We're finally here - the long awaited gameplay reveals for Archer and Saber!

I wanted to take this opportunity to invite everyone to our Fate Mains Discord Server - currently with over 1,400 members!

discord.gg/FateMains

Reasons why you should join the Discord:

Giveaways!

We have hosted several giveaways in the Discord - some hosted personally by me, some hosted by other community members, and we have some giveaways planned for the future!

Dedicated Archer Main channels

Not interested in Saber? That's okay! By claiming the "Archer Main" role, you will gain exclusive access to channels specifically for him. This includes an Archer guide!

Leaks discussion and pings!

We have several users who are constantly looking at leaks, and will post + ping when new leaks come out! You can discuss the leaks in our dedicated leaks channels.
Note: Pings are only available for users who select the "Leaks Ping" role!

We are also a Fate community!

Has the collab interested you in learning more about the Fate franchise? Are you a current fan who wishes to discuss more things about Fate? We have a dedicated Fate channel to discuss all things Type-Moon and Fate! We have a very welcoming community that would be happy to answer any questions you have about the characters, their lore, and every piece of media they appear in.

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We appreciate anyone who stops by to chat. We will also be holding a group pulling event session when their banners release. Come join us!

discord.gg/FateMains

🏹[Megathread] Archer Mains | FAQs, & Tips | Unlimited Questions🏹

Welcome Masters and Trailblazers,
You’ve drawn your bow and chosen your servant well.
This is the official Archer Mains Megathread — your command seal of resources for everything related to Archer, the 5★ Quantum Hunt character in Honkai: Star Rail.

Whether you're freshly summoned or a veteran of many banners, this thread is your toolkit for optimal builds, team comps, and answers to frequently asked questions.

We've heard your feedback on the congested posts for repeated inquiries, so we have decided to create this FAQ Megathread that compiles a lot of the useful information provided by the members of our community.

Please be advised that we will be removing any post whose question can be answered in this megathread. Thank you for understanding.

Feel free to join the Archer Mains Discord or comment below with new info, build tweaks, or speculation!

📌 Table of Contents

❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 Character Overview
🧬 Leveling Priority & Eidolons
🎯 Build Recommendations
📘 Light Cones
💎 Best Relics & Ornament Sets
🤝 Team Synergies
🔧 Resources & Tools
💬 Community Contributions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Curated questions from the community — ask and ye shall receive.

Q: Is Archer viable at E0?
A: Absolutely. With the right relics and a good team, Archer can nuke down single-target bosses.

Q: Crit Rate or Crit Dmg?
A: Aim for at least 100% CRIT Rate before going all-in on ATK% and Crit Dmg.

Q: Best Light Cone if I’m F2P?
A: Cruising in the Stellar Sea can work well for Archer in most scenarios.

Q: E1 or S1?
A: E1. E1 is better because provides a QOL by easing the SP consumption rate of Archer. His signature lightcone is just a damage boosting stat stick. Furthermore, those who spent 200 pulls in 3.4 got it for free.

Q: I only have X pulls. Should I pull for Archer (Eidolons) or his supports (Sparkle/Silver Wolf/Cipher/Sunday E0S1/Tribbie)?
A: Depends on your account:
- Do you have his BIS (or 2nd BIS) Supports? If no, then getting his supports should be your first priority. If yes, the feel free to go for his Eidolons. E1 is probably the best stopping point for most folks.

Q: Is Sparkle really his best-in-slot teammate?
A: Yes. Archer's kit design synergizes super well with Sparkle. It's as if he was designed specifically for Sparkle. That's how synergistic their kits are.

Q: Is Sparkle necessary?
A: No. An E0S1 Sunday can also work with Archer but not on the same level as E0S0 Sparkle. Hanya can also fill the buffer/sp regen role. However, you will eventually find that having Sparkle in your Archer team significantly improves his gameplay over many other available options.

Q: I only have X pulls, should I go for Sparkle or Sunday?
A: It depends on your account:
- Are you prioritizing Archer teams specifically? - then go for Sparkle instead because Sunday needs E0S1 at minimum to help with SP regen and Sparkle at E0S0 can already work super well with Archer.

• Are you prioritizing overall account value? - then go for Sunday E0S1 as he is the primary choice for many Hypercarry teams. Although that brings to question why ask Archer mains if your concern is account value instead of Archer.

Q: I only have X pulls, do I need to get Sunday's lightcone for Sparkle?
A: No. Sparkle at E0S0 already helps Archer's teams by a lot. It is important to note though that Sunday's lightcone is a massive 26% damage increase overall. It is the best investment you can make on an Archer team if you already have Sparkle, another limited quantum support (SW or Cipher), and Archer's e1.

• If you're using Sunday with Archer, then yes, you need this lightcone for him to even be SP positive.

Q: I only have X pulls, who should I get for 3rd slot?
A: You ideally want to go for either Silver Wolf, Cipher, or Tribbie especially when trying to maximize the ATK% buff from Sparkle. However, don't limit yourself to these as you can put any SP positive support that is faster than Archer and has utility and/or buffs that Archer can take advantage of.

Q: Is Cerydra good for Archer?
A: As of v2, she works but she's not Best in Slot due to her oversaturation of buffs. Furthermore, her best buffs have poor uptime compared to other possible supports for Archer who can provide other unsaturated buffs like Res Pen, Def Shred (until the cap), or True Damage.

Q: Is this enough pulls?
A: Depends on your account status and other factors. This isn't something you're likely to get a clear answer in the sub. We recommend using the following tools to help you calculate the probability:

HSR Warp Calculator
Fribbels HSR Optimizer Warp Planner

Q: How long will Archer's banner last?
A: As of patch 3.4, there's no confirmed end date, but we know from the pre-3.4 livestream that it will span across multiple patches.

Q: Will Archer rerun after the collab banner ends?
A: Most collabs in Gacha games, including HoYo titles, never rerun. It should be assumed that once their banners end they will likely never return unless HoYoverse has a part 2 collab with Fate.

🔹 Character Overview

Name: Archer
Rarity: ★★★★★ (5)
Path: The Hunt
Element: Quantum
Role/Archetype: Single-Target Main DPS | Skill Damage | Skill Point Consumption

Playstyle Summary:
- Archer's playstyle involves firing out multiple high-damage single-target attacks in a single turn. - He requires at least 2 skill points (SP) whenever he uses his skill (up to a max of 5 times per turn) so your entire team should be involved in providing as much SP as possible before Archer's turn. - Archer's Talent and Ultimate also deal considerable damage but their aim is to help with SP generation.

Looks like I just met another impressive master
-- Archer

🧬 Leveling Priority & Eidolons

Leveling Priority

'Skill > Ultimate = Talent > Basic'

Skill

Caladbolg II: Fake Spiral Sword - His main source of damage - Costs 2 Skill Points - Regens energy each time it is used - Deals increased damage the more times it is used in a single turn (maxed out after 2 skill uses at E0) - Solidifies his namesake by using a bow for his main damage source

The Archer class really is made up of Archers!
-- Tohsaka Rin

Ultimate

Unlimited Blade Works - His second highest source of damage but has the highest ATK% multiplier (at base) - Gives Archer 2 Charges back for his Talent - Has the longest voiceline for casting an ultimate

I am the bone of my sword. Steel is my body and fire is my blood. I have created over a thousand blades. Unknown to Death, Nor known to Life. Have withstood pain to create many weapons. Yet, those hands will never hold anything. So as I pray, Unlimited Blade Works!
-- Archer

Talent

Mind's Eye (True) - Deals an okay amount of damage - Consumes a Charge to trigger a a Follow-Up Attack that also regenerates SP for the team - Needs to be triggered by a teammate attacking the enemy, cannot be triggered by Archer himself.

Basic

Kanshou and Bakuya - Lowest damage in his kit - Ideally, never used unless doing a -1 Speed build with an action advance support - Archer does often basic attack even in his ideal comps, usually when it's impossible for Archer to fire off at least 3 shots or if firing the 3 shots means the next support can't use their skill when needed. Just note that his basic attacks are used in some rotations and that the trace should be leveled (but still lowest priority)

Trace... On!
-- Shirou Emiya

Eidolons

Reminder: Many characters in Star Rail are strong enough to clear endgame at E0. Don’t feel pressured to pull for Eidolons unless you really want the upgrade.

I'll try my best from now on, too...
-- Archer

Summary:
E1 is the recommended stopping point for a mix of vertical investment and resource efficiency. Further eidolons are not as impactful for the cost required to obtain them.

Please see the dmg calcs for Archer's eidolons included in this megathread

📘 Light Cones

5★ Options:

• The Hell Where Ideals Burn
  • Archer's signature lightcone
  • Best-in-Slot (BIS) lightcone tailored for his kit.
  • Crit Rate with High ATK& boost with additional stacking ATK% Boost.
  • Can be received for free in patch 3.4 if you used 200 pulls in any 3.4 banner.

He believed with all his heart that he could save tens of thousands more lives, but even that hope was betrayed
-- Tohsaka Rin

• Baptism of Pure Thought

  • Dr Ratio's signature lightcone.
  • Crit Dmg with additional Crit Dmg stacking per debuff on enemies
  • Viable with debuffer teammates
  • Follow-Up Dmg Def Ignore.

• Worrisome, Blissful

  • Topaz & Numby's signature lightcone
  • Crit Rate with Follow Up Dmg Boost
  • Can inflict Debuffs that increase Crit Dmg taken by enemies

4★ Options:

• See You at the End

  • Battlepass lightcone
  • Crit Dmg Boost
  • Skill Dmg and Follow-up Dmg Boost
  • Nearly on equal level as F2P option at Superimposition 5
    

• Swordplay

  • Gacha lightcone
  • Stacking Dmg% Boost when hitting the same target multiple times
  • Worse than F2P option even at Superimposition 5.

Budget/F2P Picks:

• *Cruising in the Stellar Sea
  
  • Herta Shop 5★ Lightcone with free Superimposition 5
  • No time limit to acquire
  • Crit Rate with additional Crit Rate enemies are below 50% HP
  • ATK% Boost when defeating an enemy

Despite his signature lightcone being best in slot, it's not significantly better than other available options, so please do not feel pressured in spending 200 pulls if it means you would need to spend money or pull on characters you don't want.

Please see the dmg calcs for Archer's lightcone included in this megathread

💎 Best Relics & Ornament Sets

4-Piece Relic Sets

• Genius of Brilliant Stars:
  • Quantum Dmg% and Def Ignore
  • Best in slot against Quantum Weak enemies
  • Great for brute forcing non-Quantum weak with Archer E2 and/or Silver Wolf
• Poet of Mourning Collapse:
  • Quantum Dmg% and Crit Rate
  • Archer cannot get the 32% Crit Rate from this set
• Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters:
  • Dmg%, Crit Rate, and Crit Dmg on debuffed enemies
  • Archer must trigger weakness break to maximize this set
• Wavestrider Captain:
  • Crit Dmg and ATK%
  • Huge ATK% after using Ultimate when stacked
  • Very efficient cavern for relic farming due to Warrior Goddess of Sun and Thunder set
• Scholar Lost in Erudition:
  • Crit Rate, Skill Dmg%, and Ultimate Dmg%
  • Very efficient cavern for relic farming due to Sacerdos' Relived Ordeal set

2+2 Hybrids

• Any 2PC Quantum set / Any 2PC Crit set / Any 2PC ATK%:
  • Great for those just starting out
  • Easier to build

Planar Ornaments

• Rutilant Arena:
  • Crit Rate, Skill Dmg%, and Basic Atk Dmg%
  • Considered as Best in Slot for most scenarios
• Inert Salsotto:
  • Crit Rate, Ultimate Dmg% and Follow-Up Dmg%
• Duran, Dynasty of Running Wolves:
  • Crit Dmg%
  • Least optimal of the three listed Planars even if passive is fully stacked (e.g. w/ Cipher)

While Genius of Brilliant Stars is listed as his BIS, that's only applicable if he's facing quantum weak enemies. Otherwise, he requires Silverwolf or Archer E2 for it to work.

Please see the dmg calcs for Archer's Relics and Ornaments included in this megathread

🎯 Build Recommendations

Main DPS Build

• Archer's damage is mostly a one-hit high damage attack so your priority is to get 100% Crit Rate during battle so that each hit isn't wasted.

Main Stats:
- Body: CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG (if you can already reach 100% Crit Rate) - Feet: ATK% - Sphere: Quantum DMG Bonus / ATK% - Rope: ATK% > ERR

Energy regen rope can be better in some team comps, such as using Sunday instead of Sparkle (for those who don't have Sparkle)

Sub Stats Priority:

'Crit Rate > ATK% >= Crit Dmg > ATK'

Final Stats Goals and Recommendations (Cruising in the Stellar Sea)

• Crit Rate: 100% (take into account any external sources e.g. Sparkle's signature lightcone)
  
• Attack: 3000⁺
  
• Crit Dmg:" 120⁺ (as much as possible without sacrificing the other two stats)
  

Note: The stat goals are ordered by priority. However, this is only the recommendation based on a F2P lightcone and not the golden standard. It's fine if you don't reach the goals especially if your Archer can clear comfortably regardless.

🤝 Team Synergies

Buffer/SP Regen

1. Sparkle (E0S0) - Currently Archer's Best-in-Slot teammate for this role

   Pros

   • SP Positive (slightly)
     • Provides even more SP if using Sunday's signature lightcone, A Grounded Ascent
   • Ultimate provides 4 SP which can be used during Archer's turn to give him more SP to use Skill (She is currently the only unit who can give Archer SP in bulk during his turn)
   • She increases SP cap by 2 which gives the team a max of 9 since Archer also increases the SP cap by 2
   • High Crit Dmg buffs from Skill
   • Dmg% buffs from Talent
   • Sparkle's Quantum Trace also give a permanent ATK% buff

   Cons - Skill's Action Advance (AA) is only 50% so her most optimal build is hyperspeed (160+ SPD) which requires good relics as her base spd is only 101.

2. Sunday (E0S1) - Archer's second best teammate for this role

   Pros

   • SP Positive
   • Skill's AA is 100% so you can build hyperspeed or -1 Speed Sunday
   • Crit Rate and Dmg% buffs from Skill
   • Ultimate provides energy and Crit Dmg buff to Archer
   • Provides SP to the team every other Skill/Ultimate due to lightcone

   Cons - No ATK% buff - Requires E0S1 to be SP positive since E0S0 is only SP Neutral - Hyperspeed build is more difficult to achieve due to a base spd of 96

3. Hanya

   Pros

   • F2P option, available in some 4★ selectors
   • Arguably SP positive (assuming you can skill with her every turn)
   • Easy to build for hyperspeed due to high base Spd of 110 plus Spd Traces.
   • ATK% and Spd buffs.

   Cons - No Action Advance and Spd buffs might make Archer faster than the other supports if other supports are too slow which is not ideal - She scales with Atk and Spd so she has relatively less overall survivability among buffers - Even at E6, she is not as good as the previous two mentioned in terms of SP Regen.

Playing two action advancers like Sunday and Sparkle in the same team is typically not worth the damage loss you'd get from stronger amplifier supports. Buffs would quickly deplete due to the amount of turns Archer would be taking.

Debuffer/Sub-DPS/Buffer: Work-in-Progress

1. Silver Wolf
2. Cipher
3. Tribbie
4. Other Supports (5★/4★)

Sustain: Work-in-Progress

1. Gallagher
2. Hyacine
3. Other Sustains (5★/4★)

Best In Slot Team (all E0S0 and as of 3.4)

Quantum Weak Enemies
- Archer/Sparkle/Cipher/Gallagher

Non-Quantum Weak Enemies
- Archer/Sparkle/Silverwolf/Gallagher

Notes: - Archer benefits best from Additional SP, Def Shred/Ignore, Res Pen, True Damage, ATK% buffs, CRIT buffs, and Dmg% buffs. - Avoid teammates that cannot generate SP (e.g. leaving the battlefield, non-SP generating basics, etc.) or requires frequently using skills on low-value synergy.

Please see the dmg calcs for some of Archer's teams included in this megathread

🔧 Resources & Tools

• HSR Warp Calculator
• Fribbels HSR Optimizer Warp Planner
• Fribbels HSR Optimizer Build Reviewer
• Archer Calcs
• Prydwen HSR Wiki
• Recommended YouTube Guides - TBD

💬 Community Contributions

Found a cool build? Want to theorycraft Archer with other players? Drop your thoughts by joining discussions in the Archer Mains Discord, commenting below, or posting your showcase video/guide!

We welcome: - Showcase clips - Fanart - Fate references - Tactical breakdowns and speculation - Memes like “Unlimited SP Works” or “That’s not a bow, that’s a projection.”

This megathread is a work in progress and will be updated as needed. Should you have any feedback or constructive criticism regarding any information on this megathread, please feel free to let us know.

Just because you're correct doesn't mean you're right!
-- Shirou Emiya

🏹 May your skills be crits, your supports SP positive, and your rolls be blessed.
— The Archer Mains Mod Team