Honkai Star Rail Kafka best build, Ascension materials, Traces, and Light Cone

Kafka is a 5-Star Lightning character of The Nihility path introduced in Honkai: Star Rail during version 1.2. Known for her ability to apply Shock and damage over time (DOT) effects, Kafka excels at lowering the Lightning toughness of enemies. As she is featured as a boosted character on the Indelible Coterie Banner in version 2.5, players should prepare for her eventual return when the Banner schedule cycles back.

To maximize her potential, understanding the best Kafka build, including her best Relics, best team composition, Eidolons, and the materials needed for Ascension and Trace upgrades is essential.

Kafka’s Kit

Kafka is a 5-Star Lightning character belonging to The Nihility path, specializing in applying Shock DOT and enhancing damage through her abilities. Here’s a summary of her kit:

• Element: Lightning
• Path: The Nihility
• Rarity: 5-Star
• Basic Attack: Midnight Tumult (50% of Kafka’s attack stat to a single enemy)
• Skill: Caressing Moonlight (80% Lightning damage to one enemy and 30% to adjacent enemies; triggers DOT damage if the target is affected)
• Ultimate: Twilight Trill (48% Lightning damage to all enemies with a chance to Shock)
• Talent: Gentle but Cruel (follow-up attack after ally’s basic attack)
• Technique: Mercy Is Not Forgiveness (attacks enemies in a set range)

Kafka Ascension Materials

To upgrade Kafka’s health, attack, defense, and critical hit effectiveness, players need specific Ascension materials. Here’s what is required to fully upgrade her:

• x15 Thief’s Instinct
• x15 Usurper’s Scheme
• x15 Conqueror’s Will
• x65 Shape Shifter’s Lightning Staff
• 308,000 Credits

Kafka Trace Materials

To level up Kafka’s abilities, players must gather Trace materials. The required materials include:

• x8 Tracks of Destiny
• x12 Regret of Infinite Ochema
• x18 Obsidian of Dread
• x41 Thief’s Instinct
• x56 Conqueror’s Will
• x58 Usurper’s Scheme
• x69 Obsidian of Desolation
• x139 Obsidian of Obsession
• 3 million Credits

Kafka Eidolons

Eidolons are unlocked by obtaining duplicates of Kafka from Warping on Banners. Each Eidolon enhances her existing abilities:

• Da Capo (E1): Increases the DOT received by the target.
• Fortississimo (E2): Boosts DOT dealt by all allies.
• Capriccio (E3): Increases the level of Kafka’s Skill and Basic attack.
• Recitativo (E4): Regenerates Energy when enemies take damage from Shock.
• Doloroso (E5): Enhances the level of Kafka’s Ultimate and Talent.
• Leggiero (E6): Increases Shock damage and duration.

How to Play Kafka

To effectively utilize Kafka in battles, focus on applying DOT effects consistently. Ideal companions include characters that can inflict additional DOTs like Shock, Wind Shear, Bleed, and Burn. Aim to activate her Ultimate every two turns to maximize Shock application and damage output. Teaming her with characters that can help regenerate Energy will enhance her performance significantly.

Best Kafka Team Composition

For optimal damage output, pair Kafka with at least one other DOT attacker. Characters such as Sampo and Serval are excellent choices due to their ability to apply DOT effects. Guinaifen can also be effective if the enemy is weak to Fire. It’s crucial to include a healer or buffer to maintain sustainability during battles.

Best Kafka Relics

The recommended Relics for Kafka are a full 4-piece set of Prisoner in Deep Confinement, which increases her damage significantly by ignoring a portion of the enemy’s defense for each DOT applied. If you lack suitable pieces, consider mixing in 2-piece sets of Band of Sizzling Thunder or Musketeer of Wild Wheat as alternatives.

Best Kafka Light Cone

Kafka’s best Light Cone is her signature 5-Star option, Patience Is All You Need, which enhances her damage and provides additional effects when attacking. Other notable options include In the Name of the World, which increases damage when debuffs are present, and Good Night and Sleep Well, which boosts damage against debuffed enemies.

Best Kafka Build

Taking all aspects into account, the optimal build for Kafka includes:

• Best Light Cone: 5-Star Patience Is All You Need
• Best Relics: 4-Piece Prisoner in Deep Confinement
• Best Planar Ornaments: Space Stealing Station
• Best Team Comp: Sampo, Tingyun, Luocha

Investing resources in Kafka can yield substantial rewards if you prefer a character that specializes in DOT effects and enhancing team attack capabilities.