Honkai Star Rail with each update introduces exciting new characters and opportunities to enhance your team. However, for the second half of version 2.6, players face a unique situation: instead of a new limited five-star character, two popular characters—Acheron and Aventurine—will have their rerun banners. This article dives into their kits, examines their strengths, and provides insights to help you decide whether to pull for Acheron or Aventurine.
Rerun Banners in Version 2.6: Why It Matters
For the first time, Honkai Star Rail is bringing two rerun banners instead of a new character for the second half of a version. This decision from HoYoverse has created an exciting opportunity for players to consider pulling on these banners without the pressure of a fresh character release. Yet, these rerun banners hold significant value, as Acheron and Aventurine are both versatile, powerful characters that continue to shine even in today’s meta.
Acheron: Lightning Nihility DPS
Acheron, a lightning-type DPS character with a focus on debuff-fueled damage, offers a unique playstyle and strong kit for taking on high-level enemies. Released back in version 2.1, Acheron’s capabilities have aged well, allowing her to remain highly relevant in the current meta.
Key Aspects of Acheron’s Kit
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Talent and Ultimate Mechanics
Acheron's Talent is her main attraction—she gains “Slash Dream” stacks whenever she or her allies apply debuffs to enemies. When Acheron reaches nine stacks, she can unleash her Ultimate, which deals extensive damage and applies debuffs that reduce enemy toughness regardless of weaknesses. This makes Acheron a versatile DPS unit who can fit into various team compositions focused on debuff application. -
Skill and Ultimate’s Damage Output
Her skill gives her a guaranteed Slash Dream stack, deals AoE damage, and applies a Crimson Knot stack to her target, enabling her to reach the Ultimate more frequently. The Ultimate’s multi-hit ability, Rain Blade, offers flexibility by allowing you to target different enemies for optimal damage, increasing the damage multiplier each time Crimson Knot stacks are removed. -
Technique and Traces
Acheron’s technique allows her to start battle with a Slash Dream stack and Crimson Knot application, further accelerating her Ultimate availability. Her Traces are optimized for a high-damage build, with bonuses to attack, lightning damage, and crit rate. -
Free-to-Play and Light Cone Options
For free-to-play players or those light on resources, Acheron’s light cone options include Good Night and Sleep Well and Boundless Coro, both four-star options. However, if you want to see her true potential, her signature light cone can make a dramatic difference in her overall performance.
Should You Pull for Acheron?
Acheron remains a powerhouse in the current meta, particularly for players who need a strong DPS option. However, if you’re a free-to-play player or light spender, you may need to think carefully. Her signature light cone significantly boosts her power level, which may be worth the investment if you’re committed to using Acheron as your primary DPS. If you’re debating whether to wait for future releases, remember that power creep is inevitable, and stronger DPS options may emerge over time.
Aventurine: Imaginary Preservation Support
Aventurine, an imaginary-type Preservation character, offers unmatched sustain and defense for teams. His playstyle focuses on providing shields, enhancing the team’s survivability, and capitalizing on follow-up attacks.
Key Aspects of Aventurine’s Kit
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Shielding and Follow-up Attacks
Aventurine’s skill provides all allies with the “Fortified Wager Shield,” which lasts for three turns and mitigates damage effectively. His Talent boosts effect resistance for shielded allies and allows him to perform follow-up attacks as he builds “Blind Bet” points, making him a potent defensive asset. -
Ultimate and Talent Mechanics
Aventurine’s Ultimate allows him to gain Blind Bet points while applying the “Unnerve” debuff to enemies, which increases their susceptibility to critical damage. His Talent also provides further reinforcement to the team’s shields, helping allies withstand intense fights and enabling Aventurine to deliver impactful follow-up attacks. -
Technique and Traces
Aventurine’s technique embodies his character’s gambling nature, allowing players to roll for a defense buff between 24%, 36%, and 60% before the battle starts. His Ascension Traces reinforce his shielding capabilities and further boost his team’s sustainability, making him a valuable addition to any composition that requires longevity. -
Free-to-Play Options and Versatility
Unlike Acheron, Aventurine can function effectively without his signature light cone, making him more accessible to free-to-play players. However, his role as a sustain character may overlap with others in your roster, so evaluate your existing team to determine if he fills a unique need.
Should You Pull for Aventurine?
If you’re lacking strong sustain characters or looking to bolster your follow-up teams, Aventurine is a compelling option. He is highly versatile and fits well into most team compositions, especially those that rely on survivability or have characters with follow-up attacks. If you already have strong sustain characters, you might want to prioritize other roles when deciding on pulls.
Should You Pull or Skip?
While both Acheron and Aventurine are excellent choices, here are some factors to consider before making your decision:
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Upcoming Characters in Version 2.7
Version 2.7 will introduce new characters like Sunday and Fugue, who are expected to fulfill supportive roles. If you’re leaning towards Acheron or Aventurine but are cautious about resources, it might be wise to wait for the 2.7 live stream, which will reveal more about Sunday and Fugue’s kits. If these characters offer unique utility or support that complements your current roster, they could be valuable alternatives. -
Power Creep and Future Meta Shifts
Power creep is an inevitable part of gacha games, meaning that even the most powerful characters today might be outperformed by future releases. While Acheron and Aventurine are strong, it’s possible that other characters in the upcoming updates will fulfill similar roles with enhanced capabilities. -
Playstyle Preferences and Team Needs
Ultimately, choosing a character should align with your playstyle and your team’s needs. Acheron is perfect for players focused on DPS and debuff-heavy teams, while Aventurine appeals to those who prioritize survivability and shielding.
Final Verdict: Who Should You Pull?
Acheron and Aventurine are both strong, well-rounded characters who have aged well and provide excellent value in various team compositions. For players who need a versatile DPS with debuff synergy, Acheron is the better option. If sustain and follow-up attacks are crucial to your playstyle, Aventurine is an excellent choice.
However, if you can wait for the 2.7 live stream, you might gain a better understanding of the upcoming support characters, allowing you to make a fully informed decision. Additionally, you can search for 2.7 character leaks on the internet.
In the end
Choosing between Acheron and Aventurine ultimately depends on your current roster needs and available resources. Both characters have proven themselves as valuable assets in Honkai Star Rail, with Acheron excelling as a debuff-fueled DPS and Aventurine providing unparalleled sustain and shielding. Whichever you choose, either character will add significant power to your team. Let me know in the comments below which banner you’re leaning toward—and good luck in your pulls!