What does Speed do in Honkai Star Rail? (Breakpoints & AV)

Honkai Star Rail doesn't always explain every single stat in the game, and Speed (SPD) is one of the more misunderstood statistics. While in some titles it simply means how quickly your character moves on the map, in Honkai Star Rail it has a more important role when it comes to combat.

Speed (SPD) affects the time between a character completing one action and starting their next action or turn. Speed also impacts the characters' action order when you enter combat. In simple terms, the higher a character's SPD, the quicker they can perform their next action.

You can see your character's base SPD and SPD bonus in the "More Stats" Menu (above) accessible from the Stat tab in the character menu.

Action Value (AV) directly relates to SPD, and determines the order in which characters and enemies will attack. Action value is calculated by dividing a base 10,000 by the SPD of the character. When a battle commences the character with the lowest AV will act first. Casting spells such as Asta's Astral Blessing increase SPD of all allies, and as a result lowers their AV. This is why you can see certain characters jump up in the turn order in the top left of the screen after casting a SPD boost ability.

Speed Breakpoints are certain thresholds of Speed values that have a noticeable impact on your character's turn order. Managing these Speed Breakpoints can help you predict when each of your character's will have their turn, allowing you to manage Skill Point (SP) more effectively. For example, ensuring you always have 2 SP spare on your healer's turn.

Certain Planetary Ornament Sets, for example the Fleet of the Ageless (above), require the wearer to have a certain SPD stat in order to receive an additional buff. Therefore, making sure a character meets the Speed Breakpoints is a little hidden secret that will go a long way.

Speed Breakpoints can be critical in timed events, allowing you to have that extra turn on a DPS character. If you're just playing Honkai Star Rail casually, just remember the three core Speed Breakpoints are 121, 134, 161.

Characters that offer DMG buffs to allies or themselves you will want to have higher SPD. For example, Tingyun's Skill Soothing Melody or Yukong's Emboldening Salvo. However, do not let them have a higher speed than your DPS, you'll want them to cast their buff, and then your DPS to follow for maximum damage.

The next Speed Breakpoints are 172, 178, 182, 185 and 187. However, for the majority of players it will be incredibly tough to reach this SPD without sinking a huge amount of time and money into the game. So for now, aim for 121 as a base for all your characters, and then 134 or 161 for your support and biggest DPS.

In Honkai Star Rail not all characters start with the same Speed stat. For example, 5-star Seele has the highest base speed in the game at 115. Clara has the lowest base SPD in version 1.1 at 90.

There are three ways to improve a character's Speed:

The best way to increase Speed (SPD) is through your itemisation with Relics. For example the Musketeer of Wild Wheat 4-set when equipped grants a 6% SPD bonus to the wearer.

If we equip Clara with the Musketeer of Wild Wheat 4-set her SPD increases from 90 to 95. This still makes her one of the slowest characters. In comparison giving Seele the same Relic set would boost her SPD from 115 to 122.

However, the impact of this 6% is obviously more impactful on a character who is naturally swift. Check our table above to make sure you're boosting the best character for the job!

The synthesisable item Topological Acceleration Gel is another way to boost SPD, although its effects are short lived. On consumption pre-battle, Topological Acceleration Band will increase SPD of all allies by 24% for 2 turns.

Another way to boost SPD in Honkai Star Rail is through abilities. Asta, who is a free character, has the power to boost the speed of the entire party each time she has her ultimate Astral Blessing.

Astral Blessing increases SPD of allies by 36 for 2 turn(s). The SPD buff can be further increased by improving Asta's Traces.

Character's that have SPD abilities:

Speed is an important element of strategy, so use it to your advantage.