Serval in Honkai Star Rail: A Guide to the Best Build

In HSR, Serval is a researcher in the Architects' department in the distant past and a mechanic who founded her own rock band in the present. She is an epic rarity character who follows the Path of Erudition and attacks enemies with Lightning damage. She gained special significance with the release of "Pure Fiction", where units with high AoE potential are valued.

The girl's main advantage is her inexpensive superpower, which allows her to use this skill almost constantly and impose the status of periodic damage "Shock" on opponents. In particular, due to the latter, she may have some value in groups based on DoT mechanics and led by Kafka (Nihility: Lightning). She is easy to build, which is good for beginners, and her availability combined with good DPS in the area make her an excellent hero, capable of clearing "mass" content.

Hero's story

Serval is a mechanic girl who used to work for the technique department of the Architects and held the position of a researcher.

Being a sister to Gepard Landau, she is very different from her brother, who can be described as a serious and unwavering man, who perfectly fulfills his duties. The girl has a gentle nature, which is revealed upon closer acquaintance. She is madly in love with "rock and roll", the music that was in high demand among young people before the Permafrost.

How to Get the Character

You canobtain Serval in the following banners:

• with some probability in the “Departure Warp” (newbie banner);
• along with other epic heroes in the "Stellar Warp" (permanent standard banner);
• with increased probability in "Event Warp: Character" if listed in the additional 4⭐ drop list;
• with a specific chance on par with other epics in the "Event Warp: Light Cone".

In addition, during certain periods the heroine can be purchased for 140 Undying Embersin the section of the same name of Pom-Pom's Store.

Features

While leveling and ascending, the following stats increase: HP, ATK, defense.

Other base indicators remain unchanged.

However, some of them - for example, speed - can be increased through relics and light cones if necessary.

How Serval's Skills Work

The skills of the Lightning guitarist are aimed at applying Massive lightning damage. She acts as an additional DPS unit, but in the absence of alternative heroes, she can become the main damage dealer.

Active skills

Passive Skills

Leveling Order

Superpower ≥ Skill ≥ Talent > Basic Attack.

When leveling up skills, you can stick to the order discussed above. "Lightning Flash", "Good Night, Belobog" and the ultimate ability "Here Comes the Mechanical Fever" are considered the most important, therefore, they are leveled first. The basic attack, on the contrary, is used less often, therefore it is improved last.

Traces

Once you've maxed out the talent tree, you can further improve some of your stats:

• crit chance - + 18.7 %
• effect hit rate - + 18 %
• resistance to effects - + 10 %

Eidolons

All consts:

Best Serval's eidolons are:

• E2 — the presence of the constellation in question will allow you to pay attention to other stats on cavern relics and planar ornaments, because energy recovery is an important characteristic that should not be neglected if you want to often use the ultimate ability during battle.
• E4 - the bonus allows you to concentrate on constantly dealing damage, since applying a negative effect to opponents will cause more problems.
• E6 - the constellation increases overall damage, which is never a bad thing.

How to play Serval

The heroine follows the Path of Erudition and her skills are of a mass nature. Effectively imposing negative statuses on enemies, she provides the team with additional passive damage, which can also be a benefit during combat. The girl is capable of acting as the main DPS unit, but in this case she needs supports belonging to Nihility.

In turn-based combat, each battle requires an individual approach, but the following tips will help you understand what the best Serval rotation looks like:

1. If there are representatives of the Path of Harmony in the team, apply the corresponding positive statuses to the team in advance to gain an advantage. Be the initiator in the battle - use basic attack, immediately hit the mob and seize the advantage on the battlefield.
2. Activate the skill to damage as many enemies as possible. Monitor the Shock status on targets and refresh it as needed.
3. Use your ultimate regardless of the turn sequence. This way, you'll deal high damage to multiple victims, and then be able to finish them off for others.
4. If there are Path of Preservation characters in the team, shield the mechanic girl in time. She has low defense values ​​compared to other heroes.

All about character leveling

Let's look at the materials needed for full leveling up to level 80.

Ascension materials

Level	Material 1	Material 2	Material 3
30	Credits x3,200	Silvermane Badge x4
40	Credits x6,400	Silvermane Badge x8
50	Credits x12,800	Silvermane Insignia x5	Lightning Crown of the Past Shadow x2
60	Credits x32,000	Silvermane Insignia x8	Lightning Crown of the Past Shadow x5
70	Credits x64,000	Silvermane Medal x5	Lightning Crown of the Past Shadow x15
80	Credits x128,000	Silvermane Medal x7	Lightning Crown of the Past Shadow x28

In total, the following will be required for the ascension:

• Credits - ×826 200.
• Silvermane Badge ×12, Silvermane Insignia ×13, Silvermane Medal ×12 - resources dropped by the Silvermane Guards of Yarilo VI.
• Lightning Crown of the Past Shadow ×50 — reward for completing the Stagnant Shadow trial in the Backwater Pass.
• Traveler's Guide ×289, Adventure Log ×6, Travel Encounters ×3.

In a separate guide, in a more detailed way, we describe how to get badges, insignia and medals of the Silvermane Guards.

Skills Upgrading Materials

Skill	Material 1	Material 2	Material 3	Material 4
Basic AttackRoaring Thunderclap»	Credits x192,000	Silvermane Badge x4 Silvermane Insignia x5 Silvermane Medal x5	Key of Inspiration x2 Key of Knowledge x6 Key of Wisdom x8
Skill "Lightning Flash»	Credits x522,000	Silvermane Badge x6 Silvermane Insignia x10 Silvermane Medal x5	Key of Inspiration x2 Key of Knowledge x12 Key of Wisdom x23	Tracks of Destiny x1 Guardian's Lament x3
Talent "Galvanic Chords»	Credits x522,000	Silvermane Badge x6 Silvermane Insignia x10 Silvermane Medal x5	Key of Inspiration x2 Key of Knowledge x12 Key of Wisdom x23	Tracks of Destiny x1 Guardian's Lament x3
Superpower"Here Comes the Mechanical Fever»	Credits x522,000	Silvermane Badge x6 Silvermane Insignia x10 Silvermane Medal x5	Key of Inspiration x2 Key of Knowledge x12 Key of Wisdom x23	Tracks of Destiny x1 Guardian's Lament x3

To upgrade the abilities, you need to collect:

• Credits ×1 758 000.
• Silvermane Badge ×22, Silvermane Insignia ×35, Silvermane Medal ×20.
• Key of Inspiration ×8, Key of Knowledge ×42, Key of Wisdom ×77 - can be obtained by farming crimson Calyxes.
• Tracks of Destiny ×3 - rewarded for completing activities in the Simulated Universe or leveling the Battle Pass aka the Nameless Honor.
• Guardian’s Lament × 9 - Reward for completing the "Echoes of War" activity (boss fight) in Everwinter Hills.

The order of leveling traces

When leveling traces, use the following sequence:

Skill / Stat	Material 1	Material 2	Material 3	Material 4
Crit chance +2.7%	Credits x2,000	Silvermane Badge x2
Rock 'n' Roll	Credits x4,000	Key of Inspiration x2	Guardian's Lament x1
EHR +4%	Credits x4,000	Key of Inspiration x2	Silvermane Badge x2
Crit chance +2.7%	Credits x8,000	Key of Knowledge x2	Silvermane Insignia x2
Effect Resistance +4%	Credits x8,000	Key of Knowledge x2	Silvermane Insignia x2
String Vibration	Credits x16,000	Key of Knowledge x4	Tracks of Destiny x1	Guardian's Lament x1
Crit chance +4%	Credits x16,000	Key of Knowledge x4	Silvermane Insignia x3
EHR +6%	Credits x36,000	Key of Wisdom x2	Silvermane Medal x2
Crit chance +4%	Credits x36,000	Key of Wisdom x2	Silvermane Medal x2
Mania	Credits x128,000	Key of Wisdom x6	Tracks of Destiny x1	Guardian's Lament x1
Effect Resistance +6%	Credits x128,000	Key of Wisdom x6	Silvermane Medal x6
EHR +8%	Credits x128,000	Key of Wisdom x6	Silvermane Medal x6
Crit chance +5,3%	Credits x128,000	Key of Wisdom x6	Silvermane Medal x6

• Credits ×642 000.
• Silvermane Badge ×6, Silvermane Insignia ×7, Silvermane Medal ×22.
• Key of Inspiration ×4, Key of Knowledge ×12, Key of Wisdom ×28.
• Tracks of Destiny ×2.
• Guardian's Lament ×3.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Despite the many advantages of the damage dealer, the mechanic girl also has her "minuses".

Best Serval Builds in Honkai: Star Rail

The Lightning guitarist can be a primary or secondary DPS unit. Regardless of the position in the team, any Serval build in HSR focuses on the following characteristics:

• Speed — the parameter determines the order of turns, as well as how often an ally or enemy will act. A high value is useful for damage dealers, but requires maintaining a balance with other stats.
• ATK — the characteristic directly affects the amount of damage from skills and the Shock status.
• CRIT chance/damage — it’s important, as it affects your own instant damage.
• Break effect — the higher the value, the higher the damage when breaking enemy vulnerability.
• Lightning Damage is also important to gain for your own DPS.

To fully realize your potential, it is important to choose the right relics and a good light cone.

Recommended Stats

Stats that are recommended to look for in relics:

Additional features desirable:

• crit dmg;
• crit chance;
• break effect;
• ATK.

Energy recovery can also be considered, but it is not a priority parameter. Considering the fact that crit chance increases with leveling traces, more attention should be paid to crit dmg.

Optimal final parameter values:

• Speed: 120 and more;
• ATK: not less than 2;
• CRIT chance/damage: 1:2 (at 60% crit rate it is important to have 120% crit dmg);
• Break effect: up to 40%.

Light Cone Rating

When choosing a weapon, remember that it must belong to the Path of Erudition. Otherwise, the light cone bonus will be inactive. Parameters that are worth paying attention to when selecting weapons: critical hit chance, crit dmg, high basic attack. Effects aimed at supporting the ultimate ability or skill are useful as additional enhancements.

The following "cards" will be suitable as a weapon for the former employee of the Architects:

Name	Description	Recommendation
Eternal Calculus (F2P) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HP 48-1058 ATK 24-529 DEF 18-396	ATK is increased by 8-12%. After performing a strike, the attack power is additionally increased by 4-8% for each enemy attacked. This effect can stack up to 5 times and lasts until the wearer's next turn. ф If the strike was made on 3 or more targets, the owner's speed will increase by additional 8-16% for 1 turn.	One of the best weapons, as the passive bonus is perfect for Landau's eldest daughter. The heroine can hit all mobs at once, so in multi-target modes, this free cone with the fifth level of imposition will be stronger than other options. In addition to the key buff, the effect will also speed up the turn sequence quite a bit.
Before Dawn ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ HP 48-1058 ATK 26-582 DEF 21-463	Light Cone Skill - Long Night. Increases the owner's crit. damage 36-60%. Increases the damage of the wearer's skill and ultimate by 18-30%. After using a skill or superpower, the wearer gains the Somnus Corpus status. After using a bonus attack, the Somnus Corpus status is consumed, and the damage dealt by the bonus attack is increased by 48-80%.	A perfect light cone that gives a noticeable boost to crit dmg even at the first rank of awakening, and also increases overall DPS. The only drawback is that the mechanic girl will not be able to realize the full potential of the weapon in question, tied to the absorption of the "Somnus Corpus" status, since it is aimed at bonus attacks, which she does not possess.
An Instant Before A Gaze ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HP 48-1058 ATK 26-582 DEF 21-463	Light Cone Skill - A Knight's Pilgrimage. The owner's Crit. damage increases by 36-60%. When the owner uses an ultimate, the damage it deals increases by 0,36-0,60% for each unit from max. owner's energy. This effect can stack up to max. 180 energy.	The Guitarist's signature light cone is Make the World Clamor, which will be discussed below, is similar to this weapon, aimed at increasing damage from the ultimate, but to a lesser extent. "An Instant Before A Gaze" will reveal the heroine well in the position of a damage dealer, who mainly "plays" from the ultimate skill.
Night on the Milky Way ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ HP 52-1164 ATK 26-582 DEF 18-396	Light Cone Skill - Meteor Swarm. For each enemy on the battlefield, increase the wearer's attack power by 9-15% and stacks up to 5 times. If there is any enemy with a vulnerability broken, the damage dealt by the wearer will be increased by 30-50% for 1 turn.	An excellent option for many characters of the Path of Erudition, which is aimed at increasing basic attack. Suitable for clearing trials, where you have to fight with crowds of enemies.
Ninjutsu Inscription - Dazzling Evilbreaker ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HP 48-1058 ATK 26-582 DEF 21-463	Increases break effect by 60-100%. Immediately upon entering combat restores 30-40energy. After the owner uses the ultimate, the status "Raiton" is applied. When the character performs 2 basic attacks, his action advances by 50-70%, and the status disappears and is updated the next time the ult is used.	Due to the active use of the ultimate, it can constantly drain enemy toughness with a high chance. For this reason, it is a good choice, especially when playing from break. Moreover, for every 2 basic attacks, the action will also advance, which will make the rotation more consistent.
Today is Another Peaceful Day ⭐⭐⭐⭐ HP 38-846 ATK 24-529 DEF 15-330	Light Cone Skill - A Storm is Coming. At the beginning of the battle, damage dealt by the owner increases by 0,2-0,4% per energy point up to max. 160 .	The best epic alternative to the above legendary options, providing an increase in outgoing damage. The unit resonates perfectly with this weapon "card", which will allow it to inflict increased damage.
The Day The Cosmos Fell ⭐⭐⭐⭐ HP 43-952 ATK: 21-476 DEF 15-330	The wearer's attack power is increased by 16-24%. If, after the owner's attack, at least 2 targets have a corresponding vulnerability, crit. The owner's damage increases by 20-40% for 2 turns.	F2P weapon from the Forgotten Hall shop. A good option for a mechanic girl, provided that there are at least two mobs with Lightning vulnerability on the field at all times. In this case, the Light Cone gives powerful increases not only to ATK, but also to crit dmg. With E1, it can be equipped in the sub-DD position with the ultimate, since basic attack will begin to deal damage to several targets.
Make the World Clamor ⭐⭐⭐⭐ HP: 38-846 ATK: 21-476 DEF 18-396	Light Cone Skill - Sound Power. At the beginning of the battle, the owner restores 20-32 units energy, and the damage from superpower is increased by 32-64%.	The ultimate ability deals the highest percentage of damage compared to other skills. The weapon in question could be called the Mechanic Girl's Signature Light Cone, but in terms of base stats it is still inferior to "Before Dawn". If you do not have a five-star alternative in your inventory, it will be an perfect choice in the early and late stages of the game.
Geniuses’ Repose ⭐⭐⭐⭐ HP 38-846 ATK 21-476 DEF 18-396	Light Cone Skill - "Each Now Has a Role to Play." Increases the wearer's attack power by 16-32%. After defeating opponents crit. wearer's damage is increased by 24-48% for 3 turns.	Light Cone is aimed at increasing stats, such as ATK and crit dmg. Equipping it will allow you to target other stats while farming Cavern Relics and Planar Jewelry.
The Seriousness of Breakfast ⭐⭐⭐⭐ HP 38-846 ATK 21-476 DEF 18-396	Light Cone Skill - Get Ready. Increases damage dealt by the wearer by 12-24%. For each enemy defeated, the wearer's attack power is increased by 4-8%. This effect stacks up to 3 times.	A good option that can be obtained for completing the mission Exploration on Yarilo-VI, as well as an additional task related to three-level authentication on the Herta space station. Bonuses are aimed at constant use of the key skill and ultimate ability for the sake of quickly destroying targets.
Data Bank ⭐⭐⭐ HP 33-740 ATK: 16-370 DEF: 12-264	Light Cone Skill - Learned. Increases the damage of the wearer's ultimate ability by 28-56%.	A light cone that is suitable for F2P players who lack a viable alternative in their arsenal. Increases the damage of the heroine's ultimate ability on par with "Make the World Clamor", but does not restore energy.
Sagacity ⭐⭐⭐ HP 33-740 ATK 16-370 DEF 12-264	Light Cone Skill - Genius. After using the owner's ultimate ability, increases attack power by 24-48% for 2 turns.	Another F2P option that aims to increase the basic attack after using the ultimate ability. However, to effectively implement it, you will need a high energy recovery rate.

What relics and ornaments are needed

When choosing artifacts, do not ignore the main and additional characteristics on cavern relics or planar ornaments. The set should provide an increase to the following indicators:

• Lightning damage;
• crit chance;
• Crit damage;
• speed
• Attack Power.

Cavern relics

Name	Effects	By recommendation
Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	2 parts: Increases damage dealt to enemies with Debuffs by 12%. 4 parts: Increases crit. 4% chance. The owner's crit damage dealt to enemies with at least 2/3 debuffs increases by 8%/12% respectively. After the owner applies a Debuff to an enemy, the above effects are increased by 100% for 1 turn.	A set of relics that is slightly stronger than the set on the elemental damage bonus when the full passive is activated. The effect of two parts increases the overall damage, and the increase in the full set helps in the balance of characteristics. However, to implement cavern relics, you will need to put an ally with stable debuffing skills on the team.
Band of Sizzling Thunder ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	2 parts: Increases Lightning damage by 10% 4 parts: after using the skill, increases the owner's attack power by 20% for 1 turn	Increases the main stats that affect the mechanic girl's damage. Since the heroine often uses the key skill, the full effect of the set will be stable.
Band of Sizzling Thunder Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters	2 parts: Increases Lightning damage by 10% 2 parts: Increases damage dealt to enemies with Debuffs by 12%.	Quite a strong alternative from a combination of the two most suitable sets. Can be used as a final build option, or as intermediate equipment before collecting all the parts of the desired set.
Scholar Lost in Erudition ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	2 parts: Increases crit. 8% chance. 4 parts: Increases skill and super ability damage by 20%. After using an ultimate, the damage of the next skill increases by 25%.	Can be used as two parts to increase crit rate or as a full set if Landau's eldest daughter acts as the main damage dealer. This is due to the fact that in the sub-dd position the main preference is given to basic attack and therefore it is not possible to fully implement the set.
Musketeer of Wild Wheat ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐	2 parts: Increases attack power by 12% 4 parts: Increases the wearer's speed by 6%, also increases the damage of their basic attack by 10%	A standard set that is considered universal in the early and later stages of the game. Can be given to another character when the heroine switches to a new type of relics.
Thief of Shooting Meteor ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	2 parts: Increases break effect by 16%. 4 parts: Increases the owner's break effect by 16%. When the owner breaks through the enemy's vulnerability, restores 3 energy.	One of the starting sets. Focused on damage and gameplay from breaking vulnerabilities, and also helps to use the ultimate more often due to energy recovery.
Prisoner in Deep Confinement ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐	2 parts: Increases attack power by 12%. 4 parts: For each damage over time effect an enemy has (up to max 3), the owner ignores 6% of that enemy's Defense when dealing damage.	The set works best with several DoT heroes in the team so that the periodic statuses always stay on the enemies. At the same time, the Lightning guitarist gets the ability to ignore the defense of targets, which will significantly increase her DPS.
Musketeer of Wild Wheat / Prisoner in Deep Confinement / Messenger Traversing Hackerspace	2 parts: Increases attack power by 12% 2 parts: Increases speed by 6%	2+2 mixes, which can be used as an alternative in the absence of complete sets with good characteristics.

Planar ornaments

Name	Effects	By recommendation
Rutilant Arena ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	2 parts: increases crit. 8% chance. If crit. the owner's chance is 70% (or higher), the damage of his basic attack and skill is increased by 20%.	The mechanic girl occupies the position of a secondary DPS unit in the team, therefore, she often imposes the negative status "Shock" on the victim and deals damage in the area. With this set of planar ornaments, you will be able to boost yourself in such an important position.
Pan-Cosmic Commercial Enterprise ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	2 parts: Increases the chance of hitting the wearer's effects on  10%.. Increases the wearer's attack power by 25%. current chance to hit effects, up to  25%..	The best set aimed at increasing the heroine's ATK and increasing the probability of effects hitting.
Celestial Differentiator ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	2 parts: increases crit. owner's damage 16%.. If crit. damage to the owner is not less 120%., the damage of his Basic Attack and Skills is increased by  60%. until the end of the first turn.	Identical to "Inert Salsotto" discussed below, however, to fully realize the ornaments, it is important to have at least 120% crit dmg. Can be worn if there is no "Pan-Cosmic Commercial Enterprise".
Inert Salsotto ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	2 parts: increases the owner's crit. chance by 8%. If crit. the chance of the owner is not less  50%., the damage of his ultimate and subsequent attack is increased by  15%..	The set matches the mechanics and playstyle of Landau's older sister, so it will suit her well. For the full bonus, you will need to pay attention to the probability of crit dmg, which will not cause difficulties with fully leveled traces.
Space Sealing Station ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	2 parts: Increases the wearer's attack power by  12%.. If the owner's speed is not less 120, attack power is additionally increased by  12%..	A good alternative that can be worn in the absence of other set options.
Sigonia, the Unclaimed Desolation ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	2 parts: The owner's Crit. chance increases by 4%. Defeating an enemy increases crit. damage to the owner by 4%. This effect can stack up to 10 times.	A situational set of Planar ornaments that will give a high increase to crit dmg in "Pure Fiction". Outside of the mode, the passive effect is much more difficult to activate, in which case you should equip one of the more stable alternatives suggested above.

Team Guide for Serval in HSR

Serval is the damage dealer in the team, so try to build the team around the mechanic girl. Important:

• Path of Harmony to apply positive statuses to allies or Path of Nihility to apply various debuffs;
• Path of Abundance for powerful healing or Path of Preservation for shields;
• Path of the Hunt, Path of Erudition, and Path of Destruction for extra DPS.

Which characters are suitable?

Try to include other DPS units and supports in the team.

Character	Path	Damage type	Features
Trailblazer (Physical)	Destruction	Physical	A free legendary hero that deals decent DPS and heals allies with his technique.
Clara	Destruction	Physical	A legendary character from the standard banner, whose job is to tank. He is good at drawing attention to himself, giving others the opportunity to strike unhindered.
Yunli	Destruction	Physical	Specializes in dealing damage and providing additional damage. survivability by imposing the “Taunt” status on enemies. Thanks to his talent and ult, he constantly carries out counterattacks when receiving incoming damage.
Jingliu	Destruction	Ice	Ice-type damage dealer with damage to one or several targets. With the help of the talent, she gains levels (stacks), which allow her to go into an enhanced state and inflict increased AoE damage with her skill.
Firefly	Destruction	Fire	A strong main damage dealer, playing from the characteristic of the break effect. Independently imposes fire vulnerability on opponents and perfectly destroys the enemy's resistance bar, but requires the use of the skill every turn. The girl mechanic is economical in spending resources, so she is a good secondary DD.
Arlan	Destruction	Lightning	Deals decent damage to both a single target and an area. Needs additional support in the form of a DPS unit.
Xueyi	Destruction	Quantum	Can act as both a main and a secondary damage dealer, supporting with her own DPS a more powerful representative of the damage-dealing Path. The main characteristic of the girl is break effect, therefore, she is extremely easy to build.
Hook	Destruction	Fire	The role and capabilities are identical to the above-mentioned character. The peculiarity is the imposition of debuffs on opponents.
Misha	Destruction	Ice	A versatile and flexible area damage dealer. Uses action points sparingly and has a low-cost ultimate that is his primary damage-dealing ability.
Feixiao	The Hunt	Wind	The Arbiter General excels at dealing with large enemies, relying on the bonus attack contained in the talent, skill, and super ability. Synergizes well with heroes that can deal additional damage, allowing you to gain charge "Flying Aureus" for the Ultimate.
Seele	The Hunt	Quantum	One of the best heroes of the Path of the Hunt, whose abilities are aimed at the rapid destruction of single targets. Needs additional support in the form of a character belonging to the Path of Erudition.
Topaz and Numby	The Hunt	Fire	A DPS unit that specializes in bonus attacks. Gains huge advantages in combination with those who can perform bonus attacks. In addition, it can exist as an independent damage dealer, occupying the main position.
Doctor Ratio	The Hunt	Imaginary	The female mecha geek, as an epic character, will be able to provide worthy support to Ratio, whose skills are aimed at damaging single mobs. However, it is important to select a team in such a way that the scientist himself does not experience a shortage in applying debuffs. Otherwise, his overall contribution will sag: bonus attacks are the main source of Veritas' damage, playing exclusively from skill hits and superpowers is not his rotation.
Boothill	The Hunt	Physical	Boothill is great against single targets, but becomes less effective in situations where multiple opponents need to be defeated. To make the team more flexible, you can add a secondary Path of Erudition damage dealer. For example, Landau's Eldest Daughter is suitable for breaking through Lightning vulnerability.
Yanqing	The Hunt	Ice	An alternative to Seele that can drop from Stellar Warp. Acts as the main DPS character.
Dan Heng	The Hunt	Wind	An epic variation of Seele, which becomes available in the initial story missions.
Sushang	The Hunt	Physical	A damage dealer whose damage is based on breaking enemy vulnerabilities. He demonstrates excellent performance in teams consisting of allies with different elements.
Rappa	Erudition	Imaginary	Ninja from the Galactic Rangers faction plays from break and specializes in depleting toughness. At the same time, she deals a lot of damage to all enemies on the battlefield on a stable basis with the help of the enhanced basic attack gained from the ultimate ability. If she or her allies break the weakness of enemies, she accumulates charges that further increase DPS.
The Herta	Erudition	Ice	The Scholar deals high area damage with her enhanced skill and super ability, but needs another Path of Erudition character due to her mechanics. She also benefits from units that can attack frequently, as this allows her to get more energy and gain stacks of "Interpretations" that further increase DPS.
Argenti	Erudition	Physical	High damage across the entire battle area. Increases critical chance as the battle progresses, gaining passive levels with each hit on the enemy. The battle is faster against large groups, but the hero also does not lose damage when fighting bosses. May be inferior to representatives of the Hunt and Destruction in instant damage.
Jade	Erudition	Quantum	A secondary DPS character who prefers to fight against groups of enemies: the number of enemies on the battlefield directly affects the rate at which charge levels accumulate, which allow bonus attacks to be performed. The skill assigns an allied character as a "Debt Collector", which additionally increases their speed by 30. When the "Debt Collector" strikes, they deal quantum damage to each enemy hit equal to Jade's ATK. In doing so, the "Debt Collector" spends 2% of their max HP.
Jing Yuan	Erudition	Lightning	A legendary character who is good at dealing with crowds of enemies. Ineffective against elite opponents and bosses, which increases the need for an additional DPS character.
Himeko	Erudition	Fire	Inferior to Jing Yuan in strength, but with the right build can become the main DPS hero in the team. Plays through the "Burn" status, which you will have to monitor in order not to lose the overall effectiveness of the character on the battlefield.
Herta	Erudition	Ice	An epic hero of the Path of Erudition who can replace legendary characters if there is no acceptable alternative. Needs additional damage support, which Landau's eldest daughter can handle perfectly.
Qingque	Erudition	Quantum	A character that can be obtained for completing the Forgotten Hall. Quickly breaks quantum vulnerability and will be a good addition to the F2P team.
Bronya	Harmony	Wind	Gives an increase to the damage dealt and increases the defense if the traces are leveled. Increases attack power. Removes debuffs from the target ally and advances their action, which is very useful for DPS heroes.
Tribbie	Harmony	Quantum	The Amphoreus Messenger is recommended to be used with characters that deal area-of-effect damage. This allows her to more actively charge her super ability, which is both a key buff and an additional source of damage. The Lightning guitarist, with sufficient speed, consistently ults all targets, and in a pair, for example, with the Herta, the team becomes especially strong.
Sparkle	Harmony	Quantum	The main advantage of Sparkle is not only the increase in crit dmg, but also the overall outgoing damage. The Masked Fool directly affects the increase in the number of skill points used during the battle, and also contributes to their accelerated recovery.
Robin	Harmony	Physical	A representative of the highest tier of Harmony, whose skills are aimed at increasing outgoing damage, crit dmg and ATK. When using the ultimate, advances the movement of all allies by 100%.
Imaginary MC	Harmony	Imaginary	F2P buffer, playing from the "break effect" characteristic. Has low consumption of action points, which is why he is a good fit for any team as a secondary source of DPS. In battle, he is focused on increasing damage to enemies with a broken vulnerability, so he requires that the elements in the team match the weaknesses of the monsters.
Ruan Mei	Harmony	Ice	Representative of Harmony with buffs to damage, speed and break efficiency. Can delay enemy actions, prolong the break state, and independently inflict damage.
Tingyun	Harmony	Lightning	The ability "Soothing Melody" increases ATK of the selected ally and also blesses them. The blessed character begins to deal additional Lightning damage when hitting the victim.
Asta	Harmony	Fire	Increases the attack power and speed of allies.
Yukong	Harmony	Imaginary	When activating the Roaring String status and using a skill / ult, increases the attack power, critical damage and critical hit chance of all allies.
Hanya	Harmony	Physical	Buffs the speed and ATK of one ally. Has a unique mechanic of restoring team action points, and also increases damage dealt to one enemy.
Silver Wolf	Nihility	Quantum	The skill applies a debuff that causes mobs to be weak to a random element type of one of the team members. In addition, can reduce defense, speed, and ATK.
Fugue	Nihility	Fire	Great support character with her own damage if the worker of the Architects' is built into. Fugue increases the required stat, allows you to reduce the resistance of opponents regardless of their vulnerability type, and also applies a debuff with a decrease in defense. The heroine can also be considered for a classic team if additional damage in the area is needed or there are no other alternatives.
Welt	Nihility	Imaginary	Gives the team the ability to quickly deal with mobs vulnerable to imaginary damage. The "Gravitational Imprisonment" technique creates a black hole - enemies that enter it lose 50% speed.
Pela	Nihility	Ice	Applies negative statuses to enemies on par with Welt: reduces the defense of the potential victim.
Sampo	Nihility	Wind	Blinds targets so they cannot see the actions of Sampo's allies. In addition, there is a chance to slow down the actions of all enemies.
Jiaoqiu	Nihility	Fire	A powerful representative of the Nihility, imposing the "Ashen Roast" debuff (considered a "Burn" DoT status with periodic fire-type damage). Mobs affected by "Ashen Roast" receive increased damage. The super ability, in turn, deals a high level of damage, and also imposes a third-party debuff that increases the damage taken by enemies from DPS-type ultimate skills.
Black Swan	Nihility	Wind	Deals Wind Shear damage from Arcane status, which also becomes all DoT effects after using the ult. Additionally, lowers defense and increases damage taken by enemies. The Lightning guitarist helps her gain Arcane stacks with Shock.
Trailblazer (Fire)	Preservation	Fire	A free Legendary hero who can act as a tank alongside Clara, soaking up damage and also provides shields to allies.
Aventurine	Preservation	Imaginary	Casts shields and renews them during combat after activating an ultimate and performing a bonus attack. Has virtually no skill point requirements. An perfect team for cooperation between several units that can perform a bonus attack. Also good in other groups, but performs bonus attacks a little less often.
Gepard	Preservation	Ice	One of the best characters in the Path of Preservation, who can provide allies with a strong shield that covers most threats. Can inflict the Frozen status on enemies.
Fu Xuan	Preservation	Quantum	The skill creates a Matrix of Prescience, which transfers 65% of damage received by allies to Fu Xuan, and also increases the damage dealt by the enemy and HP. With the help of the second trace, it can heal the entire team.
March 7	Preservation	Ice	A free epic character with shields only slightly inferior to Gepard's defensive abilities.
Luocha	Abundance	Imaginary	Restores health with skill and talent. Can instantly heal when an ally's HP drops to 50% or less. Deals area DPS with superpower.
Huohuo	Abundance	Wind	A healer who can apply buffs. With skill and talent, heals one or more team members, restores energy with his superpower and increases attack power. At the same time, is able to remove debuffs from allies.
Lingsha	Abundance	Fire	A support with a variety of functions: heals, deals DPS in an area and applies a debuff that increases damage from break. During combat, summons an assistant, which is a bonus attack. Due to this creature, additionally heals, deals damage outside of the turn and removes debuffs.
Bailu	Abundance	Lightning	Considered the best healer, as he can resurrect fallen allies once per battle.
Natasha	Abundance	Physical	An epic alternative to Bile that can provide some serious support both in the early and later stages of the game.
Lynx	Abundance	Quantum	An epic healer, not inferior to the legendary representatives of the Path of Abundance. Applies positive effects to passive healing, removes negative statuses from a team with an ultimate ability, and provides strong mass and solo healing.
Gallagher	Abundance	Fire	A unique representative of the healer path, whose healing depends on the negative status “Besotted” imposed on enemies. Hitting enemies with this status will trigger the healer's talent, causing your health to be restored.

Best team samples

The table shows combinations of allies, using which you can create your own group.

Character 1	Character 2	Character 3	Character 4	Features
Serval	Bailu Huohuo	Tingyun Tribbie	Jing Yuan	Jing Yuan acts as the main DPS character. The Lightning guitarist, in turn, deals additional damage and finishes off opponents if necessary. Tingyun or Tribbie apply buffs. Bailu/Huohuo are healers who can be replaced by Natasha.
Serval	Natasha	Herta Misha	Dan Heng	Dan Heng deals high damage to a single target. Landau's eldest daughter, Herta, or Misha are secondary DPS heroes who deal with negative effects on enemies and area damage. Natasha covers the need for healing.
Serval	Seele	Bronya Hanya Sparkle	Aventurine	Seele is the main DPS hero, and Bronya is the perfect support for her (replaceable with Hanya or Sparkle). of the Architects', as a character of the Path of Erudition, deals damage to the area, and Aventurine protects the team.
Serval	Seele	Silver Wolf	Bailu	An alternative version of the previous unit. The role of the character of the Path of Nihility is put on the Silver Wolf, which can create a quantum or Lightning type of vulnerability in an enemy target. Bailu increases the chances of an Lightning debuff and restores health.
Serval	Yunli Clara	Ruan Mei Tribbie	Gepard Gallagher	Yunli or Clara, as characters with a high base taunt, absorb most of the damage from enemies. The mechanic girl, while Yunli/Clara "distract" the enemies, acts as the main DPS unit and destroys enemies with the support of Ruan Mei or Tribbie. Gepard/Gallagher are busy protecting allies.
Serval	Firefly Boothill Rappa	Imaginary MC Ruan Mei Fugue	Huohuo Bailu	Firefly, Boothil or Rappa are the main damage dealers who are given priority to use key skills. The Lightning guitarist, in turn, uses the basic attack as needed and also relies on the skill. The third position characters distribute useful buffs, in particular, increasing break effect. Huohuo or Baylu monitor the health of the group and heal it in a timely manner.
Serval	Black Swan Sampo	Kafka	Lingsha Luocha Lynx	A team that plays from periodic damage. Landau's Eldest Daughter and Black Swan/Sampo apply DoT statuses to opponents. After that, Kafka activates all available effects with the help of a skill or super ability, thereby inflicting a large amount of per. damage, without waiting for someone else's turn.
Serval	Feixiao Topaz	Asta Hanya	Fire MC	Feixiao or Topaz act as the main DPS character, the mechanic girl supports with additional damage, and Asta is responsible for increasing the speed of allies (can be replaced with a Path of Abundance character if necessary). The Trailblazer is a tank that "attracts" the attention of enemies.
Serval	Sushang	Tingyun	Gallagher Natasha	Sushang deals high damage to single targets, while the Lightning guitarist, on the contrary, attacks in an area. Tingyun supports allies with additional positive effects that are applied by the corresponding skills during the battle. Gallagher, who can be replaced by the starting Natasha, heals.
Serval	The Herta Herta	Himeko Argenti	Luocha Fu Xuan Lingsha	A comfortable composition for farming due to the variety of elements and abilities that deal DPS in an area. Worker from of the Architects', Herta (legendary or epic) and Himeko/Argenti deal the main damage, while Luocha/Fu Xuan/Lingsha handle survivability.
Serval	Herta	Welt Pela Fugue	Natasha March 7	Welt (or Pela, Fugue) deals with imposing various negative effects on enemies. Landau's eldest daughter and Herta, as heroes of the Path of Erudition, deal the main damage. March 7 imposes shields, but can be replaced by Natasha if the game through healing seems more comfortable.
Argenti	Serval	Hanya Welt	Aventurine Natasha	Since the team hits the area, you will be able to defeat numerous groups of enemies. Argenti's advantage is in the buffs that he receives faster, carrying out attacks on many monsters at once. The mechanic girl helps in causing damage and breaking vulnerability. Welt slows down enemies, and if you are short of points, you can put Hanya and buff the speed of only one DPS.
The Herta	Serval	Tribbie Robin Asta	Lingsha	The Herta needs a second Path of Erudition character to deal more damage, regenerate energy faster, and activate buffs. The Lightning Guitarist is a great fit for this role, as she matches the path, deals consistent damage, and can act as a secondary damage dealer. Robin, Tribbie, or Asta are the supports that spread buffs to all allies, and Lingsha is a healer.

Possible groups for beginners and F2P players:

Character 1	Character 2	Character 3	Character 4	Features
Serval	Dan Heng Sushang	Asta Imaginary MC	Natasha	The best of the budget teams for fighting groups of monsters and bosses. While the elder sister of Landau damages the crowd, the hero of the Path of the Hunt eliminates one of the victims. At the same time, Asta or the MC of Harmony supports everyone with buffs and break of vulnerabilities of their element, and Natasha heals, removes debuff.
Serval	Hook	Herta	March 7 Fire MC	Epic characters with area of ​​effect abilities are great for short fights with groups of enemies, such as farming Sepals.
Serval	Sampo	Guinaifen Luka	Gallagher	The main focus here is on supporting the main DD Lightning guitarist with periodic damage. Sampo is the key figure, increasing Shock, Burn/Bleed and Wind Shear with the help of the ultimate. The secondary damage dealer is selected depending on the presence of vulnerabilities or individual leveling.

In a separate guide, you can find best team builds in Honkai: Star Rail, which will help in the early and later stages of the game.

Conclusion

Serval is a good DPS that will suit many F2P players who focus on dealing damage in an area. She can take the role of the main DPS unit, as well as act as a secondary damage dealer and support the entire team. The mechanic girl is useful for imposing negative statuses on enemies and does not require serious investments. A rare or epic quality Light Cone and a universal set of relics (for example, the Musketeer) will already make her an excellent hero that any group will be happy to have.

Achievements

Serval's achievements are dedicated to the characters associated with her, and cannot be completed in a trial run or with someone else's character.

• Serval’s Parting Gift - deliver the final blow and defeat Cocolia. Reward: star jade ×10.
• Foolish Little Brother... - Use Serval to deal the final blow in a victory against boss Gepard. Reward: star jade ×10.

We hope this guide helped you create a suitable build for Serval in Honkai: Star Rail. Feel free to leave comments, if you have any additional questions, and the author or other players will try to help you.

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