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Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.5 "To Roll the Stars in Astropolis" Special Program announcement banner
Game News

Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.5 Special Program Airs 14 August — Robin Summeretto and Aventurine Waveflair Headline

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Honkai: Star Rail’s Version 4.5 — titled “To Roll the Stars in Astropolis” — gets its official Special Program livestream this Thursday evening. Two familiar faces return in summer swimwear forms, a brand-new character is set to be unveiled for the first time, and HoYoverse will lay out the full roadmap for the patch before it goes live on 25 August. Here is everything confirmed ahead of the broadcast.

When and Where to Watch the Version 4.5 Special Program

The broadcast kicks off on Thursday, 14 August 2026 at 7:30 PM SGT (19:30 UTC+8). You can catch it live on the official Honkai: Star Rail channels on both YouTube and Twitch. The stream typically runs between 45 minutes and an hour, covering new banners, events, and any gameplay changes coming to the patch.

As with all Honkai: Star Rail Special Programs, HoYoverse distributes redeem codes live during the broadcast — keep a browser tab open on the official site so you can enter them as they drop.

Robin Summeretto — The Diva Trades Her Gown for a Floral Swimsuit

Robin • Summeretto official character art — Honkai: Star Rail 5-star Wind Remembrance unit debuting in Version 4.5
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Officially unveiled via HoYoverse’s drip marketing campaign, Robin Summeretto is a 5-star Wind character on the Path of Remembrance. The Remembrance path typically centres on summoning a memosprite companion to deal damage on the Trailblazer’s behalf, so this summer variant plays very differently from the original concert-ready Robin you may already have built.

Robin Summeretto is expected to headline the first half of Version 4.5, with her banner anticipated to open on 25–26 August alongside the patch itself. Exact dates and Warp rates will be confirmed during Thursday’s broadcast.

Aventurine Waveflair — Same Smile, Completely Different Playstyle

Aventurine • Waveflair official character art — Honkai: Star Rail 5-star Quantum Elation unit debuting in Version 4.5
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Aventurine Waveflair is a 5-star Quantum character on the Path of Elation. Where the original Aventurine built around shields and survival, the Elation path shifts his role toward damage output — specifically follow-up attacks. If you loved the character but wanted a more offensive take, Waveflair is worth watching closely. HoYoverse teased him with the quip: “Friends, we meet again! I just wrapped up a sponsored shoot… Now that I’ve been promoted to P46, I can finally go on vacation. Want to relax and enjoy your time with me?”

Aventurine Waveflair is slated for the second half of Version 4.5, with his banner window expected to open around 16 September. The Special Program will confirm the precise schedule.

Pearl: A New IPC Character Joins the Story

The Special Program will also feature a first look at Pearl, a new character affiliated with the Interastral Peace Corporation. No further details — element, path, or rarity — have been confirmed ahead of the stream. Pearl’s debut marks another expansion of the IPC faction’s roster in the game’s story, so Thursday’s broadcast should shed light on her role in the 4.5 Trailblaze Mission.

When Does Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.5 Launch?

Version 4.5 is scheduled to go live on 25 August 2026 for North American servers and 26 August 2026 for Asia and European servers. The patch follows the standard six-week Honkai: Star Rail update cadence. Maintenance downtime details will be announced closer to launch.

The Special Program on 14 August will also reveal what new events, rewards, and gameplay mechanics are coming with the Astropolis summer update. Tune in this Thursday at 7:30 PM SGT on the official YouTube or Twitch channels, and check our Game News section for a full summary after the broadcast.

Game News

Genshin Impact 7.0 Launches Wednesday at 11am SGT — TPS Mode, Free 4-Star and Banner Guide

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Two days. Snezhnaya — the frozen nation Genshin Impact has been building toward since Version 1.0 — finally opens on Wednesday, August 12 at 11:00am SGT. We covered the initial reveal back in late July; here’s everything that has since been confirmed, including the banner reruns, Alyosha’s free-character details, and the TPS combat mode that’s been turning heads.

Version 7.0 “Everwinter Without Mercy” Trailer — via Genshin Impact on YouTube

Snezhnaya at a Glance

Snezhnaya is the seventh and final mainline nation on Teyvat’s map, and the version number reflects it — HoYoverse jumped straight from 6.7 to 7.0, skipping 6.8 entirely. The region is a perpetually frozen industrial landscape of sparse, snow-buried settlements connected by a train network that serves as Snezhnaya’s primary transport system. The capital, Snezhnograd, rises above the tundra in gothic Slavic-inspired architecture and is where most of the Archon Quest takes place.

Snezhnograd capital city architecture in Genshin Impact 7.0
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

The Tsaritsa, Snezhnaya’s Archon and the de facto villain of the game’s overarching story, is present in the narrative but is not a playable character in Version 7.0. Travellers looking for a Tsaritsa banner will have to wait.

Odette — The Banner Pick

Odette 5-star Cryo character dancing in Genshin Impact 7.0 Snezhnaya
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Version 7.0’s debut five-star is Odette, a 5★ Cryo Sword user and prima ballerina of the Korolevskiy Troupe — who doubles as a Fatui agent by night. She plays primarily as an off-field damage enabler: her dance-double summon applies Cryo, triggering the new Stellar-Conduct reaction (Cryo + Electro) and Stellar-Swirl (Cryo + Anemo) for team-wide damage buff fields.

Phase 1 (August 12 — September 1): Odette debut banner, plus an Arlecchino rerun. Alyosha features as a rate-up 4-star on both banners this phase. If you’ve been sitting on your Primogems for Arlecchino, this is your window.

Phase 2: Reruns of Flins and Ineffa. Exact Phase 2 dates to be confirmed when the update goes live.

Get Alyosha Free — and His Dog Too

Alyosha and his dog Tugarin in Genshin Impact 7.0 Snezhnaya
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

The version’s free four-star is Alyosha, an Electro Polearm user from Sretomoryzsk who comes with his canine companion Tugarin. He functions as a healer and support, applying Hunting Marks for party ATK buffs and off-field Electro damage — a natural pair for Odette’s Stellar-Conduct setup.

Critically: Alyosha is obtained entirely through the Archon Quest, not by pulling on a banner. You do not need to spend a single Primogem to add him to your roster. Better still, completing the new Archon Quest yields up to 560 Primogems in total rewards — a solid top-up heading into the banner phase.

Eye of Graeae — Genshin Gets Guns

Third-person shooter TPS firearms mode in Genshin Impact 7.0 Snezhnaya
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

The standout new mechanic is the Eye of Graeae, a tool unlocked early in Snezhnaya’s story. It serves three purposes: it provides cold protection so you can survive the nation’s relentless blizzards; it lets you call the train network for fast travel; and — most excitingly — it activates a third-person shooter (TPS) combat mode.

Three new firearms are introduced in 7.0, each with customisable attachments that change how they handle in combat. This is the biggest shift in Genshin’s core gameplay loop in years, and the TPS sequences are woven into both story exploration and co-op encounters. The Eye also enables crafting Prime Ice Constructs — environmental objects used in both puzzle solving and multiplayer interactions.

For those already planning team compositions, the two new Stellar reactions to keep in mind are Stellar-Swirl (Cryo + Anemo, creates an expanding buff field) and Stellar-Conduct (Cryo + Electro, amplifies coordinated off-field damage).

Singapore Timing — Set Your Alarm

Version 7.0 maintenance begins at 6:00am SGT on Wednesday, August 12. The servers are expected to go live at approximately 11:00am SGT, giving you a full day to explore Snezhnograd before the work week resumes.

The free Primogem code EVERWINTER (100 Primogems + 10 Mystic Enhancement Ores) from the Special Program remains active — redeem it in-game under Settings > Account > Redemption Code if you haven’t already. Genshin Impact 7.0 is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, iOS, and Android. Check out our Game News section for more on the week’s biggest releases.

Game News, Shop and Merchandise

Zenless Zone Zero × ZOZOTOWN: New Character Illustrations and Fashion Items on Sale Now

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Just as HoYo FEST 2026 wraps up in Singapore, HoYoverse’s urban fantasy action RPG Zenless Zone Zero has launched a fashion collaboration with Japan’s largest online fashion mall ZOZOTOWN — and four of the game’s most popular characters are getting brand-new, exclusive illustrations to go with it.

Zenless Zone Zero x ZOZOTOWN collaboration key visual showing Hugo, Vivian, Miyabi, and Harumasa in their collab outfits against a futuristic cityscape
Image courtesy of HoYoverse / ZOZOTOWN

Four Characters, 13 Items — Streetwear Meets New Eridu

The collab spotlights Hoshimi Miyabi, Asaba Harumasa, Vivian Banshee, and Hugo Vlad — a quartet of fan-favourite ZZZ agents — each rendered in a new 描き下ろし (original commissioned) illustration wearing a real, purchasable outfit inspired by their in-game look. The art was first revealed during the ZZZ Ver.3.1 「The Long Goodbye」 2nd Anniversary broadcast on 28 July (Japanese).

Thirteen items in total cover both fashion and accessories, unified around a sharp black-dominant palette:

  • Miyabi MA-1 Jacket — ¥32,780 (M / L)
  • Miyabi Bucket Hat — ¥6,578
  • Harumasa Mountain Parka — ¥32,780 (M / L)
  • Harumasa Baseball Cap — ¥6,578
  • Vivian Mode Shirt — ¥16,280 (M / L)
  • Hugo Chester Coat — ¥38,280 (M / L)
  • Collaboration T-shirts — ¥4,378
  • Tote Bag, Tapestry, Rubber Desk Mat — ¥3,795 each
  • Acrylic Keychain, Sticker Set (5 pieces) — ¥2,200 each
  • Merchandise Set — ¥3,278

Every purchase comes with a random ID photo-style sticker featuring one of the four characters.

Hoshimi Miyabi in the ZOZOTOWN collab outfit: bucket hat with 'MIYABI' text, MA-1 jacket, teal pleated dress and combat boots
Image courtesy of HoYoverse / ZOZOTOWN

Miyabi, Hugo, Harumasa: The Outfits Up Close

The translated designs lean into each character’s existing aesthetic. Miyabi’s look pairs an oversized MA-1 bomber with a teal pleated midi-skirt and her signature bucket hat — chic and practical, with her spectral Hollow companion Mimi perched on the brim. Hugo Vlad’s chester coat is long and structured, the kind of tailored silhouette the Cunning Hares’ chief handler would actually wear off-mission. Harumasa’s parka and baseball cap go full streetwear energy, anchored by a yellow graphic hoodie layered underneath — which matches his in-game colour coding almost exactly.

Hugo Vlad in the ZOZOTOWN chester coat — long black tailored coat with gold accessories
Image courtesy of HoYoverse / ZOZOTOWN
Asaba Harumasa in the ZOZOTOWN mountain parka and baseball cap, yellow graphic hoodie underneath
Image courtesy of HoYoverse / ZOZOTOWN

Pre-Orders, Delivery and the Singapore Question

Pre-orders are open now at the ZOZOTOWN special event page (Japanese) and run until 31 August 2026 at 12:00 noon JST. Delivery is slated for mid-November to mid-December 2026.

These items are Japan-exclusive — ZOZOTOWN does not ship directly to Singapore. Singapore fans who want them will need to use a Japan proxy shopping or forwarding service, which is standard practice for Japanese anime and game merchandise. Factor in service fees and international shipping when calculating the final cost: the Hugo Chester Coat at ¥38,280 works out to roughly S$345 before those extras, while the tote bag at ¥3,795 is closer to S$34.

There’s no confirmed Singapore retail or online availability at this time. If official international distribution is announced, we’ll update this post.

Omotesando Pop-Up: 15–16 August in Tokyo

If you’re heading to Japan in August, an in-person exhibition event (Japanese) runs on 15–16 August 2026 at MIL GALLERY JINGUMAE in Omotesando, Tokyo. The event features item displays and photo spots with the collaboration visuals — no mention yet of exclusive on-site stock.

For more details and the full item listings, check the ZOZOTOWN ZZZ collab page (Japanese) and follow our merch coverage for updates.

Game News

Genshin Impact 7.0: Snezhnaya, Odette and 12 August Launch

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The Genshin Impact 7.0 Special Program is live right now — and Snezhnaya, the game’s long-awaited final Teyvat nation, is confirmed to open on 12 August 2026. As we previewed in our watch guide earlier this week, tonight’s broadcast is the biggest Genshin reveal in years. Here is everything HoYoverse has confirmed for Version 7.0: Everwinter Without Mercy.

Snezhnaya — Teyvat’s Seventh and Final Nation

The frozen nation ruled by the Cryo Archon has been Genshin Impact’s final mainland destination since launch in 2020. Version 7.0 builds a map around tundra, snow-buried Slavic architecture, and industrial sprawl — including a train network that Travellers will use to navigate the region. The update name “Everwinter Without Mercy” sets the tone: this is not a gentle winter festival, but a nation where HoYoverse has said hope and suffering exist side by side.

Anastasya Feodorovna Snezhnaya — the Cryo Archon revealed in Genshin Impact 7.0
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

The Tsaritsa, Finally Revealed

HoYoverse officially unveiled the Cryo Archon’s name and design in the Transcendence Trailer “Sudden Snow” (released 26 June 2026): Anastasya Feodorovna Snezhnaya. Her visual design leans fully into the ice-and-authority aesthetic — silver hair, crystalline weapons, a wintry crown — after years of speculation from the community. Whether the Tsaritsa joins the playable roster in 7.0 or a later version is still to be confirmed by tonight’s program.

New Characters: Odette and Alyosha Lead the 7.0 Launch Banners

The two confirmed launch-banner characters are Odette (5-star, Cryo, Sword) and Alyosha (4-star, Electro, Polearm).

Odette — 5-star Cryo Sword character in Genshin Impact 7.0
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Odette carries the title “Swirling Snow.” By day she is the Prima Ballerina of the Korolevskiy Troupe, her combat style shaped by Swan Lake-inspired choreography. By night she operates as a Fatui agent — a dual life she reportedly finds exhausting. Her English voice actress is Alexis Tipton; the Japanese dub features Sumire Uesaka. Mechanically, she summons an off-field dance double that applies Cryo and enables Stellar reactions, pushing her team’s elemental damage through her Elemental Burst.

Alyosha and his hunting hound Tugarin — 4-star Electro Polearm in Genshin Impact 7.0
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Alyosha is a hunter from Sretomoryzsk who fights through Snezhnaya’s snowfields alongside his hunting hound Tugarin. His kit revolves around Hunting Marks: tagging an already-marked enemy triggers a party-wide ATK buff, while Tugarin’s bite attacks add off-field damage and light healing. As a 4-star, he is the accessible pick for players who cannot pull the 5-star — and his Electro kit is designed to slot directly into Odette’s Stellar reaction architecture.

Beyond the launch-banner duo, HoYoverse has revealed eight new characters in total for the Snezhnaya arc: Vodyanitsa, Alyosha, Odette, Valeriy, Vesna, Danica, Noy, and Mitya. Which of these appear in 7.0 versus future versions will be confirmed as the special program continues — check the official Genshin Impact YouTube channel for the full reveal.

Transcendence Trailer “Sudden Snow” — via Genshin Impact on YouTube

Two New Stellar Reactions to Build Around

Version 7.0 expands the Stellar Reaction system with two new elemental interactions unlocked by Snezhnaya’s Cryo energy:

  • Stellar-Conduct (Cryo + Electro): generates a team-wide elemental damage buff field
  • Stellar-Swirl (Cryo + Anemo): a similar buff field from a different element combo

Both favour team-wide damage windows rather than single-hit spikes, which is why Alyosha’s Electro kit pairs so deliberately with Odette’s Cryo. The Traveller also gains a Cryo form in 7.0, their seventh elemental resonance.

Ronova the Ruler of Death — one of the Fatui Harbingers appearing in Genshin Impact 7.0 Snezhnaya
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Free Primogems — Redeem Before They Expire

The 7.0 Special Program drops three redemption codes live during the stream, totalling 300 Primogems. One is confirmed:

  • EVERWINTER — 100 Primogems + 10 Mystic Enhancement Ores

The other two drop during the broadcast. Codes expire within 24 hours of issue, so if you’re catching the replay rather than watching live — including Singapore Travellers at HoYo FEST at Suntec this weekend — redeem them as soon as you spot them in the stream. Use the HoYoverse gift code page or enter them in-game under Settings > Account > Redeem Code.

With 12 days until the 12 August launch, now is the window to spend any remaining Intertwined Fates on current banners and save fresh Primogems for Odette’s Phase 1 banner. Check our Game News section for the full 7.0 banner schedule once the program wraps tonight.

Odette official drip marketing art – new Cryo sword character for Genshin Impact Version 7.0
Event, Game News

Get Ready, Travellers: Genshin Impact 7.0 Special Program Airs This Thursday at 8 PM SGT

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Genshin Impact 7.0 Special Program preview – July 31 livestream
Genshin Impact 7.0 Special Program — 31 July at 8 PM SGT. Via kardz.com

Mark your calendar, Travellers: this Thursday, 31 July 2026 at 8:00 PM SGT, HoYoverse goes live with the Genshin Impact Version 7.0 Special Program — the pre-launch showcase where the full roadmap for Snezhnaya finally comes into focus. Version 7.0 hits all platforms on 12 August, and Thursday night is where HoYoverse locks down everything you need to plan your Primogem spend before the patch lands.

What to Expect

Based on what’s been confirmed heading into the program, here’s what the livestream is expected to cover:

  • Complete banner schedule for Version 7.0 — which characters get Phase 1 vs Phase 2 slots, and which 5-stars are up for reruns
  • Odette’s full skill kit reveal — the new Cryo sword character and Prima Ballerina of the Korolevskiy Troupe gets her official on-screen showcase for the first time
  • Snezhnaya open-world gameplay — our first real look at traversing the frozen nation, including its ice-climbing systems and the new train exploration mechanic
  • Anniversary reward details — Version 7.0 is expected to bring a significant celebration; the full reward breakdown typically drops in the Special Program
  • Alyosha, the free Archon Quest character — a new Electro character obtainable simply by playing through the 7.0 story
Odette character art – Genshin Impact Version 7.0 Snezhnaya
Odette, Prima Ballerina of the Korolevskiy Troupe. © HoYoverse

300 Free Primogems — Don’t Miss the Code Drops

As with every Special Program, HoYoverse releases three redemption code batches live during the stream, each worth 100 Primogems — totalling 300 Primogems for anyone who catches them all. Codes expire quickly, sometimes within a day of the broadcast. Watching live is the safest bet, but if you can’t tune in, the community on r/Genshin_Impact and HoYoLAB aggregates the codes in real time.

Where to Watch

The Special Program streams simultaneously on the official Genshin Impact YouTube channel and Twitch channel at 8:00 PM SGT (UTC+8) on Thursday, 31 July. The Chinese-language broadcast runs on Bilibili. Catch up on the world ahead with the official Transcendence Trailer below:

Genshin Impact Sudden Snow Transcendence Trailer – Snezhnaya key art for Version 7.0
“Sudden Snow” Transcendence Trailer key art. © HoYoverse

A Special Evening for Singapore Travellers

For Singapore-based Travellers, Thursday 31 July carries some extra weight: it’s also the opening day of HoYo FEST 2026 Singapore at Suntec City. The Special Program goes live at 8 PM — whether you catch it at home before heading out, or stream it on mobile at the venue, the timing puts you fully briefed on every 7.0 banner before the patch even drops. The festival itself runs through 2 August, with activations and exclusive merch across all HoYoverse titles.

Version 7.0 launches on 12 August. Set a reminder for Thursday, 31 July at 8 PM SGT — GameTrader.SG will be live-covering the banner reveals, Primogem codes, and all the Snezhnaya news the moment the stream wraps.

Game News

Genshin Impact 6.7 Phase 2 — Columbina and Raiden Shogun Banners Live from Today

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Phase 2 of Genshin Impact Version 6.7 (Luna VIII) goes live today, 21 July 2026, at 18:00 local server time. The Phase 1 banners featuring Sandrone and Citlali are wrapping up, and two new Character Event Wishes are taking their place: Columbina on Somnias a Luna and Raiden Shogun on Reign of Serenity. Both banners run until 11 August at 14:59, giving you three weeks to decide before Version 7.0’s Snezhnaya update lands on 12 August.

Genshin Impact 6.7 Phase 2 Columbina and Raiden Shogun character art
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Phase 2 at a Glance

Both character event wishes are active simultaneously and share a pity count — meaning your accumulated Wishes carry across both banners, and you only need to decide which 5-star you want when you hit your soft pity. Featured 4-star characters are the same on both banners: Jahoda (Anemo, Bow), Ororon (Electro, Bow), and Sethos (Electro, Bow).

Somnias a Luna — Columbina’s First Rerun

Genshin Impact 6.7 Somnias a Luna Columbina banner
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Columbina — known in lore as the Harbinger codenamed Damselette — debuted in Version 6.3 and this is her first rerun. If you missed her initial banner, this is the second chance. She plays as an off-field Hydro damage dealer on a Catalyst, excelling in Vaporize and Lunar-Bloom team compositions where her constant off-field Hydro application keeps reactions going without needing her on-field. Her signature weapon is Nocturne’s Curtain Call (available on this phase’s weapon banner).

For Genshin fans who follow the main storyline, Columbina is one of the most story-significant Fatui Harbingers yet to make a full playable appearance before her debut — pulling her adds narrative weight to how you experience scenes where she appears.

Character Trailer: “Columbina: To Where She Flies” — via Genshin Impact on YouTube

Reign of Serenity — Raiden Shogun Returns

Genshin Impact 6.7 Reign of Serenity Raiden Shogun banner
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Raiden Shogun needs little introduction. The Electro Archon of Inazuma has been one of Genshin’s top support and sub-DPS picks since her debut, primarily for her unmatched team-wide energy recharge and powerful Elemental Burst. She fits comfortably into almost any team archetype that needs off-field Electro application or energy support — which in a game built around reaction damage is a very long list. If you are a newer player who has somehow not pulled her yet, this is a safe investment that will remain useful through Version 7.0 and beyond. Her signature weapon Engulfing Lightning is also on the current weapon banner.

Weapon Banner: Epitome Invocation

Genshin Impact 6.7 Epitome Invocation weapon banner Nocturne's Curtain Call Engulfing Lightning
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

The Epitome Invocation weapon banner features Nocturne’s Curtain Call (Catalyst, 5-star) and Engulfing Lightning (Polearm, 5-star) as the rate-up 5-stars. Nocturne’s Curtain Call is Columbina’s best-in-slot weapon, and Engulfing Lightning remains Raiden Shogun’s recommended signature weapon. The 4-star exclusive this phase is Waveriding Whirl (Catalyst). Weapon banners carry inherent risk since you cannot guarantee which 5-star you pull — only commit if you specifically need Nocturne’s Curtain Call for Columbina or want Engulfing Lightning for Raiden.

Pull or Save? The 7.0 Question Singapore Travellers Need to Answer

Version 7.0 — which opens the Snezhnaya region and finally makes the Tsaritsa playable — arrives on 12 August 2026, just one day after these banners close. HoYoverse has confirmed eight new characters tied to the Snezhnaya storyline alongside at least four Harbinger reruns in 7.0 and its follow-up phases. If you have been saving Primogems specifically for the Tsaritsa or another confirmed 7.0 unit, spending them now is a real trade-off.

The cleaner call: Raiden Shogun is a proven investment that fits any future meta because of her energy recharge role. Columbina is more niche but genuinely strong in Hydro compositions. If you have 80+ Wishes saved and are not targeting a specific 7.0 character, either banner is justifiable. If your reserves are thin, hold for Snezhnaya. Check the official Genshin Impact site for the 7.0 preview livestream date, expected in late July.

Phase 2 banners close 11 August at 14:59 server time. Genshin Impact is free to download on PC, mobile, and PS5. Browse our other Game News coverage for the latest updates.

Game News

HoYoverse Confirms ZZZ × Honkai: Star Rail Crossover — Pom-Pom Is Already in New Eridu

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If you’ve been exploring New Eridu lately and spotted a familiar orange Bangboo lurking near the video store — no, you’re not hallucinating. Pom-Pom, the beloved Astral Express conductor from Honkai: Star Rail, is already in Zenless Zone Zero, and HoYoverse has officially confirmed what this means: a full ZZZ × Honkai: Star Rail crossover is coming in Winter 2026.

Zenless Zone Zero Version 3.1 “The Long Goodbye” Special Program — via Zenless Zone Zero on YouTube. The crossover announcement was made during this broadcast.

ZZZ × Honkai Star Rail Crossover Confirmed

During the Zenless Zone Zero Version 3.1 “The Long Goodbye” Special Program on 17 July 2026, HoYoverse officially announced that a crossover between ZZZ and Honkai: Star Rail is in the works. The reveal was framed with typical HoYo humour: the official ZZZ X account posted that, after a “technical evaluation,” developers were “temporarily unable to fix the bug where Pom-Pomboo suddenly appeared on Sixth Street” — and so, to celebrate the little visitor, the collaboration was confirmed instead.

Pom-Pomboo, the mysterious Bangboo that is actually Pom-Pom from Honkai: Star Rail, spotted in Zenless Zone Zero
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

The crossover is officially scheduled for Winter 2026, which most fans expect to fall somewhere between December 2026 and early 2027. No specific in-game patch date has been announced yet. Detailed content reveals will come through official HoYoverse channels as the collaboration draws closer.

Where to Find Pom-Pomboo in New Eridu Right Now

Sixth Street in New Eridu, Zenless Zone Zero
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

The in-game teaser is already live. If you log into ZZZ now, you can track down Pom-Pom — disguised as a mysterious Bangboo called “Pom-Pomboo” — at three locations on Sixth Street in New Eridu:

  • Random Play Video Store — near the videotape display, browsing for a book titled Pom-Pom’s Bizarre Adventure
  • Club 404
  • Gadget Store

The character has unique voicelines at each spot — well worth checking out if you’re an HSR fan who’s made the leap to ZZZ (or vice versa).

Which Characters Might Cross Over? (Leaks — Not Confirmed)

Zenless Zone Zero characters in action
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

HoYoverse has not officially revealed which characters will appear in the crossover. Leaks circulating in the community suggest the following, though none of this is confirmed — treat it as speculation until HoYoverse says otherwise:

  • Robin (HSR) may join ZZZ’s Agent roster
  • Astra Yao and Ellen Jo (from ZZZ) may become playable in Honkai: Star Rail, reportedly tied to HSR patch 4.7

Whether the cross-over characters will be fully playable Agents/characters or limited cameos also hasn’t been confirmed. Full details to be confirmed by HoYoverse ahead of the Winter window.

What This Means for Singapore’s HoYo Community

Zenless Zone Zero Sixth Street environment
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Both Zenless Zone Zero and Honkai: Star Rail have enormous player bases in Singapore, and a crossover between the two is likely to be the kind of event that brings lapsed players back to both games simultaneously. ZZZ itself only launched on Steam in June with Version 3.0, so there’s a whole new PC audience ready for its first major HoYo cross-game event.

Timing-wise, if the Winter 2026 window lines up with the holiday season, it could overlap nicely with the end-of-year school break — a peak gaming period for Singapore players. Local fans heading to HoYo FEST 2026 at Suntec (31 July – 2 August) might even get a first look at crossover merchandise or teaser artwork at the booth.

In the meantime, ZZZ Version 3.1 “The Long Goodbye” itself launches on 29 July 2026, bringing new S-Rank Agents Remielle Dan and Sigrid de L’Azur alongside second-anniversary rewards. Plenty to do while waiting for Winter.

Game News

Zenless Zone Zero 3.1: Remielle and Sigrid Arrive in the 2nd Anniversary Update

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HoYoverse’s Zenless Zone Zero turns two this year, and the studio is marking the occasion properly. Version 3.1 “The Long Goodbye” goes live on 29 July 2026, bringing two new S-Rank agents — a long-lost Void Hunter and the first horse thiren ever to join the roster — along with anniversary rewards and new story chapters set in the floating city of Roscaelifer. For Singapore players, the timing could not be better: ZZZ 3.1 drops just two days before HoYoFest 2026 opens at Suntec.

Zenless Zone Zero Version 3.1 The Long Goodbye — Remielle Dan and Sigrid de L'Azur
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Remielle Dan — The First-Generation Void Hunter

Remielle Dan arrives first, in Phase 1 of Version 3.1. She is one of the original seven agents to receive the Void Hunter designation — a first-generation operative who vanished under mysterious circumstances and has now resurfaced in the present-day story. Lore-wise she is affiliated with the Covenant of Dayat, making her one of the more unusual recruits the Cunning Hares will encounter on Roscaelifer.

Her kit is built around the Ether attribute and an Anomaly specialty, meaning she applies debuffs and triggers elemental reactions rather than dealing raw burst damage. In practice that translates to a four-move basic attack string with strong off-field follow-up potential — she pairs well with other Anomaly units already in most players’ rosters. English voice work is by Amber Lee Connors.

Agent Record | Remielle — via Zenless Zone Zero on YouTube
Remielle Dan official character art — Zenless Zone Zero Version 3.1
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Sigrid de L’Azur — Ice Attacker from the Airspace Patrol

Phase 2 introduces Sigrid de L’Azur, the Deputy Administrative Director of the Airspace Patrol Department and — notably — the first horse thiren (a horse-human hybrid species) to become a playable agent in ZZZ. She wields a spear and shield, fights with Ice attribute in an Attack role, and has a split personality that has delighted early players on the CN server: by the book and strict on duty, but an enthusiastic baker and knitter in her downtime. The contrast is doing numbers on fan art already.

Multiple international voice actors have been confirmed: Dani Chambers (English), He Ruofan (Mandarin), Kaida Yūko (Japanese), and Kang Hae-na (Korean).

Agent Record | Sigrid — via Zenless Zone Zero on YouTube
Sigrid de L'Azur official character art — Zenless Zone Zero Version 3.1
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Anniversary Rewards and What to Expect on 29 July

Version 3.1 is the game’s second anniversary update — ZZZ launched globally on 4 July 2024. For the first anniversary (Version 2.1), HoYoverse gave players a free S-Rank agent selector and a full W-Engine alongside the usual event rewards. Assuming similar generosity this year, players logging in around 29 July should plan for a significant haul. New Drive Disc sets and a fresh wave of story chapters covering the Roscaelifer arc’s resolution are also confirmed for this version.

HoYoverse has not yet broadcast a dedicated 3.1 Special Program (the usual community livestream with promo codes), but one is expected within the next week or two before the patch drops. Keep an eye on the Game News section for codes and patch notes when they land.

Perfect Timing for Singapore: ZZZ 3.1 + HoYoFest the Same Weekend

If you are heading to HoYoFest 2026 at Suntec Singapore Convention Centre (31 July–2 August), you will hit the ground running — ZZZ 3.1 goes live two days before the event opens, so Remielle and Sigrid will already be pullable by the time you walk through the doors. HoYoFest typically has ZZZ activations alongside Genshin, Star Rail and ZZZ exhibits, so expect demo stations for 3.1 content on-site. Tickets for HoYoFest open 16 July; details in our earlier preview.

Event, Game News

HoYo FEST 2026 Singapore — Tickets Open 16 July at S$16, Nexus Anima Playable

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HoYo FEST 2026 Singapore now has a confirmed ticket price and sale date. Tickets open on 16 July 2026 at 11am SGT, with a 1-day pass priced at S$16 and a 3-day bundle at S$35 — plus a fast-pass upgrade at S$50. The event itself runs from 8 to 10 August at Suntec City Convention Centre, and for the first time, attendees will get to go hands-on with Honkai: Nexus Anima before any global launch date has been announced.

If you missed our earlier coverage, we reported on the event announcement and venue confirmation back in June. This article covers the newly confirmed ticket pricing, the sale window, and a closer look at what HoYoverse has planned for the three days.

Ticket Prices and When to Buy

HoYo FEST 2026 Singapore ticket pricing — S$16 one-day, S$35 three-day, S$50 fast pass
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Three ticket tiers are available:

  • 1-Day Pass — S$16: Access to HoYo FEST on one day of your choice (8, 9, or 10 August).
  • 3-Day Bundle — S$35: Entry across all three days at roughly S$12 per day.
  • Fast Pass — S$50: 3-day entry plus priority queue access for all playable booths and the lucky draw.

Tickets go live on 16 July at 11am SGT exclusively through the official HoYoFEST ticketing page. No third-party re-sale channels have been announced. Given that the first HoYo FEST Singapore sold out quickly, setting a reminder for the 16 July window is strongly recommended.

What’s On — Booths, Lucky Draw, and Artist Alley

HoYo FEST 2026 Singapore event floor plan and activities overview at Suntec City
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

The event floor at Suntec City Convention Centre will carry dedicated booths for Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Zenless Zone Zero, and Tears of Themis, each with game-specific merchandise, photo zones, and interactive activities. A community merchandise zone and a food and beverage area are also confirmed.

The lucky draw is open to all ticket holders and includes an ASUS ROG laptop, an iPad Air, and a PS5 Slim as headline prizes. Entry into the lucky draw is earned by completing booth stamp-card activities across the event floor.

HoYo FEST 2026 Singapore Artist Alley map featuring 50 participating creators
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

The Artist Alley returns with 50 participating creators — the largest lineup for a HoYo FEST Singapore to date. The full creator list will be published ahead of the event; based on the floor plan released, the alley spans the full eastern wing of the convention hall.

Honkai: Nexus Anima — First Playable Hands-On

HoYo FEST 2026 Singapore Honkai: Nexus Anima playable demo booth
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

The headline exclusive at HoYo FEST 2026 Singapore is a playable demo of Honkai: Nexus Anima — a new title in the Honkai franchise that HoYoverse has not yet given a global release date for. The Suntec City booth will be one of the first public venues outside of China where players can go hands-on with the game, making it a significant draw for Honkai series fans beyond the usual HoYo FEST experience. No further details about the demo’s content or playable characters have been released ahead of the event.

HoYo FEST 2026 Singapore runs 8–10 August 2026 at Suntec City Convention Centre. Tickets go on sale 16 July at 11am SGT. Watch the Events section for further updates as the sale date approaches.