Honkai: Star Rail, developed by Hoyoverse, possesses gacha mechanics that are similar to the company's previous games. Every patch, this game will do its best to tempt you into pulling the newest five star character. Despite the shiny new unit dangled in front of you, most of the content can actually be cleared with four star characters, many of which are given for free by the game with no pulling or luck necessary.
Well, other than the relics.
But let's save that rant for later. For now, we're going to discuss five of the best F2P teams in Honkai: Star Rail.
5. Bargain DoT: Fire Trailblazer + Serval + Sampo + Natasha
Serval might technically be the DPS in this team, but when paired with Sampo and Fire Trailblazer (especially when the latter is equipped with the light cone Trend of the Universal Market) it truly becomes a team effort to enact death by a thousand tiny shocks, burns, and slashes. Braver souls with beefier Sampos and Servals can even switch Fire Trailblazer out for Pitch-Dark Hook the Great for more damage potential, turning the team into a DoT Glass Cannon.
Careful management is needed to see this team to its full potential, as half of the members can be squishy and skill point hungry (especially if switching Trailblazer out for Hook.) Even still, this team can make for a satisfying Simulated Universe run on the Nihility path when played right, as Sampo's ultimate boosts DoT (damage over time) and Serval's ultimate extends the duration of shock.
Why use Bargain DoT?
- Varied types of DoT
- Fire Trailblazer's Taunt and Natasha's healing keeps squishy characters safer
- Enjoyable F2P option for Simulated Universe: Nihility Path
4. Cheap Clapback: Qingque + Herta + March 7th + Natasha
Though niche and somewhat hard to pull off as a F2P, a team built around follow-up attacks is completely possible, fairly powerful, and even fun. Qingque functions as the DPS and primary skill point depleter — contributing follow-up attacks herself at Eidolon 4 — while March and Herta provide a consistent source of follow-up attacks and ice damage. March's and Herta's traces also complement one another in this team, providing their ultimates with increased chance to freeze and increased damage to frozen enemies respectively.
Qingque is a delight to play, especially if you like more gambling in your gacha. As one of two four star Quantum element characters currently available (the other being brand new), she's great for Quantum-weak enemies even without Eidolons. This team is a fantastic F2P avenue to enjoy the Elation path during your next Simulated Universe run.
Why use Cheap Clapback?
- Strong Quantum DPS with engaging gameplay
- Supports with complementary kits
- Great F2P choice for Simulated Universe: Elation Path
3. Frozen Pursuit: Sushang + Asta + March 7th + Natasha
For a team that's as strong as it is defensible, a Sushang-led team will not let you down. Better yet, if you've been completing the events since launch, your account will have every character. With Asta as a speed buffer, March's freeze slowing enemies, and the shield/healer combination keeping everyone comfortable, Sushang can safely send her Phoenix into battle with a quickness.
Full disclosure: Sushang is my favorite four star DPS, without question. While her damage isn't quite as impressive as a five star, she stands out in Simulated Universe teams pursuing the Remembrance Path. Her repeat attack after her ultimate paired with Asta's speed boost synergizes well with the three star Remembrance blessings.
Why use Frozen Pursuit?
- Strong Physical DPS (with cute chicken)
- All characters previously given free during gameplay
- Excellent F2P option for Simulated Universe: Remembrance Path
2. Starter Pack: Dan Heng + Fire Trailblazer + March 7th + Natasha
The very first team the game hands you is perfectly serviceable (though I've exchanged the Physical Trailblazer for the Fire Trailblazer, as I'll mention below.) A good chunk of the game's early content can be cleared with minimal investment in these four characters. And honestly, who doesn't love hanging out with the Astral Express crew (and Natasha)?
Though I've gone on to replace the DPS in this team (sorry Dan Heng), this setup and its variations are still a staple in both Memory of Chaos and Simulated Universe. You're not going to find better survivability in a F2P team, and with Fire Trailblazer as a support instead of Physical, skill point usage becomes less of an issue.
Why use Starter Pack?
- Characters are given free through playing the game
- Great survivability due to two shielders and a healer
- Lower skill point demand than most teams
- Perfect F2P option for Simulated Universe: Preservation Path
1. Go Chicken, Go!: Sushang + Asta + Tingyun + Natasha
A defenseless version of Frozen Pursuit, it's a version that's more enjoyable when Sushang is at least Eidolon 2 to provide a small damage reduction. This team does require investment into the support characters, as Asta and Tingyun are exposed and lack the HP of a healer like Natasha. But between Asta boosting speed and Tingyun providing energy, you'll have more than enough to fuel for your one-chicken stampede.
Natasha is actually interchangeable with a defense unit like March 7th if preferred, especially when doing a Simulated Universe run where you manage to snag blessings that heal. When pursuing the path of the Hunt, the goal will be to hit as many times as possible, which puts Sushang a rank above Dan Heng for the DPS spot in this team.
Why use Go Chicken, Go?
- Physical DPS that hits hard and often (again, with a cute chicken)
- Supports are primarily used for ultimates, freeing skill points for Sushang
- Great F2P option for Simulated Universe: Hunt Path
You'll likely replace many of the four star units listed here in your team compositions as your roster grows, but these F2P teams are still great options until you pull some powerful five star units.
