This tier list evaluates all Honkai Star Rail characters for Version 3.6 endgame content, featuring rankings for Memory of Chaos and Pure Fiction. Analysis covers meta-defining S-tier units like Evernight and Castorice, reliable A-tier performers, and strategic team compositions for October 2025's challenging content.
How We Actually Rank These Characters (And Why It Matters)
The Real Deal on Endgame Testing
Look, I've been testing characters in this game long enough to know that tier lists can be... well, let's just say some are more helpful than others. For Version 3.6, we're evaluating everything at level 80 with maxed traces and level 10 skills—because that's where you'll actually be playing endgame content.
Here's what we assume: E0 configurations with best-in-slot Light Cones (yeah, including those shiny signature S1 weapons), plus 5-star relics at level 80 with optimal stats. If a character needs specific Eidolons or can't function without very particular teammates? They're getting docked 1-2 tiers. That's just reality.
DPS characters get judged on damage consistency, how much they rely on their team, turn efficiency, and AoE capabilities—because trust me, you'll be facing multiple enemies constantly in endgame. Support characters? We're looking at buff strength, how much they actually boost team DPS, and SP generation. Sustain units need to do more than just keep you alive; they need utility beyond basic survival.
Our tier structure runs from SS (the absolute must-haves that work with minimal investment) down through S+, S, A, B, to C (limited utility that requires heavy investment to even function). For players looking to optimize efficiently, Honkai Star Rail Oneiric Shard top up through BitTopup offers competitive pricing and instant delivery—no waiting around when you need resources.
Memory of Chaos vs Pure Fiction: Different Beasts Entirely
Here's something that trips up a lot of players—these modes want completely different things from your characters. Memory of Chaos is all about blast and single-target optimization. Pure Fiction? Pure AoE wave-clearing madness.
Version 3.6's Memory of Chaos throws some interesting curveballs at us. The Category Mistake buffs give allies with summons a hefty 40% damage boost, while Memory Turbulence deals True Damage at cycle start plus extra instances per ally summon (capped at 2). Stage 12 hits you with The Ascended (1.2M HP), Furiae Praetor (2M HP), and Sweet Gorilla (also 2M HP)—these aren't pushovers.
Pure Fiction's mechanics are where things get spicy. Iambic Pentameter gives you 5 Grit per enemy hit by Ultimates, while Concordant Truce provides Resound stacks per enemy defeat. You need 100 Grit to trigger Surging Grit for that crucial 30-50% damage amp. Miss that 60,000 point threshold in four cycles? You're not getting those precious rewards.
The Numbers Don't Lie (But Context Matters)
We've analyzed data from 27,036 players in Memory of Chaos Version 3.5. Acheron averages 5.5 cycles with 18.59% usage, Feixiao hits 5.79 cycles at 7.11% usage, and Kafka manages 6.25 cycles but with a massive 48.63% usage rate.
Usage stats tell an interesting story: Firefly leads at 57.34%, Kafka at 48.63%, Blade at 48.38%. High usage doesn't always mean fastest clear times—sometimes it just means accessibility and reliability. That's why we factor in both performance metrics and real-world viability.
The Meta Kings: SS and S-Tier Powerhouses
DPS Characters That Actually Matter
Let's cut to the chase—Evernight (Ice Remembrance) is absolutely busted right now. She functions as both primary and secondary DPS, with E1 being her sweet spot. Her jellyfish summon does the heavy lifting while she buffs the entire team. Pair her with March 7th (Remembrance) and watch the magic happen.
Castorice (Quantum Remembrance) might be even more ridiculous. E2 optimization, sure, but her Wings of Death summon with 100% action advance? That's just unfair. She consumes ally HP but the damage output is insane, and she works in both MoC and Pure Fiction. Throw in Trailblazer (Ice Remembrance) and Gallagher for sustainability.
Phainon (Physical Destruction) deserves special mention here—F2P friendly at E0, which is rare for top-tier DPS these days. His Ultimate transformation consumes 12-15 Flame Cores but retains existing buffs while gaining HP/ATK bonuses. Perfect for those clutch endgame moments.
Support Characters That Change Everything
Tribbie isn't just good—she's essential. RES PEN, Vulnerability debuffs, Follow-up coordination... she does it all. Remembrance Trailblazer brings True Damage and Action Advance specifically for summon strategies, which is exactly what the current meta demands.
Sunday enhances damage against summons while providing CRIT DMG amplification. With the Remembrance meta in full swing, he's become indispensable. Robin continues to be the universal support queen with Action Advance and Follow-up enhancement.
S-Tier supports include Cipher (Vulnerability/Recorded DMG), Bronya (action manipulation—still relevant!), Ruan Mei (Break Efficiency), Sparkle (SP generation for those hungry Archer teams), and Cerydra (Skill DPS optimization).
The Versatile Performers
Some characters just work everywhere, and that's incredibly valuable. Anaxa (Wind Erudition) pulls double duty as DPS and support-DPS, especially nasty when paired with The Herta. Kafka maintains her throne through DoT synergy with Hysilens—that sustained damage is no joke.
The Herta needs E2 to really shine, but once she gets there? Those Interpretation stacks in Pure Fiction are absolutely devastating. She's worth the investment if you're serious about wave content.
Solid A-Tier: The Reliable Workhorses
DPS That Gets the Job Done
A-Tier DPS won't blow your mind, but they'll clear content consistently with reasonable investment. Saber (Wind Destruction), Aglaea (Lightning Remembrance), Yunli (Physical), Feixiao (Hunt), and Acheron (Lightning Nihility) all deliver when properly supported.
Yunli recently got bumped up for her strong Physical damage covering both AoE and single-target scenarios—versatility matters. Feixiao requires manual control optimization (yeah, auto-battle isn't always optimal), while Acheron needs E2 and two Nihility allies but hits like a truck when conditions are met.
Firefly operates in her own Break DPS category. With proper setup including Trailblazer and Ruan Mei, she can exceed 300K damage post-break. Her enhanced stance mechanics are unique, but she's heavily team-dependent.
Support Characters with Specific Strengths
Silver Wolf brings AoE Ultimate and Weakness Implant—creating elemental advantages where none existed before. Tingyun provides energy generation for Ultimate-hungry DPS, though her effectiveness varies significantly based on encounter length.
Sparkle specializes in SP generation (essential for characters like Archer) while providing CRIT damage amplification. Jade functions as support-DPS with follow-up coordination, particularly effective in multi-follow-up teams.
For expanding your roster efficiently, buy Honkai Star Rail Oneiric Shards cheap through BitTopup's secure platform. Competitive pricing, instant delivery, 24/7 support—everything you need without the hassle.
Memory of Chaos: Single-Target Specialists
The Heavy Hitters for Boss Content
Memory of Chaos Oblivion Hall is all about sustained single-target damage. S+ performers include Phainon, Mydei, Archer, Castorice, Aglaea, The Herta, Anaxa, and Hysilens—each excelling against those chunky boss HP pools.
Stage 12 strategy tip: prioritize Furiae Praetor elimination first to prevent minion spam, then focus clone destruction in Phase 2. Against Sweet Gorilla, use shields for reflection damage. The Ichor Memosprite requires break mechanics for that sweet 50% increased damage taken and 200% action delay.
Real clear examples: Castorice E0S1 + Evernight E0 + Tribbie E0 + Hyacine E0 can 1-cycle First Half. Feixiao E0 + Topaz E2 S1 + Robin E0 + Dan Heng PT E0 manages 5-cycle Second Half clears—not the fastest, but reliable.
Sustain That Actually Sustains
Hyacine (SS-Tier Sustain) scales with Max HP, provides AoE healing, and cleanses—perfect for Remembrance and HP-scaling teams. Dan Heng Permansor Terrae redefines sustain through shield generation via Bondmate attacks, ATK buffs, and Follow-up coordination.
Aventurine continues providing solid shield protection with CRIT DMG Ultimate contributions. Huohuo offers cleanse, ATK buffs, and ER enhancement for Ultimate-dependent compositions. These aren't just healers—they're team enablers.
Pure Fiction: AoE Damage Paradise
Wave-Clearing Specialists
Pure Fiction rewards AoE specialists who can efficiently clear waves while building Grit. S+ performers include Castorice, The Herta, Anaxa, Argenti, Hysilens, and Evernight—each excelling in multi-target scenarios.
The Herta + Anaxa + Tribbie + Lingsha exemplifies optimal Pure Fiction team building. Energy regeneration loops and Interpretation stack mechanics create frequent Ultimate usage essential for Grit accumulation. Five energy per enemy defeat sustains rotations throughout extended encounters.
Argenti + Jade + Robin + Huohuo represents alternative AoE strategies focusing on 4-5 Ultimates per battle. Argenti's Ultimate scaling with enemy count creates exceptional value, while Robin's support maintains rotation consistency.
Speed Tuning and Optimization
Pure Fiction success requires careful speed tuning for maximum action efficiency within four cycles. Analytics from 21,515 players show top scores of 40,000 (54.74% usage), 39,976 (50.8%), and 39,888 (59.32%)—optimization matters.
Consider Action Advance effects from Robin and Sunday, energy regeneration timing for Ultimate rotations, and buff duration management. Getting the turn order right can make or break your runs.
Budget Options and Niche Picks
B-Tier: Situational Value
B-Tier characters like Seele, Himeko, Clara, and others require heavy investment but offer specific utility. Seele maintains Hunt effectiveness for single-target scenarios—valuable if you lack premium alternatives. Clara's counter-attack mechanics work against specific enemy types with frequent attacks.
These characters aren't bad, they just require more resources for comparable performance. If you're working with what you have, they can absolutely clear content with proper investment.
C-Tier: F2P Alternatives
C-Tier includes accessible alternatives for budget-conscious players: Serval, Hook, Yanqing, and others serve as stepping stones. F2P Pure Fiction teams demonstrate viability: Herta + Xueyi + Trailblazer (Ice) + Lynx for Ice/Fire coverage, or Serval + March 7th (Imaginary) + Asta + Natasha for Imaginary/Physical.
Not glamorous, but they work. Sometimes that's all you need.
Version 3.6 Meta Shifts and New Dynamics
The Remembrance Revolution
Version 3.6 fundamentally changed the game through Remembrance path dominance. Evernight's September 23rd release established new standards, while Permansor Terrae's October 15th addition redefined sustain expectations.
This path's emphasis on summon-based strategies aligns perfectly with Memory of Chaos buffs granting 40% damage increases to allies with summons. It's not just good—it's designed to be good.
Relic Set Updates That Actually Matter
New relic sets directly support emerging archetypes. Self-Enshrouded Recluse (2pc: +10% Shield Effect; 4pc: +12% Shield Effect, +15% CRIT DMG to shielded allies) enhances shield teams while providing offensive utility.
World-Remaking Deliverer (2pc: +8% CRIT DMG; 4pc: +24% Max HP to wearer/memosprite, +15% DMG to allies) specifically targets Remembrance teams. Farm these in Radiant Scarwood and Universal Matrix: Great Tomb of the Nameless Titan.
Team Building That Actually Works
Core Archetypes by Content
Memory of Chaos First Half optimization: Ice/Quantum teams like Castorice + Evernight/Trailblazer + Tribbie + Hyacine, or DoT alternatives with Hysilens + Kafka + Tribbie + Hyacine/Permansor Terrae. These leverage summon buffs while maintaining damage against high-HP targets.
Pure Fiction prioritizes AoE and energy regeneration: The Herta + Tribbie + Anaxa + Lingsha for Interpretation mechanics, or Castorice + Evernight + Tribbie + Hyacine for memosprite synergy.
Budget vs Premium Approaches
Budget compositions use accessible characters: Herta + Xueyi + Trailblazer (Ice) + Lynx for F2P Pure Fiction, or Serval + March 7th (Imaginary) + Asta + Natasha for different coverage.
Premium teams integrate multiple 5-stars with signature Light Cones: Castorice E0S1 + Evernight E0 + Tribbie E0 + Hyacine E0 for Remembrance optimization, or Phainon + Cerydra + Sunday + Ruan Mei for hypercarry strategies.
Investment Priorities and Resource Management
Where to Spend Your Limited Resources
SS-Tier characters get first priority: Evernight, Castorice, Phainon, Tribbie, and Hyacine provide maximum return on investment. S-Tier alternatives like Anaxa, The Herta, Kafka, Sunday, and Huohuo make excellent secondary targets.
Eidolon recommendations vary significantly. Phainon works great at E0 (F2P friendly!), while Castorice benefits from E2 for high damage output. The Herta and Aglaea need E2 to compete, while Evernight hits optimal effectiveness at E1.
Relic and Light Cone Optimization
Focus on new sets supporting Version 3.6 meta: Self-Enshrouded Recluse for shield teams, World-Remaking Deliverer for Remembrance compositions. Quality-of-life improvements include Interference Keys for relic reroll optimization—these consumables block unwanted stats during 5-star relic rerolls.
FAQ
Who are the best DPS characters in Honkai Star Rail 3.6? SS-Tier DPS includes Evernight (Ice Remembrance), Castorice (Quantum Remembrance), and Phainon (Physical Destruction). Evernight excels through memosprite synergy, Castorice dominates with Wings of Death summons, while Phainon provides versatile hypercarry capabilities at F2P-friendly E0.
Which characters work best for Memory of Chaos? Memory of Chaos favors single-target specialists like Phainon, Mydei, Archer, Castorice, and Hysilens. Successful Stage 12 teams include Castorice + Evernight + Tribbie + Hyacine, leveraging summon buffs and Remembrance synergy for optimal performance.
How does Pure Fiction differ from Memory of Chaos? Pure Fiction prioritizes AoE damage and multi-target capabilities over single-target optimization. Top performers include The Herta, Anaxa, Argenti, and Hysilens for wave clearing. The mode rewards Ultimate usage through Grit accumulation and requires 60,000 points within four cycles.
Which support characters provide the most value in 3.6? SS-Tier supports include Tribbie (RES PEN, Vulnerability, Follow-up coordination), Sunday (summon damage amplification), and Robin (Action Advance, Follow-up enhancement). Remembrance Trailblazer provides True Damage for summon teams, while Hyacine offers Max HP scaling and cleanse capabilities.
Are 4-star characters still viable for endgame? Absolutely. F2P Pure Fiction teams using Herta + Xueyi + Trailblazer (Ice) + Lynx achieve satisfactory performance. Gallagher maintains S-Tier sustain effectiveness, while characters like Asta and March 7th provide essential support utility with proper investment.
What determines character rankings? Rankings consider damage consistency, team reliance, investment requirements, and content versatility. Characters get evaluated at E0 with optimal Light Cones and relics, with penalties for heavy Eidolon dependence or specific teammate requirements. Performance across Memory of Chaos, Pure Fiction, and Apocalyptic Shadow determines final placement.