You don’t get a name like Starcrusher Swarm King by being easy to kill, and that’s far from the only potent enemy in Honkai Star Rail. Even with sharp blades and sharper tactics, you might struggle if you don’t understand Damage over Time (DoT). Rather than deal damage in one fell swoop, DoT attacks let the pain trickle out over the course of the battle. Although they demand careful planning to use well, they can be the key to taking down some of HoYoverse‘s beefiest enemies. So what is DoT in Honkai Star Rail and how does it work?
Honkai Star Rail DoT Guide
(Updated on September 19, 2024 – updated intro, links, and format)
Whether you’re taking on Hoolay or grinding mobs, DoT works the same way. DoT is a debuff, but unlike Slow and Weaken, it won’t prevent extra actions or sabotage your enemies’ attacks. Instead, it will ensure that once your attack lands, the damage will keep pouring in as the fight continues. In addition to unique skills and Paths, Honkai Star Rail includes an elemental damage system which DoT is an important part of.
Target an enemy’s elemental weakness and you can reduce its Toughness, making it much easier to take down. DoT attacks deal less damage than other skills or Ultimates upfront, but let them cook long enough and they can serve up some real pain. Here are the available elements and their associated DoT effect in Honkai Star Rail:
- Physical – Can inflict Bleed status effect (DoT).
- Wind – Can inflict Wind Shear status effect (DoT).
- Ice – Can freeze and inflict Ice status effect (DoT).
- Lightning – Can inflict Shock status effect (DoT).
- Fire – Can inflict a Burn status effect (DoT).
- Quantum – Can inflict an Entanglement status effect (DoT) and delay the enemy’s turn.
- Imaginary – Can reduce the speed and delay the enemy’s turn.
You won’t need DoT all the time, but it’s a lifesaver in certain fights. It’s also worth remembering that you can increase the DoT you deal by upgrading Light Cones with special abilities. If you’re dissatisfied with your current DoT (especially given your level and team synergies), Light Cone deficiencies might be the reason. Shed a little more light on these burn and bleed abilities to stoke a real fire of hurt.
