Honkai: Star Rail – First Day Guide to Castorice

Castorice
Servant of Death

“Please, wilt here.”

Character Description

Castorice is a 5-Star Quantum Remembrance DPS character who uses her summoned Dragon to deal DMG. She is also a bit of Swiss Army Knife as she has aspects of all 8 playable paths. She uses HP as her Main DMG Stat.

Character Materials

Trace Material: Memory Plants (18/69/139)(Crimson Calyx: “Strife Ruins” Castrum Kremnos)
Enemy Drops: Black Tide series (56/71/73)(Black Tide Monsters)
Stagnant Shadow Drops: Darkveil Moonlight (65)(Stagant Shadow: Grove of Epiphany – Moonlit Pegasus)
Weekly Boss Drop: Auspice Silver (12)(Feixiao Boss)

Character Abilities

Character

Basic Attack: Lament, Nethersea’s Ripple

Generic Basic Attack. Uses HP as the DMG Stat. Nothing else special about it. Generates 1 SP.

Skill: Silence, Wraithfly’s Caress/Boneclaw, Doomdrake’s Embrace

There are 2 versions of this Skill, Normal and Enhanced. Neither cost SP to use.

Wraithfly’s Caress: The Normal version. Consumes 30% of all allies’ current HP to deal Blast Quantum DMG to 1 designated enemy and the enemies adjacent to it. If HP insufficient, reduce the current HP to 1. Uses HP as the DMG Stat.

Boneclaw, Domdrake’s Embace: Enhanced version, only usable while Netherwing is on the field. Consume 40% of all allies (except Netherwing) current HP. Castorice and Netherwing then perform a Joint ATK on ALL enemies. Uses HP as the DMG Stat.

Ultimate: Doomshriek, Dawn’s Chime

Summons the Memosprite, Netherwing, and advances its action by 100% (meaning it goes next). At the same time, create the Territory “Lost Neverland”, which decreases all enemies’ All-Type RES. If Castorice has the DMG Boost effect from her Talent (see below), the effect is spread to Netherwing.

Netherwing has an initial SPD of 165 and a set Max HP equal to 100% of max “Newbud” (see talent). After Netherwing experiences 3 of its own turns or when its HP hits 0, it disappears and dispels “Lost Neverland”. Note: if Netherwing kills a wave and a new wave replaces it, Netherwing starts a new turn (so that will be 2 turns down).

Instead of Energy, Castorice uses “Newbud” (see Talent) to cast her Ultimate.

Talent: Desolation Across Palms

For every 1 Point of HP lost by all allies, Castorice gains 1 point of “Newbud”. The maximum limit of “Newbud” is based on the combined levels of all characters on the battlefield. When “Newbud” reaches its maximum limit, Castorice can cast her Ultimate. “Newbud” CANNOT be gained while Netherwing is on the field.

When allies lose HP, Castorice and Netherwing DMG will be increased. This effect can stack up to 3 times, lasting 3 turns. Furthermore, HP lost by all allies (except Netherwing) will be converted to HP for Netherwing at a 1 to 1 ratio.

Technique: Wail Death’s Herald

Activate to enter the “Netherveil” state for 20 seconds. While “Netherveil” is active, enemies are unable to actively approach Castorice.

You can use the Technique again to attack enemies and start combat. Doing so will summon Netherwing, advance its action by 100%, deploy “Lost Neverland”, and drain 40% of all allies’ current HP (except Netherwing). Netherwing will be summoned with its HP equal to 50% of Max “Newbud”.

If Netherwing is not summoned after entering battle, Castorice gains 30% of “Newbud” maximum limit.

Global Passive: Sanctuary of Mooncocoon

If you have Castorice, she will protect your party from death (even if she’s not in the party). After an attack would kill an ally (or allies if it would kill multiple characters), said ally or allies will instead enter the “Mooncocoon” state. This will temporarily delay their death and they can act normally during this time.

If they are Healed or Shielded before the start of the next turn, they will survive. If not, they will die. This effect can only happen once per battle.

Memosprite

Memosprite Skill 1: Claw Splits the Veil

Deals Quantom DMG based on Castorice’s Max HP to all enemies. You usually use this to end Netherwing’s turn.

Memosprite Skill 2: Breath Scorches the Shadow

Consume 25% of Netherwing’s Max HP to unleash a Breath Attack that deals Quantom DMG based on Castorice’s Max HP to all enemies. Can be used repeatedly. Each subsequent use will increase the Skill’s DMG, up to 3 times (so the 4^th attack will be the strongest).

The DMG boost will not decrease before Netherwing disappears. That means that Breath Attacks during turns 2 and 3 will always be a Max strength.

When Netherwing’s current HP is equal to or less than 25% of its Max HP, launching this ability will instead reduce its HP down to1, and then trigger the effects of “Wings Sweep the Ruins”. Translation, use when low HP, Netherwing goes BOOM!

Memosprite Talent 1: Mooncocoon Shroud the Form

When Netherwing is On-Field, it will act as a backup for allies. When allies take DMG or consume their own HP, their HP CANNOT be reduced past 1. Once they reach 1 HP, Netherwing’s HP will be consumed instead, at 500% of the original value. So if someone took 100 DMG,

So if someone took 100 DMG, Netherwing would take 500 DMG in their place.

Backup units CANNOT be actively targeted by enemies (in general) or by allies’ Blast-Type abilities (e.g. HuoHuo’s Skill).

Memosprite Talent 2: Roar Rumbles the Realm

When Netherwing is summoned, the DMG of all allies is increased by 10% for 3 turns.

Memosprite Talent 3: Wings Sweep the Ruins

When Netherwing disappears, it explodes, dealing 6 instances of Quantum DMG based on Castorice’s Max HP. Each instance of DMG is randomly dealt to 1 enemy.

At the same time, restore HP to all allies based on a percentage of Castorice’s Max HP.

Traces

Stats

1. +18.7% CRIT Rate
2. +14.4% Quantum DMG
3. +13.3% CRIT DMG

Abilities

1. Contained Dark Tide
   After ally targets (excluding Netherwing) receive Healing, convert 100% of the healed amount into “Newbud”. If Netherwing is On-Field, this is converted into Netherwing’s HP instead. Each ally target can accumulate a conversion amount of up to 12% of the max “Newbud”. After any unit takes action, all units reset their accumulated conversion amount.
2. Inverted Torch
   When Castorice’s current HP is higher than 50% of her Max HP, her SPD increases by 40%. When Netherwing uses “Breath Scorches the Shadow” and deals fatal DMG to all enemies on the field or brings them to a point where their HP cannot be reduced further, Netherwing’s SPD increases by 100% for 1 turn.
3. Where The West Wind Dwells
   Each time Netherwing uses “Breath Scorches the Shadow”, the DMG dealt increases by 30%. This effect stacks up to 6 times and lasts until the end of its current turn.

Eidolons

1: Snowbound Maiden, Memory to Tomb

When the enemy target’s current HP is 80%/50% of Max HP or lower, the DMG dealt to it by Castorice’s Enhanced Skill and all of Netherwing’s damaging abilities is 120%/140% of the original DMG, respectively. – Lower HP enemies, take more DMG. That said, the difference between 80 and 50 isn’t really that much.

2: Crown on Wings of Bloom

After summoning Netherwing, Castorice will gain 2 stacks of “Ardent Will”, which can stack up to 2 times. – Was that stack limit really necessary?

These stacks can be used to offset the HP cost of Netherwing’s Breath Attack and advance Castorice’s action by 100%. – I’m guessing just having the stacks will automatically advance her action. Otherwise, having both give her 100% advancement upon use would be pointless since they are both used up in the same turn.

Also, when using the next Enhanced Skill, Castorice gains 30% of the max limit of “Newbud” – So, she can build “Newbud” while Netherwing is on the field. Nice.

3: Pious Pilgrim, Dance in Doom

Increase Ultimate level by 2, increase Basic Attack and Memosprite Talent levels by 1.

4: Rest in Songs of Gloom

While Castorice is On-Field, all allies Incoming Healing is increased by 20%. – She really does have it all, doesn’t she?

5: Pristine Pages, Prophecy as Plume

Increase Skill and Talent levels by 2, increase Memosprite Skill level by 1.

6: Await for Years of Loom

When either Castorice or Netherwing deals DMG, their Quantum RES PEN is increased by 20%. During Netherwing’s attacks, it can reduce enemy Toughness regardless of Weakness Types. When breaking Weakness, trigger the Quantum Weakness Break effect. – Seriously, why even bother having Weakness Types anymore?

Also, the number of Bounces for Netherwing’s self-destruction attack increased by 3. – This should be part of an earlier Eidolon in my opinion.

Gameplay Overview

Castorice’s gameplay revolves entirely around Netherwing. You build points of “Newbud” when allies lose HP (either by them getting attacked or by Castorice using her Skill). Once “Newbud” is at 100%, use her Ultimate to summon Netherwing.

Netherwing’s Breath Attack is where all the DMG is at. Use it repeatedly until it’s almost at 25% HP (there is a gauge), and then use its Claw Attack to end its turn. When its next turn comes around, repeat the process. Its next turn after that will be turn 3. You can only use the Breath Attack during this turn, and it will automatically keep attacking, draining all of Netherwing’s HP and then causing it to Self-Destruct

You want to make sure you don’t kill Netherwing too early or you’ll miss out on a lot of damage. Also, remember, just having Castorice is enough to utilize her Global Passive. She DOESN’T need to be in your team.

Relics

Cavern Relics

Best: Poet of Mourning Collapse

She has 95 SPD to begin with. That combined with the 8% SPD decrease will get her the full 4-Piece buff. And, even if she doesn’t stay under 95 SPD (2^nd Trace ability, SPD blessing, whatever), she probably won’t get past 110 SPD. 20% CRIT Rate is still better than the other options.

Decent: Longevous Disciple

This will provide less CRIT Rate overall, only 16%, but is also completely guaranteed. I suppose it all depends on what your Substats are.

Viable: Genius of Brilliant Stars

It can work but why?

Planar Ornaments

Best: Bone Collection’s Serene Demesne

Best option. Look at it. It’s literally made for her.

Great: The Wonderous BananAmusement Park

Gives more CRIT DMG but is slightly less consistent (since there are times when Netherwing won’t be on the field). Still a great option though.

Viable: Sigonia, the Unclaimed Desolation

This is always going to be a viable option for DPS characters. Just depends on if there are easy-to-kill adds or not.

Stats

1. CRIT DMG: Get her a CRIT DMG Chest and CRIT DMG Substats.
2. CRIT Rate: Substats and at least 2 of the recommended Relics have CRIT Rate.
3. HP: Main DMG Stat. Get an HP Chain and Boots.
4. Quantum DMG: Quantum DMG Orb.

Light Cones

5-Star           

Best: Make Farewells More Beautiful

Her personal Light Cone. It’s the best option, as per usual.

Good: Memory’s Curtain Never Falls

Good option. You probably won’t be able to use Poet but you can buff the party so that’s always a plus.

Decent: Time Woven Into Gold

You may still be able to use Poet with this one. It will provide good value either way though. The Basic Attack part is, unfortunately, pointless.

4-Star

Best: Sweat Now, Cry Less

Battle Pass only, unfortunately, because it is, hands down, the best option.

Viable: Victory In a Blink

Good, but you might not get the second part of the passive. Depends on if Netherwing’s Talent “Roar Rumbles the Realm” counts or not.

Teams

Triple Demigods

Castorice + Mydei + Tribbie = Death. Castorice drains Mydei’s HP, leading him to attack more often. Mydei Heals himself, which helps to increase Castorice’s “Newbud” accumulation. Tribbie provides extra DMG and powerful debuffs. And since Tribbie gains bonus HP from the HP of others, Castorice and Mydei will give her a massive boost. You do need to bring a strong Healer though. Luocha or Lingsha are best.

Final Thoughts

Castorice is, fall out, the most overstuffed character in Star Rail. She, quite literally, straddles all 8 Paths.

• Hunt: Netherwing’s Self-Destruction Attack is several instances of SINGLE-TARGET DMG.
• Destruction: HP drain and Blast DMG from her Normal Skill.
• Erudition: AoE DMG from her Enhanced Skill, Netherwing’s Claw Attack, and Netherwing’s Breath Attack.
• Nihility: “Lost Neverland” debuffs enemies.
• Harmony: Netherwing’s presence buffs allies.
• Abundance: Netherwing’s Self-Destruction Attack Heals allies.
• Preservation: Netherwing can take damage for allies that are at 1 HP.
• Remembrance: Dragon

She, quite literally, does it all. And all that’s not including the massive amount of personal DMG she does or her Global Passive. Pull for her.