Honkai: Star Rail tier list – best characters

Honkai: Star Rail has many characters to choose from and that variety is quite necessary, since you’ll face a wide range of adversaries with different weaknesses. Characters aren’t just separated by their looks and personalities, of course: Each follows a different Path and commands a different Damage Type, about which you can find out more in our overview. They feature unique abilities for combat and the world map as well, which further sets them apart from each other.

Naturally, you’ll ask yourself what the best Honkai: Star Rail characters are as your collection is starting to grow. While the answer is almost always situational thanks to the combat system and the amount of possible combinations, a general ranking of strength is definitely possible. Some characters are more flexible than others, some simply offer more useful skills or naturally have a higher damage output. We've split this tier list into separate categories for the Memory of Chaos and Pure Fiction game modes, as both require very different skill sets.

This Honkai: Star Rail character tier list offers you a general overview of which characters you should look to add to your roster and train up with a high priority.

Honkai: Star Rail – Memory of Chaos tier list

Memory of Chaos challenges require a mixture of single-target damage and wave-clearing skills, though the focus is definitely on the first aspect. You’ll want to include sustains in your teams as well, as this mode’s tougher enemies can definitely eliminate members of your team and prevent you from clearing the stage with all stars.

Note: Scroll to the right to find the Sustains.

Honkai: Star Rail – Pure Fiction tier list

Pure Fiction challenges require wave-clearing capabilities above all else, which is why some of the characters that perform below expectations in Memory of Chaos can shine here. There often is no need to bring sustains in this mode, though it’s sometimes necessary in order to cleanse debuffs that may hinder characters from taking their turns.

Note: Scroll to the right to find the Sustains.

Honkai: Star Rail – Apocalyptic Shadow tier list

Apocalyptic Shadow is focused on single-target damage, challenging you to take down modified versions of bosses from the story. There is little room to bring wave-clearing characters to these battles, as you’ll want as much firepower as possible to fight the bosses.

Note: Scroll to the right to find the Sustains.

Check all upcoming Honkai: Star Rail characters to find the future additions to this list and see all Honkai: Star Rail characters to find build guides for each one.