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Should you pull for Cipher or Aglaea in Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.3 Phase 2 banner

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Story Highlights

  • Cipher brings a new spin on damage amplification by storing and redistributing team-wide damage as true damage, perfect for multi-phase bosses and burst-focused teams!
  • Aglaea is a high-speed DPS who thrives in multi-wave and single-target fights alike, offering consistent damage output and strong self-sustain mechanics!
  • While Cipher elevates team damage through follow-ups and stored burst, Aglaea shines as a straightforward, reliable damage dealer who doesn’t need heavy support to perform!

As a thrilled fan, I’m excited to share that in the next update, Version 3.3 of Honkai: Star Rail, we’ll be greeted by none other than Cipher and the returning favorite, Aglaea. It’s double the fun as HoYoverse has rolled out a joint banner featuring a brand-new character and a fan-favorite re-run!

In the upcoming phase, starting on June 11th, 2025 and ending on July 1st, 2025, we’ll evaluate the abilities and traits of each character. Based on our analysis, we will recommend which of the two playable characters you might want to select. (Phase 2 Banners will be live)

Why should you go for Cipher in HSR version 3.3

In Phase 2 of Honkai: Star Rail, the eagerly awaited 5-Star character called Cipher from Version 3.3 is presented through the banner. This character, Cipher, belongs to the Quantum Nihility class and excels in enhancing damage and implementing true damage techniques.

  • True Damage Burst Potential: Cipher converts stored damage into true damage through her Ultimate, bypassing DEF and resistances, making her incredibly useful in high-difficulty content and boss fights with damage mitigation.
  • Teamwide Damage Amplifier: Her ‘Patron’ mechanic records a portion of enemy damage, enabling the entire team’s DPS to be condensed and frontloaded later, enhancing overall burst windows.
  • Synergizes with Many DPS Units: Cipher fits well with high-damage DPS units, especially those who deal massive damage in short bursts.
  • Speed Scaling Rewards Investment: She benefits greatly from speed-based builds. Reaching certain speed thresholds increases her damage recording cap, encouraging aggressive SPD stacking.
  • Strategic Playstyle: Her gameplay emphasizes planning and timing, offering satisfying payoff for players who enjoy more tactical, delayed-damage mechanics.
  • Works Well in Multi-Phase Battles: Because her recorded damage carries over between enemy waves/phases, she excels in Memory of Chaos and boss fights where enemies shift forms or reinforcements arrive.

Why should you go for Aglaea in HSR version 3.3

In the Version 3.3 Phase 2 update, Aglaea is a five-star Lightning-based combat unit. She specializes as a quick Damage Per Second (DPS) character for lightning attacks and marks the debut of a Remembrance path damage dealer. Players who appreciate rapid rotations, high Critical Hit stats, and potent single-target or area-of-effect (AoE) damage when properly configured will find her particularly appealing.

  • Fast, fluid DPS: Aglaea is one of the fastest characters in the game, with speed breakpoints around 135–161 SPD for optimal rotations.
  • Powerful Supreme Stance damage: Her main burst window hits extremely hard, especially when supported by CRIT DMG buffers or turn-advance units.
  • Scales well with top-tier supports: She synergizes perfectly with CRIT/turn advance supports.
  • Flexible Light Cone options: While her signature Light Cone is strong, she works well with accessible options like Sweat Now, Cry Later, Geniuses’ Repose, or Reminiscence.
  • Unique Remembrance DPS: As the only DPS on the Remembrance path, she can take advantage of gear, sets, and team comps designed for a niche few.
  • High skill ceiling: For players who enjoy optimizing SPD, CRIT, and timing, Aglaea offers rewarding gameplay and great endgame potential.

Who should you pull for in HSR version 3.3 Phase 2

In the Honkai: Star Rail version 3.3 Phase 2, if you’re torn between Cipher and Aglaea, your choice depends on whether you prioritize a character that offers strong scaling and strategic true damage as a secondary DPS (Cipher) or one that excels in speed-tuned teams as a quick and self-sufficient Lightning DPS (Aglaea).

If you’re looking for a more technical yet rewarding character, I’d suggest going for Cipher. She’s not only enjoyable to play, but she also performs exceptionally well with powerful teams. Her distinctive Tally mechanism allows her to “track” teamwide damage and later release it as true damage, making her an excellent choice in multi-wave battles and against tanky opponents. I find the delayed burst she provides, which you can time perfectly for maximum impact, incredibly satisfying. To top it off, her A6 ability grants a universal team-wide vulnerability, adding tremendous value to your team.

If you’re looking for a swift Lightning DPS that excels at navigating turns and dealing heavy damage, I’d suggest Aglaea. She’s incredibly fast, making her one of the quickest DPS characters in the game. She truly thrives with Sunday or turn advance setups. Her Supreme Stance packs a powerful punch, and she focuses on boosting CRIT Rate, CRIT Damage, and speed to maintain pressure.

Guide on Re-rolling Honkai Star Rail, Redeem Codes for Honkai Star Rail, Tier Lists for Honkai Star Rail, Updates on Honkai Star Rail, Paths in Honkai Star Rail, Elements within Honkai Star Rail, Fictional Aspects of Honkai Star Rail, Simulated Universe Swarm Disaster in Honkai Star Rail, and Gold & Gears in the Simulated Universe of Honkai Star Rail

Or more briefly:

Guide for Re-rolling Honkai Star Rail, Redeem Codes, Tier Lists, Updates, Paths, Elements, Fiction, Swarm Disaster, and Gold & Gears in the Simulated Universe of Honkai Star Rail.

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2025-06-08 03:11

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