Kafka in Honkai Star Rail: Build Guide and Best Teams

Kafka in HSR is a legendary Lightning character of the Path of Nihility. The heroine specializes in imposing the periodic status "Shock" and fully plays off such mechanics, while inflicting pleasant damage against both single and multiple enemy targets.

Being a primary or secondary damage dealer, the girl is capable of not only destroying opponents, but also instantly activating all imposed DoT effects with the help of skills and ultimate. This feature makes her one of the key and quite powerful components of any such builds.

Overall, she can be used successfully in many modes and demonstrates good results with the right support and equipment. At the same time, she is considered a good unit for F2P players, who do not necessarily need eidolons or signature weapons, as there are equally worthy alternatives.

The guide has been updated due to skills, eidolons and character traces being reworked with the release of version 3.4;

How to Get the Character

Kafka can be dropped in a limited-time Character Event Warp called Nessun Dorma. The next appearance is expected in the patch 3.5.

To stay up to date with the next Kafka rerun, keep an eye on banner schedule.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Having figured out how the Stellaron Hunter's abilities work, we can draw a general conclusion about her strengths and weaknesses.

Best Kafka Builds in Honkai: Star Rail

Despite the fact that the Stellaron Hunter follows the Path of Nihility, her set is focused on destroying enemies, which allows her to occupy the position of a primary or secondary damage dealer. Moreover, most of the damage is done due to the Shock status and other periodic damage, which are also a way to weaken enemy targets. Thus, the Kafka build in HSR is based on the following characteristics:

• ATK - increases the damage of abilities, since they all scale with this parameter.
• Speed - allows you to take action faster than your opponents, which is important for the timely application and “explosion” of DOT effects.
• Effect Hit Rate - Increases the team's ATK from the "Torture" trace and the probability of applying "Shock" and other debuff effects.

Separately, it is worth highlighting crits. The heroine can deal both instant and periodic damage. However, her main source of DPS is periodic damage, which does not crit. For this reason, placing a strong emphasis on leveling these stats is not advisable.

Recommended Stats

The main stats that are recommended to look for in relics:

Secondary characteristics (sub-stats):

EHR > speed > ATK

Optimal values (including relic and weapon bonuses) that you would like to have on your character are:

• ATK: 2-500 and more.
• Speed: 150 (with the Eagle of Twilight Line set) or 160+
• Effect Hit Rate: 67% (to apply debuffs) and 75% (to activate the Torture trace).
• Health: 3 and more.
• DEF: 900 and more

Light Cone Rating

Among the most suitable weapon "cards" we highlight:

Light cone	Description	Recommendation
Lies Dance on the Breeze ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HP 43-953 ATK 26-582 DEF 24-529	Increases speed by 18-30%. When the wearer hits, there is a base 120% chance to cast Bamboozle, reducing defense by 16-24% for 2 turns. If the speed is above 170, there is a 120% base chance to cast Theft on all enemies, which also reduces defense by 8-12% for 2 turns. Only one status can exist at a time, the active one is the one that was applied last.	Recommended option for Stellaron Hunter, acting as a sub-DD/support in the team. With this equipment, the DPS of all allies, including the girl herself, increases significantly, thanks to the defense cut and the increase in speed. However, it requires 170 speed.
Those Many Springs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HP 43-953 ATK 26-582 DEF 24-529	Increases EHR by 60-100%. When using a basic attack, skill or ultimate to deal damage to an enemy, there is a base probability of 60% to cast "Unarmored". Damage taken by an enemy under this status is increased by 10-18% for 2 turns.	Due to its rarity, the cone has a high base, which is useful. In addition, the passive will allow you to take the heroine into the team as a secondary unit, thanks to which she and other damage-dealing characters will be able to deal more damage. The EHR with this weapon should not exceed 120%.
Patience Is All You Need ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HP 48-1058 ATK 26-582 DEF 21-463	Damage dealt is increased by 24-40%Each hit increases the speed by 4,8-8%. The effect can stack up to 3 times. When the wearer hits an enemy without the Erode status, has a base 100% chance to inflict this status on the target. An opponent with the Erode status is also considered to have the Shock status. An opponent with the Erode status takes periodic lightning damage equal to 60-100% of ATK of the owner, at the beginning of each turn for 1 turn.	The signature increases the overall damage without any conditions and the speed for each hit, which will allow you to more actively "explode" DoT statuses on your opponents. At the same time, the card allows you to hang an additional "Shock" on the target, which works well with the set "Prisoner in Deep Confinement".
Adventures in the Bathhouse ⭐⭐⭐⭐ HP 48-1058 ATK 24-529 DEF 15-330	Damage dealt is increased by 16-32%. A strike made by the wearer has a base probability of 100% to place a "Weakness" debuff on the target, increasing damage taken by 10-16% for 2 turns. Effects of this type do not stack.	An alternative to "Those Many Springs" with less powerful increases due to epic rarity. However, the cone has the advantage of a higher chance of applying a debuff, which means you can invest less in EHR.
Good Night and Sleep Well ⭐⭐⭐⭐ HP 43-952 ATK 21-476 DEF 15-330	Damage dealt is increased by 12-24% for each existing debuff on the target enemy. The bonus stacks up to 3 times and applies to damage over time.	The weapon increases all damage inflicted when enemies have negative effects, and with the maximum number of stacks, the buff increases to 36% at the base level of imposition. The heroine applies "Shock" almost constantly. At the same time, there are often other DoT characters on her team, which will allow her to gain stacks for sure.
Eyes of the Prey ⭐⭐⭐⭐ HP 43-952 ATK 21-476 DEF 15-330	Increases EHR by 20-40% and periodic damage by 24-48%.	The Light Cone increases damage over time, increases the chance to break enemy effect resistances, and applies Shock to them. The main advantage is that all buffs are passive and have no time limit, meaning they last throughout the entire battle.

In addition to the cones considered, the following can be used:

• Solitary Healing (legendary) - a free weapon that matches the character's mechanics, but is situational due to the need to fight against a group of enemies and the break effect, which is not a priority parameter.
• Before the Tutorial Mission Starts и "Fermata" (epic) - alternative F2P equipment. The first option is suitable when playing with Hysilens (Nihility: Physical), if the Stellaron Hunter is playing as a support and Fermata is considered initially for personal DPS.

What relics and ornaments are needed

The heroine can be either a primary or secondary damage dealer, so her equipment must match the functions she performs in the team.

Cavern relics

Set and its effects	Recommendation
Eagle of Twilight Line 2 parts: wind damage +10%. 4 parts: After using an ultimate, advances action by 25%.	At the moment, the heroine is showing herself well in the role of a support character who focuses on constantly activating DoT statuses and buffing allies. The Eagle fits this style of play, allowing you to charge your superpower faster in most situations.
Prisoner in Deep Confinement 2 parts: attack power +12%. 4 parts: For each damage over time effect the enemy has (up to a max of 3), the wearer ignores 6% of their defense.	If you want to develop the girl's personal combat potential, this set will do. It has a high defense ignorance, which is a powerful bonus, including for DoT. In addition, the passive effect is triggered by per. statuses and synergizes well with the unit's mechanics.
The Ashblazing Grand Duke 2 parts: Bonus attack damage +20%. 4 parts: When performing a bonus hit, ATK is increased by 6%. The boost stacks up to 8 times and lasts for 3 turns. The effect disappears if the bonus hit is triggered again.	An alternative option for increasing DPS. Even though the heroine cannot get the maximum number of stacks, the set is still an acceptable option, especially if she has good lower stats.
Band of Sizzling Thunder 2 Piece: Electrical damage +10%. 4 Piece: Increases ATK by 20% for 1 turn after using the skill.	The most accessible set, increasing personal damage (suitable for early stages). During combat, try to activate the ultimate immediately after the skill before the end of the current turn - this will allow you to squeeze the maximum damage out of the passive.

In addition, you can combine speed kits (Messenger Traversing Hackerspace, Sacerdos' Relived Ordeal, Warrior Goddess of Sun and Thunder) or supplement any of them with 2 parts from DPS sets (Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters, Band of Sizzling Thunder).

Planar ornaments

Set and its effects	Recommendation
Lushaka, the Sunken Seas 2 parts: Increases energy recovery speed by 5%. If the wearer is not in first place in the team, the attack power of the hero in first place is increased by 12%.	Given that Stellaron Hunter is more focused on supporting roles, the Lushaka is a good choice. In particular, the set is notable not only for its buff to the main damage dealer, but also for its energy regeneration, which will allow her to use her ultimate more often.
Revelry by the Sea 2 parts: Increases attack power by 12%. When ATK is 2400/3600 or more, additional periodic damage dealt is increased by 12%/24%.	If the heroine herself acts as the core of the team (or there is no possibility to equip the previous set), it is recommended to put this set. "The Revelry is the best choice in terms of increasing the character's own DPS.
Firmament Frontline: Glamoth 2 parts: Increases attack power by 12%. If speed is greater than or equal to 135/160, damage dealt is increased by 12%/18%.	A strong set, but requires a fair amount of haste to fully utilize the passive bonus. Best paired with the Signature Cone. Patience Is All You Need due to high acceleration. Can also be revealed in combination with appropriate supports.
Pan-Cosmic Commercial Enterprise 2 parts: Increases the chance of effects to hit by 10%. ATK increases by an amount equal to 25% of EHR (max up to 25%).	The set is used if it is not possible to gain 75% of EHR using the light cone or characteristics. However, as another advantage, one can highlight the increase in ATK.

At the beginning of the game the heroine is in a good position Space Sealing Station. However, it is subsequently replaced by one of the sets considered in the table.

Team Guide for Kafka in HSR

In a team, Kafka takes the role of the group's core or secondary support type damage dealer to help activate the imposed DoTs. However, in all cases, the team is built taking into account her main mechanics, since in order to reveal the maximum potential of the heroine, it is important to have allies who play from periodic damage. Any of the Paths of Abundance, Preservation, and Harmony will be suitable for the remaining support positions.

Which characters are suitable?

The most recommended allies are:

Character	Features
Hysilens	A strong DoT representative. Applies periodic effects on enemies and deals good DPS, which becomes even more significant when interacting with the Stellaron Hunter. At the same time, the violinist not only deals damage, but also reduces ATK and defense of enemies, and increases the damage they receive.
Black Swan	One of the best allies. Inflicts the Arcana status, which is considered a periodic wind damage or all DoT effects after using the ultimate. This will allow the Stellaron Hunter to deal more damage from debuff activation, and Black Swan to accumulate more Arcana stacks.
Jiaoqiu	Allows team members to deal more damage to enemy targets through debuffs. Specifically, it provides a special debuff called "Ashen Roast" that counts as Burn. This will benefit not only in terms of DPS, but also the activation of the passive "Prisoner in Deep Confinement".
Sampo	An optimal budget partner, as he also specializes in dealing periodic damage. Together with this super ability, with a base chance of 100%, he can increase the damage received by the enemy from DoTs.
Luka	Physical DPS character that causes "Bleed" when using a skill or technique. If the first and sixth Eidolons are open, damage to enemies under this status increases or additional damage is inflicted.
Guinaifen	Specializes in casting Burn, which spreads to multiple targets. Deals decent damage of its own and weakens enemies with the Fiery Kiss status, which increases damage to enemies.
Robin	Her abilities include buffs that work very well with DoTs, while she also boosts the actions of each team member with her ultimate, speeding up rotation and giving her an advantage over her opponents.
Ruan Mei	Support with buffs to damage, speed, break efficiency and elemental resistance break for the entire team. Will allow you to more actively break armor and inflict additional periodic damage.
Tribbie	Universal bonuses open up the possibility of acting as support for any damage dealers, including those who play from periodic damage. In particular, it increases the break of all types of resistance and the damage received by enemies.
Cipher	The buffs contained in the cat girl's arsenal are roughly similar to Tribbie. However, she is more focused on destroying single targets. Therefore, she is more advantageous to use in battle against elite mobs or bosses.
Huohuo	Stands out from other healers in that, in addition to stable and good healing, she also offers bonuses in the form of energy and ATK recovery. These enhancements are highly valued by almost any character.

Alternative Support Characters

Supports that can also be placed in the heroine's team:

1	2	3	4	5
Sparkle (Harmony: Quantum)	Bronya (Harmony: Wind)	Tingyun (Harmony: Lightning)	Asta (Harmony: Fire)	Hanya (Harmony: Physical)
Yukong (Harmony: Imaginary)	Silver Wolf (Nihility: Quantum)	Pela (Nihility: Ice)	Welt (Nihility: Imaginary)	Hyacine (Remembrance: Wind)
Luocha (Abundance: Imaginary)	Bailu (Abundance: Lightning)	Gallagher (Abundance: Fire)	Lynx (Abundance: Quantum)	Natasha (Abundance: Physical)
Aventurine (Preservation: Imaginary)	Fu Xuan (Preservation: Quantum)	Gepard (Preservation: Ice)	The Trailblazer (Preservation: Fire)	March 7 (Preservation: Ice)

Best team samples

Based on the heroes considered, the following groups can be formed:

Character 1	Character 2	Character 3	Character 4	Features
Kafka	Ruan Mei Tribbie Robin	Swan	Huohuo Gallagher	The Stellaron Hunter is the main DPS in the team. The heroine's superpower applies the "Shock" status to enemies, and her skill instantly activates all DoTs imposed by Swan. In turn, she can not only apply all effects with first damage, but also reduce defense. Buffers boost each partner, and healers maintain survivability.
Kafka	Hysilens	Swan Cipher Jiaoqiu	Huohuo Hyacine	The Stelleron Hunter can take a support position here, using appropriate equipment (such as the Lushaka ornaments), while Hysilens acts as the core, focusing on clearing out enemies. Swan or a buffer/debuffer with useful skills can be used as a supplement.
Kafka	Tingyun Pela	Sampo Luka Little Gui	Lynx Natasha	A budget team, where the main support is Tingyun or Pela. Both characters offer useful and versatile buffs that will come in handy on the battlefield. The priority DoT units of epic rarity will be Sampo, Luka or Guinaifen. They will act as secondary damage dealers.
Kafka	Swan	Sampo Luka Little Gui	Aventurine Bailu	A team with various types of DoTs. Kafka is the main DD. Black Swan and Sampo impose additional effects that are instantly triggered when using the girl's skill. Sampo also increases the damage over time. Any support with a shield/healer will do for the remaining position.
Acheron	Kafka	Swan	Lingsha Gallagher	Acheron is the main damage dealer. The Hunter and Black Swan (or another DoT character) deal damage, while simultaneously applying debuffs to opponents. This, in turn, helps Acheron quickly charge his super ability. Such a combination will allow you to go through different content even without support from the Path of Harmony.

All about character leveling

In this section we will consider what materials and in what quantities are needed to upgrade the unit.

Ascension materials

List of resources for leveling up to 80:

• Credits ×888 000, Traveler's Guide ×290;
• Thief's Instinct ×15, Usurper's Scheme ×15, Conqueror's Will ×15;
• Shape Shifter's Lightning Staff ×65.

Open table

Level	Material 1	Material 2	Material 3
30	Credits ×4 000	Thief's Instinct ×5
40	Credits ×8 000	Thief's Instinct ×10
50	Credits ×16 000	Usurper's Scheme ×6	Shape Shifter's Lightning Staff ×3
60	Credits ×40 000	Usurper's Scheme ×9	Shape Shifter's Lightning Staff ×7
70	Credits ×80 000	Conqueror's Will ×6	Shape Shifter's Lightning Staff ×20
80	Credits ×160 000	Conqueror's Will ×9	Shape Shifter's Lightning Staff ×35

Skill Leveling Materials

Materials required to upgrade abilities:

• Credits ×2 197 500;
• Thief's Instinct ×33, Usurper's Scheme ×46, Conqueror's Will ×28;
• Obsidian of Dread ×12, Obsidian of Desolation ×53 and Obsidian of Obsession ×101;
• Traces of Destiny ×6, Regret of Infinite Ochema ×9.

Open table

Skill	Material 1	Material 2	Material 3	Material 4
Basic attack Midnight Tumult	Credits ×240 000	Thief's Instinct ×6 Usurper's Scheme ×7 Conqueror's Will ×7	Obsidian of Dread ×3 Obsidian of Desolation ×8 Obsidian of Obsession ×11
Skill Caressing Moonlight	Credits ×652 500	Thief's Instinct ×9 Usurper's Scheme ×13 Conqueror's Will ×7	Obsidian of Dread ×3 Obsidian of Desolation ×15 Obsidian of Obsession ×30	Tracks of Destiny ×2 Regret of Infinite Ochema ×3
Ultimate Twilight Trill	Credits ×652 500	Thief's Instinct ×9 Usurper's Scheme ×13 Conqueror's Will ×7	Obsidian of Dread ×3 Obsidian of Desolation ×15 Obsidian of Obsession ×30	Tracks of Destiny ×2 Regret of Infinite Ochema ×3
Talent Gentle but Cruel	Credits ×652 500	Thief's Instinct ×9 Usurper's Scheme ×13 Conqueror's Will ×7	Obsidian of Dread ×3 Obsidian of Desolation ×15 Obsidian of Obsession ×30	Tracks of Destiny ×2 Regret of Infinite Ochema ×3

Trace leveling materials

Components used to level up traces:

• Credits ×802 500;
• Thief's Instinct ×8, Usurper's Scheme ×10, Conqueror's Will ×30;
• Obsidian of Dread ×6, Obsidian of Desolation ×16 and Obsidian of Obsession ×38;
• Traces of Destiny ×2, Regret of Infinite Ochema ×3.

Open table

Skill / Stat	Material 1	Material 2	Material 3	Material 4
Attack Power +4%	Credits ×2 500	Thief's Instinct ×2
Torture	Credits ×5 000	Obsidian of Dread ×3	Regret of Infinite Ochema ×1
EHR +4%	Credits ×5 000	Obsidian of Dread ×3	Thief's Instinct ×6
Attack Power +4%	Credits ×10 000	Obsidian of Desolation ×3	Usurper's Scheme ×3
HP +4%	Credits ×10 000	Obsidian of Desolation ×3	Usurper's Scheme ×3
Plunder	Credits ×20 000	Obsidian of Desolation ×5	Tracks of Destiny ×1	Regret of Infinite Ochema ×1
Attack Power +6%	Credits ×20 000	Obsidian of Desolation ×5	Usurper's Scheme ×4
EHR +6%	Credits ×45 000	Obsidian of Obsession ×3	Conqueror's Will ×3
Attack Power +6%	Credits ×45 000	Obsidian of Obsession ×3	Conqueror's Will ×3
Thorns	Credits ×160 000	Obsidian of Obsession ×8	Tracks of Destiny ×1	Regret of Infinite Ochema ×1
HP +6%	Credits ×160 000	Obsidian of Obsession ×8	Conqueror's Will ×8
EHR +8%	Credits ×160 000	Obsidian of Obsession ×8	Conqueror's Will ×8
Attack Power +8%	Credits ×160 000	Obsidian of Obsession ×8	Conqueror's Will ×8

How Kafka's Skills Work

The Stellaron Hunter specializes in dealing periodic damage with the Shock status of talent, technique and superpower. In addition, she instantly activates any DoT effects, which makes her extremely popular in teams focused on such mechanics.

DoT — damage over time (damage over time/at the beginning of each enemy turn).

Thanks to the ability to destroy several targets at once, without sagging against single larger opponents, the girl feels comfortable in content of different directions. She is able to help in clearing both the "Forgotten Hall"and "Pure Fiction", although in the latter case she may require additional support.

Active skills

The main specificity of the abilities lies in the imposition of "Shock" and instant activation of periodic debuffs, which allows you not to wait for the enemy's turn. At the same time, each skill is scaled with attack power (ATK).

Passive Skills

The talent expands the heroine's range of combat capabilities and allows her to perform bonus attacks, while simultaneously applying additional "Shock".

Leveling Order

Superpower = Skill > Talent > Basic Attack

It is advisable to level all skills side-by-side (except for the basic attack), because each skill plays an important role in the rotation. If there are not enough resources:

1. First of all, it is recommended to focus on the ult, which determines how much periodic damage enemies will receive.
2. Then level the skill, as it allows you to deal additional damage, activate imposed DoTs and has good multipliers.
3. Talent Increases bonus hits, which becomes especially important for the secondary damage dealer position to help allies out of turn.
4. Basic attack is rarely used and is only needed to restore skill points, so resources go into it last.

Traces

General increase in characteristics:

• ATK — +28%;
• Effect Hit Rate (EHR) - +18%;
• HP — +10%.

Eidolons

Kafka's best eidolons are E1, E2 and E6.

• First eidolon increases the periodic damage inflicted on enemies. In particular, if the girl uses any skill, then enemies with some probability will begin to receive stronger damage within 2 turns.
• Second eidolon resembles the first one. However, in this case, the first damage is increased simply for the fact that the Stellaron Hunter is present in the team. Of the additional advantages: the boost is given to the rest of the allies, which becomes especially important in teams playing from DoT.
• Sixth Eidolon makes the heroine a full-fledged DPS unit. The initial damage multipliers, especially on the ult, are not that high, but this is almost completely compensated by the const. Works only if the enemies are under the "Shock" status, which also now lasts longer.

If you are F2P, but plan to pull for eidolons, we recommend that you stop at E2. This is the most optimal investment, which already boosts the character quite a lot.

How to Play Kafka in HSR

The unit's gameplay involves inflicting the Shock status with a technique, a talent bonus hit, or an ultimate. However, the main feature of the character is the ability to immediately activate all applied periodic damage effects. In this case, to maximize DPS, it is important to pre-inflict as many DoT effects on enemies as possible in order to subsequently "blow them up" with a skill without waiting for the target's turn.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when rotating Kafka:

1. Try to always start the fight by using a technique to deal elemental damage to enemies (if they have an Lightning Vulnerability) and a base 100% chance to inflict Shock on them.
2. When it's the character's turn, pay attention to the current debuff of the enemies. If there are periodic statuses, use the skill and thus inflict instant damage from the explosion of the imposed DoTs.
3. If there are no such debuffs when the turn comes, or you need to save skill points, you can skip the action by using a basic attack. However, in most cases, it is advisable to use the skill every turn to restore energy faster.
4. Continue using skills until you have accumulated and filled the scale to activate the ultimate. This will allow you to inflict Lightning damage to all enemy targets, apply "Shock" to them, and in addition to this, immediately activate the applied effects of periodic damage.

There may be situations where it is better to hold off on activating your ultimate for a while to get more benefit, such as waiting for teammates to apply their DoT effects to enemies or for supports to activate buffs/debuffs.

Is it worth pulling for Kafka?

Kafka is a representative of Nihility who prefers to apply damage over timeand greatly expands the capabilities of DoT teams. The heroine offers a completely different playstyle, allowing such teams to become more mobile and competitive in end-game content. This is achieved through a skill and superpower that force all applied damage over time effects to trigger instantly.

In essence, she is the "core", but can act not only as the main damage dealer, but also as a secondary unit. For example, in a pair with Hysilens (Nihility: Physical), the girl will be effective in the support role, aimed at activating DoTs, inflicting additional damage and increasing ATK from the first trace. Thus, the character should be obtained first of all by those who want to maximize the potential of the team playing from periodic damage. In this niche, the Stellaron Hunter is almost irreplaceable and fits perfectly into any DoT groups.

Which is better: signature or E1

In terms of increasing damage (both for the character and the team), the first eidolon wins over the signature. In addition, there are other suitable cones of varying rarity and focus. Moreover, if you consider the unit in a secondary role, personal weapons are not considered the best choice at all.

We hope we've helped you understand the mechanics of the Stellaron Hunter in Honkai: Star Rail and put together the best build for Kafka. Feel free to ask any questions in comments so that the author or other players are able to help you.