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HSR Character Tier List
The latest Honkai: Star Rail Tier List, ranking every character against the current meta. Pick a tab below to see the rankings for each game mode, or filter by Element and Path to narrow down the characters you care about.
What is the HSR Tier List?
The HSR Tier List rates how strong each character is in Honkai: Star Rail based on real combat performance in the endgame modes. Every character is placed in a tier from SS down to C according to how much they shape a team, how consistent they are and how much long term meta value they hold, not on raw damage output alone.
What each tier means
HSR Tier List by game mode
Overall
all purpose ratingA general assessment across several modes and many team setups. Suited to players who want characters that are versatile, easy to build and valuable over the long run across patches. This is the list to read first when you decide which banner to pull or what to invest in.
Memory of Chaos
fast clearsRewards clear speed and efficient use of every turn. Single target DPS characters paired with buffers that recycle energy come out on top. Buff and debuff units such as Robin, Ruan Mei and Sparkle usually sit in the highest tiers because they multiply damage for the whole team.
Pure Fiction
area damageScored on total AoE damage across many waves of weak enemies. Area damage DPS characters on the Erudition Path such as Herta, Jade, Himeko and Argenti dominate here. Buffers that speed up the energy cycle are also especially valuable.
Apocalyptic Shadow
phased boss fightsBoss fights built around weakness shields and phases. Priority goes to DPS characters who break shields quickly, control the pace and stay alive for a long time. Quality sustain units (Aventurine, Huohuo, Lingsha) and dedicated break DPS (Boothill, Firefly) usually reach the top tiers.
How the rankings are decided
- Damage output at Eidolon 0 (E0) with a suitable Light Cone.
- Consistency across many different teams and many enemy types.
- Team synergy, a character who fits into more teams ranks higher.
- Gear dependency, characters who rely less on Eidolons or on a limited Light Cone are favoured.
- Long term meta value, so characters who are only strong for a single patch are not overrated.
- Endgame performance in Memory of Chaos, Pure Fiction and Apocalyptic Shadow.
Frequently asked questions about the HSR Tier List
How often is the HSR Tier List updated?
The rankings are reviewed every time Honkai: Star Rail ships a new version or a new character arrives, so they match the live combat meta.
How do SS, S+, S, A, B and C differ?
SS characters define the meta, they are the ones worth pulling and investing in first. S+ is very strong and very flexible. S is reliably strong in most teams. A is good once fully invested. B is usable but needs a supporting team. C already has better replacements in the higher tiers.
What criteria is the tier list based on?
Rankings are based on damage output, consistency, team synergy, how much a character depends on gear (Traces, Light Cones, Relics) and long term meta value in Memory of Chaos, Pure Fiction and Apocalyptic Shadow.
Are C tier characters still usable?
Yes. C tier characters still clear the story and endgame content at a basic level if you fully invest in their Traces, Relics and Eidolons. That said, if you own a higher tier option for the same role, use that character instead to get more out of your team.
What Eidolon level does this tier list assume?
The rankings evaluate characters at Eidolon 0 (E0) with a suitable Light Cone at S5 or a 4★ substitute. A few characters move several tiers at E2 or E6, and that is noted separately on each character page.
What is the difference between Memory of Chaos, Pure Fiction and Apocalyptic Shadow?
Memory of Chaos rewards clearing enemies fast inside a turn limit, so single target DPS has the advantage. Pure Fiction asks for wide area damage and stacked combos, which suits AoE DPS and energy cycle buffs. Apocalyptic Shadow is a phased boss fight that values break DPS, pace control and staying alive for a long time.
Updated 27/07/2026. See also the character list and the strongest teams to put together the right lineup.