Looking for a comprehensive Honkai Star Rail Light Cone Tier List? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this lengthy article, we talk about each Light Cone and where we rank them on a tier list. We’ll also touch on what they bring to the table, where to get them, and who to use them with. It’s a long journey ahead; let’s get started with some basics!
What Are Light Cones?
Light Cones are items that your characters can equip to boost their stats and grant them a passive ability. There are set Light Cones for each path, with rarities ranging from 3-star to 5-star. Certain characters even have their own Light Cones created just for them. These are typically 5-star Light Cones for 5-star characters.
Each of these Light Cones has a memory featured on it. So, if you have a favorite character, you could probably find a Light Cone with them on it. Enhancing and ascending your Light Cones will make them more powerful. You can also use Superimposition if you have more of the same Light Cone to enhance the Light Cone’s passive ability.
You can check the Honkai Star Rail wiki if you’re interested in the nitty-gritty details.
How to Get Light Cones
You can get Light Cones from varying parts of the game. Some are easily obtained through opening chests, Warp banners and completing quests or events. There are also shops you can purchase Light Cones from:
- Herta’s Store in the Simulated Universe for 8 Herta Bonds
- The Forgotten Hall Light Cone Store for 200 Lucent Afterglow
- The Starlight Exchange Store for 600 Undying Starlight
Note that Herta Bonds are attainable through completing runs of the Simulated Universe. The Lucent Afterglow is attainable as rewards from the Forgotten Hall and Echo of War. Lastly, Undying Starlight is attainable when players pull from the Warp Banners. If you get a 4 or 5-star character or Light Cone that you have pulled before, you will be given Undying Starlight as compensation.
Aside from that, you can get Light Cones by completing the Nameless Honor Battle Pass, which is recommended for players who religiously log in and do their dailies.
Path of Destruction
S Tier
Brighter Than the Sun
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Light Cone Warp Banner
Recommended Characters: Imbibitor Lunae
As of September 2023, this is the best Light Cone released under the Path of Destruction. Hence, it is the first on our Honkai Star Rail Light Cone Tier List. It features the Imbibitor Lunae and is his signature Light Cone to accompany his character’s release.
Brighter Than the Sun increases its wearer’s CRIT rate by 18%. When they use their Basic Attack, they gain one stack of Dragon’s Call for two turns. Dragon’s Call will increase its wearer’s attack by 18% and the Energy Regeneration rate by 6%. It is also stackable up to two times.
It is a great Light Cone for any Destruction character if you don’t have the Imbibitor Lunae in your team. Mainly because it enhances basic attacks and buffs up its wearer.
The Unreachable Side
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Light Cone Warp Banner
Recommended Characters: Blade
This Light Cone is Blade’s signature Light Cone released during his event. Naturally, he would be the perfect character to equip it. Looking at the details, this Light Cone increases its wearer’s CRIT by 18% and their max HP by 18%. Additionally, if the wearer’s HP is consumed or they get attacked, their damage will increase by 24%. This effect is removed when its wearer launches an attack.
So even if Blade is a great choice for obvious reasons, this Light Cone is great for any character as it helps with its wearer’s HP and CRIT rate. It enhances its wearer’s damage whenever the wearer gets attacked, which is always a useful trait to have.
Something Irreplaceable
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Starlight Exchange Store for 600 Undying Starlight, Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Clara, Arlan, Blade, Hook, Physical Trailblazer
This adorable Clara Light Cone increases its wearer’s attack by 24%. Aside from that, it helps to restore HP equal to 8% of the wearer’s attack when its wearer defeats an enemy or gets hit. Concurrently, its wearer’s damage will increase by 24% until the end of their turn. Unfortunately, this is not stackable and can only trigger once per turn.
This Light Cone is best for Clara and Arlan due to its high base stats. However, if you’re more interested in boosting your damage and saving your Undying Starlight, you might want to get the next option below.
On the Fall of An Aeon
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Herta’s Store in the Simulated Universe for 8 Herta Bonds
Recommended Characters: Hook, Physical Trailblazer, Arlan, Blade, Clara
This Light Cone is considered an F2P Light Cone as it is easily attainable without spending too much hard-earned currency. On The Fall of An Aeon allows their character’s attacks to be increased by 8% in battle up to four times. When Weakness Break is inflicted on enemies, the character’s damage increases by 12% for two turns as well.
Another great Light Cone for damage dealers, but it is best put to use by those who can inflict Weakness Breaks like Hook and the Physical Trailblazer.
A Tier
The Moles Welcome You
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Arlan, Trailblazer, Clara, Hook
A decent Light Cone that’s a good placeholder for any of the 5-star Light Cones, especially if you’re not planning to get the ‘On the Fall of An Aeon’ Light Cone. The Moles Welcome You Light Cone grants its wearer one stack of Mischievous whenever they use their basic attack, skill, or Ultimate. Each stack of Mischievous increases its wearer’s attack by 12%.
Be sure to upgrade it as you go along, and you’ll get a good Light Cone for characters on the Path of Destruction.
Woof! Walk Time!
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Forgotten Hall Light Cone Store for 200 Lucent Afterglow, Wen Shiqi’s Shop Reward in Herta Space Station, Echoes of War Boss Drops
Recommended Characters: Hook
This special Light Cone of Peppy increases its wearer’s attack by 10% and helps to increase their damage against enemies that are affected by Burn or Bleed by 16%. This skill also applies to DoT, which makes this Light Cone great for characters that can inflict DoT. Under the Destruction path, that would be Hook.
If you decide to take Hook out for a regular spin, be sure to upgrade this Light Cone to get the most out of its effects. Superimposing this Light Cone to the max would also increase its wearer’s attack by 20% and damage towards Burn or Bleed enemies by 32%.
Nowhere to Run
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Nameless Honor BP Reward
Recommended Characters: Arlan, Blade, Clara, Trailblazer
When it comes to the Nameless Honor BP rewards, this Light Cone is not the top pick. Unless you’ve claimed the better Light Cones and are stuck with this one, then go for it. It is a decent Light Cone to increase survivability, though, as it plays around with HP.
This Light Cone increases its wearer’s attack by 24%. When an enemy is defeated, the wearer gains HP equal to 12% of their attack. For characters that depend on their HP like Blade and Arlan, this would be a great substitute.
Under the Blue Sky
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Arlan, Blade, Clara, Hook, Trailblazer
Another decent Light Cone for the Destruction path, Under the Blue Sky increases its wearer’s attack by 16%. Furthermore, when the wearer defeats an enemy, their CRIT rate increases by 12% for three turns. In terms of the best characters, it is a rather flexible Light Cone that everyone could use.
The one minor downfall is that you would have to constantly need to defeat enemies to trigger its CRIT rate increase, which may be annoying for new or relaxed players.
B Tier
A Secret Vow
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Arlan, Blade, Clara
The only 4-star Light Cone that is demoted to the B tier, and with reason. A Secret Vow is Arlan’s signature Light Cone and it plays around with HP, which is part of his kit. If you have Blade, this Light Cone is the best 4-star Light Cone for him as well.
This Light Cone increases damage dealt by its wearer by 20% and an extra 20% to enemies with HP that is equal to or higher than the wearer’s HP. At max Superimposition, the damage goes up to 40% each. That’s a high amount of damage, especially if your character is already a huge damage dealer.
Collapsing Sky
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Arlan, Hook, Trailblazer
One of the best 3-star Light Cones great for the early game or as a backup for your characters. It’s a simple and impressive Light Cone. Collapsing Sky helps to increase the wearer’s basic attack and skill damage by 20%.
If you don’t have any suitable Light Cones as the ones listed above, this is a good overall Light Cone for characters on the Destruction path.
C Tier
Mutual Demise
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Arlan, Blade
The last Light Cone under the Destruction path plays around with HP. As such, only two characters are viable – Arlan or Blade. This can serve as a temporary Light Cone or placeholder if you don’t have any better Light Cones for the two characters. Great for beginners, F2P players, and early-game hustles.
Mutual Demise increases its wearer’s CRIT rate by 12% when the wearer’s HP is lower than 80%.
Shattered Home
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Clara
The least recommended Light Cone on this Honkai Star Rail Light Cone Tier List for the Destruction path. There are infinitely better options above, even if you need a temporary Light Cone as a placeholder. Shattered Home allows its wearer to deal 20% more damage to enemies whose HP is greater than 50%. If you’re desperate to find a Light Cone for Clara, you can try this one. However, switch it out when you can.
Path of Harmony
S Tier
But the Battle Isn’t over
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Starlight Exchange Store for 600 Undying Starlight, Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Asta, Bronya, Tingyun
The best Harmony Light Cone on our Honkai Star Rail Light Cone Tier List also happens to be Bronya’s signature Light Cone. This Light Cone works for most Harmony characters and has some of the best support abilities. Naturally, this corresponds with most Harmony characters as they typically are set in the Support role.
It increases its wearer’s Energy Regeneration rate by 10% and regenerates one skill point when they use their Ultimate on an ally. This can be triggered after every two uses of the wearer’s Ultimate. Additionally, when the wearer uses their skill, the next ally will deal 30% more damage for one turn.
A Tier
Carve the Moon, Weave the Clouds
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Nameless Honor BP Reward
Recommended Characters: Asta, Bronya, Tingyun, Yukong
This Light Cone is more random but provides more positive buffs than any negative ones. At the beginning of each battle and the wearer’s turn, here are some effects that could be applied randomly:
- Allies’ attacks increase by 10%.
- Allies CRIT DMG increases by 12%.
- Allies Energy Regeneration rate increases by 6%.
Any applied effect will not be the same as the previously applied effect and will replace the one that is currently active. Effects can only be removed when the wearer is defeated and similar effects cannot be stacked. Even if this Light Cone’s ability is more random, it can be useful in any combat scenario. This makes it great for any character so be sure to grab it as your Nameless Honor reward.
Memories of the Past
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Yukong, Asta, Tingyun
As a Light Cone that focuses on Break Effects, it is a great choice to pair with Yukong. Memories of the Past increases its wearer’s Break Effect by 28%, and when the wearer attacks, they gain four Energy. However, this can only be triggered once per turn.
This Light Cone can help Yukong deal more damage with her basic attacks and Ultimate, which helps to trigger Weakness Breaks. If you’re considering it for Asta and Tingyun, the small Energy Regeneration may be useful for them.
Past and Future
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Forgotten Hall Light Cone Store for 200 Lucent Afterglow, Echoes of War Boss Drops
Recommended Characters: Bronya, Yukong
For Past and Future, this Light Cone allows the wearer’s ally to deal 16% more damage for one turn when the wearer uses their Skill. It is another Light Cone with decent base stats and is the second Light Cone that compliments Bronya’s skill set. If you’re looking for a placeholder, this 4-star option is good enough.
Another plus point is that you can Superimpose this Light Cone. At maximum Superimposition, your ally will deal up to 32% more damage. Just make sure your team composition lineup is correct, placing the wearer before your DPS to take advantage of this buff.
Dance! Dance! Dance!
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Asta, Bronya, Tingyun, Yukong
A rather straightforward Light Cone, this one allows all allies’ actions to be advanced forward by 16% when the wearer uses their Ultimate. As such, any Harmony character can use it. Plus, it has decent base stats for a 4-star Light Cone.
It does feel more like a simpler version of Bronya’s signature Light Cone. We would recommend the Past and Future Light Cone over this one for those who are searching for a better F2P option. Mainly because it is easier to get and Superimpose to the max.
B Tier
Planetary Rendezvous
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Asta, Tingyun, Yukong
For Planetary Rendezvous, at the start of the battle, if an ally deals the same damage element as the wearer, the damage dealt will increase by 12%. This is great for team compositions that are more elemental-based. Either that or if you have a damage dealer on the same team with the same element as your wearer that is typically set in the support role.
It is worth it to upgrade the Light Cone for a damage buff. Character pairings you could try out include Asta and Himeko or Jing Yuan and Tingyun.
Chorus
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Asta, Bronya, Tingyun, Yukong
Arguably the best 3-star Light Cone, Chorus allows an increase of 8% for all allies’ attacks upon entering battle. Furthermore, it is easy to Superimpose and boost its stats. At maximum Superimposition, it allows for an increase of 12% for all allies’ attacks.
Since it is a flexible and straightforward Light Cone, you can use it for any character. Chorus can also be used as a backup Light Cone if you don’t have a better one to equip your characters.
C Tier
Meshing Cogs
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Asta, Bronya, Tingyun, Yukong
Meshing Cogs allows its wearer to regenerate 4 Energy after using an attack or getting hit. However, it can only be triggered one time per turn. It is good for triggering Ultimates and is easy to Superimpose. At maximum Superimposition, you can regenerate up to 8 Energy.
You can place this as a backup Light Cone as well.
Mediation
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: None, cause it’s THAT bad.
This last Light Cone for the Path of Harmony on our Star Rail Light Cone Tier List allows an increase in SPD for all allies by 12 points for one turn. It’s not worth it as it can only be triggered once. There are other Light Cones you can substitute it with, we do not recommend this for any of your characters as it is rather pointless. Plus, even if you Superimpose it, it is simply a waste of resources.
Path of Erudition
S Tier
Before Dawn
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Herta, Himeko, Jing Yuan, Qingque, Serval
Jing Yuan’s signature Light Cone is naturally the best in the Path of Erudition. This Light Cone increases its wearer’s CRIT damage by 36%. It also increases its wearer’s skill and Ultimate damage by 18%, granting them Somnus Corpus. When a follow-up attack is used, Somnus Corpus is consumed, and the attack’s damage increases by 48%.
This is one of the strongest Light Cones out there, boosting every aspect of damage. All characters can utilize it, but Serval might have less use for it since she doesn’t have any follow-up attacks. This Light Cone is a must-have if you have Erudition characters, hands down. That is why it is our top-tier pick for Erudition characters on this Star Rail Light Cone Tier List.
Night on the Milky Way
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Starlight Exchange Store for 600 Undying Starlight, Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Herta, Himeko, Jing Yuan, Qingque, Serval
This is Himeko’s signature Light Cone, and it increases its wearer’s attack by 9% for every enemy on the field, a maximum of five stacks. When enemies are inflicted with Weakness Breaks, the damage dealt by its wearer increases by 30% for one turn. Another powerful Light Cone which buffs your attacks.
It is a great Light Cone for farming mobs, but less so during battle, as you are less likely to encounter enemies that go up to five. In terms of damage, Jing Yuan’s Light Cone above is the better choice. If you are debating whether to spend some Undying Starlight on this, that depends on what you already have in your collection. However, we would recommend to hold off first.
A Tier
Today is Another Peaceful Day
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Nameless Honor BP Reward
Recommended Characters: Herta, Himeko, Jing Yuan, Qingque, Serval
This is considered one of the best Light Cones to get from the Nameless Honor Battle Pass. It increases its wearer’s damage based on their max Energy when they enter battle. Their damage increases by 0.20% per point of Energy, max 160 Energy. The good thing about this Light Cone is it is buildable.
At maximum Superimposition, you get to deal damage up to 0.40% per point of Energy, which increases your damage incredibly. Additionally, the ability is always active and unlimited by turns. If you rely heavily on Erudition characters, Today is Another Peaceful Day is a Light Cone you must have in your arsenal.
Geniuses’ Repose
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Herta, Himeko, Jing Yuan, Qingque, Serval
Geniuses’ Repose helps to increase its wearer’s attack by 16%, and when its wearer defeats an enemy, their CRIT damage increase by 24% for three turns. When looking at this Light Cone’s stats, it is pretty decent. However, it may be tricky to trigger the CRIT damage increase during boss fights purely because of how tanky the majority of enemies and bosses are.
If you are thinking of putting it to use, it’s great for farming mobs and Calyxes, as those are easier to defeat compared to elite enemies. Be sure to upgrade it for higher stats, though.
The Seriousness of Breakfast
Rating: 4 Stars
How to get: Forgotten Hall Light Cone Store for 200 Lucent Afterglow, Echoes of War Boss Drops
Recommended Characters: Herta, Himeko, Jing Yuan, Qingque, Serval
One of the best Light Cones for F2P players as it increases its wearer’s damage by 12%, and for every defeated enemy, their attack increases by 4%. This is stackable up to three times. At maximum Superimposition, the wearer’s damage goes up to 24% and increases again by 8%. Since it is somewhat easier to get, you should Superimpose it to get better stats.
Plus, at max Superimposition, this Light Cone deals higher damage than Himeko’s signature Light Cone. Especially when given to Jing Yuan. Hence, if you are a F2P player who craves more damage without spending a dime, this is a great choice for your Erudition characters. It is one of the most valuable ones on this Star Rail Light Cone Tier List.
The Birth of the Self
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Herta, Himeko, Jing Yuan, Qingque
The Birth of the Self is great as a backup if you’re planning not to upgrade the rest of the Light Cones we’ve previously mentioned. Either that or you don’t have them in hand which is highly unlikely unless you just started playing yesterday. We say this because it is a rather underwhelming Light Cone.
Anyway, this Light Cone increases the damage dealt by its wearer’s follow-up attacks by 24%. If your enemies’ current HP is lower or equal to 50%, an extra 24% damage is dealt. Again, this would not benefit Serval as she does not have any follow-up attacks in her kit.
B Tier
Make the World Clamor
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Serval
This 4-star Light Cone gets demoted to B Tier as it doesn’t bring much to the table. Similar to ‘The Birth of the Self’ Light Cone, it is rather underwhelming. Make the World Clamor regenerates 20 Energy for its wearer upon battle and increases their Ultimate damage by 32%.
It provides a one-off energy surge and only buffs Ultimates, which doesn’t get used as often as normal attacks. You’re better off using ‘The Seriousness of Breakfast’ as it can easily be upgraded with decent stats.
Sagacity
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Herta, Jing Yuan
A simple 3-star Light Cone, this one increases its wearer’s attack by 24% for two turns when they use their Ultimate. This Light Cone is similar to ‘Data Bank’ which we will talk about later, but it lasts longer. It is a reliable Light Cone for the early game if you don’t have anything else in hand.
Naturally, replacing it immediately with better Light Cones should be your priority.
C Tier
Passkey
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Jing Yuan
Passkey allows its wearer to regenerate 8 Energy when they use their skill, but it can only be triggered once per turn. This a simple temporary Light Cone for Jing Yuan if you don’t have anything else to give him. Mainly because it allows him to spam his Ultimate.
Data Bank
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: None of them cause it’s not worth it.
The most straightforward Light Cone, Data Bank simply increases its wearer’s Ultimate damage by 28%. This makes it the worst Light Cone for Erudition characters on our Honkai Star Rail Light Cone Tier List, even for the early game, as it only boosts your Ultimate damage. Avoid this one, and don’t waste your time.
Path of Preservation
S Tier
Moment of Victory
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Starlight Exchange Store for 600 Undying Starlight, Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Gepard, March 7th, Fire Trailblazer
As Gepard’s signature Light Cone, Moment of Victory is the ultimate Defensive Light Cone in the game. It increases its wearer’s defense by 24% but also increases the chances of its wearer getting attacked by enemies. However, when the wearer gets attacked, their defense increases by another 24% until the end of their turn. This Light Cone is essentially built for tanks and defensive characters.
Aside from its high base stats, it provides a massive defense boost to its wearer as well as its Taunt. This is the best Light Cone for Preservation characters. Its only rival would be Texture of Memories which we will talk about below. If you have Gepard, please just buy this from the shop and save yourself the trouble. It is one of the best Light Cones in our Star Rail Light Cone Tier List for a reason.
Texture of Memories
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Herta’s Store in the Simulated Universe for 8 Herta Bonds
Recommended Characters: Gepard, Fire Trailblazer
The Texture of Memories Light Cone increases its wearer’s Effect RES by 8%. When its wearer is attacked without a shield, they will gain a shield that is equal to 16% of their max HP for two turns. This can only be triggered once every three turns. However, if the wearer has a shield when they are attacked, the damage they receive will decrease by 12%.
This Light Cone is second best, but it works amazingly for those who are solely focused on F2P gameplay. It’s a Light Cone that focuses on the survivability of its wearer, making them tankier and harder to defeat.
A Tier
Landau’s Choice
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Gepard, March 7th, Fire Trailblazer
If you do get the Landau’s Choice Light Cone, our best advice is to upgrade it by Superimposition. Mainly because this Light Cone allows your wearer to be attacked by enemies more often with a reduction in damage of about 16%. At maximum Superimposition, this goes up to 24%.
It is a rather straightforward Light Cone that increases your wearer’s Taunt and has decent base stats for a 4-star. Since Preservation characters are typically tanks, this would work well.
Day One of My New Life
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Gepard, March 7th, Fire Trailblazer
This March 7th Light Cone increases its wearer’s defense by 16% right off the bat. Additionally, after entering the battle, it will increase all allies’ DMG RES by 8%. Effects of the same type are not stackable. This is a great Light Cone that will increase the survivability of your team aside from its wearer.
Furthermore, there are no specific activation conditions, so it is a constant help in any situation. Do be sure to Superimpose this Light Cone to reap its maximum potential though. At maximum Superimposition, its wearer’s defense increases to 24%, and your allies’ DMG RES increases by 12%.
This is Me!
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Nameless Honor BP Reward
Recommended Characters: March 7th, Fire Trailblazer
Even if This is Me! Is a decent Light Cone from the Nameless Honor BP Reward, be sure to claim the other top ones first. This Light Cone increases its wearer’s defense by 16%. It also increases its wearer’s Ultimate damage by 60% of its wearer’s defense. However, this only applies once per enemy target.
This Light Cone is great for any Preservation character as it has decent stats, buffs its wearer’s defense as well as Ultimate damage. However, you can only use this Light Cone with characters like March 7th and Trailblazer with Ultimates that target specific enemies. This would be partially useless on Gepard.
B Tier
Trend of the Universal Market
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Gepard, March 7th, Fire Trailblazer
This Light Cone can be considered an inferior version of the ‘Day One of My New Life’ Light Cone. It increases its wearer’s defense by 16%. When the wearer is attacked, there is a 100% base chance to inflict Burn on the enemy. Plus, the wearer deals DoT equal to 40% of the wearer’s defense for 2 turns.
As mentioned, this Light Cone provides a defense buff, but it doesn’t have any DMG RES increase. Instead, it inflicts DoT, which is still largely useless for Preservation characters, especially since your builds will typically be defense-based. This Light Cone is great for clearing the early game, but in the long run, it is best replaced.
We Are Wildfire
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Forgotten Hall Light Cone Store for 200 Lucent Afterglow, Underground Shop Reward in Boulder Town, Echoes of War Boss Drops
Recommended Characters: Gepard
A great alternative or backup Light Cone for Gepard if you can’t get any of the other Light Cones we’ve listed above. We Are Wildfire allows damage dealt to all allies to decrease by 8% for five turns at the beginning of battles. It also immediately restores HP to all allies, which is equal to 30% of their max HP and current HP difference.
This Light Cone provides decent buffs and healing to all allies, but Light Cones like ‘Moment of Victory’ and ‘Landau’s Choice’ allow characters to bring the enemy’s attention back to them. Taunt and tanking damage is the base of what Preservation characters do, but this Light Cone does not play into that at all.
Amber
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Gepard, March 7th, Fire Trailblazer
Amber is a decent 3-star Light Cone, the best in the Preservation lineup currently. It helps to increase its wearer’s defence by 16%. If the wearer’s HP is lower than 50%, their defense is increased by an extra 16%. As a Light Cone that is easily Superimposed, this is a good backup and can be used for the early game before you find a better Light Cone.
At maximum Superimposition, you can get the defense up to 32% and an extra 32% when your health is low. With its general abilities, this Light Cone is suitable for all Preservation characters.
C Tier
Defense
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Fire Trailblazer
A simple Light Cone, Defense allows its wearer to restore 18% of their max HP when they use their Ultimate. Truthfully, this Light Cone is pointless for characters that already have a strong shielding ability and can tank themselves well, like Gepard. As such, it could work for as a temporary Light Cone for the Fire Trailblazer.
Mainly to maintain their survivability as a character.
Pioneering
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: None, as it is not worth it at all.
Lastly, the Pioneering Light Cone allows its wearer to restore 12% of their max HP when they inflict Weakness Breaks on enemies. This Light Cone is simply not worth it as the others provide better buffs and stats, even after being Superimposed. You’re better off with the others on this Honkai Star Rail Light Cone Tier List.
Path of Abundance
S Tier
Post-Op Conversation
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Bailu, Luocha, Natasha
This 4-star Light Cone is one of the best on this Star Rail Light Cone Tier List that focuses entirely on healing. It’s Natasha’s signature Light Cone and one that we would recommend for all Abundance characters. It increases its wearer’s Energy Regeneration Rate by 8%. Their wearer’s Outgoing Healing increases by 12% when they use their Ultimate as well.
Be sure to upgrade it as this Light Cone will come in handy for any Abundance characters you might have. It’s great for healers as it has great base stats and allows them to spam their Ultimates (which is usually used for healing your allies anyway). Invest in this Light Cone to invest in your healer and watch your team’s survivability rate increase.
Time Waits for No One
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Starlight Exchange Store for 600 Undying Starlight, Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Bailu, Natasha, Luocha
A slightly more complicated Light Cone, Time Waits for No One is Bailu’s signature Light Cone. It can fit all Abundance characters but works best with Bailu and Natasha. However, it may not be worth it as more Abundance characters get released in the future as it scales off HP.
This one increases its wearer’s max HP by 18% and Outgoing Healing by 12%. As its wearer heals their allies, the Outgoing Healing is recorded. When their ally attacks, a randomly attacked enemy will be dealt additional damage equal to 36% of the recorded Outgoing Healing value. This damage type is the same as the wearer’s and unaffected by buffs. However, it can only occur one time per turn.
Shared Feeling
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Bailu, Luocha, Natasha
A Light Cone with decent stats which increases its wearer’s Outgoing Healing by 10%. After using a skill, they regenerate 2 Energy for all allies. This one is better when upgraded. At maximum Superimposition, you can get a 20% Outgoing Healing increase and 4 Energy for all allies.
As such, this makes it a great healing and support Light Cone worth investing in. If you would prefer a more guaranteed option that is easier to get, you could substitute this with the Quid Pro Quo Light Cone, which we will talk about later.
Echoes of the Coffin
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Luocha
As Luocha’s signature Light Cone, Echoes of the Coffin is one of the best healer Light Cones currently released. However, it does not focus or buff any healing ability. In fact, it increases its wearer’s attack by 24% and allows its wearer to regenerate 3 Energy after using an attack. Each attack can regenerate Energy up to three times, and they gain 12 SPD for one turn after using their Ultimate.
What makes this Light Cone special is that it is the only Abundance Light Cone that focuses on buffing attacks rather than healing. This makes sense when it comes to Luocha, as his healing scales off his attacks. As such, this makes him the only character worth using this Light Cone on. Maybe in the future, they’ll release another healer with attacks as their primary focus.
A Tier
Quid Pro Quo
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Forgotten Hall Light Cone Store for 200 Lucent Afterglow, Echoes of War Boss Drops
Recommended Characters: Bailu, Luocha, Natasha
As it is easier to get, Quid Pro Quo is a good F2P pick for those who are unsure which Light Cone to give their characters. It doesn’t buff any healing abilities, but it provides good utility by focusing on Energy Regeneration. However, if you already have a Support character on hand, then you might want to switch your Light Cone to one that buffs healing abilities instead.
With Quid Pro Quo, characters can regenerate 8 Energy for a randomly chosen ally whose Energy level is lower than 50%. It’s a simple Light Cone that helps in combat when you want to constantly spam your team’s Ultimates.
Warmth Shortens Cold Nights
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Nameless Honor BP Reward
Recommended Characters: Natasha
This is one of the top Light Cones you should claim from the Nameless Honor Battle Pass. If you’ve already gotten ‘Today Is Another Peaceful Day’ and ‘Carve the Moon, Weave the Clouds’, then this is the next one you should aim for.
Warmth Shortens Cold Nights increases its wearer’s max HP by 16%. As your character uses their basic attack or skill, it will restore all allies’ HP by 2.0% of their respective max HP. Noting that its healing abilities scale off its HP, this makes it the perfect Light Cone for Natasha. If you don’t already have her signature Light Cone, this one is a good substitute for her.
B Tier
Perfect Timing
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Luocha
If you can’t get Luocha’s 5-star signature Light Cone, this is a good enough substitute. Especially if you’re going to be pairing him up with the Broken Keel Planar Ornament. This Light Cone increases its wearer’s Effect RES by 16% and Outgoing Healing by 33% of the Effect RES. Outgoing Healing can be increased up to 15% this way.
Perfect Timing will help increase Luocha’s resistance to debuffs and have a better healing output for your team.
Cornucopia
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Bailu, Luocha, Natasha
A rather simple Light Cone, Cornucopia allows its wearer’s Outgoing Healing to increase by 12% whenever its wearer uses their Skill or Ultimate. It has average base stats and can work as a good backup Light Cone for all characters since it can be superimposed easily. Great for early game moments when you don’t have much choice in Light Cones.
C Tier
Multiplication
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Bailu
Multiplication Light Cone allows its users to advance their actions forward by 12% whenever they use their basic attack. This is great for characters that have passives or skills that would benefit the team, like Bailu. It allows her to generate more SP for the team. A decent backup Light Cone if you don’t have anything else available.
Fine Fruit
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Not worth it.
A very simple and not worth it Light Cone, Fine Fruit allows its character to regenerate 6 Energy for all allies at the start of a battle. Plus, it only works once in battle, so we won’t really recommend this to anyone. There are others on this Star Rail Light Cone Tier List that would serve a better purpose.
Path of Nihility
S Tier
Incessant Rain
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Silver Wolf, Kafka, Pela, Luka
Incessant Rain is Silver Wolf’s signature Light Cone, but it works for other Nihility characters as well. It wouldn’t be on the top of our Star Rail Light Cone Tier List if it wasn’t. This Light Cone increases its wearer’s Effect Hit Rate by 24%. When the wearer deals damage to an enemy with three or more debuffs, it will increase their CRIT Rate by 12%.
There’s a 100% chance to implant Aether Code on a random enemy target that does not have it when the wearer uses their basic attack, skill, or Ultimate. Those with Aether Code will receive 12% increased damage for one turn.
The best character for this Light Cone would ultimately be SIlver Wolf, as she can utilize all of its abilities and effects. Kafka doesn’t need the extra Effect Hit rate after her Traces are leveled up. Whereas Pela and Luka don’t benefit from the extra CRIT Rate based on their kit. But hey, if you have it, why not just use it until something better comes along?
Before the Tutorial Mission Starts
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Finishing the Starhunt Game Event tied to Silver Wolf’s Companion Mission
Recommended Characters: Pela, Silver Wolf, Luka
Now this is a great Light Cone for F2P players with Nihility characters. It’s easy to get, has good base stats, and is almost comparable to her signature Light Cone. This Light Cone brings an increase in its wearer’s Effect Hit Rate by 20%. When its wearer attacks enemies that have a reduced defense, they regenerate 4 Energy.
If you’re trying to build Silver Wolf as a Support character, then this would be the best Light Cone for her. You can Superimpose this Light Cone during the event, so you don’t have to sweat about it. This is the only Light Cone on this Honkai Star Rail Light Cone Tier List where you can get the S5 version for free.
In the Name of the World
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Starlight Exchange Store for 600 Undying Starlight, Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Welt, Sampo, Kafka, Pela, Silver Wolf, Luka
Welt’s signature Light Cone is another flexible one that can be used by all Nihility characters, making it a rather coveted Light Cone. Plus, it’s easy to get. In the Name of the World allows a 24% increase in its user’s damage to debuffed enemies. When its user uses their skill, the Effect Hit Rate for this attack will increase by 18%, while their attack increases by 24%.
Naturally, it works best with Welt. However, it’s a great match for Sampo’s playstyle, as well as it increases his Effect Hit Rate and buffs his damage toward debuffed enemies. In general, this Light Cone can be used by any Nihility character as they all play around with enemy debuffs. Better Effect Hit Rates are always a plus.
Good Night and Sleep Well
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Kafka, Pela, Sampo, Silver Wolf, Welt, Luka
Those building a DoT team, perk up! This is the Light Cone for you. The damage dealt by the wearer increases by 12% for every debuff the enemy has. This is stackable up to three times and also applies to DoT. If you pulled this Light Cone, remember to upgrade it.
This is the second-best Light Cone for Kafka and Sampo if you don’t have their signature or best Light Cone in hand. It is the only 4-star Light Cone so far that outclasses the 5-star Light Cones when it comes to damage.
Patience is All You Need
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Kafka
As the signature Light Cone of one of the most powerful characters in the game, Patience is All You Need definitely packs a punch. To start, it increases the damage dealt by its wearer by 24%, and after every attack, their speed increases by 4.8%, stackable up to three times.
If its wearer hits an enemy that is not afflicted with Erode, there is a 100% base chance to inflict Erode on them. Any enemy afflicted with Erode is considered Shocked and receives Lightning DoT at the start of each turn which is equal to 60% of the wearer’s attack. This lasts for one turn.
With all this and its high base stats, this is undeniably one of the best Light Cones. However, it is highly catered to Kafka’s abilities, so it may not be worth it if you don’t have her.
A Tier
Solitary Healing
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Herta’s Store in the Simulated Universe for 8 Herta Bonds
Recommended Characters: Kafka, Sampo, Luka
This is a Light Cone that works best for DoT-focused characters as it increases its user’s Break Effect by 20%. The DoT dealt by its user will increase by 24% for two turns when they use their Ultimate. When their enemy target affected by the user’s DoT is defeated, the user will regenerate 4 Energy.
As this Light Cone is easy to obtain, it makes this one of the best F2P Light Cones. Especially if you prefer using Nihilty characters that focus on DoT as their primary source of damage. Additionally, at max Superimposition, the wearer’s Break Effect increases by 40%, and DoT increases by 48%. They will also regenerate 8 Energy.
Resolution Shines As Pearls of Sweat
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Luka, Pela, Silver Wolf, Welt
We would recommend Resolution Shines As Pearls of Sweat primarily for Luka as it is his signature Light Cone. However, you can definitely use this for other Nihility characters as well. With this Light Cone, there is a 60% chance for enemies to be inflicted with Ensnared when hit. Enemies afflicted by Ensnared will have their defense decreased by 12% for one turn.
If you’re building a support Nihility character, this Light Cone would be a good option for them as well. Simply because it can reduce enemy defence which will benefit the whole team. Superimposing this Light Cone is also a good move as it increases your chances to inflict Ensnared by 100%. Their defense will also decrease by 16%.
B Tier
We Will Meet Again
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Nameless Honor BP Reward
Recommended Characters: Pela, Silver Wolf, Welt, Luka
As we’ve mentioned before, you might want to claim the better Light Cones the Nameless Honor Battle Pass has to offer before this one. We Will Meet Again allows its wearer to deal additional damage equal to 48% of their attack to a random enemy that has been attacked after its wearer uses their basic attack or skill.
The randomised ability is a minor downside, especially in battle, but it is a decent Light Cone if you have no others.
Fermata
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Forgotten Hall Light Cone Store for 200 Lucent Afterglow, Underground Shop Reward in Boulder Town, Echoes of War Boss Drops
Recommended Characters: Kafka, Sampo
We recommend buying Fermata if you have Kafka or Sampo and do not have any of the other premium Light Cones. Fermata increases the Break Effect of its wearer by 16% and increases damage to enemies affected by Shock or Wind Shear by 16%. This also applies to DoT.
For Kafka and Sampo, this Light Cone is essentially perfect and only outclassed by the 5-star ones, which makes it a great backup. Just be sure to Superimpose it for maximum damage and buffs.
Eyes of the Prey
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Kafka, Sampo, Luka
Sampo’s signature Light Cone is a tiny bit of a let-down, but it works well as a basic 4-star Nihility Light Cone. It increases its wearer’s Effect Hit rate by 20% and DoT by 24%. If you have a DoT-focused team or are building one, then this Light Cone would fit in well. Remember to upgrade it for better stats, though.
A substitute for this would be Fermata, which is free and easier to get.
Void
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Pela, Sampo, Silver Wolf, Welt
Void is a decent 3-star Light Cone that increases its wearer’s Effect Hit rate by 20% for three turns at the start of the battle. We would recommend this as an early game Light Cone if you do not have access to any other Light Cone. It’s great for a majority of the Nihility characters as well and helps when the game is still easy.
C Tier
Loop
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Welt
So far, the only viable character for this Light Cone would be Welt. You could use this as a temporary placeholder during the early game if you have yet to obtain any better Light Cones. Loop increases the damage dealt by its wearer against Slowed enemies by 24%. It works best and only with Welt so far as he is the only one that can Slow enemies.
Hidden Shadow
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Pela, Sampo, Luka
Another temporary placeholder Light Cone but this one can be used for the other characters like Pela, Sampo, and Luka. Hidden Shadow allows its wearer to deal additional damage equal to 60% of their attack to a targetted enemy when they use their Basic Attack after using a Skill. Remember to replace this one immediately when you can with better ones from this Star Rail Light Cone Tier List.
Path of the Hunt
S Tier
In the Night
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Dan Heng, Seele, Sushang, Yanqing
Seele’s signature Light Cone is one of the best Hunt Light Cones. It increases its wearer’s CRIT rate by 18%. Then in battle, for every 10 speeds that exceed 100, the damage of the wearer’s Basic Attack and Skill increases by 6%. CRIT DMG of their Ultimate also increases by 12%. This effect is stackable up to six times.
Even at S1, this Light Cone packs a punch that no other can compare when it comes to damage. This is a must for those who enjoy using The Hunt characters. It also maximizes the effectiveness of its characters, making it a fine pick on this Star Rail Light Cone Tier List.
Cruising in the Stellar Sea
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Herta’s Store in the SImulated Universe for 8 Herta Bonds
Recommended Characters: Dan Heng, Seele, Sushang, Yanqing
An easy-to-obtain beast of a Light Cone. This works as a substitute for ‘In The Night’ and even for ‘Sleep Like the Dead’ below. Cruising in the Stellar Sea increases its user’s CRIT rate by 8%. Subsequently, it increases their user’s CRIT rate against enemies with HP lower or equal to 50% by an extra 8%. As its user defeats an enemy, their attack will increase by 20% for two turns.
It is recommended to get this Light Cone if you’re an F2P player. However, you may need to also purchase the Superimposer (Custom Made) from Herta’s Store in order to Superimpose it. But it’s all worth it for this powerful and flexible Light Cone.
A Tier
Sleep Like the Dead
Rating: 5 Star
How to get: Starlight Exchange Store for 600 Undying Starlight, Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Dan Heng, Seele, Sushang, Yanqing
If you already have the other two 5-star Light Cones that we’ve recommended, you don’t really need this one. Even so, if you are looking to build a full-fledged Hunt team, then this may come in handy. Sleep Like the Dead increases its user’s CRIT DMG by 30%. If its user’s Basic Attack or Skill does not grant a CRIT Hit, their CRIT Rate increases by 36% for one turn. This can only trigger once every three turns.
This Light Cone’s CRIT guarantee makes it an amazing Light Cone for any character. Add in its high base stats and CRIT DMG bonus, and it’s a solid choice as a substitute for the other 5-star Light Cones. If you have Yanqing, equip this for him as it is his signature Light Cone.
Only Silence Remains
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Dan Heng, Seele, Sushang, Yanqing
Not to be confused with the Imbibitor Lunae, this one is Dan Heng’s signature Light Cone. It’s a Light Cone with decent stats that increase its wearer’s attack by 16% from the start. If there are two or fewer enemies, it will increase the wearer’s CRIT rate by 12%.
If you managed to get this Light Cone, be sure to upgrade it if you’re using several The Hunt characters in your team. Either that or if you’re not planning to get any of the 5-star Light Cones. It’s a good enough substitute.
Swordplay
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Dan Heng, Seele, Sushang, Yanqing
Similar to Only Silence Remains, we would only recommend you upgrade this Light Cone if you’re not planning to get any 5-star ones. Swordplay allows its wearer’s damage to increase by 8%, stackable up to 5 times if they hit the same enemy. This effect will be nulled when the wearer switches targets.
Superimposing Swordplay will raise its stats from an 8% to a 16% increase in damage. Overall it has decent base stats, and the only downside is that the effect goes away when switching targets.
Return to Darkness
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Nameless Honor BP Reward
Recommended Characters: Dan Heng
A Light Cone with a rather unique ability makes this usable by only Dan Heng. This Light Cone increases its wearer’s CRIT Rate by 12% from the start. There is a 16% fixed chance to dispel one buff on a target enemy after a CRIT Hit. This can only trigger once per attack.
As such, it is not worth redeeming this from the Nameless Honor Battle Pass. The RNG factor of its buff dispel makes it a rather limiting Light Cone as well. Simply, not worth it, even with its decent base stats and increased CRIT rate.
B Tier
River Flows in Spring
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Forgotten Hall Light Cone Store for 200 Lucent Afterglow, Echoes of War Boss Drops
Recommended Characters: Dan Heng, Seele, Sushang, Yanqing
A great substitute for the 5-star Light Cones if you’re not planning to get them. When entering battle, this Light Cone increases its wearer’s SPD by 8% and DMG by 12%. But when the wearer takes damage, this buff will disappear and will resume at the end of the wearer’s next turn.
It has decent base stats and can be used for all Hunt characters due to its speed and damage buffs. However, if you would like to maximize the Light Cone’s effectiveness, be sure to add a Preservation character for a strong shield and tank.
Darting Arrow
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Seele
One of the better 3-star Light Cones, Darting Arrow increases its wearer’s attack by 24% for 3 turns when they defeat an enemy. It is a good temporary Light Cone for the early game or if you are in desperate need of one. If you have Seele in hand, this Light Cone would be a good and simple temporary Light Cone for her.
Subscribe for More!
Rating: 4 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: None for now, perhaps for future characters.
The thing about Subscribe for More! Is that no characters that are currently released fit into its passives and abilities. We even wondered if it should be included on this Star Rail Light Cone Tier List. It has decent base stats and increases the damage of its wearer’s basic Attack and Skill by 24%. This will increase by an extra 24% when its wearer’s current Energy reaches maximum level.
So far, there is no character on the path of The Hunt that plays with Energy regeneration and attacks. Hence, it makes sense to just keep this in your collection for now and wait for a new character to come along.
C Tier
Adversarial
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Sushang
Adversarial increases its wearer’s SPD by 10% for 2 turns when they defeat an enemy. It has average base stats and can be a temporary Light Cone for Sushang as it complements her Talent. Be sure to switch it out for something better when you can.
Arrows
Rating: 3 Star
How to get: Warp Banners
Recommended Characters: Dan Heng
The final item on our Light Cone Tier List, Arrows, increases its wearer’s CRIT Rate by 12% for three turns at the start of a battle. This would be a great temporary Light Cone for Dan Heng during the early game when you have nothing in store. Mainly because it offers nothing beneficial in the long run. Hence, remember to replace it with something better right away.
It’s been a long journey to the end of this Honkai Star Rail Light Cone Tier List, so we’re glad you made it! You may need time to process or a simpler article to read as a palate cleanser. Well, you can check this movie article on the 10 Most Romantic Quotes in Cinematic History for a change!
