Best Light Cones for each character in Honkai: Star Rail

Here are the best Light Cones and some alternate options for every character in Honkai: Star Rail.

Four Light Cones in Honkai: Star Rail under the game logo.
Screenshots by Dot Esports. Remix by Dot Esports

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.

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Best Light Cones for every Honkai: Star Rail character

A bunch of Light Cones that can be collected in Honkai: Star Rail.
Most Light Cones feature artwork that includes playable characters. Screenshot by Dot Esports

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

Blade, a Stellaron Hunter in Honkai: Star Rail.
Blade is a mighty member of the Destruction path. Image via HoYoverse

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.

CharacterBest Light ConeOther options
ClaraSomething 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)
ArlanOn 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)
HookOn 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)
BladeThe 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 LunaeBrighter 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)
JingliuI 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)
FireflyWhereabouts Should Dreams Rest (five-star)On the Fall of an Aeon (five-star)
Indelible Promise (four-star)
Something Irreplaceable (five-star)
YunliDance 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)
XueyiOn the Fall of an Aeon (five-star)Something Irreplaceable (five-star)
Under the Blue Sky (four-star)
The Moles Welcome You (four-star)
MishaOn 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

Aventurine's splash art in Honkai: Star Rail.
Preservation characters like Aventurine work to protect your team. Image via HoYoverse

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.

CharacterBest Light ConeOther options
AventurineInherently 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)
GepardMoment 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 7thMoment 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 XuanShe 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

Topaz and Numby sitting on the throne in Honkai: Star Rail.
The Hunt recruits like Topaz and Numby excel at single-target damage. Image via HoYoverse

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.

CharacterBest Light ConeOther options
SeeleIn 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. RatioBaptism 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)
FeixiaoI 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 NumbyWorrisome, Blissful (five-star)Cruising in the Stellar Sea (five-star)
Sleep Like the Dead (Five-star)
Swordplay (four-star)
Only Silence Remains (four-star)
BoothillSailing 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)
MozeWorrisome, 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)
YanqingSleep 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 HengCruising in the Stellar Sea (five-star)Sleep Like the Dead (five-star)
Only Silence Remains (four-star)
Swordplay (four-star)
SushangCruising 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

New five-star character, Jade splash art in Honkai: Star Rail
Eruditon units like Jade are widespread damage dealers. Image via HoYoverse

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.

CharacterBest Light ConeOther options
ArgentiAn Instant Before A Gaze (five-star)The Seriousness of Breakfast (four-star)
Today Is Another Peaceful Day (four-star)
Geniuses’ Repose (four-star)
JadeYet Hope is Priceless (five-star)Night on the Milky Way (five-star)
Today Is Another Peaceful Day (four-star)
Geniuses’ Repose (four-star)
HimekoNight 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)
ServalNight 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)
HertaBefore Dawn (five-star)Night on the Milky Way (five-star)
The Birth of the Self (four-star)
Geniuses’ Repose (four-star)
QingqueNight 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 YuanBefore 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

Sparkle holding a mask in Honkai Star Rail
Harmony characters like Sparkle are wildcard units will all kinds of powerful buffs. Image via HoYoverse

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.

CharacterBest Light ConeOther options
Ruan MeiPast 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)
SparkleEarthly Escapade (five-star) But the Battle Isn’t Over (five-star)
Past and Future (four-star)
Planetary Rendezvous (four-star)
RobinFlowing Nightglow (five-star)For Tomorrow’s Journey (four-star)
But the Battle Isn’t Over (five-star)
Memories of the Past (four-star)
BronyaBut 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)
YukongBut 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)
TingyunBut 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)
HanyaBut the Battle Isn’t Over (five-star)Dance! Dance! Dance! (four-star)
Carve the Moon, Weave the Clouds (four-star)
Meshing Cogs (three-star)
AstaBut 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

Lynx cooking a fish in Honkai: Star Rail
Healing forces like Lynx are essential for a strong team lineup. Image via HoYoverse

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.

CharacterBest Light ConeOther options
BailuTime 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)
HuohuoNight 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)
LingshaScent Alone Stays True (five-star)Night of Fright (five-star)
Quid Pro Quo (four-star)
Echoes of the Coffin (five-star)
GallagherNight 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)
LuochaEchoes 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)
LynxTime 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

Silver Wolf and Kafka talking in Honkai: Star Rail.
Nihility units like Kafka and Silver Wolf are powerful debuffers. Screenshot by Dot Esports

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.

CharacterBest Light ConeOther options
AcheronAlong 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)
KafkaPatience 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)
WeltIn 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)
JiaoqiuThose Many Springs (five-star)Incessant Rain (five-star)
Eyes of the Prey (four-star)
Before the Tutorial Mission Starts (four-star)
SampoIncessant 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)
PelaIn 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 WolfIncessant 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 SwanReforged 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)
GuinaifenPatience Is All You Need (five-star)In the Name of the World (five-star)
Solitary Healing (five-star)
Eyes of the Prey (four-star)
LukaIncessant 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)
Author
Image of Kacee Fay
Kacee Fay
Staff Writer at Dot Esports covering new releases and a wide array of topics including Minecraft, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Phasmophobia, general gaming, streaming, and more. She has been avidly writing and gaming her whole life and now spends her time combining the two. Kacee graduated from San Diego State University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Certificate in Creative Editing and Publishing. She then joined Dot Esports as a Freelance Writer in 2022 before transitioning to a Staff Writer in 2023. In her spare time, she enjoys buying more books than she can read, gaming alone or with friends, drinking too much tea, attending concerts, fangirling over movies and television, listening to music, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets, who are the most important parts of her world.