HONKAI: STAR RAIL

Sparkle's signature Light Cone Earthly Escapade (Mask of Joy) delivers 60% CRIT DMG at S5 plus Mask status granting 14% CRIT Rate and 56% CRIT DMG for 3-4 turns. However, 4-star alternatives like Dance! Dance! Dance! remain viable for SP-positive builds with 24% action advance post-Ultimate. This guide analyzes performance gaps, investment value, and optimal Light Cone choices for Sparkle in HSR 4.0's meta.

Honkai Star Rail Version 4.0 introduces Path of Elation, featuring Yao Guang—a 5-star Physical support from Xianzhou Yuque—and Sparxie, a 5-star Fire DPS variant of Sparkle. This guide analyzes their Punchline stack mechanics, team-shared Elation Skills with RES PEN buffs, and optimal builds using Diviner's Extrapolation and Tengoku relics for Memory of Chaos, Pure Fiction, and Apocalyptic Shadow.

Yao Guang's E2 Eidolon **Blind Arrows Guided by Feathers** grants all Zone allies +12% SPD and +16% Elation, mirroring her signature Light Cone buffs. For physical teams in Version 4.0, E2 is a significant but non-essential upgrade that primarily benefits speed-tuned compositions and multi-DPS setups.

Sparxie is a 5-star Fire Elation DPS launching in HSR 4.0 Phase 2 on February 14, 2026. She's a damage dealer with Punchline and Engagement Farming mechanics that enhance Basic Attacks and Elation damage. Optimal builds prioritize CRIT DMG and ATK through Magical Girl's Shining Medal relics and her signature Dazzled By A Flowery World light cone. Top teams pair her with Yao Guang, Sparkle, and sustain units like Huohuo.

Pure Fiction 4.0 introduces Elation Path mechanics rewarding AoE teams with massive damage amplification. Master Ultimate timing, speed tuning, and team synergy to hit 80,000 points within the four-cycle limit.

The Undying Starlight Exchange Shop forces a critical choice: spend 20 Starlight per Special Pass for guaranteed 4-star pulls within 30 attempts, or save 600 Starlight for premium Light Cones like **But the Battle Isn't Over.** This guide analyzes acquisition rates (15-100 Starlight per duplicate), exchange costs (8-600 Starlight), and ROI across F2P, low-spender, and endgame scenarios. Shop resets at 4:00 AM server time, with version 3.8 running through February 12, 2026.