What Combat Type is Ruan Mei?

Ruan Mei is a 5-star Ice character on the Path of Harmony, from Herta Space Station, released in version 1.6.

What stat does Ruan Mei scale on?

Ruan Mei's abilities multiply Break Effect. That is read from the scaling rows on the Skill and Ultimate, not from the ability description, so it reflects what the game actually multiplies rather than what the text mentions.

What is the best Light Cone for Ruan Mei?

Past Self in Mirror is the closest fit on the data: it is a 5-star Harmony Light Cone with 529 base ATK at level 80, and its passive acts on Break Effect. Memories of the Past is the best 4-star alternative.

Which relic set should Ruan Mei use?

Hunter of Glacial Forest. Its 2-piece bonus is: Increases Ice DMG by 10%. Its 4-piece bonus is: After the wearer uses their Ultimate, their CRIT DMG increases by 25% for 2 turn(s).

Which Planar Ornament should Ruan Mei use?

Forge of the Kalpagni Lantern. Its 2-piece bonus is: Increases the wearer's SPD by 6%. When the wearer hits an enemy target that has Fire Weakness, the wearer's Break Effect increases by 40%, lasting for 1 turn(s). Planar Ornaments have no 4-piece bonus; the sphere and the rope are the whole set.

How much does it cost to max Ruan Mei's traces?

Taking one ability from level 1 to 10 costs 652,500 Credits and 2× Tracks of Destiny among other materials. The Materials tab lists every item per level.

What does Ruan Mei E1 do?

Neuronic Embroidery: While the Ultimate's Zone is deployed, the DMG dealt by all allies ignores 20% of the target's DEF.

Ruan Mei — Ice Harmony character | Honkai: Star Rail

All characters

Herta Space Station

Ruan Mei

Build guide · Honkai: Star Rail

IceHarmonySupport

English voice: Emi Lo

The best Ruan Mei build in Honkai: Star Rail (Version 4.4) is Past Self in Mirror with Watchmaker, Master of Dream Machinations. Updated August 28, 2026

Where these rankings come fromThe light cone order, relic sets and stat priorities on this tab are prydwen.gg’s, measured in play and rephrased. Relative damage figures are ratios against the bottom of each ranking, not absolute numbers, and each one holds only for the superimposition and team its row states. Everything else — base stats, passive text, material totals — is read from the game’s own data.

Light cones

5 ranked

Past Self in Mirror — 5★ Harmony Light Cone | Honkai: Star Rail

BISPast Self in Mirror

Ranked first at S1

529

Base ATK · lv 80

1058 HP529 DEF

In Pursuit of the Wind — 4★ Harmony Light Cone | Honkai: Star Rail

#2In Pursuit of the Wind

Ranked #2 at S5

476

Base ATK · lv 80

1058 HP397 DEF

Memories of the Past — 4★ Harmony Light Cone | Honkai: Star Rail

#3Memories of the Past

Ranked #3 at S5

423

Base ATK · lv 80

953 HP397 DEF

Meshing Cogs — 3★ Harmony Light Cone | Honkai: Star Rail

#4Meshing Cogs

Ranked #4 at S5

318

Base ATK · lv 80

847 HP265 DEF

Dance! Dance! Dance! — 4★ Harmony Light Cone | Honkai: Star Rail

#5Dance! Dance! Dance!

Ranked #5 at S5

423

Base ATK · lv 80

953 HP397 DEF

Relics

3 sets

CoreWatchmaker, Master of Dream Machinations

Incredible team-wide supportive set for Break-focused teams. Most optimally played on the character in the team with the most frequent access to an Ultimate which buffs allies to ensure strong uptime. In teams with particularly fast Break-focused damage dealers, equipping this to multiple Supports for better uptime may be advised.

2PCIncreases Break Effect by 16%.

4PCWhen the wearer uses their Ultimate on an ally, all allies' Break Effect increases by 30% for 2 turn(s). This effect cannot be stacked.

Also works

Planar ornaments

Sphere and rope · 2-piece only

CoreSprightly Vonwacq

Incredibly strong option for buff/debuff based characters. The advance from this set allows the wearer to apply their buffs/debuffs before the rest of the team acts, accelerate rotations, allows access to ultimates closer to the start of the fight and also grants Energy Regen. A valuable stat for many supports.

2PCIncreases the wearer's Energy Regeneration Rate by 5%. When the wearer's SPD reaches 120 or higher, the wearer's action is Advanced Forward by 40% immediately upon entering battle.

Also works

Main stats

Ultimate · 130 energy

Body: HP% > DEF%
Feet: Speed
Planar Sphere: HP% > DEF%
Link Rope: Energy Regen Rate > Break Effect

Substat priority

Highest first

1Break Effect (Until 180%)Best
2SPD (Until Breakpoint)
3HP% = DEF%
4Effect RES (30% if using Broken Keel)

Stack Break Effect until 180%. Aim for a desirable Speed breakpoint next (134 minimum recommended). After achieving these goals, stack more Break Effect to improve Ruan's burst damage or invest in more Speed or DEF% and HP% to make her more durable.

Trace priority

Level in this order

#1
Ultimate = Talent = Skill
Max first
#2
Basic
Then

Major traces, best first: Candle Lights on Still Waters (A6) > Inert Respiration (A2) > Days Wane, Thoughts Wax (A4)

Best Eidolons

E3 and E5 raise levels only

E1Neuronic Embroidery
E2Reedside Promenade
E3Level bump
E4Chatoyant Éclat
E5Level bump
E6Sash Cascade

E1
Neuronic Embroidery
Game text
While the Ultimate's Zone is deployed, the DMG dealt by all allies ignores 20% of the target's DEF.
E2
Reedside Promenade
Game text
While Ruan Mei is on the field, all allies increase their ATK by 40% when dealing DMG to enemies that are Weakness Broken.
E4
Chatoyant Éclat
Game text
When an enemy target's Weakness is Broken, Ruan Mei's Break Effect increases by 100% for 3 turn(s).
E6
Sash Cascade
Game text
Extends the duration of the Ultimate's Zone by 1 turn(s). The Talent's Break DMG multiplier additionally increases by 200%.

Teams

16 teams

Firefly team

Fire · BreakPlays Break amplifier

A Break Effect carry with two Harmony units that raise Break damage and Weakness Break efficiency, and a sustain that keeps Break uptime rather than adding damage.

FireflyMain DPS
Ruan Mei — this characterBreak amplifier
FugueWeakness implant
LingshaSustain · Break

Castorice team

Quantum · RemembrancePlays Harmony buffer

Castorice pays HP for her memosprite, so the line-up pairs a healer who profits from that with two Harmony units that raise the memosprite’s own damage.

CastoriceMain DPS
TribbieHarmony buffer
Ruan Mei — this characterHarmony buffer
HyacineSustain

Boothill team

Physical · BreakPlays Break amplifier

A single-target Break carry: one Harmony unit raises Break damage, one implants the Weakness he needs, and the sustain is the one that also breaks.

BoothillMain DPS
Ruan Mei — this characterBreak amplifier
FugueWeakness implant
GallagherSustain · Break

Rappa team

Imaginary · BreakPlays Break amplifier

Break damage across a whole wave rather than one target, so both Harmony slots go to Break amplification and the sustain adds Break of its own.

RappaMain DPS
Ruan Mei — this characterBreak amplifier
Trailblazer (Harmony)Break support
LingshaSustain · Break

Himeko • Nova team

Fire · EruditionPlays Harmony buffer

Her Talent hands every ally an Assist Skill that calls her Starblazer, so the other three slots are chosen for how often they take a turn.

Himeko • NovaMain DPS
SundayAction advance
Ruan Mei — this characterHarmony buffer
LingshaSustain

Argenti team

Physical · EruditionPlays Harmony buffer

His 180-energy Ultimate is the whole kit, so every other slot is chosen for how much Energy it returns rather than how much damage it adds.

ArgentiMain DPS
SundayAction advance
Ruan Mei — this characterHarmony buffer
HuohuoEnergy · Sustain

See all 16 on best teams

Honkai: Star Rail 5★ Ice Harmony Support

Ruan Mei build summary

Updated August 28, 2026

Past Self in Mirror tops the light cone ranking for Ruan Mei at S1, ahead of In Pursuit of the Wind, Memories of the Past and Meshing Cogs. That order is prydwen.gg's, measured in play and rephrased here; every row of it sits under Light cones below.

Run Watchmaker, Master of Dream Machinations on Ruan Mei, with Messenger Traversing Hackerspace and Thief of Shooting Meteor behind it. The planar ornament is Sprightly Vonwacq. Main stats are HP% > DEF% body, Speed feet, HP% > DEF% sphere, Energy Regen Rate > Break Effect rope. Roll substats in the order Break Effect (Until 180%) > SPD (Until Breakpoint) > HP% = DEF% > Effect RES (30% if using Broken Keel).

Trace priority is Ultimate = Talent = Skill > Basic. The Ultimate costs 130 energy, which is what an Energy Regeneration Rate target has to clear.

Ruan Mei plays Break amplifier in the Firefly team, alongside Firefly, Fugue and Lingsha.

Role: Support
Best light cone: Past Self in Mirror
Alternatives: In Pursuit of the Wind, Memories of the Past, Meshing Cogs
Relic set: Watchmaker, Master of Dream Machinations
Planar ornament: Sprightly Vonwacq
Main stats: HP% > DEF% body, Speed feet, HP% > DEF% sphere, Energy Regen Rate > Break Effect rope
Substat priority: Break Effect (Until 180%) > SPD (Until Breakpoint) > HP% = DEF% > Effect RES (30% if using Broken Keel)
Trace priority: Ultimate = Talent = Skill > Basic
Best team: Firefly, Ruan Mei, Fugue, Lingsha
Ultimate energy cost: 130 energy
Key ascension material: 65× Gelid Chitin
Last updated: August 28, 2026

Abilities

4 levellable

Basic

Threading Fragrance

Single Target
+20 energy
30 Toughness

Deals Ice DMG equal to 100% of Ruan Mei's ATK to one designated enemy target.

Ability level

6 is the cap from trace materials; Eidolons add the rest.

Basic ATK DMG: 100%

All 10 levels

Attribute	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Basic ATK DMG	50%	60%	70%	80%	90%	100%	110%	120%	130%	140%

Skill

String Sings Slow Swirls

Support
+30 energy

After using her Skill, Ruan Mei gains Overtone, lasting for 3 turn(s). This duration decreases by 1 at the start of Ruan Mei's every turn. When Ruan Mei has Overtone, all allies' DMG increases by 32.0% and Weakness Break Efficiency increases by 50%.

Ability level

10 is the cap from trace materials; Eidolons add the rest.

Skill DMG: 32.0%

All 15 levels

Attribute	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15
Skill DMG	16.0%	17.6%	19.2%	20.8%	22.4%	24.0%	26.0%	28.0%	30.0%	32.0%	33.6%	35.2%	36.8%	38.4%	40.0%

Ultimate

Petals to Stream, Repose in Dream

Support
+5 energy

Ruan Mei deploys a Zone that lasts for 2 turns. The Zone's duration decreases by 1 at the start of her turn. While inside the Zone, all allies' All-Type RES PEN increases by 25.0% and their attacks apply Thanatoplum Rebloom to the enemies hit. When these enemies attempt to recover from Weakness Break, Thanatoplum Rebloom is triggered, extending the duration of their Weakness Break, delaying their action by an amount equal to 20% of Ruan Mei's Break Effect plus 10%, and dealing Break DMG equal to 50% of Ruan Mei's Ice Break DMG. Enemy targets cannot have Thanatoplum Rebloom re-applied to them until they recover from Weakness Break.

Ability level

10 is the cap from trace materials; Eidolons add the rest.

Bonus: 25.0%
Ultimate DMG: 50%

All 15 levels

Attribute	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15
Bonus	15.0%	16.0%	17.0%	18.0%	19.0%	20.0%	21.3%	22.5%	23.8%	25.0%	26.0%	27.0%	28.0%	29.0%	30.0%
Ultimate DMG	30%	32%	34%	36%	38%	40%	43%	45%	48%	50%	52%	54%	56%	58%	60%

Talent

Somatotypical Helix

Support

Increases SPD by 10.0% for all teammates (i.e., excluding this unit). When allies Break an enemy target's Weakness, Ruan Mei deals to this enemy target Break DMG equal to 120.0% of her Ice Break DMG.

Ability level

10 is the cap from trace materials; Eidolons add the rest.

SPD Boost: 10.0%
Talent DMG: 120.0%

All 15 levels

Attribute	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15
SPD Boost	8.0%	8.2%	8.4%	8.6%	8.8%	9.0%	9.3%	9.5%	9.8%	10.0%	10.2%	10.4%	10.6%	10.8%	11.0%
Talent DMG	60.0%	66.0%	72.0%	78.0%	84.0%	90.0%	97.5%	105.0%	112.5%	120.0%	126.0%	132.0%	138.0%	144.0%	150.0%

Technique and fixed effects

1 fixed

Technique

Silken Serenade

Enhance

After using the Technique, gains Silken Serenade. At the start of the next battle, automatically triggers the Skill for 1 time(s) without consuming Skill Points. In Simulated Universe or Divergent Universe, when Ruan Mei has Silken Serenade, the team actively attacking enemies will always be regarded as attacking their Weakness to enter combat, and this attack can reduce all enemies' Toughness regardless of Weakness types. When breaking Weakness, triggers Weakness Break Effect corresponding to the attacker's Type. For every Blessing in possession (up to a max of 20 Blessings will be taken into account), additionally increases the Toughness Reduction of this attack by 100%. After breaking an enemy target's Weakness, additionally deals to the enemy target Break DMG equal to 100% of Ruan Mei's Ice Break DMG.

Bonus Abilities

3 unlocked by ascension

A2
Inert Respiration
Increases Break Effect by 20% for all allies.
A4
Days Wane, Thoughts Wax
Ruan Mei regenerates 5 Energy at the start of her turn.
A6
Candle Lights on Still Waters
In battle, for every 10% of Ruan Mei's Break Effect that exceeds 120%, her Skill additionally increases allies' DMG by 6%, up to a maximum of 36%.

Stat traces

Every node taken

Break Effect: 37.3%
DEF: 22.5%
SPD: 5

Totals at full unlock, summed across every node of that stat. Ascension rank gates the nodes as it gates the Bonus Abilities above.

Full bill

Credits, summed from the tables below

Level 80 and every ability maxed

2,265,500

Credits 12 material lines

Ascension to 80

308,000

Credits 4 materials · 6 steps

All 3 abilities maxed

1,957,500

Credits 3× the single-ability bill

Ascension

Level 1 → 80 in 6 steps

Lv 30
Immortal Scionette ×5
4,000Credits
Lv 40
Immortal Scionette ×10
8,000Credits
Lv 50
Gelid Chitin ×3
Immortal Aeroblossom ×6
16,000Credits
Lv 60
Gelid Chitin ×7
Immortal Aeroblossom ×9
40,000Credits
Lv 70
Gelid Chitin ×20
Immortal Lumintwig ×6
80,000Credits
Lv 80
Gelid Chitin ×35
Immortal Lumintwig ×9
160,000Credits

Total to level 80

308,000 Credits

Gelid Chitin

Immortal Lumintwig

Immortal Aeroblossom

Immortal Scionette

Trace materials

Per ability · 3 levellable

→ 2
Immortal Scionette ×3
2,500Credits
→ 3
Harmonic Tune ×3
Immortal Scionette ×6
5,000Credits
→ 4
Ancestral Hymn ×3
Immortal Aeroblossom ×3
10,000Credits
→ 5
Ancestral Hymn ×5
Immortal Aeroblossom ×4
20,000Credits
→ 6
Ancestral Hymn ×7
Immortal Aeroblossom ×6
30,000Credits
→ 7
Immortal Lumintwig ×3
Stellaris Symphony ×3
45,000Credits
→ 8
Immortal Lumintwig ×4
Past Evils of the Borehole Planet Disaster ×1
Stellaris Symphony ×5
80,000Credits
→ 9
Tracks of Destiny ×1
Past Evils of the Borehole Planet Disaster ×1
Stellaris Symphony ×8
160,000Credits
→ 10
Tracks of Destiny ×1
Past Evils of the Borehole Planet Disaster ×1
Stellaris Symphony ×14
300,000Credits

One ability maxed

652,500 Credits

Tracks of Destiny

Immortal Lumintwig

Past Evils of the Borehole Planet Disaster

Stellaris Symphony

Ancestral Hymn

Immortal Aeroblossom

Harmonic Tune

Immortal Scionette

All 3 abilities maxed

1,957,500 Credits

Tracks of Destiny

Immortal Lumintwig

Past Evils of the Borehole Planet Disaster

Stellaris Symphony

Ancestral Hymn

Immortal Aeroblossom

Harmonic Tune

Immortal Scionette

Ruan Mei’s Eidolons

6 unlocks

E1
Neuronic Embroidery
While the Ultimate's Zone is deployed, the DMG dealt by all allies ignores 20% of the target's DEF.
E2
Reedside Promenade
While Ruan Mei is on the field, all allies increase their ATK by 40% when dealing DMG to enemies that are Weakness Broken.
E3
Viridescent Pirouette
Ultimate Lv. +2, up to a maximum of Lv. 15. Talent Lv. +2, up to a maximum of Lv. 15.
E4
Chatoyant Éclat
When an enemy target's Weakness is Broken, Ruan Mei's Break Effect increases by 100% for 3 turn(s).
E5
Languid Barrette
Skill Lv. +2, up to a maximum of Lv. 15. Basic ATK Lv. +1, up to a maximum of Lv. 10.
E6
Sash Cascade
Extends the duration of the Ultimate's Zone by 1 turn(s). The Talent's Break DMG multiplier additionally increases by 200%.

Ruan Mei FAQ

What Combat Type is Ruan Mei?: Ruan Mei is a 5-star Ice character on the Path of Harmony, from Herta Space Station, released in version 1.6.
What stat does Ruan Mei scale on?: Ruan Mei's abilities multiply Break Effect. That is read from the scaling rows on the Skill and Ultimate, not from the ability description, so it reflects what the game actually multiplies rather than what the text mentions.
What is the best Light Cone for Ruan Mei?: Past Self in Mirror is the closest fit on the data: it is a 5-star Harmony Light Cone with 529 base ATK at level 80, and its passive acts on Break Effect. Memories of the Past is the best 4-star alternative.
Which relic set should Ruan Mei use?: Hunter of Glacial Forest. Its 2-piece bonus is: Increases Ice DMG by 10%. Its 4-piece bonus is: After the wearer uses their Ultimate, their CRIT DMG increases by 25% for 2 turn(s).
Which Planar Ornament should Ruan Mei use?: Forge of the Kalpagni Lantern. Its 2-piece bonus is: Increases the wearer's SPD by 6%. When the wearer hits an enemy target that has Fire Weakness, the wearer's Break Effect increases by 40%, lasting for 1 turn(s). Planar Ornaments have no 4-piece bonus; the sphere and the rope are the whole set.
How much does it cost to max Ruan Mei's traces?: Taking one ability from level 1 to 10 costs 652,500 Credits and 2× Tracks of Destiny among other materials. The Materials tab lists every item per level.
What does Ruan Mei E1 do?: Neuronic Embroidery: While the Ultimate's Zone is deployed, the DMG dealt by all allies ignores 20% of the target's DEF.

Ruan Mei

Light cones

Relics

Planar ornaments

Main stats

Substat priority

Trace priority

Best Eidolons

Neuronic Embroidery

Reedside Promenade

Chatoyant Éclat

Sash Cascade

Teams

Abilities

Technique and fixed effects

Bonus Abilities

Inert Respiration

Days Wane, Thoughts Wax

Candle Lights on Still Waters

Stat traces

Full bill

Ascension

Trace materials

Ruan Mei’s Eidolons

Neuronic Embroidery

Reedside Promenade

Viridescent Pirouette

Chatoyant Éclat

Languid Barrette

Sash Cascade

Ruan Mei FAQ