Kafka

The Nihility

Kafka

/Lightning/★★★★★

Stellaron Hunters

Atier

Introduction

Kafka is a 5-star Lightning character in Honkai: Star Rail. Kafka's path is Nihility. Faction: Stellaron Hunters.

On the combined Honkai: Star Rail tier list Kafka is A tier, 22nd of the 87 characters ranked, from where 10 community tier lists put Kafka.

Other Lightning characters in Honkai: Star Rail: Acheron, Aglaea, Arlan, Ashveil, Bailu, Gilgamesh and 5 more.

What Kafka does

A DoT specialist who Shocks enemies and then makes their DoTs go off early. Her Ultimate Shocks all enemies (290% of her ATK per tick) and, with her Trace, triggers every DoT on them at once, her Skill sets off a target's DoTs at 75%, and after a teammate's Basic ATK she follows up for 140% with another Shock, once per turn.

Best build for Kafka

From 6 guides

Relic set

2 options
  1. 1
    Eagle of Twilight Line(4)
    3 of 5
  2. 2
    Prisoner in Deep Confinement(4)
    3 of 5

Planar ornament

5 options
  1. 1
    Lushaka, the Sunken Seas(2)
    3 of 5
  2. 2
    Revelry by the Sea(2)
    2 of 4
Show 3 more set options
  1. 3
    Sprightly Vonwacq(2)
    2 of 5
  2. 4
    Firmament Frontline: Glamoth(2)
    2 of 5
  3. 5
    Pan-Cosmic Commercial Enterprise(2)
    2 of 5

Main stats

Body
ATK%/Effect Hit Rate
Feet
SPD
Planar Sphere
Lightning DMG Boost/ATK%
Link Rope
Energy Regeneration Rate/ATK%
Substats
SPD >Effect Hit Rate >ATK%

Profile

Kafka is voiced by 徐慧 in Chinese, Cheryl Texiera in English, 伊藤静 in Japanese, and 사문영 in Korean.

Stories

6
Story 1

On the Interastral Peace Corporation's wanted list, Kafka's record only shows her name and a note about her "interest in collecting coats." Little is known about this Stellaron Hunter aside from her being one of "Destiny's Slave" Elio's most trusted members. In order to achieve Elio's envisioned future, Kafka gets to work.

Story 2

"Kafka, female human. Hails from New Babylon of Pteruges-V. Core member of the Stellaron Hunters, the next-in-command of 'Destiny's Slave.' Responsible for the following infractions: The Pier Point Incursion, two counts; The Pier Point Heist; The Trovys Disappearance; The Stellaron events of Jemorse, Bayjhana, Shilla-39C, Ulmora, 7-Midville, Loar-51, and Dro'a; Cyber attacks against Pier Point, four counts; Cyber attacks against Planet Screwllum; Cyber attacks against Herta Space Station; The Jepella Rebellion. Suspected to be related to the following infractions: The Stellaron events of Sich-Lala, Inupeis, Oun-G7, Zukov, Lidovia, Illily, Attouine, Buhayama.

Wanted Level: Highest. Dead or alive."

— Wanted Order by the Interastral Peace Corporation

Story 3

"...Due to the investigation's needs, the suspect's basic information is published as follows: Suspect Kafka (Wanted Serial No.: L933012000020002010004), female, outworld individual, age unknown; height about 170 centimeters, average body size. She had been spotted draped with a black jacket and wearing a white collared shirt inside, a pair of tight-fitting dark shorts, purple pantyhose, and a pair of sunglasses on her head.

The suspect has been reported to be connected to multiple non-natural disasters occurring on the Luofu in the recent past. She is currently at large, and is now publicly wanted on the Luofu. Any department and unit who detected said suspect are encouraged to contact the local Cloud Knights. At the same time, we encourage the suspect to turn herself in and to not take any chances."

— Luofu Wanted Order (revoked)

Story 4

"...This woman's name is Kafka, a new Hunter without any information on file, and belongs to no particular organization. She has an ability called Spirit Whisper that allows her to hypnotically manipulate others through language. Recently, she has appeared in Riverland, New Babylon. She was seen communicating with its overchief, Shilde, and absconded with him in witness of 143 people. She then made an appearance at a clothing store and stole a black jacket, two white shirts, and a red dress with 6 witnesses. After that, she was seen by 28 people at an old music record store where she purchased nothing. Before she emerged at the Riverland Guard Station to claim her rewards, she was spotted at the central park with 2695 citizens present. We want Kafka's head, as her lethal crimes cannot go unpunished."

— Wanted Order by the Pteruges-V Devils

Story 5

"...Go to Pteruges-V and locate an abandoned building at coordinates 135:7372124, 271:6372711. Enter it. There is an untouched canned drink under the window sill on the first floor. Take it. Wait until 11:12 AM on Wednesday and place the can at the entrance of the building. Kafka will appear 2 minutes later. There is a chance she will stop to investigate the can. Then, take the chance to throw this ball at her feet. I will take over and converse with her from there.

There is also a chance that Kafka will ignore the can. In that case, just throw the ball away. You will die, but death will come for everyone. As for the future that you yearn for - I will realize it."

— Wanted Order by Destiny's Slave

Voice lines

First Meeting: Hi, Astral Expressers... Well, you caught me.

Greeting: All space and time are practically infinite, and yet right here, right now, we find ourselves together. That's the nature of "destiny" — it creates a miracle but convinces you of an accident.

Parting: Oh, bye-bye, Trailblazer. See if you can surprise me next time.

About Self: Before I joined the Stellaron Hunters, the nature of my work meant that I barely ever saw the same person twice.

Chat: Fear: Elio said that I'm good at creating "fear," even though I don't know what it is.

Chat: Violin: Playing the violin and firing a gun both require flexible fingers, but bullets are more obedient.

Hobbies: I especially love velvet coats, they're so fragile and beautiful. Difficult to maintain — you only have to be a tiny bit careless to ruin the sheen.

Annoyances: The past and the future are so similar to each other. I'm indifferent towards them.

Something to Share: There's a planet I go to every summer to look at the sea. That's when the tides are fiercest — you have to stand far away on the shore. Then, one year, they constructed a long observation pier. I haven't been back since.

Knowledge: My home world is one of many planets changed by a Stellaron... *sigh* It's a shame I never got to witness how far it fell at the time.

About Silver Wolf: I like chatting with Silver Wolf. She's got a lot of ideas for someone so small.

About Blade: Bladie... He takes after his name — his fights are a pleasure to witness.

About Sam: Oh, Sam isn't nearly as picky about his prey as I am... you might consider it a lucky break running into me.

About Firefly: I suppose all we can do is keep each other company... for a while.

About Silver Wolf LV.999: I know. She always wanted to bring her ideas to life, unfettered. So I hope she enjoys herself this time.

About Mortenax Blade: He has always been the sharpest edge among the Stellaron Hunters. But from this day on, his "fate" lies in his own hand, like a sword he alone wields.

Eidolon Activation: No one can completely grasp another's thoughts... Not even you or I.

Character Ascension: If destiny can't propel me forward, I'll be the one to push destiny.

Max Level Reached: It's tough to get going again once you've stopped, don't you think?

Trace Activation: The path to the future begins right here.

Added to Team With Trailblazer: Trailblazer, we meet again.

Added to Team With Silver Wolf: Let's skip the formalities, Silver Wolf. I'm always game for putting on a show.

Added to Team With Blade: The hunt beckons, Bladie. Are you ready?

Added to Team With Himeko: Oh, the Express Crew. Looks like we'll be joining forces quite often, huh?

Added to Team With Firefly: It's not in the script, so what happens next is up to us.

Added to Team With Silver Wolf LV.999: Is this the kind of gameplay you had in mind, Silver Wolf?

Added to Team With Mortenax Blade: The Mara has been purged. Now act as you intend.

Battle Begins: Weakness Break: Caught in the net.

Battle Begins: Danger Alert: Just in time.

Turn Begins 1: May as well kill them all~

Turn Begins 2: That breathing sensation? Remember it.

Turn Idling: Time to move.

Basic ATK: This won't take long.

Hit by Light Attack: Didn't hurt.

Hit by Heavy Attack: Not bad.

Ultimate: Activate: Good times never last.

Ultimate: Unleash: Time to say bye. BOOM.

Talent 1: Relax.

Talent 2: Stand still.

Downed: This... isn't the end.

Return to Battle: Oh! I'm still alive.

Health Recovery: Thanks. You're too good to me.

Technique: Does that hurt?

Battle Won: The human body is beautiful in its fragility.

Treasure Opening 1: Hmm. We can use it.

Successful Puzzle-Solving 1: Nice work.

Enemy Target Found: Huh, they don't look happy to see us...

Returning to Town: *sigh* Is that a stain? I like this coat.

Treasure Opening 2: No surprise there.

Precious Treasure Opening: Like what you see? Me too.

Successful Puzzle-Solving 2: Impressive. Want a prize?

Stats

  • HP48th1,087
  • ATK17th679
  • DEF34th485
  • SPD55th100
  • Taunt100

At level 80 with every ascension, before light cones, relics and traces. Each bar is measured against the highest value in the Honkai: Star Rail roster, and the place is out of every character with that stat.

By level

  • Lv. 1HP: 148ATK: 92DEF: 66SPD: 100
  • Lv. 20HP: 288ATK: 180DEF: 129SPD: 100
  • Lv. 20+HP: 347ATK: 217DEF: 155SPD: 100
  • Lv. 30HP: 421ATK: 263DEF: 188SPD: 100
  • Lv. 30+HP: 480ATK: 300DEF: 214SPD: 100
  • Lv. 40HP: 554ATK: 346DEF: 248SPD: 100
  • Lv. 40+HP: 614ATK: 383DEF: 274SPD: 100
  • Lv. 50HP: 687ATK: 430DEF: 307SPD: 100
  • Lv. 50+HP: 747ATK: 467DEF: 333SPD: 100
  • Lv. 60HP: 821ATK: 513DEF: 366SPD: 100
  • Lv. 60+HP: 880ATK: 550DEF: 393SPD: 100
  • Lv. 70HP: 954ATK: 596DEF: 426SPD: 100
  • Lv. 70+HP: 1,013ATK: 633DEF: 452SPD: 100
  • Lv. 80HP: 1,087ATK: 679DEF: 485SPD: 100

A level with a plus is the same level after that ascension.

Skills

5
  • Midnight Tumult

    Basic ATK · Single Target

    Deals Lightning DMG equal to 100% of Kafka's ATK to a one designated enemy.

    Level
  • Caressing Moonlight

    Skill · Blast

    Deals Lightning DMG equal to 160% of Kafka's ATK to a target enemy and Lightning DMG equal to 60% of Kafka's ATK to enemies adjacent to it. If the target enemy is currently receiving DoT, all DoTs currently placed on that enemy immediately produce DMG equal to 75% of their original DMG.

    Level
  • Twilight Trill

    Ultimate · AoE

    Deals Lightning DMG equal to 80% of Kafka's ATK to all enemies, with a 100% base chance for enemies hit to become Shocked and immediately take DMG from their current Shock state, equal to 100% of its original DMG. Shock lasts for 2 turn(s). While Shocked, enemies receive Lightning DoT equal to 290% of Kafka's ATK at the beginning of each turn.

    Level
  • Gentle but Cruel

    Talent · Single Target

    After Kafka's teammate uses Basic ATK on an enemy target, Kafka immediately launches Follow-Up ATK and deals Lightning DMG equal to 140% of her ATK to that target, with a 100% base chance to inflict Shock equivalent to that applied by her Ultimate to the attacked enemy target, lasting for 2 turns. This effect can only be triggered 1 time per turn.

    Level
  • Mercy Is Not Forgiveness

    Technique

    Immediately attacks all enemies within a set range. After entering battle, deals Lightning DMG equal to 50% of Kafka's ATK to all enemies, with a 100% base chance to inflict Shock equivalent to that applied by her Ultimate on every enemy target for 2 turn(s).

Kafka's Ultimate needs 120 Energy.

Traces

3
  • Torture

    Ascension 2

    When the Ultimate is used, enemy targets will now receive DMG immediately from all currently applied DoT sources instead of just receiving DMG immediately from the currently applied Shock state.

  • Plunder

    Ascension 4

    If an enemy is defeated while Shocked, Kafka additionally regenerates 5 Energy.

  • Thorns

    Ascension 6

    The base chance for target enemies to be Shocked by the Ultimate, the Technique, and the Talent-triggered Follow-Up ATK increases by 30%.

Stat traces, all unlocked

ATK
+28%
Effect Hit Rate
+18%
HP
+10%

Eidolons

6
  • Da Capo

    Eidolon 1

    When the Talent triggers a Follow-Up ATK, there is a 100% base chance to increase the DoT received by the target by 30% for 2 turn(s).

  • Fortississimo

    Eidolon 2

    While Kafka is on the field, DoT dealt by all allies increases by 25%.

  • Capriccio

    Eidolon 3

    Skill Lv. +2, up to a maximum of Lv. 15. Basic ATK Lv. +1, up to a maximum of Lv. 10.

  • Recitativo

    Eidolon 4

    When an enemy target takes DMG from the Shock status inflicted by Kafka, Kafka additionally regenerates 2 Energy.

  • Doloroso

    Eidolon 5

    Ultimate Lv. +2, up to a maximum of Lv. 15. Talent Lv. +2, up to a maximum of Lv. 15.

  • Leggiero

    Eidolon 6

    The Shock state inflicted on the enemy target by the Ultimate, Technique, or the Talent-triggered Follow-Up ATK has a DMG multiplier increase of 156% and lasts 1 turn(s) longer.

Each extra copy of Kafka unlocks the next Eidolon, up to six.

Upgrade costs

Open in the planner

Ascension

  • Ascension 1 (to Lv. 30)Credit ×4,000Thief's Instinct ×5
  • Ascension 2 (to Lv. 40)Credit ×8,000Thief's Instinct ×10
  • Ascension 3 (to Lv. 50)Credit ×16,000Usurper's Scheme ×6Shape Shifter's Lightning Staff ×3
  • Ascension 4 (to Lv. 60)Credit ×40,000Usurper's Scheme ×9Shape Shifter's Lightning Staff ×7
  • Ascension 5 (to Lv. 70)Credit ×80,000Conqueror's Will ×6Shape Shifter's Lightning Staff ×20
  • Ascension 6 (to Lv. 80)Credit ×160,000Conqueror's Will ×9Shape Shifter's Lightning Staff ×35

Midnight Tumult

  • Lv. 1 to 2Credit ×5,000Obsidian of Dread ×3Thief's Instinct ×6
  • Lv. 2 to 3Credit ×10,000Obsidian of Desolation ×3Usurper's Scheme ×3
  • Lv. 3 to 4Credit ×20,000Obsidian of Desolation ×5Usurper's Scheme ×4
  • Lv. 4 to 5Credit ×45,000Obsidian of Obsession ×3Conqueror's Will ×3
  • Lv. 5 to 6Credit ×160,000Obsidian of Obsession ×8Conqueror's Will ×4

Caressing Moonlight

  • Lv. 1 to 2Credit ×2,500Thief's Instinct ×3
  • Lv. 2 to 3Credit ×5,000Obsidian of Dread ×3Thief's Instinct ×6
  • Lv. 3 to 4Credit ×10,000Obsidian of Desolation ×3Usurper's Scheme ×3
  • Lv. 4 to 5Credit ×20,000Obsidian of Desolation ×5Usurper's Scheme ×4
  • Lv. 5 to 6Credit ×30,000Obsidian of Desolation ×7Usurper's Scheme ×6
  • Lv. 6 to 7Credit ×45,000Obsidian of Obsession ×3Conqueror's Will ×3
  • Lv. 7 to 8Credit ×80,000Obsidian of Obsession ×5Regret of Infinite Ochema ×1Conqueror's Will ×4
  • Lv. 8 to 9Credit ×160,000Obsidian of Obsession ×8Tracks of Destiny ×1Regret of Infinite Ochema ×1
  • Lv. 9 to 10Credit ×300,000Obsidian of Obsession ×14Tracks of Destiny ×1Regret of Infinite Ochema ×1

Twilight Trill

  • Lv. 1 to 2Credit ×2,500Thief's Instinct ×3
  • Lv. 2 to 3Credit ×5,000Obsidian of Dread ×3Thief's Instinct ×6
  • Lv. 3 to 4Credit ×10,000Obsidian of Desolation ×3Usurper's Scheme ×3
  • Lv. 4 to 5Credit ×20,000Obsidian of Desolation ×5Usurper's Scheme ×4
  • Lv. 5 to 6Credit ×30,000Obsidian of Desolation ×7Usurper's Scheme ×6
  • Lv. 6 to 7Credit ×45,000Obsidian of Obsession ×3Conqueror's Will ×3
  • Lv. 7 to 8Credit ×80,000Obsidian of Obsession ×5Regret of Infinite Ochema ×1Conqueror's Will ×4
  • Lv. 8 to 9Credit ×160,000Obsidian of Obsession ×8Tracks of Destiny ×1Regret of Infinite Ochema ×1
  • Lv. 9 to 10Credit ×300,000Obsidian of Obsession ×14Tracks of Destiny ×1Regret of Infinite Ochema ×1

Gentle but Cruel

  • Lv. 1 to 2Credit ×2,500Thief's Instinct ×3
  • Lv. 2 to 3Credit ×5,000Obsidian of Dread ×3Thief's Instinct ×6
  • Lv. 3 to 4Credit ×10,000Obsidian of Desolation ×3Usurper's Scheme ×3
  • Lv. 4 to 5Credit ×20,000Obsidian of Desolation ×5Usurper's Scheme ×4
  • Lv. 5 to 6Credit ×30,000Obsidian of Desolation ×7Usurper's Scheme ×6
  • Lv. 6 to 7Credit ×45,000Obsidian of Obsession ×3Conqueror's Will ×3
  • Lv. 7 to 8Credit ×80,000Obsidian of Obsession ×5Regret of Infinite Ochema ×1Conqueror's Will ×4
  • Lv. 8 to 9Credit ×160,000Obsidian of Obsession ×8Tracks of Destiny ×1Regret of Infinite Ochema ×1
  • Lv. 9 to 10Credit ×300,000Obsidian of Obsession ×14Tracks of Destiny ×1Regret of Infinite Ochema ×1

Traces

  • TortureCredit ×5,000Obsidian of Dread ×3Regret of Infinite Ochema ×1
  • PlunderCredit ×20,000Obsidian of Desolation ×5Tracks of Destiny ×1Regret of Infinite Ochema ×1
  • ThornsCredit ×160,000Obsidian of Obsession ×8Tracks of Destiny ×1Regret of Infinite Ochema ×1
  • ATK Boost (Lv. 1)Credit ×2,500Thief's Instinct ×2
  • Effect Hit Rate Boost (Ascension 2)Credit ×5,000Obsidian of Dread ×3Thief's Instinct ×6
  • ATK Boost (Ascension 3)Credit ×10,000Obsidian of Desolation ×3Usurper's Scheme ×3
  • HP Boost (Ascension 3)Credit ×10,000Obsidian of Desolation ×3Usurper's Scheme ×3
  • ATK Boost (Ascension 4)Credit ×20,000Obsidian of Desolation ×5Usurper's Scheme ×4
  • Effect Hit Rate Boost (Ascension 5)Credit ×45,000Obsidian of Obsession ×3Conqueror's Will ×3
  • ATK Boost (Ascension 5)Credit ×45,000Obsidian of Obsession ×3Conqueror's Will ×3
  • HP Boost (Ascension 6)Credit ×160,000Obsidian of Obsession ×8Conqueror's Will ×8
  • Effect Hit Rate Boost (Lv. 75)Credit ×160,000Obsidian of Obsession ×8Conqueror's Will ×8
  • ATK Boost (Lv. 80)Credit ×160,000Obsidian of Obsession ×8Conqueror's Will ×8

Totals

  • EverythingTracks of Destiny ×8Obsidian of Dread ×18Obsidian of Desolation ×69Obsidian of Obsession ×139Shape Shifter's Lightning Staff ×65Regret of Infinite Ochema ×12Thief's Instinct ×56Usurper's Scheme ×71Conqueror's Will ×73Credit ×3,308,000

Art

Kafka key art

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