Archer is a new character introduced to Honkai: Star Rail as part of a collaboration with the Fate/Stay night franchise. This character will be obtainable both for free and through a limited-time banner running from July 11th. This guide will detail Archer`s abilities, provide tips on how to level him up, and list the best builds for him.
Skills
Technique: Clairvoyance: Attacks an enemy and enters combat. At the start of the battle, deals Quantum DMG equal to 200% of Archer`s ATK to all enemies. Gains one stack.
Basic ATK: Kansho and Bakuya: Deals Quantum DMG to a single target, equal to 50-130% of Archer`s ATK.
Skill: Caladbolg: The False Spiral Sword: Deals DMG to a chosen enemy and enters the “Chain Link” state. While in this state, Archer can activate his skill up to 5 times (each use consumes one Skill Point). The skill`s DMG increases to 120%, and the character`s turn does not end after using the ability. The “Chain Link” state ends under three conditions: using the skill 5 times, running out of Skill Points, or defeating all enemies (or the current wave) on the field. After the state ends, the action passes to the next ally.
Ultimate: Unlimited Blade Works: Deals Quantum DMG to a single target (up to 1200% of Archer`s ATK) and gains two stacks.
Talent: Mind`s Eye: When an ally attacks an enemy, Archer consumes one stack and performs a follow-up attack on the same target, then restores one Skill Point. A maximum of four stacks can be accumulated.
Leveling Resources
To level up Archer to level 80, you will need the following resources:
Specific resources required for Ascension and Traces are not detailed in the source text provided, but generally include materials from Calyxes, Stagnant Shadows, and Echoes of War.
Light Cones
Ad Hell`s Burning Ideals: Archer`s signature Light Cone, providing valuable CRIT boosts and a significant DMG increase for his Skill, which is his primary source of DPS. This is undoubtedly the best option as the combined buffs from the Light Cone and Archer himself greatly enhance his frequently used Skill. Its special effect also grants a large amount of ATK, which is crucial for his overall damage output.
Meeting at the End of the Road: A strong alternative to Archer`s signature Light Cone. This Epic Light Cone grants a considerable boost to the hero`s CRIT DMG and substantially increases damage from both his Skill and follow-up attacks, which he performs quite often. It can be an excellent replacement for the signature option and, at higher Superimposition levels, can rival it in usefulness.
Baptism of Pure Thought: Dr. Ratio`s five-star signature Light Cone, which easily meets Archer`s needs (especially for CRIT). It perfectly suits comfortable gameplay. The Light Cone is also useful for its passive effect “Argument,” which allows the character`s follow-up attacks to ignore a certain percentage of enemies` DEF.
Swordplay: This Epic rarity Light Cone is particularly powerful at its highest Superimposition level, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other gear options for Archer. Its passive allows for a steady increase in the character`s damage if they repeatedly attack the same enemy multiple times. It`s best to equip this Light Cone on Archer if he`s primarily fighting a boss. If he`s dealing with multiple smaller enemies, other options might be preferable.
Relics
Genius of Brilliant Stars: An excellent set of Relics for the hero. It increases Archer`s CRIT Rate and is ideal for significantly boosting the damage of his Skill and Ultimate. The best approach is to equip this set and use his Skill after activating his Ultimate in rotation to gain an even greater damage amplification.
The Ashblazing Grand Duke: An excellent alternative set that can be even more effective in certain situations. It increases Quantum DMG and allows ignoring part of the enemy`s DEF. If the enemy has a corresponding elemental weakness (which Silver Wolf or Archer himself with his second Eidolon can apply), the character can ignore an additional 10% of DEF.
Planar Ornaments
Inert Salsotto: The best set of Planar Ornaments for Archer, providing a significant CRIT Rate buff and also boosting the damage of his Basic ATK and Skill. While the Basic ATK buff might not be crucial for him, the Skill amplification is essential for this Archer`s damage output.
Firmament Frontline: Glamoth: An excellent set of Planar Ornaments for Archer when acting as the main DPS alongside another character from the The Hunt path (e.g., Seele or Dan Heng Imbibitor Lunae). The set increases ATK and CRIT Rate if there is another character with the same path in the team, thus killing two birds with one stone by increasing both the ally`s and Archer`s own damage.
Team Composition
Sparkle: A versatile support character. She not only provides Skill Points to the team (which are critically needed for Archer) but also advances allies` actions. This allows Archer`s follow-up attacks to stack up even faster.
Hanya: This heroine can be considered a budget version of Sparkle, but her Epic rarity doesn`t make her any less effective. Hanya can restore Skill Points, which is very relevant for Archer and his teammates. Action Advance and personal buffs are also beneficial for the Archer.
Silver Wolf: This Quantum type heroine is good both as a main DPS and as a sub-DPS in a debuffer role. She can apply many debuffs to enemies, including Quantum Weakness, which are extremely useful for Archer. With skill enhancements in future patches, she may become even more valuable.
Moze: This Epic rarity character can be an excellent sub-DPS for Archer. He doesn`t consume many Skill Points, dealing his highest damage through follow-up attacks, which is perfect for the Skill-point-hungry Archer. Additionally, the character often attacks outside his turn, allowing the Quantum DPS to deal even more damage.
Finley Holt