For players who've conquered the main story of Honkai: Star Rail, the real endgame begins—perfecting character builds. When it comes to building Acheron, the five-star Nihility DPS who rewrites the rules of Ultimate mechanics, the process is like trying to solve a quantum physics equation while riding a rollercoaster. Her kit isn't just powerful; it's a labyrinth of synergies and stat priorities that demands careful navigation. This guide will break down everything you need to transform Acheron from a collection of pixels into a thunderstorm of destruction.

⚡ Best Acheron Relics & Planar Ornaments

Choosing the right equipment for Acheron is more critical than finding a single specific grain of sand on a beach—get it wrong, and her damage potential plummets. Relics and Planar Ornaments form the foundation of her build, providing both raw stats and powerful set bonuses.

acheron-build-guide-2025-ultimate-nihility-dps-setup-team-synergy-image-0

Relic Set Recommendations:

Type Name Why It Works for Acheron
Best in Slot Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters Perfect synergy! Increases damage against debuffed enemies AND boosts Crit Rate/DMG based on enemy debuffs. Crucial note: Crimson Knot doesn't count as a debuff for the self-applied bonus.
Strong Alternative Band of Sizzling Thunder Reduces diminishing returns since Acheron gets tons of DMG% bonuses elsewhere. The 4-piece ATK% boost complements her kit beautifully.
Situational Pick Genius of Brilliant Stars Nearly matches best-in-slot value against Quantum-weak enemies, but makes achieving optimal Crit Ratio trickier.

Planar Ornament Sets:

  • Izumo Gensei and Takama Divine Realm 🏆 - The absolute best, tailor-made for Acheron. Provides essential ATK% while boosting Crit Rate.

  • Inert Salsotto - Excellent alternative if you haven't unlocked World Nine. Grants 8% Crit Rate + 15% Ultimate DMG boost.

  • Sigonia, the Unclaimed Desolation - Nuclear option! Delivers a massive 40% Crit DMG bonus, but only shines in content where you defeat enemies rapidly (like Pure Fiction).

📊 Acheron Relic Stat Priority: The Nitty-Gritty

While set bonuses matter, individual relic stats are where the real magic happens. Think of it like baking a cake—the right ingredients in the right proportions make all the difference.

Piece Main Stat Priority Sub Stat Priority
Head HP Crit DMG/Rate > ATK% > SPD
Hands ATK Crit DMG/Rate > ATK% > SPD
Body Crit Rate/DMG Crit DMG/Rate > ATK% > SPD
Feet ATK% OR SPD* Crit DMG/Rate > ATK% > SPD
Planar Sphere Lightning DMG% > ATK% Crit DMG/Rate > ATK% > SPD
Link Rope ATK% Crit DMG/Rate > SPD

*Feet Piece Dilemma: This choice depends on your team composition like a key fitting a specific lock:

  • ATK% Boots: Use with E0 Acheron + 2 Nihility teammates (they provide Energy)

  • SPD Boots: Essential for E2 Acheron + Harmony support teams (needs faster turns)

🌌 Best Acheron Light Cones

acheron-build-guide-2025-ultimate-nihility-dps-setup-team-synergy-image-1

Acheron's Light Cone options are more limited than her relic choices, with the top picks locked behind the gacha system. Here's the breakdown from best to "good enough for now":

  1. Along the Passing Shore (Signature) 💫 - The undisputed champion! Provides 36% Crit DMG and up to 48% Ultimate DMG boost—perfect for her Ultimate-focused kit.

  2. Good Night and Sleep Well (4★) - Best four-star option, but has a major caveat: it doesn't apply debuffs, which reduces Pioneer relic set effectiveness.

  3. Resolution Shines As Pearls of Sweat (4★) - At max Refinement, gives 16% DEF reduction (great debuff for Pioneer set synergy).

  4. Incessant Rain (5★) - Excellent with multiple Nihility teammates. Provides 12% Crit Rate and applies its own damage-boosting debuff when enemies have 3+ debuffs.

  5. Loop (3★) - Early-game placeholder only. Requires SPD reduction debuffs on enemies to function properly.

🔄 Acheron Trace Priority & Kit Explanation

Acheron's kit operates on principles that would make a Rube Goldberg machine look simple. Here's the simplified version:

Ultimate Stack Mechanics:

  • Gain 1 stack when Acheron uses her Skill

  • Gain 1 stack whenever ANY enemy receives ANY debuff (from allies OR enemies themselves!)

Ultimate Execution:

  • At 9 stacks → Activate Ultimate

  • Deals up to 4 damage instances based on Crimson Knot count

  • Each instance consumes 3 Knots from main target

  • Final hit receives massive damage buff based on total Knots consumed

Trace Upgrade Priority:

  1. Ultimate (Max First!) → Her entire damage identity

  2. Talent → Increases RES PEN

  3. Skill → Last priority

Don't forget: Unlock all her bonus abilities ASAP—they're not optional upgrades!

🤔 Is Acheron Worth Pulling in 2025?

acheron-build-guide-2025-ultimate-nihility-dps-setup-team-synergy-image-2

If the cinematic trailers haven't convinced you, consider this: Acheron delivers some of the highest single-attack damage numbers in the game even at E0. She's like a precision-engineered Swiss watch in a world of sundials—complex, but incredibly effective when properly assembled.

Current State (2025):

  • Slight team restrictions exist due to limited optimal Nihility debuffers

  • BUT this improves with every new character release

The Verdict:YES, PULL IF...

  • You enjoy complex, high-skill-cap gameplay

  • You want a future-proof investment (she'll only get better with time)

  • You're willing to build specialized teams around her

  • You appreciate characters who break conventional game mechanics

Acheron isn't just another DPS—she's a statement piece for your account, a character whose playstyle feels as rewarding as finally understanding a complex mathematical theorem. With the right build and team, she doesn't just defeat enemies; she erases them from existence with the elegance of a master painter completing their masterpiece.