Honkai: Star Rail - The Herta Build Guide

The Herta, also known as Madam Herta, is a 5-Star Ice-type character under the Erudition path in *Honkai: Star Rail*. As an Emanator of Nous — the Aeon of Erudition — she holds the prestigious position of member #83 in the Genius Society and serves as the founder of the Herta Space Station. The various Herta puppets seen throughout the station, including the 4-star version, are modeled after her younger self.

She shines brightest in AoE (Area of Effect) scenarios but remains highly effective even with fewer targets. Her kit includes strong self-buffs, high damage multipliers, and team-wide benefits when paired with another Erudition unit. This makes her relatively easy to build and accessible for F2P players or those looking for budget-friendly options in Light Cones and teammates.

Herta’s gameplay centers around two key mechanics: Inspiration stacks for herself and Interpretation stacks on enemies. Using an Inspiration stack allows her to unleash an enhanced Skill, while the amount of Interpretation stacks on enemies directly increases the damage output of both her Enhanced Skill and Ultimate. To help you make the most of her abilities, here's a comprehensive guide on the best builds for The Herta in *Honkai: Star Rail*.

Best The Herta Build In Honkai: Star Rail

Best The Herta Relics In Honkai: Star Rail

For optimal performance, The Herta thrives with a mix of ATK%, CRIT Rate, and CRIT DMG stats. Since the majority of her damage comes from her Enhanced Skill and Ultimate, any set that enhances these skills will be ideal for her playstyle.

• 4-piece Scholar Lost in Erudition – This is currently the best-in-slot relic set for The Herta. It boosts CRIT Rate by 8% and increases Skill and Ultimate damage by 20%. Additionally, it grants an extra 25% damage boost to the next Skill used after an Ultimate, which synergizes perfectly with her ability to take immediate action after using her Ultimate.
• 4-piece Hunter of Glacial Forest – While not as strong as Scholar, this set still offers solid utility. It provides a 10% Ice DMG boost and increases CRIT DMG by 25% for two turns after using an Ultimate.
• Any 2-piece combinations – If you don’t yet have access to full sets, combining 2-piece relics focusing on CRIT Rate, Ice DMG, or ATK% can serve as effective substitutes until better sets become available.

Planar Ornaments:

• Izumo Gensei and Takama Divine Realm – Best overall choice, offering 12% ATK and 12% CRIT Rate increase when paired with another Erudition ally.
• Rutilant Arena – Provides 8% CRIT Rate and a 20% boost to Skill damage, making it a great alternative.
• Sigonia, the Unclaimed Desolation – Best used exclusively in Pure Fiction content.

Ideal Stat Targets for The Herta:

• ATK: 2,500–3,900 depending on gear
• SPD: Base or 134 (depending on team synergy)
• CRIT Rate: 80%–100%
• CRIT DMG: 180%–200% (with A4 Trace active)

Since The Herta’s A4 Eidolon grants 80% CRIT DMG automatically, prioritize CRIT Rate through your chest piece. SPD requirements vary based on team composition, especially since her teammates help generate Interpretation stacks and Energy. With proper support, she can function effectively even at base SPD.

Best The Herta Light Cones In Honkai: Star Rail

The Herta’s signature Light Cone, Into the Unreachable Veil, is the strongest option available. At S1, it provides a 12% CRIT Rate bonus and a 60% damage boost to Skills and Ultimates for three turns after using the latter. It also recovers a Skill Point if the Ultimate costs 140+ Energy, adding significant utility to her rotation.

Other top-tier choices include:

• Night on the Milky Way – Offers high potential if its effects can be maintained consistently across battles.
• An Instant Before A Gaze – Grants CRIT DMG and Ultimate damage boosts, though The Herta cannot benefit from its Follow-Up Attack bonuses.
• Before Dawn and Yet Hope Is Priceless – Both act as excellent stat sticks, enhancing CRIT DMG and CRIT Rate respectively.
• Today Is Another Peaceful Day and Geniuses' Repose – Great budget-friendly options for F2P players, especially at higher refinements.
• Eternal Calculus, The Day the Cosmos Fell, and The Seriousness of Breakfast – Free-to-play options that are viable and eventually upgradable to S5.

With the right build, The Herta becomes a powerful DPS force capable of dealing consistent and devastating damage across multiple encounters. Whether you're playing casually or aiming for endgame content, this guide should help you maximize her potential in *Honkai: Star Rail*.