Welcome, new Trailblazers! If you’re just starting out in Honkai: Star Rail, you might feel overwhelmed by all the mechanics, currencies, and strategies the game throws at you. This guide is here to help you avoid common mistakes and maximize your progress, especially if you’re playing as a free-to-play (F2P) player. Let’s dive in.
1. Understanding Stellar Jades – Your Most Valuable Resource
Stellar Jades are Honkai: Star Rail’s premium currency, mainly used for summoning characters and light cones. Here’s what you need to know:
- Limited banners matter – Save your Stellar Jades for limited-time character and light cone banners. These typically last 21 days.
- Avoid spending on the standard banner – It’s permanent, and you’ll get its characters over time. Don’t rush to hit the 300-wish milestone.
- F2P players need patience – Wasting Stellar Jades on non-essential summons will leave you short when a powerful character you want gets released.
Too many new players spend their Jades on the standard banner and regret it when a limited character they like is about to leave. Don’t be that player—plan ahead!
2. Building Your Core Team – Don’t Spread Resources Too Thin
Early in the game, it’s tempting to upgrade multiple characters, but this spreads your resources too thin. Instead, focus on a balanced core team of four:
- One DPS (damage dealer)
- One Harmony (support) or Nihility (debuffer)
- One Abundance (healer) or Preservation (tank)
- One flexible slot (another DPS, support, or debuffer)
This setup will carry you through most of the game. Later on, you’ll need more characters for endgame content like Memory of Chaos, but early on, sticking to four is the way to go.
3. Prioritizing Traces – Level What Matters
Every character has multiple Traces (skills, talents, etc.), but leveling them all isn’t necessary. Instead:
- For DPS characters – Focus on their skill, talent, and ultimate. Basic attacks often don’t need upgrades.
- For supports – Upgrade the skills that provide buffs or utility.
- For tanks/healers – Prioritize ultimates and abilities that affect the whole team.
This strategy saves resources and helps you maximize your team’s effectiveness without unnecessary farming.
4. Positioning Your Tank for AOE Attacks
Preservation characters (tanks) have the highest taunt value, meaning enemies target them more often. However, their position in the team affects AOE damage:
- Place your tank in the far-left or far-right slot.
- If the enemy uses a splash attack, this minimizes how many allies take damage.
- Some enemy skills hit the entire team no matter what, but positioning still helps in many cases.
This small tweak can save you healing resources and keep your DPS characters alive longer.
5. Monthly Shop & Assignments – Free Rewards You Shouldn’t Miss
Every month, make sure to visit the in-game Embers Exchange to buy free wishes and upgrade materials. Here’s what you should focus on:
- Purchase five Star Rail Special Passes (for limited banners).
- Buy five regular Star Rail Passes (for the standard banner).
- Pick up Tracks of Destiny for trace upgrades.
Also, don’t forget Assignments—these auto-farming tasks should prioritize:
- XP materials
- Credits
- Light cone materials
- Character materials (optional)
Doing this every month ensures a steady stream of free resources.
6. Simulated Universe – Don’t Waste Your Herta Bonds
In Simulated Universe, you earn Herta Bonds, which can be spent in her shop. Instead of using them on Star Rail Passes (which are inefficient), buy free 5-star light cones.
- These light cones work well for current and future characters.
- You can eventually superimpose them to level 5 for maximum effect.
- More options may be added in future updates, so it’s wise to save for new releases.
7. Support Character System – Easy Credits
Did you know you can earn free credits just by setting a support character?
- Other players can borrow your character.
- Every time someone uses them, you get free credits (up to 10,000 per day).
- Popular choices include wave-clear DPS units (Jing Yuan, Himeko) and new limited 5-stars.
This is passive income for just setting a support—don’t forget to claim your credits!
8. Light Cones – Free 4-Star Options
Head to the Light Cone Manifest shop to collect free 4-star light cones. You’ll obtain one copy of each while playing and can upgrade them by farming weekly bosses.
Some standout choices include:
- “Seriousness of Breakfast” – A great light cone for Erudition characters (AOE DPS).
- “Past and Future” – Solid support light cone for Harmony units.
If you’re struggling with gear, these free options will boost your team without relying on luck in banners.
9. Daily Logins & Extra Freebies
Even if you’re not playing every day, log in daily to claim free rewards, including:
- Stellar Jades
- XP books
- Relic and light cone enhancement materials
It only takes a few seconds and adds up over time. Every little bit helps when you’re saving for your next big pull!
10. Final Advice – Be Patient & Have Fun
Honkai: Star Rail is a long-term game. As a new player, your best strategy is to be patient, plan your Stellar Jade spending wisely, and build a strong core team before expanding.
If you’re looking for detailed character guides, farming routes, and event updates, consider following content creators who cover the game regularly. Most importantly, enjoy the ride and happy Trailblazing! 🚀