Summary
Choosing between Firefly and Ruan Mei in Honkai: Star Rail 2.3 can be complex due to limited Stellar Jade.
Players should understand the pros and cons of Firefly and Ruan Mei to fit their playstyle.
Firefly and Ruan Mei will be replaced by Jade and Argenti in Phase 2 after a short availability period.
Having to choose between pulling for Firefly and Ruan Mei in Honkai: Star Rail 2.3 can be a complicated decision, especially when considering the limitations of free Stellar Jade, the main currency to buy Star Rail Special Passes, then used to make pulls from banners. Stellar Jade can be obtained by participating in events and completing story quests, but it is not unlimited, and more can only be obtained through real-life purchases. As such, trying to get as much free Stellar Jade in Honkai: Star Rail 2.3 is a great decision, and knowing where to spend it is equally important.
Of course, before choosing between 5-star characters, players should know their pros and cons and see how that fits into their playstyle and needs, seeing that challenges are often based on specific elements – if a player is lacking a character from a certain element or Path, they may find a solution in Firefly or Ruan Mei, which will run side by side in limited-time character banners. These are not the only two 5-star characters in Honkai: Star Rail 2.3, however, as they will be substituted by other 5-star banners halfway through the patch, one of which is a rerun.
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Firefly & Ruan Mei’s Availability In Honkai: Star Rail 2.3
Characters Will Then Be Replaced By Jade & Argenti
The period in which Firefly and Ruan Mei will be simultaneously available will be a considerably short one. As was announced by HoYoverse during the official Version 2.3 livestream, Firefly and Ruan Mei will be available during Phase 1 banners, which will occur from June 19 to July 9. After that, if there are no changes to the regular schedule, Version 2.3 should see the start of Phase 2, which will have the first banners exiting and being substituted by Jade and Argenti as the 5-star characters. This will be Firefly and Jade’s first appearances in Honkai: Star Rail banners.
It is impossible to predict exactly when reruns will occur the next time.
Pros & Cons Of Pulling For Firefly In Honkai: Star Rail 2.3
5-Star Character Is A Powerful Fire DPS
The new 5-star character known as Firefly uses Fire in battle and follows the Path of the Destruction. The Stellaron Hunter has her set of pros, but also a few downsides that players should know before they consider pulling for her. Firefly operates in two distinct forms within her Sam suit. While in her regular form, Firefly is capable of dealing a large amount of damage and restoring Ultimate energy by using her Skill – this, however, comes at the cost of her own HP. However, the lower Firefly’s HP in Honkai: Star Rail, the less damage she takes.
Firefly’s most important mechanic, however, is her Ultimate, which activates her second form, called Complete Combustion. While in this state, Firefly will see her Basic Attacks and Skill enhanced, dealing more damage. She also gains a SPD buff while in Complete Combustion. These enhanced abilities also increase Firefly’s Weakness Break efficiency and Break DMG against opponents she strikes, while simultaneously allowing her to restore HP. In addition to that, the enhanced Skill via the Complete Combustion state also increases the Toughness Reduction applied to enemies in Honkai: Star Rail and can inflict Fire Weakness onto them.
“Another downside to Firefly is that building her may feel a bit wonky.”
In general, Firefly operates like a standard-issue Destruction character, dealing loads of damage but also putting herself at risk. This risk, however, also comes with a safety layer in the form of reduced damage intake. One of Firefly’s most notable flaws is that she can only really target multiple opponents when using her enhanced Skill in her Complete Combustion state. Otherwise, she is a single-target striker. Nonetheless, that is compensated by her ability to inflict Fire Weakness on opponents, which can make it easier to trigger Weakness Break in Honkai: Star Rail.
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Another downside to Firefly is that building her may feel a bit wonky. The character’s main stats would be a healthy distribution of ATK and CRIT, like most DPS characters, but she will also require a great amount of Break Effect, as this will help her fight opponents. As such, Break Effect will likely be the primary stat along with ATK and CRIT will end up being left as a secondary upgrade with SPD, whenever possible. Aside from that, the rest of her build is fairly easily achievable.
With the arrival of new dedicated Break Effect Relics and Ornaments in
Honkai: Star Rail
2.3, Firefly will likely be operating at peak performance.
Pros & Cons Of Pulling For Ruan Mei In Honkai: Star Rail 2.3
Ice Character Is Considered The Best Support In The Game
Custom Image by Bruno Yonezawa
Ruan Mei, on the other hand, already has a reputation in the game since her debut in Version 1.6. The 5-star Ice character follows the Path of the Harmony and, therefore, is a support unit. In fact, Ruan Mei is considered the best support in the game. The character’s main role is to improve the entire party’s damage output and increase their overall Weakness Break Efficiency. Additionally, through her Ultimate, Ruan Mei can increase allies’ All-Type Resistance. More important than that, Ruan Mei’s build in Honkai: Star Rail extends the duration of Weakness Break on enemies.
This ability allows opponents to take Break DMG for another round. Ruan Mei’s passives also increase Break Effect for all allies and, with a proper build, she can constantly have her Ultimate up, allowing players to attack enemies and often defeat them without giving them a chance to strike back – and when they do, Ruan Mei’s All-Type Resistance buff helps them withstand more damage.
The only true downside to Ruan Mei is that, every so often in longer battles, players will have to sacrifice a stronger attack via a Skill Point to use her Skill to keep the damage buff going. Other than that, there is no reason not to pull for her. Ruan Mei’s build is easily achievable, even if players do not have her signature Light Cone in Honkai: Star Rail. With her on the team, players can feel an immediate difference in their performance against foes.
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Between Firefly and Ruan Mei, players just need to know whether or not they need a Fire DPS or a reliable and very universal support that fits every team comp. Firefly can be a fantastic addition to the roster if the only true Fire DPS they have is Himeko, for instance, and Ruan Mei can be replaced by several other great supports, even if none match her talent. Overall, Ruan Mei is a better choice given her proven capabilities and flexibility in Honkai: Star Rail, but those looking for new types of damage should consider Firefly.
Honkai: Star Rail Platform(s) Android , iOS , PC , PS5
Released April 26, 2023
Developer(s) HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)
Publisher(s) HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)
ESRB T for Teen
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