As a veteran gacha grinder and turn-based RPG enthusiast, I've been obsessively tracking every leak for Honkai: Star Rail's upcoming Version 2.6, and I'm absolutely hyped about what's coming. While we're still in the middle of Version 2.5 enjoying the Wardance Festival and getting to know Feixiao, Moze, and Lingsha as playable characters, the leaks for 2.6 have me completely rethinking my team compositions.
The Game-Changing Relic Set
The biggest bombshell from recent leaks is the introduction of the Sacerdos' Relived Ordeal Relic set. This isn't just another minor upgrade – it's potentially transformative for support units, especially those who target single allies.
The two-piece bonus grants a solid 6% SPD increase, which is always welcome. But the four-piece effect is where things get spicy: when the wearer uses their Skill or Ultimate on a single Party Target, that target gets a 20% CRIT DMG boost lasting for two turns. And here's the kicker – this effect can stack up to two times for a total of 40% CRIT DMG!
I've been theory-crafting all week, and I'm convinced this will completely shift our approach to team building. The meta is about to be flipped upside down, folks!
Tingyun Supremacy Intensifies
Remember when we thought Tingyun couldn't get any better? Well, she just did. I've been a Tingyun main since launch, and this Relic set seems tailor-made for her. Both her Skill and Ultimate target a single ally, meaning she can provide that juicy 40% CRIT DMG boost to your main DPS.
Let me break this down:
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Tingyun's existing ATK buff from her Skill
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Energy regeneration from her Ultimate
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Now an additional 40% CRIT DMG with this new Relic set
My Acheron is going to absolutely obliterate everything. I'm already farming materials to prepare for this upgrade the moment it drops. The damage ceiling is about to get a lot higher, and I'm all for it!
Not For Everyone: Support Character Limitations
However, I need to temper expectations a bit. This Relic set won't benefit all support characters equally. After analyzing the leaked description, it's clear that supports who target the entire team won't trigger the CRIT DMG bonus effect.
For example:
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❌ Robin: Both Skill and Ultimate target all party members
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⚠️ Ruan Mei: Only her Skill would trigger it, Ultimate wouldn't
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⚠️ Sparkle: Same situation as Ruan Mei
This creates an interesting hierarchy among support characters. Tingyun immediately jumps to S++ tier with this Relic set, while others might need to stick with their current builds.
Future Implications and the Servants Mechanic
What's particularly intriguing is how this Relic set seems designed with future content in mind. The leak mentions "Party Targets" rather than just characters, which aligns with rumors about the upcoming Servants mechanic.
I've been following these leaks closely, and if the Servants system works as rumored, we might see a fundamental change to HSR's combat system. Imagine having additional units that don't take up team slots but can be buffed and contribute to combat!
This could explain why HoYoverse is introducing a Relic set focused on single-target buffs now. They're laying the groundwork for the next evolution of gameplay. Smart move, honestly.
My Predictions for 2.6
Based on everything I've seen, here's what I'm expecting from Version 2.6:
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Rappa will be a powerful Imaginary Erudition DPS
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The Sacerdos' Relived Ordeal Relic set will become BiS for Tingyun
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We'll see the introduction of the Servants mechanic
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Future support characters will be designed with single-target buffs in mind
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The meta will shift toward hyper-carry compositions
I'm particularly excited about point #5. The game has been gradually moving toward hyper-carry setups, and this Relic set doubles down on that approach. One super-buffed DPS supported by dedicated buffers is going to be the way to go.
Should You Pull for Rappa?
With all these changes coming, the question becomes: should you pull for Rappa? As an Imaginary Erudition character, she's expected to be a multi-target DPS. I'm torn on this one.
On one hand, having another Imaginary DPS option besides Acheron is tempting. On the other hand, if you already have invested in other multi-target DPS characters, you might want to save for future supports who can take advantage of the new Relic set.
My personal strategy? I'm going to wait for the 2.6 beta leaks to confirm Rappa's kit before deciding. If she has unique mechanics that synergize well with the new Relic set and Servants system, she might be worth it. Otherwise, I might save for future characters.
Final Thoughts
As we move into 2025 with Version 2.6 on the horizon, Honkai: Star Rail continues to evolve in exciting ways. The game is no longer just about collecting characters – it's becoming increasingly about strategic team building and understanding complex interactions between abilities, Relics, and now potentially Servants.
The Sacerdos' Relived Ordeal Relic set represents more than just a power increase; it signals HoYoverse's commitment to expanding gameplay mechanics and keeping the meta fresh. And honestly? That's what keeps me coming back day after day.
So while we enjoy the current content in Version 2.5, I'll be saving my Stellar Jade, farming materials, and preparing for what might be the most significant meta shift since the game's launch. The Trailblaze continues, and it's getting more exciting with each update!
Remember when we thought the game couldn't get any more complex than it was at launch? Yeah, those were simpler times. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
