Honkai: Star Rail is preparing for the release of its 3.0 update. An evaluation of the performance of the key DPS units since the game’s inception is warranted. This upcoming update is anticipated to be the most significant one to date, introducing numerous new mechanics and enhancements to the user experience. Additionally, the game will unveil its inaugural new Path, known as the Remembrance Path, which emphasizes the summoning of servants to aid in damage output. While primarily a DPS class, it is possible that hybrid characters will be included to broaden its applications.
While the meta has undergone several changes since the game’s launch, the fundamental team structure in Star Rail has seen little alteration. Generally, teams are composed of one DPS character, two support characters, and one sustain character to maintain the health of the group. The notable deviations from this norm are the DOT teams, which have been largely overlooked since the arrival of Black Swan, and Pure Fiction, which typically performs better with two DPS units to swiftly clear waves of enemies.
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1. Firefly
The other top contenders are certainly strong, yet they cannot rival the flexibility and power that Firefly offers. She was a fan favorite upon her introduction, and her skill set clearly justified the attention she received. This Break DPS can readily impose Fire Weakness on enemies, and her potent abilities allow her to achieve the highest Super Break damage among the three choices.
Another factor contributing to Firefly’s effectiveness is the Break support units. Lingsha’s Fire element synergizes exceptionally well with Firefly, and previously, Gallagher was able to utilize this synergy as well. While Tingyun Fugue may not enhance Firefly’s capabilities to the same extent as the other two, she serves as a supplementary DPS unit capable of swiftly breaking units. This combination enables Firefly to optimize her performance in delivering Super Break damage. Although Firefly may not remain the premier choice for long with an upcoming Path, she is the unit on this list most likely to maintain her relevance in the future of HSR.
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2. Feixiao
Feixiao was undoubtedly one of the most eagerly awaited characters in the 2.0 updates, and she certainly met expectations. As a FUA specialist, she delivers impressive damage through her follow-up attacks and her versatile ultimate ability. The components of Feixiao’s skill set render her an exceptional choice for any type of content, irrespective of mechanics or the vulnerabilities of enemies.
Feixiao has very few, if any, significant downsides. She is easy to construct, offers a variety of flexible Light Cone options, and can be part of budget-friendly teams. Her leading team, consisting of Topaz, Robin, and Aventurine, is particularly impressive, though her other configurations are also quite viable. In conclusion, anyone who has Feixiao possesses a character that is likely to tackle most of HSR’s toughest challenges for the foreseeable future.
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3. Acheron
Despite having dropped from her previous top ranking, Acheron continues to be a leading DPS option. With the right build and team composition, her damage potential is significant, and she can quickly access her ultimate ability. While her Light Cone is beneficial, there are various alternative options that can also support her effectiveness. In any case, she remains capable of achieving some of the highest damage outputs in the game.
Acheron’s most significant criticisms stem from aspects of her kit that impose restrictions on her allies. In the absence of her second Eidolon, she requires two additional Nihility characters to optimize her ultimate damage output. Consequently, to accommodate a Harmony support, with Sparkle being the most favorable choice, certain sacrifices must be made. Although Jiaoqiu serves as her most effective Nihility support, his niche utility and release among highly awaited characters led many players to overlook him. This situation positions Pela as a viable alternative, though she is no longer considered the optimal choice.
4. Yunli
Yunli, though released shortly before Feixiao, is a character that has been somewhat overlooked. However, her capabilities should not be underestimated. As a counterattack specialist, she is easy to construct and inflicts significant damage due to her scaling statistics. Furthermore, she can be integrated into more cost-effective teams compared to many leading alternatives, making her a valuable asset against physically vulnerable foes.
The primary challenge associated with Yunli lies in her consistency. Given that a significant portion of her damage output is derived from countering attacks, her signature Light Cone is almost indispensable for optimizing her performance during defensive situations. While Lynx may serve as a temporary alternative in the absence of her Light Cone, it is not as effective in the long term compared to more suitable options. Despite these limitations, Yunli remains a formidable character, revealing her full potential when equipped with the optimal setup.
5. Jing Yuan
When Jing Yuan was first introduced, he was considered a cool character, but he unfortunately exhibited weaknesses. His personal damage was quite low, and the performance of his Lightning Lord was often inconsistent. However, with the release of characters such as Sparkle, Robin, and Sunday, who have optimal builds, Jing Yuan has experienced indirect enhancements that have positively impacted his status.
An additional factor to consider regarding Jing Yuan is the potential support characters designed for the summons of Rememberance. Given that his Lightning Lord qualifies as one of these summons, any support units that enhance the damage, abilities, or speed of such summons could also be beneficial for him. While it is improbable that these enhancements will elevate him to a top-tier status, they do afford him a commendable role, particularly in light of his age and initial low ranking.
6. Boothill
Boothill was the first Break DPS introduced to HSR, yet he is now regarded as the second most effective. In terms of comparison, he utilizes the same Break team units and exhibits significant scaling damage overall. However, he faces a challenge akin to Rappas, as he requires enemies that are physically weak to maximize his effectiveness. Although he possesses greater flexibility due to his ultimate ability, which can impose Physical weakness, he remains less efficient than Firefly.
Boothill, more so than Rappa, is likely to receive the most significant advantage from HSR’s Tingyun Fugue. This character would enhance his already formidable break-enhanced attack by allowing him to bypass certain defenses. Consequently, he will be able to accumulate his stacks and ultimate ability more rapidly, thereby accelerating his stop-and-go gameplay.
7. Dr. Ratio
Dr. Ratio, being a complimentary character accessible to the majority of players, is recognized as a nearly top-tier DPS option. Were it not for the presence of Feixiao, he would be the leading choice for follow-up attack DPS. His construction is relatively uncomplicated, enabling him to deliver sufficient damage to successfully navigate most of the game’s content.
If there is a limitation to Ratio, it lies in the fact that his strongest teams are not very accessible for free-to-play users. His premier team features Topaz, Robin, and Aventurine, who collectively form a powerful ensemble with remarkable synergy. Although he provides some useful 4-Star substitutes for those on a budget, the decline in performance when replacing his best teammate is significant.
8. Rappa
Although Break teams possess considerable strength, Rappa tends to fall short of expectations. While her abilities are entertaining and visually impressive, they do not match the potency of her Break counterparts. She may serve as a viable choice for Pure Fiction, yet this factor alone does not justify a top-tier ranking.
Although the teams remain consistent, Rappa encounters difficulties as the only Break DPS without a weakness implant. This absence hinders her effectiveness in engagements that do not present a substantial quantity of foes susceptible to Imaginary attacks. The forthcoming release of Tingyun Fugue may offer her some degree of toughness evasion, yet Rappa will continue to trail behind Boothill and Firefly.
9. Imbibitor Lunae
Lunae was an impactful addition to the character roster at the time of his launch, but he is no longer considered a top-tier selection. This change is partly due to the evolving meta and partly due to his lack of fluidity in gameplay. His most effective attack requires three skill points, which places a burden on his teammates to be highly skill point-efficient. The only alternative for him is to use his ultimate ability to obtain skill points without any cost.
Given these limitations, the most suitable teammates for Lunae are premium choices that include Sparkle, recognized as one of Star Rail’s premier Harmony units, which provides additional skill points. In the absence of Sparkle, managing Lunae’s teams becomes more challenging. While he remains usable, his flexibility and consistency do not match those of the leading options.
10. Jade & Kafka
Jade and Kafka occupy a similar position owing to their specialized applications and significant potential. Jade is poised to serve future teams centered around Pure Fiction, particularly with options such as The Herta. Additionally, there is a possibility that upcoming Remembrance or Erudition units will enable her to fully utilize her abilities. However, due to the specialized nature of her kit, it is improbable that she will evolve beyond being a specialist in Pure Fiction.
On another note, Kafka is the leading facilitator for DOT teams, but it is challenged by a lack of team members. If Star Rail reverts to this particular meta, Kafka is likely to be a top choice for frequently triggering stacks. However, there is a concern that a new character may be released who could fulfill this role more effectively, or potentially with a new elemental feature.
Conclusion…
In summary, the strength of HSR lies in its adaptability, as metas and modes evolve. Very few DPS units become so obsolete that they are rendered unplayable. The primary concerns have been with Blade and Seele, who have unfortunately become too specialized for regular use. Nevertheless, the remaining units continue to be viable and can benefit from indirect enhancements through the introduction of new characters. As we approach version 3.0, here are the ten top DPS characters in Honkai: Star Rail.
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