Honkai: Star Rail's Gacha system meets expectations in terms of how generous it is and how much it tries to limit the predatory aspect of Gacha systems. However, even with that generosity, F2P (free-to-play) players still have to carefully decide which banners to pull on if they want to make the best out of what they're given to optimize their teams. On average, Honkai: Star Rail gives out enough in-game currency to pull for at least one 5-star character (90 pulls) per patch. This doesn't guarantee players will get what they want though, as there is a 50/50 system involved.
The 50/50 system means that players will have a 50% chance of getting the character or Light Cone on the limited banner, and a 50% chance to get one on the standard banner when pulling a 5-star. If they pull a standard banner character or Light Cone, then the next 5-star is guaranteed to be the banner-limited character or Light Cone. With this, on top of each patch introducing two new characters and Light Cones (and rerun banners of two characters and Light Cones), F2P players tend to stick to pulling for new characters in order to open up new teams and playstyles.
Honkai: Star Rail: Most Prominent Team Compositions, Ranked (5 Team Types)
It's important to have a strong team in Honkai: Star Rail, and paying attention to the team composition is vital for endgame.
The limited Light Cones generally aren't worth pulling for, but some of them do provide value to F2P players. They can perform at least decently if equipped by several characters. This means that they're not only useful on the character they're meant for, but also ones that players might already own.
10 She Already Shut Her Eyes
Visioscape
Increases the wearer's Max HP by 24/28/32/36/40% and Energy Regeneration Rate by 12/14/16/18/20%. When the wearer's HP is reduced, all allies' DMG dealt increases by 9/10.5/12/13.5/15% for 2 turns. At the start of every wave, restores HP to all allies by an amount equal to 80/85/90/95/100% of their respective lost HP.
- Path: Preservation
- Rerun banner: Fu Xuan
- Usable on: Fu Xuan, March 7th (Preservation), Trailblazer (Preservation)
This Light Cone can benefit new players, but is situational and hardly worth it. This is a great option for Fu Xuan as it increases her HP, offering more survivability as well as more healing. The energy regeneration helps keep her passive up, and the bonus of buffing allies' damage is always a welcome addition to any sustain and support Light Cones. Healing allies at the beginning of every wave might sound nice on paper, but is more of a convenience than a necessity. It would go unnoticed if it wasn't present.
However, that particular aspect of this Light Cone gives it some viability to be used on anyone else. In the early game, players likely have a limited number of sustain units, which makes it difficult to get through content such as Pure Fiction and Memory Of Chaos. Consider putting this Light Cone on the two free Preservation units obtained early on, March 7th and Preservation Trailblazer. It will not only give those characters more HP to soak up more damage, but also more comfortably sustain the team through multiple waves of enemies that they otherwise would struggle with if run as a solo sustain. Still, most players would just wait until they were ready for endgame content, making this Light Cone extremely situational.
9 The Unreachable Side
Unfulfilled Yearning
Increases the wearer's CRIT rate by 18/21/24/27/30% and increases their Max HP by 18/21/24/27/30%. When the wearer is attacked or consumes their own HP, their DMG increases by 24/28/32/36/40%. This effect is removed after the wearer uses an attack.
- Path: Destruction
- Rerun banner: Blade
- Usable on: Blade, Yunli, Clara, Arlan
This Light Cone works well on characters with HP-based mechanics or those that want to be attacked often. On Blade, increasing his Max HP means increasing the amount of damage he does. At the moment, he's the only one who can take advantage of this aspect of the Light Cone. With every other character, it only increases their survivability. Extra CRIT stats and an increase in DMG opens up to the possibility of using this Light Cone with other characters. The catch is that part of it only activates upon losing HP, and counter DPS units can take advantage of this.
HP scaling DPS units and HP mechanics are largely unexplored, making this quite a niche Light cone. However, while it is good on just a few characters at the moment, the criteria to obtain its buffs are perfect, since it's something any DPS with HP mechanics could easily do. Of course, only time will tell when the game will continue exploring that mechanic. If players like Blade, pulling this Light Cone will benefit him and a few others. Otherwise it's best to wait until more characters with HP mechanics are introduced.
8 Night of Fright
Deep, Deep Breaths
Increases the wearer's Energy Regeneration Rate by 12/14/16/18/20%. When any ally uses their Ultimate, the wearer restores HP for the ally currently with the lowest HP percentage by an amount equal to 10/11/12/13/14% of the healed ally's Max HP. When the wearer provides healing for an ally, increases the healed ally's ATK by 2.4/2.8/3.2/3.6/4%. This effect can stack up to 5 times and lasts for 2 turns.
- Path: Abundance
- Rerun banner: Huohuo
- Usable on: Huohuo, Gallagher, Luocha, Lynx, Bailu, Natasha
As the only Abundance Light Cone on this list, not only does this one provide energy regeneration which heavily benefits abundance units, but it also provides extra healing while buffing ATK. It's a great Light Cone, considering it can be used by every Abundance unit and is the best in slot for most of them as of version 2.4.
Is this Light Cone a necessity? Absolutely not. While the extra healing and energy regeneration are nice to have, they're not needed if players build their abundance units well. The ATK buff does bump it up compared to other Abundance Light Cones, but it only stacks up to a 12% increase at S1. Pulling it could mean players won't have to worry about which Light Cone to use, which might be the best part about owning it.
7 Brighter Than The Sun
Defiant Till Death
Increases the wearer's CRIT rate by 18/21/24/27/30%. When the wearer uses their Basic ATK, they will gain 1 stack of Dragon's Call, lasting for 2 turns. Each stack of Dragon's Call increases the wearer's ATK by 18/21/24/27/30% and Energy Regeneration Rate by 6/7/8/9/10%. Dragon's Call can be stacked up to 2 times.
- Path: Destruction
- Rerun banner: Dan Heng • Imbibitor Lunae
- Usable on: Dan Heng • Imbibitor Lunae, Yunli, Clara, Blade
Brighter Than The Sun is great for any ATK scaling DPS with a focus on Basic ATKs. As of version 2.4, Dan Heng • Imbibitor Lunae is the only character that fully benefits from its effects, but it can be used by others with a few adjustments in playstyle. The only criteria to meet is to use Basic ATKs every turn if players want full uptime on the buffs.
Honkai: Star Rail – Jiaoqiu Team Composition Guide
Jiaoqiu is a generalist debuffer in Honkai: Star Rail who fits in various team comps, but he's best paired with Ult DPS.
Yunli and Clara rely on their counterattacks to deal damage, so this won't affect much (though Clara suffers more). Blade could use it, but won't benefit much from the ATK buff. Considering most DPS units scale off ATK, this Light Cone will fit any future characters with a focus on Basic ATKs.
6 Incessant Rain
Mirage Of Reality
Increases the wearer's Effect Hit Rate by 24/28/32/36/40%. When the wearer deals DMG to an enemy that currently has 3 or more debuffs, increases the wearer's CRIT Rate by 12/14/16/18/20%. After the wearer uses their Basic ATK, Skill, or Ultimate, there is a 100% base chance to implant Aether Code on a random hit target that does not yet have it. Targets with Aether Code receive 12/14/16/18/20% increased DMG for 1 turn.
- Path: Nihility
- Rerun banner: Silver Wolf
- Usable on: Silver Wolf, Acheron, Pela, Luka, Welt
This strange Light Cone offers debuffing capabilities and a CRIT Rate increase. Characters following the path of Nihility generally don't want any CRIT stats (with few exceptions). Still, there are cases where building CRIT on these characters could be useful, which is achievable with this Light Cone. The only two Nihility characters that fully benefit from having CRIT stats are Acheron and Welt. Acheron's signature is by far her best Light Cone, but this one is second in line.
Silver Wolf herself only fully benefits from this Light Cone at E2+, where she can be built as a sub DPS. Anything under E2 is built as a debuffer or breaker. Pela and Luka specialize in debuffing and breaking respectively, but can be built with CRIT where needed. The reason for its ranking is the debuff it applies to the enemy, on top of it being usable on different types of characters and offering flexibility.
5 Patience Is All You Need
Spider Web
Increases the DMG dealt by the wearer by 24/28/32/36/40%. After every attack launched by the wearer, their SPD increases by 4.8/5.6/6.4/7.2/8%, stacking up to 3 times. If the wearer hits an enemy target that is not afflicted by Erode, there is a 100% base chance to inflict Erode on the target. Enemies afflicted with Erode are also considered to be Shocked and will receive Lightning DOT at the start of each turn equal to 60/70/80/90/100% of the wearer's ATK, lasting for 1 turn.
- Path: Nihility
- Rerun banner: Kafka
- Usable on: Kafka, Black Swan, Luka
This is a potentially controversial pick. To start, it should be noted that both Kafka and Black Swan would prefer having their respective E1s before their signature Light Cones, as those result in a higher damage increase. However, DOT teams have a high SPD requirement to be viable, and this Light Cone comes in handy when trying to hit that requirement. As for Luka, this light cone does perform slightly worse than the 4-star Light Cone "Good Night and Sleep Well." However, it offers synergy when used with other DOT units.
Considering the non-CRIT-based 4-star Nihility Light Cones are very good, this one is far from a necessity. Ultimately, it depends on what players want to invest in. DOT teams are among the best teams to run, as they offer reliability in almost any fight. Considering this, it makes sense for DOT enthusiasts to pull this Light Cone at some point, whether before or after Kafka and Black Swan's E1s.
4 Worrisome, Blissful
One At A Time
Increase the wearer's CRIT Rate by 18/21/24/27/30% and increases DMG dealt by follow-up attack by 30/35/40/45/50%. After the wearer uses a follow-up attack, inflicts the target with the Tame state, stacking up to 2 times. When allies hit enemy targets under the Tame state, each Tame stack increases the CRIT DMG dealt by 12/14/16/18/20%.
- Path: Hunt
- Rerun banner: Topaz & Numby
- Usable on: Topaz & Numby, Dr. Ratio, March 7th (Hunt), Yanqing
Offering a personal damage increase and partly a teamwide damage increase as well, this Light Cone can perform well on any Hunt unit with follow-up mechanics. Though it might not perform as well on characters that don't oftem perform follow-up attacks (like Yanqing), it can still be considered due to the debuff it applies. As usual, any additional CRIT stat is welcomed, especially on Hunt units.
This Light Cone falls under the same category as some of the others. The criteria in order to get the buffs is so general that any future Hunt unit with follow-up mechanics could use it easily. Not only does it already perform great on the characters currently available, but it will likely remain one of the best choices for any future Hunt follow-up units.
3 An Instant Before A Gaze
A Knight's Pilgrimage
Increase the wearer's CRIT DMG by 36/42/48/54/60%. When the wearer uses Ultimate, increases DMG dealt by the wearer's Ultimate based on their Max Energy. Each point of Energy increases DMG dealt by Ultimate by 0.36/0.42/0.48/0.54/0.6%. A max of 180 points of Energy will be taken into account for this.
- Path: Erudition
- Rerun banner: Argenti
- Usable on: Any Erudition character with a damaging ultimate, preferably with a high energy cost
This Light Cone was made specifically for Argenti, he has a mechanic that allows him to unleash his ultimate at two different levels, requiring different amounts of energy (maxing out at 180). When considering the effects of the Light Cone, with the free increase in CRIT DMG aside, it of course works best on Argenti but can be used by any Erudition unit with an Ultimate that deals damage. As of version 2.4, every Erudition unit does. But the higher the Ultimate's energy cost, the more it will benefit them. Among the highest in the game are Qingque and Jade at 140 max energy each.
It's hard to say if another unit will ever have 2 levels on their ultimate, let alone that it will be another Erudition unit. The chances of another character being able to take full advantage of this Light Cone is uncertain. However, all current and likely most future Erudition units can benefit from its effect, which makes it a good option for F2P players wanting a 5-star Light Cone.
2 In The Night
Flowers And Butterflies
Increase the wearer's CRIT Rate by 18/21/24/27/30%. While the wearer is in battle, for every 10 SPD that exceeds 100, increases DMG dealt by Basic ATK and Skill by 6/7/8/9/10%. At the same time, increases the CRIT DMG of Ultimate by 12/14/16/18/20%. This effect can stack up to 6 times.
- Path: Hunt
- Rerun banner: Seele
- Usable on: Any Hunt character (preferably with a damaging ultimate) if built with high SPD or run with a SPD buffing support.
This Light Cone offers a damage increase from every source of damage available, excluding follow-up attacks. This does mean Hunt units whose follow-up attack is their main source of damage (like Topaz & Numby) would likely prefer another Light Cone. However, this one has the potential to work well on every other Hunt unit. The major downside is that the user needs 160 SPD (in combat) to obtain the full buffs. Without characters that can naturally increase their own SPD (like Seele), it can be tough to work around. However, Hunt units do have a higher base SPD stat. Running them with SPD boots alongside a support unit that can buff SPD (Ruan Mei, Asta, Hanya) would likely be enough to get the full buff.
Like Argenti's Light Cone, it works best on the character it was made for, but it can still perform well on other Hunt units. There are other sources for SPD buffs like relic sets, support Light Cones, and possibly more supports in the future that can buff SPD. The value of this Light Cone will only increase over time.
1 Before Dawn
Long Night
Increase the wearer's CRIT DMG by 36/42/48/54/60%. Increases DMG dealt by the wearer's Skill and Ultimate by 18/21/24/27/30%. After the wearer uses Skill or Ultimate, gains Somnus Corpus. Upon triggering a follow-up attack, consumes Somnus Corpus, and increases DMG dealt by follow-up attack by 48/56/64/72/80%.
- Path: Erudition
- Rerun banner: Jing Yuan
- Usable on: Any Erudition character with a follow-up attack
This Light Cone is a phenomenal choice for any Erudition unit with a follow-up attack. As of version 2.4, 5 out of 7 Erudition units can use follow-up attacks (assuming Qingque is at least E4). The more reliant they are on follow-up attacks, the better. Jade is the only exception, as it's best not to spam her skill. It's harder for her to gain the DMG buff on her follow-ups, but it can still be triggered by using her ultimate.
If more future Erudition units with follow-up attacks are released, they will likely be able to use this Light Cone. If not, it works great with the already existing characters, especially Jing Yuan. It's a win-win situation if players enjoy the Erudition playstyle and want to invest more into it, which would help with clearing Pure Fiction.
Honkai: Star Rail
- Released
- April 26, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC, Android, iOS
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Turn-Based RPG
