Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.8 will feature a collab with Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), with Ellen Joe and Astra Yao confirmed to appear. Based on the current version schedule, HSR 4.8 is expected to launch in late December 2026. The exact release date has not yet been announced.
This guide covers the latest HSR 4.8 banner leaks, including both crossover characters, possible banner arrangements, and Stellar Jade planning. We'll keep updating the guide as more official information becomes available.
If you're planning to pull Ellen or Astra Yao in Version 4.8, now is a good time to start saving Stellar Jade. If you need more resources, you can top up Honkai: Star Rail on GamsGo, and get ready for the crossover characters you're looking forward to.

The Version 4.8 crossover and its featured characters have been officially announced. Ellen's 5-star rarity, Ice Element, and Destruction Path are confirmed. Astra Yao is reportedly a 5-star Quantum Harmony character, but her HSR details and the free character rumors remain unconfirmed. Final banner rules are subject to official announcements.
HSR 4.8 Banner Overview
The Version 4.6 Special Program on September 20 confirmed the upcoming HSR × ZZZ collab, bringing Ellen Joe and Astra Yao to Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.8. On October 27, HoYoverse officially revealed Ellen as a 5-star Ice character following the Path of Destruction. Astra Yao is reportedly a 5-star Quantum character following the Path of Harmony, although these details have not been officially confirmed. Both characters' acquisition methods remain unknown.
Here's a quick look at what we currently know about Version 4.8, including the latest official announcements and unconfirmed banner leaks.
HSR 4.8 BANNER OVERVIEW | |
Version and Crossover Details | |
Version | Honkai: Star Rail 4.8 |
Expected Release Date | Late December 2026 |
Crossover Game | Zenless Zone Zero |
Confirmed Characters | Ellen Joe, Astra Yao |
Official Character Details | |
Ellen's Rarity | 5-Star (Confirmed) |
Ellen's Element and Path | Ice / Destruction (Confirmed) |
Unconfirmed Character and Banner Details | |
Astra Yao's Rarity | 5-Star (Reported, unconfirmed) |
Astra Yao's Element and Path | Quantum / Harmony (Reported, unconfirmed) |
Free Ellen / Free Astra Yao | Earlier leaks: Ellen; newer leaks: Astra Yao. Neither confirmed. |
Phase 1 and Phase 2 Banners | Not yet announced |
Reruns and Featured 4-Stars | Not yet announced |
Signature Light Cones | Not yet announced |
Ellen's 5-star rarity, Ice element, and Destruction Path have been officially revealed. Astra Yao is reportedly a 5-star Quantum Harmony character, but her HSR rarity, Element, and Path are not yet officially verified. Neither character's acquisition method or banner phase has been announced.
Want to see which banners are coming before the crossover? Check out our HSR 4.6 Banner and HSR 4.7 Banners guides. If you're saving Stellar Jade for Ellen or Astra Yao, keep the next two versions in mind when planning your pulls.
HSR 4.8 Banners: Ellen Joe and Astra Yao in the ZZZ Collab
The two Version 4.8 crossover characters come from Victoria Housekeeping Co. and the entertainment scene of New Eridu in Zenless Zone Zero. On October 27, HoYoverse officially revealed Ellen Joe as a 5-star Ice character following the Path of Destruction in Honkai: Star Rail. Astra Yao's HSR combat details and both characters' full kits remain unknown.
Here's what we currently know about each character, including confirmed details and earlier leaks. The Phase 1 and Phase 2 banner order has not yet been officially announced.
Ellen Joe
| ELLEN JOE · CROSSOVER CHARACTER PREVIEW | |
![]() | Ellen Joe Character Name: Ellen Joe Original Game: Zenless Zone Zero Rarity: 5-Star (Confirmed) Element: Ice (Confirmed) Path: Destruction (Confirmed) How to Obtain: Not yet announced |
| 5-Star · Ice / Destruction | |
Ellen Joe is a member of Victoria Housekeeping Co. and an Ice Attack Agent in Zenless Zone Zero. In her original game, she builds up Flash Freeze Charges through Dash Attacks, then consumes them to unleash powerful Ice-infused attacks. Her Core Passive also increases the CRIT DMG of certain attacks.
On October 27, HoYoverse officially introduced Ellen as a 5-star Ice character following the Path of Destruction in Honkai: Star Rail. This confirms her Element and Path, replacing earlier leaks that described her as an Ice character following The Hunt.
Ellen's Destruction Path suggests that she may serve as a damage dealer, but her actual HSR combat mechanics remain unknown. It is also unclear whether her Flash Freeze Charges and Ice-infused attacks from ZZZ will carry over into the turn-based combat system.
Some players have speculated that Ellen could use special resources or Enhanced Basic Attacks, inspired by her original playstyle. However, these are gameplay predictions, not confirmed HSR 4.8 skill leaks.
Astra Yao
| ASTRA YAO · CROSSOVER CHARACTER PREVIEW | |
![]() | Astra Yao Character Name: Astra Yao Original Game: Zenless Zone Zero Rarity: 5-Star (Reported) Rumored Element: Quantum (Unconfirmed) Rumored Path: Harmony (Unconfirmed) How to Obtain: Not yet announced |
| 5-Star · Quantum / Harmony (Reported) | |
Astra Yao is a famous singer and an Ether Support Agent in Zenless Zone Zero. In her original game, her singing state provides ATK and CRIT DMG buffs to allies. She can also trigger additional musical note attacks when teammates act, while her Ultimate restores HP to the entire team.
According to current HSR 4.8 leaks, Astra Yao is reportedly a 5-star Quantum character following the Path of Harmony. This would suggest a support-oriented role, similar to her original playstyle in Zenless Zone Zero.
Based on her original ZZZ playstyle, Astra Yao could potentially serve as a support character in HSR. If her singing mechanic carries over, she might provide team-wide buffs or additional attacks that trigger when allies take action. ATK and CRIT DMG bonuses are possible directions, but there is currently no confirmed information about how her abilities will work in turn-based combat.
Some players have also compared Astra Yao to Robin, hoping she will offer similar team support. However, there are currently no reliable HSR skill details confirming team-wide Action Advance, healing, or specific buff values.
Another important question is whether Astra Yao will be free in Version 4.8. While earlier rumors focused on a free Ellen, newer leaks suggest that Astra Yao could be the free crossover character instead.

HSR 4.8 Phase 1 and Phase 2 Banners and Light Cones
Ellen Joe and Astra Yao are confirmed for the HSR 4.8 ZZZ collab, and Ellen has officially been revealed as a 5-star Ice character following the Path of Destruction. However, the Phase 1 and Phase 2 banner lineups, rerun characters, featured 4-star characters, and signature Light Cones have not yet been announced.
Here's the current banner schedule based on the information available so far.
HSR 4.8 BANNER SCHEDULE | |
Banner Type | Current Information |
Phase 1 Character Banners | Not yet announced |
Phase 1 Light Cone Banners | Not yet announced |
Phase 2 Character Banners | Not yet announced |
Phase 2 Light Cone Banners | Not yet announced |
Crossover Character Availability | Awaiting official details |
Recent leaks have suggested that Astra Yao could be available for free, while earlier rumors pointed to Ellen instead. Neither claim has been confirmed by HoYoverse. Ellen's official character reveal also does not establish her banner phase or acquisition method.
It's worth noting that confirming a character's appearance does not automatically confirm how their limited-time Warp will work. Whether Version 4.8 will feature a separate Collaboration Warp, share pity with regular Character Event Warps, or use a different banner duration remains unclear.
We'll update this table when new banner dates, rerun characters, or Light Cone lineups are revealed. In the meantime, you can check our Honkai Star Rail Banner Schedule for more information about upcoming banners.

HSR 4.8 Pulling Strategy
If you're hoping to get Ellen or Astra Yao in the Version 4.8 ZZZ collab, now is a good time to start saving Stellar Jade. Ellen's 5-star Ice and Destruction classification is confirmed, but her full kit and acquisition method remain unknown. Meanwhile, rumors about a free crossover character are still conflicting.
Here's how to plan your pulls based on which character you want.
Your Pulling Goal | What You Can Do Now |
Want Ellen | Ellen is confirmed as a 5-star Ice Destruction character. Save Stellar Jade and Star Rail Special Passes in case she requires pulls. Don't rely on earlier free Ellen rumors until HoYoverse confirms her acquisition method. |
Want Astra Yao | Astra Yao is reportedly a 5-star Quantum Harmony character, and newer leaks suggest she might be free. Neither claim is officially confirmed. Keep saving Stellar Jade as a backup until her kit and acquisition details are revealed. |
Want Both Characters | Hold off on nonessential Light Cone and Eidolon pulls. Plan for the possibility that both characters require Stellar Jade, and adjust your budget once the free character rumors and banner rules are officially clarified. |
Care More About Character Strength | Ellen is confirmed as a 5-star Ice Destruction character, while Astra Yao is reportedly a 5-star Quantum Harmony character. Wait for their complete kits and performance testing before choosing based on your current roster. |
If you haven't collected all the available resources from the current version, check out the latest Honkai Star Rail codes and keep an eye on rewards from upcoming events.
Want to get ready for Ellen and Astra Yao in Version 4.8 but don't have the roster you're looking for? You can also buy Honkai: Star Rail accounts on GamsGo! Browse accounts with different character lineups and resource levels, find one that fits your needs, and get a head start before the crossover arrives.

Conclusion
Ellen Joe and Astra Yao are officially joining Honkai: Star Rail in Version 4.8. Ellen's October 27 reveal confirmed her as a 5-star Ice character following the Path of Destruction, while Astra Yao is reportedly a 5-star Quantum Harmony character. There's still plenty to discover about their combat abilities and banner arrangements.
We'll keep tracking the latest HSR 4.8 ZZZ collab banner news and update this guide with character kits, banner schedules, and crossover rewards as new details come in. Bookmark this page and stay tuned to GamsGo so you don't miss the next update!
Got your pulling plans sorted out on Teyvat and Solaris-3, too? GamsGo also offers Genshin Impact top-up and Wuthering Waves top-up options. Stock up on Genesis Crystals or Lunites ahead of time, so you'll be ready when your favorite characters arrive!
Honkai Star Rail 4.8 Banner FAQ
When Is HSR 4.8 Coming Out?
Version 4.8 is expected to launch in late December 2026. Some estimates based on the version schedule point to around December 21, but this is not an officially confirmed date. The final release date has yet to be announced.
Who Are the New Characters in the HSR 4.8 ZZZ Collab?
Ellen Joe and Astra Yao from Zenless Zone Zero are confirmed for the Version 4.8 crossover. Ellen is officially a 5-star Ice Destruction character, while Astra Yao is reportedly a 5-star Quantum Harmony character. Their full combat kits and acquisition methods have not yet been announced.
Will Ellen Be Free in HSR 4.8?
Earlier leaks suggested Ellen might be free, while newer rumors point to Astra Yao as the possible free crossover character instead. HoYoverse has not confirmed either claim, so both characters' acquisition methods remain unknown.
Will Ellen and Astra Yao Be Featured in Separate Banner Phases?
There is currently no reliable Phase 1 or Phase 2 lineup. Whether the two characters will appear in separate phases, use a dedicated Collaboration Warp, or have different banner durations remains to be officially announced.
Related Articles
ZZZ Severian Build: Teams, Drive Discs, Skills & Materials
Genshin Vodyanitsa Build: Weapons, Artifacts and Teams
Wuthering Waves Jingran Build: Best Weapons, Echoes and Teams









