Obtaining a character is only the beginning of success in Honkai: Star Rail. Once you have them, you then need to get to work building them up with powerful gear including the best Light Cone possible.
Best Light Cones for every Honkai: Star Rail character
Light Cones are essentially Honkai: Star Rail‘s version of weapons. They apply similar benefits to the weapon system present in Genshin Impact. To find the best one for any given recruit, you need to look for one that amplifies and bolsters a character’s skillset to help them shine as an unstoppable force on the battlefield.
As important as Light Cones are, they can also be confusing and overwhelming since there are so many to choose from. Finding the right one for any character will be a trial and error-process, depending on the team you place them on and how you want them to function in battle. Regardless of these factors, there are only a handful of Light Cones you want to consider for each character.
Here are all of the best Light Cones for every Honkai: Star Rail character. This list will be updated as new Light Cones are released and when new characters join the game.
Best Light Cones for Destruction path characters in Honkai: Star Rail
Characters who are part of the Destruction path are essentially Bruisers capable of dishing out massive amounts of damage while also boasting an impressive amount of health sure to last them through any fight. These characters are mighty and tough forces foes will have a tough time bringing down.
If you’re seeking a versatile Light Cone that works well on any characters on The Destruction path, the On the Fall of an Aeon one is one of the most powerful and versatile choices. Outside of this Light Cone, the other best options vary drastically for each character.
Character | Best Light Cone | Other options |
---|---|---|
Clara | Something Irreplaceable (five-star) | On the Fall of an Aeon (five-star) The Unreachable Side (five-star) Nowhere to Run (four-star) Under the Blue Sky (four-star) Collapsing Sky (three-star) |
Arlan | On the Fall of an Aeon (five-star) | Something Irreplaceable (five-star) A Secret Vow (four-star) Under the Blue Sky (four-star) The Moles Welcome You (four-star) Collapsing Sky (three-star) |
Hook | On the Fall of an Aeon (five-star) | Something Irreplaceable (five-star) The Moles Welcome You (four-star) Woof! Walk Time! (four-star) |
Trailblazer (Physical) | On the Fall of an Aeon (five-star) | Under the Blue Sky (four-star) Woof! Walk Time! (four-star) Collapsing Sky (three-star) |
Blade | The Unreachable Side (five-star) | On the Fall of an Aeon (five-star) Something Irreplaceable (five-star) Nowhere to Run (four-star) Under the Blue Sky (four-star) Mutual Demise (three-star) |
Dan Heng Imbibitor Lunae | Brighter Than the Sun (five-star) | The Unreachable Side (five-star) Under the Blue Sky (four-star) Something Irreplaceable (five-star) On the Fall of an Aeon (five-star) |
Jingliu | I Shall Be My Own Sword (five-star) | On the Fall of an Aeon (five-star) Something Irreplaceable (five-star) A Secret Vow (four-star) Nowhere to Run (four-star) Under the Blue Sky (four-star) |
Firefly | Whereabouts Should Dreams Rest (five-star) | On the Fall of an Aeon (five-star) Indelible Promise (four-star) Something Irreplaceable (five-star) |
Yunli | Dance at Sunset (five-star) | The Unreachable Side (five-star) On the Fall of an Aeon (five-star) Brighter Than the Sun (five-star) Under the Blue Sky (four-star) |
Xueyi | On the Fall of an Aeon (five-star) | Something Irreplaceable (five-star) Under the Blue Sky (four-star) The Moles Welcome You (four-star) |
Misha | On the Fall of an Aeon (five-star) | The Moles Welcome You (four-star) Under the Blue Sky (four-star) A Secret Vow (four-star) |
Best Light Cones for Preservation path characters in Honkai: Star Rail
The characters who are part of the Preservation path strive to protect their allies at all costs. They are shield characters with powerful defensive capabilities sure to help players stay safe through any battle.
Gepard’s Moment of Victory Light Cone is a solid option for most characters classified under this path, but because each member of this path possesses unique abilities, you’ll find quite a variety of Light Cones that are best for each one.
Character | Best Light Cone | Other options |
---|---|---|
Aventurine | Inherently Unjust Destiny (five-star) | Moment of Victory (five-star) Concert for two (four-star) This Is Me! (four-star) Trend of the Universal Market (four-star) Destiny’s Threads Forewoven (four-star) |
Gepard | Moment of Victory (five-star) | Texture of Memories (five-star) We Are Wildfire (four-star) This Is Me! (four-star) Day One of My New Life (four-star) Amber (three-star) Defense (three-star) |
March 7th | Moment of Victory (five-star) | Day One of My New Life (four-star) Texture of Memories (five-star) This Is Me! (four-star) |
Trailblazer (Fire) | Texture of Memories (five-star) | Moment of Victory (five-star) Trend of the Universal Market (four-star) Day One of My New Life (four-star) |
Fu Xuan | She Already Shut Her Eyes (five-star) | Texture of Memories (five-star) Moment of Victory (five-star) Defense (three-star) |
Best Light Cones for The Hunt path characters in Honkai: Star Rail
Characters who walk The Hunt path are excellent single-target damage dealers. The Light Cones they can choose from generally possess capabilities that improve their overall damage output and brutal attack abilities.
Cruising in the Stellar Sea is a powerful choice for any character on The Hunt path. Sleep Like the Dead is another solid option, and both are immensely versatile Light Cones that deliver powerful results.
Character | Best Light Cone | Other options |
---|---|---|
Seele | In the Night (five-star) | Cruising in the Stellar Sea (five-star) Sleep Like the Dead (five-star) Swordplay (four-star) Darting Arrow (three-star) |
Dr. Ratio | Baptism of Pure Thought (five-star) | Worrisome, Blissful (five-star) In the Night (five-star) Sleep Like the Dead (five-star) Cruising in the Stellar Sea (five-star) Swordplay (four-star) |
Feixiao | I Venture Forth to Hunt (five-star) | Baptism of Pure Thought (five-star) Worrisome, Blissful (five-star) Cruising in the Stellar Sea (five-star) Swordplay (four-star) |
Topaz and Numby | Worrisome, Blissful (five-star) | Cruising in the Stellar Sea (five-star) Sleep Like the Dead (Five-star) Swordplay (four-star) Only Silence Remains (four-star) |
Boothill | Sailing Towards a Second Life (five-star) | River Flows in Spring (four-star) Swordplay (four-star) Adversarial (three-star) Cruising in the Stellar Sea (five-star) |
Moze | Worrisome, Blissful (five-star) | Baptism of Pure Thought (five-star) Cruising in the Stellar Sea (five-star) Swordplay (four-star) |
March 7th (The Hunt) | In the Night (five-star) | Baptism of Pure Thought (five-star) Worrisome, Blissful (five-star) Swordplay (four-star) |
Yanqing | Sleep Like the Dead (five-star) | Cruising in the Stellar Sea (five-star) In the Night (five-star) River Flows in Spring (four-star) Swordplay (four-star) |
Dan Heng | Cruising in the Stellar Sea (five-star) | Sleep Like the Dead (five-star) Only Silence Remains (four-star) Swordplay (four-star) |
Sushang | Cruising in the Stellar Sea (five-star) | In the Night (five-star) Sleep Like the Dead (five-star) Swordplay (four-star) |
Best Light Cones for Erudition path characters in Honkai: Star Rail
If you’re seeking damage dealers focused on dishing out solid blows across a group of foes, those who walk the Erudition path will be immensely beneficial. These characters can effectively take on groups of enemies with solid Light Cones to back their abilities.
Both Night on the Milky Way, which is Himkeo’s signature Light Cone, and Before Dawn, Jing Yuan’s signature Light Cone, work as powerful options for any character walking the Erudition path. Beyond these two Light Cones, the other best options vary depending on each character’s individual skill set.
Character | Best Light Cone | Other options |
---|---|---|
Argenti | An Instant Before A Gaze (five-star) | The Seriousness of Breakfast (four-star) Today Is Another Peaceful Day (four-star) Geniuses’ Repose (four-star) |
Jade | Yet Hope is Priceless (five-star) | Night on the Milky Way (five-star) Today Is Another Peaceful Day (four-star) Geniuses’ Repose (four-star) |
Himeko | Night on the Milky Way (five-star) | Before Dawn (five-star) Geniuses’ Repose (four-star) The Seriousness of Breakfast (four-star) The Birth of the Self (four-star) |
Serval | Night of the Milky Way (five-star) | Before Dawn (five-star) Make the World Clamor (four-star) The Seriousness of Breakfast (four-star) Geniuses’ Repose (four-star) |
Herta | Before Dawn (five-star) | Night on the Milky Way (five-star) The Birth of the Self (four-star) Geniuses’ Repose (four-star) |
Qingque | Night on the Milky Way (five-star) | Today Is Another Peaceful Day (four-star) Make the World Clamor (four-star) Eternal Calculus (five-star) Geniuses’ Repose (four-star) |
Jing Yuan | Before Dawn (five-star) | Night on the Milky Way (five-star) Geniuses’ Repose (four-star) The Seriousness of Breakfast (four-star) The Birth of the Self (four-star) Today Is Another Peaceful Day (four-star) Make the World Clamor (four-star) Sagacity (three-star) Data Bank (three-star) |
Best Light Cones for Harmony path characters in Honkai: Star Rail
Characters who are part of the Harmony path are powerful buffers who apply benefits to their teammates and dispel negative debuffs enemies inflict on players. They make your team stronger overall and enhance the entire group’s general capabilities.
Bronya’s signature Light Cone, which is But the Battle Isn’t Over, is the top choice for most characters walking the Harmony path. The other best Light Cones are generally the same regardless of which character you are building, as most are fairly versatile and well-suited for any skillset.
Character | Best Light Cone | Other options |
---|---|---|
Ruan Mei | Past Self in Mirror (five-star) | Memories of the Past (four-star) Carve the Moon, Weave the Clouds (four-star) But the Battle Isn’t Over (five-star) Meshing Cogs (three-star) |
Sparkle | Earthly Escapade (five-star) | But the Battle Isn’t Over (five-star) Past and Future (four-star) Planetary Rendezvous (four-star) |
Robin | Flowing Nightglow (five-star) | For Tomorrow’s Journey (four-star) But the Battle Isn’t Over (five-star) Memories of the Past (four-star) |
Bronya | But the Battle Isn’t Over (five-star) | Past and Future (four-star) Carve the Moon, Weave the Clouds (four-star) Dance! Dance! Dance! (four-star) Chorus (three-star) |
Trailblazer (Imaginary) | Past Self in Mirror (five-star) | But the Battle Isn’t Over (five-star) Memories of the Past (four-star) Dance! Dance! Dance! (four-star) |
Yukong | But the Battle Isn’t Over (five-star) | Carve the Moon, Weave the Clouds (four-star) Dance! Dance! Dance! (four-star) Past and Future (four-star) Chorus (three-star) |
Tingyun | But the Battle Isn’t Over (five-star) | Carve the Moon, Weave the Clouds (four-star) Dance! Dance! Dance! (four-star) Past and Future (four-star) Chorus (three-star) |
Hanya | But the Battle Isn’t Over (five-star) | Dance! Dance! Dance! (four-star) Carve the Moon, Weave the Clouds (four-star) Meshing Cogs (three-star) |
Asta | But the Battle Isn’t Over (five-star) | Dance! Dance! Dance! (four-star) Past and Future (four-star) Memories of the Past (four-star) Chorus (three-star) |
Best Light Cones for Abundance path characters in Honkai: Star Rail
Those who are part of the Abundance path are healers who work to keep your team healthy and thriving throughout any battle. The Time Waits for No One Light Cone is the overall best choice for most characters who walk this path.
Character | Best Light Cone | Other options |
---|---|---|
Bailu | Time Waits for No One (five-star) | Post-Op Conversation (four-star) Warmth Shortens Cold Nights (four-star) Quid Pro Quo (four-star) Shared Feeling (four-star) Cornucopia (three-star) |
Huohuo | Night of Fright (five-star) | Time Waits for No One (five-star) Hey, Over Here (four-star) Warmth Shortens Cold Nights (four-star) Post-Op Conversation (four-star) |
Lingsha | Scent Alone Stays True (five-star) | Night of Fright (five-star) Quid Pro Quo (four-star) Echoes of the Coffin (five-star) |
Gallagher | Night of Fright (five-star) | Echoes of the Coffin (five-star) Perfect Timing (four-star) What Is Real? (four-star) Multiplication (three-star) |
Natasha | Time Waits for No One (five-star) | Post-Op Conversation (four-star) Shared Feeling (four-star) Warmth Shortens Cold Nights (four-star) Cornucopia (three-star) |
Luocha | Echoes of the Coffin (five-star) | Time Waits for No One (five-star) Shared Feeling (four-star) Perfect Timing (four-star) Cornucopia (three-star) Fine Fruit (three-star) Multiplication (three-star) |
Lynx | Time Waits for No One (five-star) | Quid Pro Quo (four-star) Shared Feeling (four-star) Perfect Timing (four-star) |
Best Light Cones for Nihility path characters in Honkai: Star Rail
Characters from the Nihility path are especially annoying to fight against, as they debuff your characters and oftentimes render them useless. But when the characters who walk this path are on your side, you’ll find they’re immensely useful allies who will take opponents out of commission and make them easier to vanquish.
The signature Light Cone for Welt, In the Name of the World, and the signature Light Cone for Silver Wolf, Incessant Rain, are the top choices for characters classified under the Nihility path. All Light Cones beyond these two vary depending on each individual character’s skillset.
Character | Best Light Cone | Other options |
---|---|---|
Acheron | Along the Passing Shore (five-star) | Incessant Rain (five-star) In the Name of the World (five-star) Good Night and Sleep Well (four-star) Resolution Shines As Pearls of Sweat (four-star) |
Kafka | Patience Is All You Need (five-star) | Fermata (four-star) In the Name of the World (five-star) Resolution Shines As Pearls of Sweat (four-star) Eyes of the Prey (four-star) |
Welt | In the Name of the World (five-star) | Resolution Shines As Pearls of Sweat (four-star) Eyes of the Prey (four-star) We Will Meet Again (four-star) Void (three-star) |
Jiaoqiu | Those Many Springs (five-star) | Incessant Rain (five-star) Eyes of the Prey (four-star) Before the Tutorial Mission Starts (four-star) |
Sampo | Incessant Rain (five-star) | Eyes of the Prey (four-star) Good Night and Sleep Well (four-star) Fermata (four-star) We Will Meet Again (four-star) |
Pela | In the Name of the World (five-star) | Good Night and Sleep Well (four-star) Resolution Shines As Pearls of Sweat (four-star) Eyes of the Prey (four-star) |
Silver Wolf | Incessant Rain (five-star) | In the Name of the World (five-star) Resolution Shines As Pearls of Sweat Before the Tutorial Mission Starts (four-star) Good Night and Sleep Well (four-star) We Will Meet Again (four-star) Eyes of the Prey (four-star) Void (three-star) |
Black Swan | Reforged Remembrance (five-star) | Patience Is All You Need (five-star) Eyes of the Prey (four-star) Good Night and Sleep Well (four-star) It’s Showtime (four-star) |
Guinaifen | Patience Is All You Need (five-star) | In the Name of the World (five-star) Solitary Healing (five-star) Eyes of the Prey (four-star) |
Luka | Incessant Rain (five-star) | Resolution Shines As Pearls of Sweat (four-star) In the Name of the World (five-star) Before the Tutorial Mission Starts (four-star) Eyes of the Prey (four-star) Good Night and Sleep Well (four-star) |