As we move deeper into 2025, Honkai Star Rail continues to evolve with exciting new characters, challenging content, and a constantly shifting meta. For players trying to keep up with the current version 3.6 and looking ahead to version 3.7, there's a lot to consider when optimizing your team composition and planning your Stellar Jade spending.

The Current Banner Situation

Right now, we're in Phase 2 of Version 3.6, featuring Dan Heng Permansor Terrae and Anaxa's banners. Permansor Terrae offers a solid Physical Preservation option, while Anaxa returns as a powerful Wind Erudition character. Both banners are running until November 4th, 2025, alongside their signature Light Cones "Though Worlds Apart" and "Life Should Be Cast to Flames" respectively.

For those who have been playing the Fate collaboration content, the Saber and Archer banners are still available with no announced end date. These special banners don't share pity with regular character banners, making them a separate investment consideration.

Planning for Version 3.7

The next major update, Version 3.7, is set to arrive on November 5th with Cyrene as the featured 5-star character. As an Ice Remembrance path character, she brings new tactical options to the table. Her banner "Ripples of Past Reverie" will run for the entire version 3.7, which is unusual compared to the typical three-week banner cycle.

What's particularly interesting about 3.7 is the introduction of the "Indelible Coterie" banner system, which will feature multiple returning 5-star characters simultaneously. Phase 1 will include Hyacine, Tribbie, and Castorice, while Phase 2 will bring back Phainon, Cipher, and Mydei.

For free-to-play players or those on a budget, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge. You'll need to carefully consider where to invest your limited resources, especially if you're trying to optimize my current team composition.

The Current Meta and Team Building

When evaluating my current team setup, it's important to consider the evolving difficulty curve in Honkai Star Rail. End-game content like the Echoes of War has become increasingly challenging, with bosses like the one in Phase 3 that can execute a team-wiping attack if not handled properly.

For these challenges, there are generally two approaches:

1. Burst damage - Kill the enemy before they can execute their powerful moves

2. Strategic mitigation - Break toughness bars or use shields to survive the big hits

DoT (Damage over Time) compositions featuring characters like Black Swan have proven effective, as they can continue dealing damage between turns. Meanwhile, teams built around Follow-Up Attacks (FUA) with characters like Topaz, Ratio, and Aventurine can generate substantial shields to tank heavy hits.

Looking Ahead

Beyond 3.7, we already know that The Dahlia will arrive in Version 3.8 as a 5-star Fire Nihility character. This gives players time to plan their Stellar Jade savings if they're interested in adding her to their roster.

The game's difficulty appears to be on an upward trajectory, though HoYoverse has shown willingness to adjust overly challenging content based on player feedback. For example, the Aventurine story fight reportedly received adjustments after initial complaints.

Tips for Optimizing Your Current Team

For players struggling with the current difficulty:

1. Balance your team composition - Ensure you have appropriate damage dealers, supports, and sustain

2. Invest in key characters - Focus resources on your main DPS and crucial support units

3. Match Light Cones to paths - The right signature Light Cone can significantly boost a character's performance

4. Consider future banners - Plan pulls based on what your team needs rather than just chasing new characters

5. Adapt to specific challenges - Some content may require specialized team builds

Conclusion

As Honkai Star Rail continues to evolve in 2025, staying current with the meta requires both planning and flexibility. Whether you're saving for Cyrene in 3.7, one of the returning characters on the Indelible Coterie banners, or looking ahead to The Dahlia in 3.8, understanding the current state of the game is essential for making informed decisions.

By balancing your roster, investing wisely in your current team, and adapting to the game's increasing challenges, you'll be well-positioned to enjoy everything Honkai Star Rail has to offer throughout the rest of 2025 and beyond.

Remember that the most effective team isn't necessarily the one with the newest characters, but the one that synergizes well and matches your playstyle.