Top Light Cones for Maximizing Phainon's Potential in Honkai: Star Rail

Phainon stands as a formidable Destruction character in Honkai: Star Rail, captivating players with his explosive damage potential. His combat prowess hinges entirely on stacking Attack and Critical stats, turning him into a glass cannon that can vaporize enemies when properly equipped. Choosing the right Light Cone becomes absolutely essential to unlock his true power.

Under the Blue Sky: The Reliable Workhorse

This accessible 4-star option offers an unconditional 32% ATK boost from the moment battles begin. The real magic happens after defeating enemies, though – it showers Phainon with up to 24% Crit Rate based on Superimposition level. What truly impresses players is how effortlessly it plugs stat gaps during early-game builds. Its simplicity feels refreshingly straightforward compared to complex conditional buffs. The visual satisfaction of seeing those crimson critical hits erupt after each takedown never gets old.

Brighter Than the Sun: The Stat Monster

Originally tailored for Imbibitor Lunae, this 5-star treasure unexpectedly became a dark horse contender for Phainon. It delivers substantial CRIT Rate and ATK% boosts during combat, but the hidden gem lies in its astronomical Base ATK stat. When paired with Phainon's damage multipliers, it produces hilariously oversized damage numbers that make players do double-takes. The golden particle effects during ultimate animations feel like pure liquid power coursing through his veins.

A Trail of Bygone Blood: The Skill Specialist

Exclusive to Battle Pass subscribers, this 4-star marvel boosts both Crit Rate and Skill DMG with terrifying efficiency at S5. Its Base ATK rivals some 5-star options, creating surreal value for invested players. The crimson trail effects during Phainon's Ultimate form attacks become hypnotic. Yet its paywalled nature stings – obtaining it feels like discovering a secret weapon, but sharing this joy with free-to-play friends often sparks guilt.

On the Fall of an Aeon: The F2P Champion

Herta's Simulated Universe gift to budget warriors. This easily superimposable light cone keeps stacking ATK% through battle and rewards weakness breaks with juicy damage buffs. The rhythmic power growth creates addictive gameplay loops: break shield → gain buff → smash harder → repeat. Its accessibility makes it feel like the people's weapon, though the damage ceiling never quite reaches premium options. The blue energy waves during ultimate animations embody reliable consistency.

Thus Burns the Dawn: The Undisputed King

Phainon's signature weapon feels like it was crafted by the gods themselves. The 60% Ultimate DMG boost lasts through his entire enhanced state, transforming him from a lumbering destroyer into a blazing-speed executioner with +12 SPD. Ignoring 18% enemy DEF feels like cheating during boss fights. Wielding it creates transcendent power fantasies – everything melts before his dawn-illuminated blades. That first ultimate activation with full stacks? Pure gaming nirvana.

Here's how these options compare at max potential:

Light Cone	Rarity	Key Strengths	Limitations
Under the Blue Sky	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Easy crit stacking	Kill-dependent buff
Brighter Than the Sun	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Massive base ATK	Non-optimal passive
Trail of Bygone Blood	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Ultimate synergy	Battle Pass exclusive
On the Fall of an Aeon	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	F2P accessible	Requires weakness breaks
Thus Burns the Dawn	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Perfect kit synergy	Limited banner exclusive

The burning question remains: as Honkai: Star Rail's meta evolves through 2026, will new enemies or mechanics finally dethrone Thus Burns the Dawn, or will it remain the eternal crown jewel of Phainon mains?