Honkai Star Rail Depart Anew Event Guide

Depart Anew When the Phantasmoon Is Full is a HoYoLAB community event built around Himeko, Himeko: Nova, and the Trailblazer's shared journey with the Astral Express navigator. The event runs from July 15 through July 25, 2026 at 23:59 UTC+8 and will select 195 Trailblazers for Stellar Jade and gift card rewards.

The event is divided into three themes rather than one general screenshot category. Himeko's Beauty Collection accepts visual highlights. Himeko's Trailblazing Memory focuses on story moments and personal thoughts. Himeko's Combat Records asks for full-star clears and gameplay advice from Anomaly Arbitration or Starward Mode using Himeko or Himeko: Nova.

Players can participate through a qualifying post under the designated topic or through a correctly formatted comment on the event announcement. They may enter more than one theme, but each post or comment counts for only one theme. Entering all three therefore requires separate submissions.

This guide helps players choose the strongest theme for the content they already have, meet the formatting and avatar requirements, and avoid losing eligibility through a missing topic, reused entry, deleted post, or early profile change.

Event Schedule and Prize Distribution

The participation window ends on July 25 at 23:59 UTC+8. Players in other time zones should convert the deadline and submit early. HoYoLAB event times do not necessarily follow a regional Honkai: Star Rail server reset.

Theme	Number of winners	Main reward	Possible special reward
Himeko's Beauty Collection	180	Stellar Jade x60	Permanent Himeko: Nova Comment Decoration
Himeko's Trailblazing Memory	10	$50 gift card	Stellar Jade x60
Himeko's Combat Records	5	$100 gift card	Stellar Jade x60

The main rewards are randomized or selected prizes, not guaranteed participation rewards. Changing the HoYoLAB avatar or equipping the required avatar frame does not guarantee selection. It gives a selected participant access to the special reward when the rule is satisfied.

The relevant Himeko or Himeko: Nova avatar or avatar frame must remain equipped until at least July 28. Changing it immediately after posting can remove special-reward eligibility.

Theme 1: Himeko's Beauty Collection

This is the most accessible category. It accepts screenshots that showcase Himeko's appearance, including combat scenes, overworld exploration, story cutscenes, and other visual moments. Screenshots of either Himeko or Himeko: Nova are eligible.

A valid submission can be simple, but selection is easier to understand when the image has a clear subject. Hide unnecessary interface elements when the game allows it, choose an angle where the character is not covered by damage numbers, and avoid a background that blends with the outfit.

Lighting and color contrast matter. Warm environments may complement Himeko's classic design, while Himeko: Nova's effects can benefit from a scene that preserves their brightness without overexposing the image.

Add a short personal observation. Explain why the pose, animation, expression, or environment represents Himeko. The announcement says reviews or posts with screenshots are more likely to be chosen, so a dedicated post with context may be stronger than an image-only comment.

Theme 2: Himeko's Trailblazing Memory

The second theme asks players to share the Himeko moment or scene that left the deepest impression. Eligible material includes cutscenes, character lines, story dialogue, and other narrative content.

This theme rewards interpretation. The screenshot should support a memory, but the written section should explain why it matters. A useful structure has three parts: identify the scene, describe the emotion or decision, and connect it to Himeko's role in the Astral Express.

Avoid summarizing an entire chapter. A focused moment creates a clearer entry. It could involve leadership, mentorship, sacrifice, returning home, or the relationship between Himeko and another Express Crew member.

Story spoilers require consideration. HoYoLAB may allow current-version discussion, but adding a spoiler warning is respectful when the screenshot reveals a major cutscene or late quest event. Do not place the spoiler directly in the title if it can be avoided.

Theme 3: Himeko's Combat Records

This is the smallest and most demanding prize category. Players must share full-star clear screenshots and tips for Anomaly Arbitration or Starward Mode using a team that features Himeko or Himeko: Nova.

A combat submission needs evidence and guidance. The screenshot should show the full-star result, mode, and enough team information for readers to understand the clear. The written tips should explain more than “use this team.”

Include character roles, important Speed relationships, Skill Point management, Ultimate timing, target priority, sustain strategy, and any key stage mechanic. If Eidolons or signature Light Cones were important, disclose them. An E0S0 clear and an E6S5 showcase answer different player questions.

Do not edit the result in a way that hides account investment or changes the displayed score. Cropping for readability is reasonable, but the evidence should remain credible.

Because only five winners receive the $100 gift card, clarity and reproducibility matter. A lower-cost strategy that helps many players can be more useful than a high-investment screenshot with no explanation.

Choosing the Best Theme

Choose based on existing material and writing comfort.

Players with strong photography instincts but limited endgame progress should use Beauty Collection. Players who enjoy lore and character analysis should use Trailblazing Memory. Players with a verified full-star clear and the ability to explain rotations should use Combat Records.

Entering multiple themes is allowed, but each entry should be independently meaningful. Do not reuse one screenshot with nearly identical text in all three topics. A beauty shot is not automatically a combat guide, and a result screen may not communicate a personal story memory.

The number of prizes also changes competition. Beauty Collection has 180 winners but likely attracts many entries. Combat Records has only five winners but requires much more work. Select the category that allows the strongest evidence rather than choosing only by prize value.

How to Enter Through a HoYoLAB Post

Open the official announcement and use the designated topic link for the selected theme. Starting from the topic reduces the risk of using a similar but untracked tag.

Create a new post. Add the screenshot or screenshots, write the theme-appropriate explanation, and check that the correct exclusive topic is attached. Publish while the account is public enough for event staff to review.

A post should contain original screenshots from the participant's game or content the participant has permission to use. Do not upload another creator's edited image or fan art as if it were an in-game screenshot.

After publishing, open the post from the topic page. Confirm that the image loads, the text is not truncated, and the public URL works. Save the URL and a screenshot of the published entry.

How to Enter Through a Comment

The announcement also accepts comments that follow the required format. A comment should begin with the theme name, include the screenshot, and add the participant's thoughts or tips.

For example, a Beauty Collection comment follows the structure “Himeko's Beauty Collection: screenshot plus thoughts.” The other themes should use their corresponding names and content.

One comment counts as one theme. Players entering another theme need a separate comment or post.

Comments are faster, but a dedicated post offers more space, better image layout, and clearer gameplay advice. The announcement indicates that reviews or posts with screenshots are more likely to be picked, so players competing seriously should consider a full post.

Avatar and Avatar Frame Requirement

To qualify for the special reward after selection, participants should change their HoYoLAB avatar to Himeko or Himeko: Nova, or equip a Himeko or Himeko: Nova avatar frame.

The selected avatar or frame must remain equipped until at least July 28. This requirement gives the event team time to verify the profile after the July 25 submission deadline.

When using an unofficial image as an avatar, obtain the creator's permission. The safest option is an official HoYoLAB avatar or event-provided frame.

Take a screenshot of the profile configuration after submitting. Do not change profile decoration during the verification period simply to join another event unless the requirements are compatible.

Creating a Strong Screenshot

Use the in-game camera, device screenshot, or platform capture function at the highest stable resolution. Remove unrelated notifications and personal information.

For character photography, capture during a readable animation frame. Burst effects can be beautiful but may cover the face. Take multiple frames and select the clearest one.

For story screenshots, preserve enough dialogue or environment to identify the scene. Add a written explanation rather than relying on the image to carry all meaning.

For combat records, prioritize evidence over decoration. The result, stars, mode, and relevant team details should be visible. A second image can show builds or stage effects if the platform allows multiple screenshots.

Do not use artificial intelligence or heavy editing to invent an in-game result. Color correction and cropping may improve presentation, but the screenshot should remain an honest record.

Writing Tips for Each Category

Beauty Collection entries can use descriptive language, but avoid generic praise. Mention a visual detail and connect it to Himeko's personality or journey.

Trailblazing Memory entries should explain the participant's reaction. A short sincere reflection can be stronger than a long plot summary copied from a wiki.

Combat Records entries should be structured as instructions. State the team, investment, key mechanic, action sequence, and what to change when the strategy fails.

Proofread character names, mode names, and Light Cone names. Incorrect terminology weakens credibility and can confuse readers.

Multiple Entries Without Spam

The rules allow participation in multiple themes, but volume does not replace quality. One complete entry in each theme is better than many low-effort posts.

If creating multiple submissions in the same theme, make sure each offers a different image, story, or combat lesson. Repeating the same text with small changes can look like spam.

Keep a simple record of the theme, post URL, publication time, avatar status, and whether the entry remains public. This helps when managing several entries.

Do not delete an earlier post after creating a better version unless the rules explicitly allow replacement. Deletion may remove the original eligibility, while duplicate entries may create confusion.

Reward Notification and Account Safety

Keep HoYoLAB system notifications enabled after the event. Winners may receive an official notification or be listed in a result announcement.

Gift card processing may require information through an official form. Verify that the form is linked from the event account or announcement. Never provide a HoYoverse password, one-time code, or payment password.

Stellar Jade rewards require accurate Honkai: Star Rail account information when requested. A UID is not the same as an email or HoYoLAB nickname. Players with multiple regional accounts should verify the intended UID and server.

Do not pay a fee to claim a gift card or Stellar Jade reward. Messages asking for payment are not part of normal prize delivery.

Stellar Jade and Top-Up Planning

The Stellar Jade rewards are selected prizes, not guaranteed income. Do not include 60 Stellar Jade in a banner budget until the account actually receives it.

Players deciding whether to pull a current character should calculate existing Stellar Jade, Special Passes, guaranteed event income, and pity status separately from community giveaways.

Topuplist provides access to supported top-up services. Players who choose to purchase Oneiric Shards can review available options on the Honkai: Star Rail top-up page. Confirm the UID or account details, server or region, package, and final price before payment.

A community event should remain a creative opportunity, not a reason for impulsive spending.

Final Submission Checklist

Before July 25 at 23:59 UTC+8:

Choose Beauty Collection, Trailblazing Memory, or Combat Records.
Use Himeko or Himeko: Nova content that matches the theme.
Create a separate post or comment for each theme.
Attach the exact designated topic or comment format.
Include a screenshot and meaningful text.
For Combat Records, show a full-star clear and practical tips.
Equip a Himeko or Himeko: Nova avatar or frame for special reward eligibility.
Keep the profile decoration until at least July 28.
Keep the entry public and save its URL.
Enable HoYoLAB notifications.

Final Takeaway

Depart Anew When the Phantasmoon Is Full offers three genuinely different ways to celebrate Himeko. Visual creators can focus on character photography, story fans can preserve a meaningful Trailblazing memory, and endgame players can teach a full-star strategy.

The strongest entry is not automatically the most expensive account or the longest post. It is the one that matches its theme, uses honest evidence, communicates a clear idea, and follows every participation and profile rule.

Submit before the UTC+8 deadline, keep the Himeko profile decoration through July 28, and treat Stellar Jade and gift cards as selected rewards rather than guaranteed income.

FAQ

When does the event end?

The event ends on July 25, 2026 at 23:59 UTC+8.

How many themes are available?

There are three: Himeko's Beauty Collection, Himeko's Trailblazing Memory, and Himeko's Combat Records.

Can I enter all three themes?

Yes, but each post or comment counts for only one theme. Create separate entries for multiple themes.

Are screenshots required?

The themes are built around screenshot sharing, and reviews or posts with screenshots are more likely to be selected. Combat Records specifically requires full-star clear screenshots and tips.