Light cones in Honkai: Star Rail are memories of the characters we know and love in the game, given form by the Garden of Recollection. They contain an image and description of a scene in a particular character's life, but their true function in Star Rail is their use as weapons.
As weapons, light cones have base stats that apply to any character and a passive ability that only applies to characters of the same Path as the light cone. While five star limited light cones will typically be stronger than the more easily accessible four and five star options, the passive abilities of limited light cones tend to focus on boosting one particular character's kit. In this article, we'll take a look at ten of the best light cone options, taking into account their stats and passive abilities, accessibility, and overall Path utility.
Echoes of the Coffin — Abundance
The Abundance Path is in a bit of a weird place right now. Of the four Abundance characters currently released, three scale on HP, and only one is a limited five star. This means our light cone options for Abundance characters are rather scarce.
Echoes of the Coffin is Luocha's signature light cone. Though he may currently be the only healer who scales on attack, he's guaranteed to not be the last. With an attack boost, energy regeneration boost, and a teamwide speed buff, Echoes of the Coffin will be an excellent option for any future healers that scale on attack. Unfortunately, given that it's Luocha's signature weapon, you'll have to wait for a rerun if you didn't snag this light cone the first time around.
Why is Echoes of the Coffin so good?
- The only Abundance light cone that boosts attack
- Attack and energy regeneration boost
- Teamwide speed buff
- Excellent five star stats
Where do I get Echoes of the Coffin?
- Limited Light Cone Warp Banner
What are the stats?
Level 1:
- HP: 52
- Attack: 26
- Defense: 18
Level 80:
- HP: 1164
- Attack: 582
- Defense: 396
What are the passive abilities?
- Superimposition 1: Increases the wearer's attack by 24%. For each enemy hit by the wearer with an attack, regenerate 3.0 energy, up to three times per attack. After the wearer uses an ultimate, all allies gain 12 speed for 1 turn.
- Superimposition 5: Increases the wearer's attack by 40%. For each enemy hit by the wearer with an attack, regenerate 5.0 energy, up to three times per attack. After the wearer uses an ultimate, all allies gain 20 speed for 1 turn.
Post-Op Conversation — Abundance
Since the other Abundance light cone is both a signature weapon and boosts attack rather than HP, Abundance gets another mention in this article with a more accessible option for HP scaling healers: Post-Op Conversation. This four star light cone boosts energy regeneration and the outgoing healing of your character's skill and ultimate.
While the five star light cone Time Waits for No One is statistically better, I still have to recommend Post-Op Conversation over it unless you happen to pull the five star by chance. The healing boost from Post-Op Conversation is comparable to its five star counterpart, and all you're truly missing is a small HP boost, slightly increased offensive capabilities, and marginally better base stats. The small amount of benefit you'll get from Bailu's light cone isn't worth the fact that there's no guarantee you'll ever receive it without saving a hefty amount of Undying Starlight. Stick with Post-Op Conversation. Natasha is here for you and your bank account.
Why is Post-Op Conversation so good?
- Useful four star option
- Increased healing output
- Energy regeneration
Where do I get Post-Op Conversation?
- Limited and Standard Warp Banners
What are the stats?
Level 1:
- HP: 48
- Attack: 19
- Defense: 15
Level 80:
- HP: 1058
- Attack: 423
- Defense: 330
What are the passive abilities?
- Superimposition 1: Increases the wearer's energy regeneration rate by 8% and increases outgoing healing when using their ultimate by 12%.
- Superimposition 5: Increases the wearer's energy regeneration rate by 16% and increases outgoing healing when using their ultimate by 24%.
On the Fall of an Aeon — Destruction
While the Destruction Path contains some very powerful signature light cones, the passive abilities of many limited light cones cater to the kits of their specific characters, especially Blade's and Jingliu's. On the Fall of an Aeon is a much more versatile and accessible option, being one of the few five star light cones that you'll be able to take to superimposition five without making your credit card cry.
Since it's a light cone you receive from Herta's shop, its base stats are more of a four-and-a-half star rather than a five star, but the attack and damage boost from its passive ability make it an attractive weapon for any Destruction character.
Why is On the Fall of an Aeon so good?
- Easily available through Herta's Store
- Pairs well with any Destruction character
- Better base stats than four star options
Where do I get On the Fall of an Aeon?
- Purchase from the Herta Store for eight Herta Bonds
What are the stats?
Level 1:
- HP: 48
- Attack: 24
- Defense: 18
Level 80:
- HP: 1058
- Attack: 529
- Defense: 396
What are the passive abilities?
- Superimposition 1: When the wearer attacks, increase attack by 8% for this battle, up to four times. When the wearer inflicts weakness break, increase their damage by 12% for two turns.
- Superimposition 5: When the wearer attacks, increase attack by 16% for this battle, up to four times. When the wearer inflicts weakness break, increase their damage by 24% for two turns.
In the Night — Hunt
Seele's signature light cone is currently the best option for any Hunt character, butterfly-themed or not. To fully stack the passive of the light cone, you'll need to build up an impressive speed stat, but if you're building a Hunt character like Seele, that should be high on your priority list anyway.
With great base stats and a passive ability that boosts your crit rate, as well as a boost to damage and crit damage based on your speed, it's not a weapon to be overlooked when Seele's rerun comes around. If your DPS follows the Hunt Path, this light cone is worth saving for.
Why is In the Night so good?
- Great base stats
- Crit rate boost
- Boost to crit damage and damage based on speed
- Best current Hunt light cone
Where do I get In the Night?
- Limited Light Cone Warp Banner
What are the stats?
Level 1:
- HP: 48
- Attack: 26
- Defense: 21
Level 80:
- HP: 1058
- Attack: 582
- Defense: 563
What are the passive abilities?
- Superimposition 1: Increases the wearer's crit rate by 18%. For every 10 speed over 100, the damage of the wearer's basic attack and skill is increased by 6% and the crit damage of their ultimate is increased by 12%. This can stack up to six times.
- Superimposition 5: Increases the wearer's crit rate by 30%. For every 10 speed over 100, the damage of the wearer's basic attack and skill is increased by 10% and the crit damage of their ultimate is increased by 20%. This can stack up to six times.
Cruising in the Stellar Sea — Hunt
Cruising in the Stellar Sea, like On the Fall of an Aeon, is a five star light cone available in Herta's store. This means it has base stats between a four star and typical five star light cone, but is easily available for superimposition just by playing Simulated Universe and collecting Herta Bonds.
Cruising in the Stellar Sea has a passive that boosts crit rate, further boosts crit rate when attacking enemies under half HP, and increases attack upon defeating enemies. If your account lacks In the Night, or if you plan on leveling more than one Hunt character, you won't regret adding Cruising in the Stellar Sea to your arsenal.
Why is Cruising in the Stellar Sea so good?
- Easily available through Herta's Store
- Crit rate boost
- Further crit rate boost when attacking enemies at 50% HP or less
- Attack boost upon defeating enemies
Where do I get Cruising in the Stellar Sea?
- Purchase from the Herta Store for eight Herta Bonds
What are the stats?
Level 1:
- HP: 43
- Attack: 24
- Defense: 21
Level 80:
- HP: 952
- Attack: 529
- Defense: 463
What are the passive abilities?
- Superimposition 1: Increases the wearer's crit rate by 8%. Increases their crit rate against enemies with 50% or less HP by an extra 8%. When their wearer defeats an enemy, increases their attack by 20% for two turns.
- Superimposition 5: Increases the wearer's crit rate by 16%. Increases their crit rate against enemies with 50% or less HP by an extra 16%. When their wearer defeats an enemy, increases their attack by 40% for two turns.
But the Battle Isn't Over — Harmony
The Harmony Path is in a similar situation to the Abundance Path, made worse by the fact that we've yet to receive any limited five star characters (or light cones.) As the only current five star Harmony light cone, But the Battle Isn't Over is currently the best weapon for Harmony units (except Yukong, as her ultimate doesn't trigger the light cone's passive.)
But the Battle Isn't Over boasts an energy regeneration boost, skill point regeneration upon using an ultimate on an ally, and a boost for the damage of your allies. As it is a signature light cone for a standard character, you'll need luck (or not luck, if going for a particular five star) to pull this weapon on the standard or limited banner. On the other hand, as it is a standard signature light cone, you can save up your Undying Starlight and purchase But the Battle Isn't Over from the Starlight Exchange.
Why is But the Battle Isn't Over so good?
- The only current five star Harmony light cone
- Fits most Harmony characters
- Energy regeneration
- Skill point regeneration
- Damage boost
Where do I get But the Battle Isn't Over?
- Standard or Limited Warp Banners
- Purchase from Starlight Exchange for 600 Undying Starlight
What are the stats?
Level 1:
- HP: 52
- Attack: 24
- Defense: 21
Level 80:
- HP: 1164
- Attack: 529
- Defense: 463
What are the passive abilities?
- Superimposition 1: Increases the wearer's energy regeneration rate by 10%. Regenerates one skill point when wearer uses their ultimate on an ally, every two uses of the ultimate. When the wearer uses their skill, next ally deals 30% more damage for one turn.
- Superimposition 5: Increases the wearer's energy regeneration rate by 18%. Regenerates one skill point when wearer uses their ultimate on an ally, every two uses of the ultimate. When the wearer uses their skill, next ally deals 50% more damage for one turn.
Good Night and Sleep Well — Nihility
While Patience Is All You Need is indeed a better light cone stat-wise, it's Kafka's signature light cone and tailored specifically for her kit, with a similar four star option far easier to obtain at a very small power loss — Good Night and Sleep Well.
Easier to superimpose than its five star counterpart, Good Night and Sleep Well's damage boost can grow from noticeable to respectable on a myriad of Nihility DPS characters. Patience Is All You Need might be a better choice if you have Kafka and lack this light cone, but Good Night and Sleep Well being as strong, versatile, and accessible as it is makes it one of the best Nihility light cones currently available.
Why is Good Night and Sleep Well so good?
- Easier to acquire as a four star light cone
- Good on nearly every Nihility unit
- Fits well in damage over time teams
Where do I get Good Night and Sleep Well?
- Standard and Limited Warp Banners
What are the stats?
Level 1:
- HP: 43
- Attack: 21
- Defense: 15
Level 80:
- HP: 952
- Attack: 476
- Defense: 330
What are the passive abilities?
- Superimposition 1: For every debuff on the target enemy, increases the damage dealt by the wearer by 12%, stacking up to 3 times. This effect also applies to DoT.
- Superimposition 5: For every debuff on the target enemy, increases the damage dealt by the wearer by 24%, stacking up to 3 times. This effect also applies to DoT.
Before Dawn — Erudition
Jing Yuan's signature light cone, Before Dawn, may be made for him but it's fantastic on any Erudition character thanks to its stats and amazing passive abilities.
Before Dawn grants an impressive crit damage, skill damage and ultimate damage boost that all Erudition characters welcome, and also grants a strong buff to follow-up damage, which is utilized by four out of five characters on the current Erudition roster. If your current DPS is walking the Erudition Path, Before Dawn is a worthwhile investment.
Why is Before Dawn so good?
- Fits well on all Erudition characters
- Big crit damage boost
- Skill and ultimate damage boost
- Follow-up attacks damage boost
- Five star stats
Where do I get Before Dawn?
- Limited Light Cone Warp Banner
What are the stats?
Level 1:
- HP: 48
- Attack: 26
- Defense: 21
Level 80:
- HP: 1058
- Attack: 582
- Defense: 463
What are the passive abilities?
- Superimposition 1: Increases wearer's crit damage by 36%. Increases wearer's skill and ultimate damage by 18%. After using skill or ultimate, increases damage of wearer's next follow-up attack by 48%.
- Superimposition 5: Increases wearer's crit damage by 60%. Increases wearer's skill and ultimate damage by 30%. After using skill or ultimate, increases damage of wearer's next follow-up attack by 80%.
The Seriousness of Breakfast — Erudition
A solid alternative to Before Dawn, The Seriousness of Breakfast is a four star light cone available through the Light Cone Manifest in the Forgotten Hall, making it much easier to superimpose than a five star light cone. More importantly, it features Pom-Pom!
Boasting a damage increase and an attack increase per enemy defeated, it slots in well with all Erudition characters. If you're saving your Stellar Jades for a certain character or weapon but still want your Erudition characters properly equipped, The Seriousness of Breakfast will not let you down.
Why is The Seriousness of Breakfast so good?
- Easily available four star option
- Fits all Erudition characters well
- Boosts damage
- Increases attack per enemy defeated
Where do I get The Seriousness of Breakfast?
- Purchase for 200 Lucent Afterglow from the Light Cone Manifest in the Forgotten Hall
- Limited and Standard Warp Banners
What are the stats?
Level 1:
- HP: 38
- Attack: 21
- Defense: 18
Level 80:
- HP: 846
- Attack: 476
- Defense: 396
What are the passive abilities?
- Superimposition 1: Increases the wearer's damage by 12%. Increases the wearer's attack by 4% for every defeated enemy, stacking up the three times.
- Superimposition 5: Increases the wearer's damage by 24%. Increases the wearer's attack by 8% for every defeated enemy, stacking up the three times.
Moment of Victory — Preservation
Moment of Victory, Gepard's signature light cone, is one of three five star Preservation light cones currently available. Fu Xuan's lightcone is certainly useful and strong, but with most Preservation units focusing on shields that scale on their defense rather than damage absorption and mitigation, Moment of Victory has more widespread utility than She Already Shut Her Eyes.
With five star stats, increased taunt, and a passive that boosts defense while granting a second defense boost when attacked, Moment of Victory is currently the best choice for every Preservation character except Fu Xuan. Being a standard signature light cone, Moment of Victory can be purchased in the Starlight Exchange if it doesn't grace your pulls.
Why is Moment of Victory so good?
- Widespread utility among Preservation characters
- Defense increase
- Increase enemy taunt
- Standard signature weapon available for purchase in Starlight Exchange
Where do I get Moment of Victory?
- Standard or Limited Warp Banners
- Purchase from Starlight Exchange for 600 Undying Starlight
What are the stats?
Level 1:
- HP: 48
- Attack: 21
- Defense: 27
Level 80:
- HP: 1058
- Attack: 476
- Defense: 595
What are the passive abilities?
- Superimposition 1: Increases the wearer's defense by 24% and effect hit rate by 24%. Increases the chance for the wearer to be attacked by enemies. When the wearer is attacked, increase their defense by an additional 24% until the end of their turn.
- Superimposition 5: Increases the wearer's defense by 40% and effect hit rate by 40%. Increases the chance for the wearer to be attacked by enemies. When the wearer is attacked, increase their defense by an additional 40% until the end of their turn.
Light cones may vary in usefulness depending on your own roster, but these ten light cones can be applied to a variety of characters to boost the power of your account — hopefully giving you the edge to FINALLY beat that stage of Simulated Universe: Swarm Disaster you've been stuck on for way too long.
