Best 8 Ice Units in Honkai: Star Rail 2026
Ice leads on burst/hypercarry value. Jingliu is the premier Ice Destruction carry; The Herta is the top Ice Erudition AoE; March 7th and Fu Xuan-adjacent supports round out Ice coverage.
How We Rank These
Ice units exploit the Frozen break (delay + increased CRIT taken), making them great with CRIT hypercarries and Harmony supports. This list ranks the strongest Ice characters to build.
Jingliu
Ice Destruction hypercarry whose HP-draining buffed state front-loads massive Ice damage. Best-in-slot Ice DPS.
Watch out: Wants Bronya + Fu Xuan to manage the HP cost.
The Herta
Ice Erudition Emanator who scales with Interpretation stacks and a second Erudition ally. Best AoE Ice carry.
Watch out: Wants a second Erudition (Jade/Anaxa).
Yanqing
Ice Hunt with a self-CRIT buff and strong single-target damage.
Watch out: Loses his buff if hit; wants a shielder.
Misha
Free Ice Destruction with targeted AoE damage scaling on Speed. Strong early carry.
Watch out: Lower ceiling than limited Ice DPS.
Ruan Mei
Ice Harmony buffer whose weakness efficiency and RES PEN power Super Break teams.
Watch out: Best value in Break compositions.
March 7th
Free Ice Preservation shielder who also freezes. Reliable new-account sustain.
Watch out: Support role, not a damage dealer.
Gepard
Ice Preservation with a strong shield and freeze. Durable shielder.
Watch out: Single-target shield.
Herta
Free Ice Erudition AoE who pairs with The Herta and gains energy from kills.
Watch out: Outclassed by The Herta but a fine free AoE.
Verdict
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best Ice DPS to pull?
Jingliu for single-target Ice hypercarry and The Herta for AoE Erudition. If you want free, build Herta and Misha first.
What relic set for an Ice DPS?
Hunter of Glacial Forest (4-pc Ice DMG + CRIT after Ultimate) is best-in-slot for Jingliu; Scholar Lost in Erudition for The Herta.