The second half of HSR version 3.3 banner is about to launch, introducing the brand-new 5-star character Cipher. As a member of the Golden lineage faction, this silver-haired Quantum attribute character not only stands out visually but also brings certain innovations in skill mechanics. How does she perform in actual combat? Is she worth investing resources to pull? This article will provide a comprehensive analysis from skill mechanics, team synergy suggestions to banner pulling strategies, helping players make rational decisions.
▍Core Mechanism Analysis
Role Positioning
Quantum · Nihility Path, "Marked Pursuit-Type Sub-DPS"
Core Skills
Skill (Battle Technique) "Pre-Imprint Variation": Marks enemies, triggering Cipher's additional attacks when teammates attack.
Ultimate (Finisher) "Space-Time Rift": Explodes marks, dealing true damage and spreading to adjacent targets.
Advantages:
Fits well in multi-DPS teams, especially synergizing with main DPS like Castorice, Acheron, etc.
Excels in group fights and can quickly clear mobs.
Disadvantages:
Relies on teammates’ damage output; weaker solo capability.
Requires high Star Soul levels (Constellation 1 or above) to fully realize potential.
▍Recommended Light Cones & Star Souls
Best Exclusive Light Cone: "Lies Whispered on the Wind"
Effect summary: +18% Speed; chance to reduce enemy defense after attacking.
Pulling Suggestion:
Must-pull for those pursuing max output; budget players can temporarily use "In the Name of the World" or "Good Night and Sweet Dreams."
Key Star Souls:
1 Star Soul: Increases damage record ratio, boosting ultimate burst.
2 Star Soul: Enhances additional attack damage and frequency — a breakthrough node.
6 Star Soul: Unlocks full-screen AoE, but at a very high cost.
▍Recommended Artifacts
Outer Artifacts (Main Set)
Pioneer of the Dead Water Depths
2-piece: +12% damage to enemies affected by debuffs.
4-piece: +4% crit rate, and increased crit damage against enemies with 2/3 debuffs (8%/12%). When applying debuffs, this effect doubles for 1 turn.
Brilliant Star Genius
2-piece: +10% Quantum damage.
4-piece: Ignores 10% enemy defense when dealing damage. If the target has a Quantum weakness, ignores an additional 10% defense.
Inner Accessories
Top choice: Izumo Manifestation & Takamagahara
+12% attack for the wearer. When entering battle, if there is at least one teammate with the same Path, wearer gains +12% crit rate.
▍Stats & Attribute Recommendations
Main Stats:
Planar Sphere: Quantum Damage
Link Rope: Attack or Energy Recharge
Shoes: Speed
Clothes: Crit Damage
Sub-stat Priority:
Speed > HP% > Crit Damage (to trigger set bonuses) > Effect Hit (optional)
▍Team Recommendations
Pursuit Team
Cipher + Topaz + Robin + Survivor Slot
Focus: Single-target burst with frequent additional attacks.
Quantum Team
Cipher + Silver Wolf + Fu Xuan + Seele
Focus: Reducing Quantum resistance for efficient defense break and damage.
General Sub-DPS Team
Cipher + Acheron / Feixiao + Harmony Support + Healer
Focus: Flexible setups adapting to various main DPS rhythms.
▍Banner Pulling Advice
Recommended for:
Players with mature Quantum teams (e.g., Silver Wolf + Fu Xuan)
Fans of pursuit mechanics or Cipher’s character design
Players with enough resources planning for future pursuit teams
Can Skip:
New players lacking main DPS or survival supports, better to build foundational characters like Hyacine first
Players with established Acheron / Feixiao teams unwilling to expand
Players reserving resources for upcoming 3.4 characters (e.g., Bai'e)
▍Recharge to Enhance Gameplay Experience
As a new 5-star character in version 3.3, Cipher features innovative mechanics with stable performance in pursuit and Quantum teams. For players with existing Quantum setups or those enthusiastic about pursuit gameplay, Cipher is undoubtedly a worthwhile reinforcement.
Recharge Honkai: Star Rail now on TOPUPlive to enjoy exclusive discounts, fast top-up, and secure transactions for a better and more cost-effective journey of exploration.
