. Optimization Advice for Pull Efficiency

  • Free 5-Star Selector: Pull Yao Guang first, then fill gaps with your free selector (Aventurine or Sparkle).
  • Sparxie Synergy: Clarify Sparxie is a Fire Elation DPS variant of Sparkle — different personas but compatible.
  • F2P Milestones: Version 4.0 provides generous Stellar Jades (~80+ pulls achievable).

7. Community Insights & Player Tips

  • Reddit discussions confirm debate over Yao Guang vs Sparxie pulls.
  • Signature LC priority: Yao Guang mandatory; Sparxie optional depending on budget.
  • Accounts with limited pulls should plan around pity, Free 5★, and LC priorities.

8. Conclusion & Recommendations

  • F2P / Meta-Future: Pull Yao Guang first for Elation/FUA synergy.
  • Burst DPS / Hypercarry: Pull Sparxie if Sparkle is owned or for Phase 2 pairing.
  • Account gaps: Consider Black Swan or Rappa.
  • Light Cones: Prioritize 5★ signature LCs; 4★ alternatives viable for early Elation setups.
  • Resource Management: Plan around your pity count, pull budget, and Free 5★ selector.

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