New Eridu's shark maid is headed for the Astral Express. Ellen Joe will appear in Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.8 as part of the Honkai: Star Rail × Zenless Zone Zero collaboration, alongside Astra Yao.
In Zenless Zone Zero, Ellen is an S-Rank Ice Attack Agent, a shark Thiren, and a student working for Victoria Housekeeping Co. This preview follows her story and fighting style into the HSR crossover.
Planning ahead for her release? Top up HSR Oneiric Shards at GamsGo and save up to 30%.
Honkai: Star Rail and Zenless Zone Zero Collaboration Details
Playable Ellen Joe
The official collaboration announcement names Ellen Joe and Astra Yao for the Version 4.8 crossover. Ellen is expected to be playable, while her HSR banner, rarity, combat role, and acquisition method await confirmation.
In Zenless Zone Zero, Ellen is a shark Thiren, a student, and a member of Victoria Housekeeping Co. Her Ice Attack role suggests a damage-dealing HSR playstyle, but her actual Path and mechanics have not been revealed.
Who Is Ellen Joe?
Ellen Joe is a laid-back shark Thiren and an established playable character in Zenless Zone Zero. She works as a maid at Victoria Housekeeping Co. while attending school in New Eridu. Off duty, she prefers ordinary time with her friends.
Ellen often looks tired and keeps a lollipop close at hand to replenish her energy. Though she complains about the job, she cares about her teammates and fights hard when they need her. She can even eat Rina's unusual cooking without complaint.
How She Fits Into HSR's World
So far, the official reveal shows Ellen and Astra joining the Star Rail adventure. It has not explained how Ellen reaches the Astral Express or what role she plays in the crossover story.
Her school life and loyalty to Victoria Housekeeping offer plenty to explore. We'll update this section when the event plot is revealed.
Design and Visual Details
Ellen's shark tail, maid uniform, oversized scissors, and ever-present lollipop make her recognizable at a glance. The crossover reveal introduces her familiar look; a full HSR showcase will show how her animations, outfit details, and combat effects translate into Star Rail.
Ellen Joe's Confirmed Details and Early Predictions
Element, Path, and Rarity
Ellen's Version 4.8 crossover appearance is confirmed. Her HSR element, Path, rarity, banner phase, and acquisition method remain unannounced.
 Ellen Joe | Attribute | Details |
| Rarity | To be announced | |
| Element | Ice (community leak) | |
| Path | The Hunt (community leak) | |
| Release | Collaboration in Version 4.8; exact date to be announced | |
| Acquisition | To be announced (free reward rumored, unconfirmed) | |
| Signature Light Cone | To be announced |
In ZZZ, Ellen is an S-Rank Ice Attack Agent. She builds Flash Freeze Charges with her attacks and spends them on Ice-infused strikes. A damage-focused HSR role is plausible.
Ellen Joe's Kit (Awaiting Official Details)
Preview status: Ellen's HSR ability names, effects, multipliers, and base stats have not been announced. Ice / The Hunt and a free Ellen reward are unconfirmed rumors. The ideas below come from her ZZZ gameplay; we'll update every table when reliable HSR kit information becomes available.
In ZZZ, Ellen gathers Flash Freeze Charges through mobile attacks and consumes them for powerful Ice damage. HSR could adapt that build-and-spend rhythm, but an Enhanced Basic ATK, Freeze effect, or extra turn would be speculation until HoYoverse reveals her abilities.
Base Stats (Lv. 80)
| Stat | Value |
| HP | To be announced |
| ATK | To be announced |
| DEF | To be announced |
| SPD | To be announced |
| Max Energy | To be announced |
Abilities Breakdown
| Ability | Name | Effect |
| Basic ATK | To be announced | To be announced |
| Skill | To be announced | To be announced |
| Ultimate | To be announced | To be announced |
| Talent | To be announced | To be announced |
| Technique | To be announced | To be announced |
Ellen Joe's Possible Team Synergies
If Ellen becomes an Ice damage dealer, supports that boost damage or reduce enemy defenses could be worth testing. Whether she shares a useful team mechanic with fellow crossover guest Astra Yao is unknown. We'll add tested HSR teams once Ellen's abilities are revealed.
What Makes Ellen Joe Worth Watching
Ellen's HSR abilities are still under wraps, but four details make her Version 4.8 reveal worth following:
- She is a named crossover guest. HoYoverse has announced Ellen Joe and Astra Yao for the HSR × ZZZ collaboration. We have yet to see how Ellen fits into the Star Rail story.
- Her ZZZ combat has a clear identity. Ellen builds Flash Freeze Charges and spends them on Ice-infused attacks. Ice / The Hunt is one HSR rumor; neither that Path nor a charge mechanic is confirmed for her HSR kit.
- Her personality gives the story room to surprise us. Ellen balances school with Victoria Housekeeping missions, complains about the effort, and still shows up for her friends when it counts.
- She may be a free crossover reward. Recent leaks point to a free Ellen in HSR 4.8, though HoYoverse has yet to confirm a claim event, eligibility, or deadline.
Ellen Joe's Signature Light Cone
No signature Light Cone has been announced for Ellen Joe in HSR. Her Path remains unconfirmed, so we cannot rank her signature or alternative HSR cones yet. We'll add its name, artwork, stats, and effect as soon as HoYoverse reveals them.
| Stat / Effect | Details |
| Name and Path | To be announced |
| Base Stats (Lv. 80) | To be announced |
| Passive (S1) | To be announced |
| How to obtain it | To be announced; a dedicated Light Cone Warp has not been confirmed |
In ZZZ, Ellen's signature W-Engine is Deep Sea Visitor. W-Engines and Light Cones use different systems, so its name, stats, and effect cannot be assumed for HSR. If Ellen receives an HSR cone, compare its damage gains against her E0 kit and other obtainable options before pulling.
Alternative Light Cones
Alternatives depend on her final HSR Path and kit. We'll compare actual Light Cones once those details are available, including their damage, CRIT, Energy, and Skill Point value in her actual rotation.
| Light Cone | What We Need to Check |
| Best 4-star option: TBA | Confirm Ellen's Path and which stats her abilities scale with. |
| Best accessible option: TBA | Compare obtainable cones against her confirmed damage scaling and Energy needs. |
Ellen Joe's Eidolons and Potential Upgrades
Ellen's HSR Eidolon names and effects have not been revealed. This table keeps the usual investment checkpoints ready for updates; no E1, E2, or E6 value judgment is possible until we can compare them with her E0 kit.
| Eidolon | Name | Effect / Upgrade Status |
| E1 | To be announced | Effect and value to be updated when the HSR kit is revealed. |
| E2 | To be announced | Effect and value to be updated. No recommended stopping point yet. |
| E4 | To be announced | Effect and value to be updated when the HSR kit is revealed. |
| E6 | To be announced | Effect and value to be updated when the HSR kit is revealed. |
Upgrade outlook: If the rumored free Ellen arrives, claim the first copy before deciding on any optional Eidolons. Her ZZZ Mindscape upgrades cannot establish the value of HSR Eidolons.
Ellen Joe HSR 4.8 Release and Reward Timeline
HoYoverse has announced the HSR × ZZZ collaboration for Version 4.8. The exact date and Ellen's acquisition method are still unknown. Leaks point to a free reward, but no claim period or requirements have been announced.
| Date / Window | Milestone |
| September 20, 2026 ✅ | HSR × ZZZ character reveal Ellen Joe and Astra announced for Version 4.8 |
| Version 4.6 | Collaboration preview The reveal was shared during the 4.6 Special Program |
| Version 4.7 | Watch for character details Ellen's Path, kit, and reward details may be revealed ahead of 4.8 |
| Version 4.8 ✅ | HSR × ZZZ collaboration Version confirmed; exact date and Ellen's availability window TBA |
| Reward / Warp notice: TBA | Free reward claim and any Warp rules Free claim conditions, any Warp, and Light Cone details to be confirmed |
Ellen and Astra are both part of the Version 4.8 announcement. Check the official event notice for Ellen's claim window and conditions if the free reward rumor proves true. Her story role also awaits details.
Will Ellen Joe Be Free in HSR 4.8? Claim and Warp Details
Multiple leaks suggest Ellen could be a free Version 4.8 reward. HoYoverse has confirmed her crossover appearance but has not announced a free claim, event requirements, eligibility, or deadline. Whether she will also have a Warp is unknown.
If Ellen has a Warp, its pity rules need their own confirmation; the Fate crossover does not establish them. See the HSR banner history for general context.
If Ellen Has a Warp: Conditional Pull Costs
If the free reward rumor is confirmed, your first Ellen could cost zero pulls. The figures below apply only if she instead needs a standard Warp, at 160 Stellar Jade per pull. They are not confirmed costs for Ellen.
Any crossover Warp could use different rules. Existing pity or an early 5-star would also change the result.
| If Standard Warp Rules Apply | Example Pulls | Stellar Jade Equivalent |
| First 5-star at hard pity 50/50 chance of featured character, if standard Warp rules apply | Up to 90 | 14,400 |
| Lose the 50/50, then reach guarantee Conditional standard character Warp example | Up to 180 | 28,800 |
| Optional Light Cone: first 5-star Only if a standard Light Cone Warp is offered; featured cone not guaranteed on first 5-star | Up to 80 | 12,800 |
Watch for the official free reward announcement. Keep any pull budget as a fallback until Ellen’s claim method is confirmed.
How to Prepare for Ellen Joe in Honkai: Star Rail
Ellen Joe is headed to HSR in Version 4.8, with her exact arrival window and kit still to be announced. Her rumored free copy would make an official claim notice the first thing to watch.
How Might You Claim Ellen for Free?
Leaks suggest Ellen may be a free Version 4.8 reward, but the event, eligibility rules, and claim deadline have not been revealed. Watch for an official in-game notice; do not assume logging in alone will grant her.
Keep a Backup Stellar Jade Budget
A free Ellen would leave your Stellar Jade for other characters or optional upgrades. Until the reward is confirmed, keep a flexible backup budget. Compare the Version 4.5 banners and Version 4.6 banners before spending elsewhere.
If Pearl is also on your list, budget for her separately. You can find additional Stellar Jade through Honkai: Star Rail redeem codes while waiting for Ellen’s official reward details.
As a conditional savings example, a standard limited 5-star character can take up to 180 pulls, or 28,800 Stellar Jade, if you start at zero pity and lose the first 50/50. This is a planning ceiling under ordinary character Warp rules, not an announced cost for Ellen.
Only use this fallback if HoYoverse rules out a free claim and confirms a standard limited Warp. Check the official acquisition notice before spending.
Pre-Farm What You Can
Ellen's HSR ascension items, Trace materials, and required quantities have yet to be revealed. Stockpile flexible resources first, then use the table below as a checklist when her official materials appear.
| Material Type | What to Do Now |
| Credits | Save a flexible supply for leveling, Traces, and equipment; Ellen's total cost is TBA. |
| Character EXP | Keep Traveler's Guides and other EXP items ready. These remain useful even if your pull plans change. |
| Ascension and Enemy Drops | Exact items and quantities TBA. Wait for the HSR material list before targeting a Stagnant Shadow or enemy. |
| Trace Materials | Her HSR Path remains unconfirmed; hold off on Path-specific Calyx farming. |
| Weekly Boss and Relics | Boss drop and best Relic sets TBA. Wait for her actual scaling and rotation. |
Relic farming: Ellen's ZZZ Attack role does not reveal which HSR stats she will use. Until her kit is shown, avoid committing Trailblaze Power to a set solely because of the Ice / The Hunt rumor.
Scope Out Potential Teammates
If Ellen is an HSR damage dealer, team buffs, enemy debuffs, and Skill Point economy will matter. These are questions to test, not confirmed Ellen teams. For current lineups, see our HSR team comps guide.
| Character | What to Check When Ellen's Kit Arrives |
| Pela | Her DEF reduction could help a damage-focused Ellen. Test the rotation and Energy needs after the HSR kit is revealed. |
| Ruan Mei | Her damage and Weakness Break support may be useful if Ellen needs more Ice damage or faster breaks. |
| Bronya | Check whether action advance and CRIT DMG buffs suit Ellen, and whether the team can afford the Skill Points. |
| Huohuo | Check if healing, Energy, and ATK support help Ellen maintain her damage rotation. |
| Silver Wolf | If an enemy lacks Ice weakness, assess her weakness implant and DEF reduction with Ellen’s actual team. |
| Astra Yao | Both are named crossover guests. If Astra becomes an HSR support, compare their revealed kits before treating them as a duo. |
We'll add tested teammates, Relics, and Light Cone rankings when Ellen's HSR Path and abilities are available. For current roster choices, see the Honkai: Star Rail tier list.
Ellen Joe vs. Astra Yao: Who Should You Prioritize in HSR 4.8?
The Version 4.8 announcement names both ZZZ characters. Their roles in their original game point toward different playstyles, but HSR Paths, kits, banner order, and acquisition methods are still unconfirmed.
For now, choose by character preference and your roster's likely need. Players seeking a damage dealer may watch Ellen's kit first; those seeking a support can follow Astra's reveal. Their actual value depends on HSR abilities and acquisition rules.
For the other crossover guest, read our Astra Yao preview before dividing your Stellar Jade.
If the free Ellen rumor is confirmed, claim her within the event window and save Stellar Jade for Astra or optional upgrades. Otherwise, compare both official acquisition notices before spending.
Looking Ahead: Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.8
The crossover gives you a clear version target, even while its character details are still unfolding:
- Version 4.6: The Special Program announced that Astra and Ellen Joe are coming to HSR in Version 4.8. Save the official reveal and watch for follow-up character news.
- Version 4.7: Keep enough flexibility for characters or reruns in the Version 4.7 banner guide, including Aeon ★ Aha if you plan to pull for them. The ZZZ crossover is scheduled for the following version.
- Version 4.8: The HSR × ZZZ collaboration begins. Watch for Ellen’s possible free reward and its claim deadline; character kits and acquisition details await official announcements.
If you want both characters, check whether Ellen is free and compare their official kits before spending on either one. A combined pull estimate is premature without their acquisition rules.
Final Thoughts on Ellen Joe's HSR Debut
Ellen already has a memorable ZZZ identity: a tired shark maid who saves her energy until it is time to fight. Her Flash Freeze attacks offer a possible direction for HSR, but her final kit and Path will decide whether that playstyle carries over.
GamsGo will update Ellen’s story, HSR kit, and claim instructions when official details arrive. Her rumored free reward could let more players try the shark maid; it still needs confirmation.
Ellen Joe HSR FAQ
When Will Ellen Joe Arrive in Honkai: Star Rail?
Ellen is a named guest in the HSR × ZZZ collaboration in Version 4.8. HoYoverse has not announced her exact arrival date or availability window.
Is Ellen Joe Playable in HSR?
The official crossover announcement names Ellen Joe and Astra Yao for the Star Rail adventure. Ellen is expected to be playable, but her HSR kit and acquisition method still await confirmation.
Will Ellen Joe Be Free in the HSR × ZZZ Collaboration?
Recent leaks suggest Ellen could be a free Version 4.8 reward, but HoYoverse has not confirmed this. There is no announced claim event, eligibility requirement, or deadline.
What Are Ellen Joe's HSR Element and Path?
Her HSR element and Path are unannounced. Ice / The Hunt is one rumor, while other unverified reports suggest a different Path. Ellen's Ice Attack role in ZZZ does not confirm her HSR classification.
How Many Pulls Should I Save for Ellen Joe?
If Ellen is free, her first copy could cost zero pulls. If she instead uses a standard limited character Warp, a zero-pity worst case after losing a 50/50 would be 180 pulls (28,800 Stellar Jade). Both are conditional scenarios until the official rules arrive.
If Ellen Has a Banner, Will Its Pity Carry Over?
HoYoverse has not announced whether Ellen will have a Warp, let alone its pity rules. The Fate collaboration used special terms; check the Version 4.8 Warp details before relying on existing pity.
Who Voices Ellen Joe in Honkai: Star Rail?
Her HSR voice cast has not been confirmed. In Zenless Zone Zero, Ellen is voiced by Giselle Fernandez in English, Xiao Qingyuan in Chinese, Shion Wakayama in Japanese, and Lee Ji-na in Korean.
Should I Prioritize Ellen Joe or Astra Yao?
Ellen is an Ice Attack Agent in ZZZ, while Astra is an Ether Support. Their HSR kits and acquisition rules remain unknown. Compare their official showcases with your roster before setting pull priorities.
What Are Ellen Joe's Best Eidolons and Materials?
Ellen's HSR Eidolons and ascension materials are not yet available. Hold Credits and character EXP for now; we'll add an exact farming list and upgrade advice when her HSR kit is announced.
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