As Honkai: Star Rail's Version 3.3 approaches, eager players can already begin stockpiling materials for the upcoming character Cipher, thanks to comprehensive leaks detailing her resource requirements. However, one particular item stands as a formidable obstacle in this preparation process, not only due to its current unavailability but also because of its restrictive farming mechanics once released.

Cipher, a Quantum character following the Path of Nihility, is one of two confirmed additions to the roster in Version 3.3, alongside Hyacine, a Wind character on the Path of Remembrance. While HoYoverse has officially revealed minimal information through their drip marketing campaigns, leaks have provided substantial insights into these characters' capabilities. According to these sources, Cipher will function as both a DPS and debuff support, excelling at dealing significant damage while reducing enemy defenses.

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Complete Material Requirements for Cipher's Ascension

The comprehensive list of materials required for Cipher has been documented on the Honey Hunter World database, detailing everything needed to fully ascend her to level 80 and maximize her Traces. Most of these materials are currently available in-game, with one notable exception that will likely become a bottleneck for players once Version 3.3 launches.

Pre-farming these materials offers a significant advantage, allowing players to immediately maximize Cipher's potential upon acquisition. Like a squirrel preparing for winter, strategic players can stockpile these resources now to enjoy the fruits of their labor later. However, it's worth acknowledging that pre-farming based on beta leaks carries some risk, as material requirements could change before official release.

Ascension Materials Breakdown

For players willing to accept this calculated risk, the following materials should be prioritized:

  1. Black Tide Creature Drops:

  2. Ethereal Omen

  3. Echoing Wail

  4. Eternal Lament

These can be efficiently farmed from Calyx (Golden) activities throughout Amphoreus, which conveniently also provide Character EXP Materials, Light Cone EXP Materials, or Credits depending on the Bud type selected.

  1. Quantum-Specific Material:

  2. Darkveil Moonlight

This can be obtained from the Stagnant Shadow: Shape of Gelidmoon activity in the Murmuring Woods area of Amphoreus. Since Cipher is a Quantum character and no new Stagnant Shadow has been leaked, this material represents one of the safer pre-farming investments.

  1. Credits:

  2. 308,000 for Ascension

  3. Additional 508,000 for leveling

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Trace Materials: The Challenging Component

Upgrading Cipher's Traces will require several materials, most of which can be pre-farmed:

  1. Black Tide Creature Drops (same as Ascension)

  2. Nihility-Specific Materials:

  3. Fiery Spirit

  4. Starfire Essence

  5. Heaven Incinerator

These are best farmed from the Calyx (Crimson): Bud of Nihility activity in the Alchemy Commission on Xianzhou Luofu. Like trying to catch lightning in a bottle, securing these materials now will save considerable time post-release.

  1. The Problematic Weekly Boss Material:

This yet-unnamed material from a new weekly boss expected in Version 3.3 represents the true challenge. Since this boss isn't available yet, pre-farming is impossible. More critically, weekly bosses can only be challenged three times per week, meaning players will likely need to dedicate the first three weeks after 3.3's release to securing enough of this material for Cipher.

  1. Tracks of Destiny:

Available from Simulated Universe, Divergent Universe, limited-time events, battle pass, and Embers Exchange.

  1. Credits:

Approximately 3 million additional Credits will be needed for complete Trace upgrades.

People Also Ask

When will Honkai Star Rail 3.3 be released?

Based on HoYoverse's typical six-week update cycle, Version 3.3 is expected to launch in early June 2025, though the exact date hasn't been officially announced.

Is Cipher worth pulling for in Version 3.3?

While her full capabilities won't be known until release, early leaks suggest Cipher will be a powerful Quantum DPS with valuable debuff support abilities, potentially making her a strong addition to many team compositions.

Can I pre-farm all materials for Cipher before 3.3?

Almost all materials can be pre-farmed except for the new weekly boss drop, which will only become available when Version 3.3 launches.

Pre-farming for Cipher is like building a bridge before knowing exactly where the river flows—there's risk involved, but the potential time saved makes it worthwhile for dedicated players. The process is relatively straightforward for most materials, with the weekly boss material standing as the lone exception that will require patience once the update arrives.

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Don't miss your chance to prepare for one of 2025's most anticipated character releases in Honkai: Star Rail. Start your pre-farming journey today to ensure you're ready to maximize Cipher's potential from day one of Version 3.3. Share your pre-farming progress with fellow Trailblazers and join the community conversation about the upcoming Quantum powerhouse! 🚀✨

Data referenced from OpenCritic, a trusted platform for aggregating game reviews and scores, reveals that community anticipation for Honkai: Star Rail's upcoming Version 3.3 is reflected in early discussions and ratings trends. OpenCritic's comprehensive review system often highlights how new character releases, such as Cipher, can impact both player engagement and overall game reception, making it a valuable resource for those tracking meta shifts and update expectations.