A simple method for rapid cloning of complete herpesvirus genomes is described. This method, called STAR cloning, utilizes single-step transformation-associated recombination (STAR) in yeast to clone herpesvirus genomes directly from viral particles or latently infected cells. The viral genome is integrated into a yeast centromeric plasmid and a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) replicon. After transfer into *E. coli*, the viral genome can be genetically modified and used for virus reconstitution. The method is efficient and applicable to both lytically replicating and latent herpesviruses, as well as other large DNA viruses. STAR cloning involves the use of homology hooks, which are sequences at the ends of the viral genome. These hooks allow the viral genome to be directly integrated into the cloning vector. The cloned viral genome is then transferred to *E. coli*, where it can be analyzed and genetically modified. The method was successfully applied to clone two strains of rat cytomegalovirus (RCMV) and two strains of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). The cloned genomes were sequenced and found to be identical to the parental genomes, with only minor variations present. STAR cloning offers several advantages over traditional BAC cloning methods. It is faster, more efficient, and requires fewer steps. It also allows for the cloning of herpesviruses that are difficult to clone using traditional methods, such as those that require partial deletion of the viral genome to accommodate the BAC cassette. The method is also applicable to other large DNA viruses, making it a valuable tool for viral research and vaccine development. The study demonstrates that STAR cloning is a reliable and efficient method for cloning herpesvirus genomes. It enables the rapid generation of BAC libraries, facilitating the study of herpesvirus genomes and their variability. The method is particularly useful for de novo cloning of herpesviruses and for the analysis of strain-specific differences within herpesvirus species. The results suggest that STAR cloning can be applied to a wide range of viruses, including poxviruses, asfarviruses, iridoviruses, and baculoviruses. This method has the potential to significantly advance the study of viral genomes and their applications in medicine and biotechnology.A simple method for rapid cloning of complete herpesvirus genomes is described. This method, called STAR cloning, utilizes single-step transformation-associated recombination (STAR) in yeast to clone herpesvirus genomes directly from viral particles or latently infected cells. The viral genome is integrated into a yeast centromeric plasmid and a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) replicon. After transfer into *E. coli*, the viral genome can be genetically modified and used for virus reconstitution. The method is efficient and applicable to both lytically replicating and latent herpesviruses, as well as other large DNA viruses. STAR cloning involves the use of homology hooks, which are sequences at the ends of the viral genome. These hooks allow the viral genome to be directly integrated into the cloning vector. The cloned viral genome is then transferred to *E. coli*, where it can be analyzed and genetically modified. The method was successfully applied to clone two strains of rat cytomegalovirus (RCMV) and two strains of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). The cloned genomes were sequenced and found to be identical to the parental genomes, with only minor variations present. STAR cloning offers several advantages over traditional BAC cloning methods. It is faster, more efficient, and requires fewer steps. It also allows for the cloning of herpesviruses that are difficult to clone using traditional methods, such as those that require partial deletion of the viral genome to accommodate the BAC cassette. The method is also applicable to other large DNA viruses, making it a valuable tool for viral research and vaccine development. The study demonstrates that STAR cloning is a reliable and efficient method for cloning herpesvirus genomes. It enables the rapid generation of BAC libraries, facilitating the study of herpesvirus genomes and their variability. The method is particularly useful for de novo cloning of herpesviruses and for the analysis of strain-specific differences within herpesvirus species. The results suggest that STAR cloning can be applied to a wide range of viruses, including poxviruses, asfarviruses, iridoviruses, and baculoviruses. This method has the potential to significantly advance the study of viral genomes and their applications in medicine and biotechnology.