It's been almost a year since I first laid eyes on Moze, and I still remember the anticipation that coursed through the Honkai: Star Rail community when those initial leaks surfaced. Now in 2026, looking back at how this Lightning character transformed the meta, I can't help but smile at my initial skepticism.
When HoYoverse first confirmed Moze would be joining the playable roster in version 2.5, I wasn't particularly impressed. Another four-star character? I had my sights set on the five-stars. Little did I know this Shadow Guard of the Yaoqing would become my most reliable companion across the Astral Express journey.
The First Encounter
I still recall the day I pulled for him during the first phase of version 2.5. The banner appeared alongside Feixiao's, and I was actually aiming for the latter. But fate had other plans. Three ten-pulls in, and there he was – that mysterious hooded figure with a dagger that would soon become my main DPS.
His design immediately captivated me – that streamlined, minimalist assassin outfit with its dark color scheme and enigmatic hood. There was something inherently cool about his appearance that made me want to give him a chance, despite my initial reservations about his four-star status.
Mastering the Shadow's Techniques
The learning curve with Moze wasn't steep, but mastering his kit took dedication. As a Hunt path Lightning character, his specialty is single-target damage – something I desperately needed for those challenging boss encounters.
His combat style is unlike any other character in the roster:
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Basic Attack - That beam of purple lightning that shoots from a distance became my bread and butter against weaker enemies.
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Technique - The way he burrows into the ground before ambushing targets never gets old. The 50% action advance and 30% damage increase while invisible turned the tide in countless battles.
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Follow-Up Attack (FUA) - This is where Moze truly shines! The animation of him lunging at enemies, delivering multiple stabs, launching into the air, and finishing with that spectacular final strike is not just visually stunning but devastatingly effective.
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Ultimate - When those Lightning damage numbers pop up, there's nothing more satisfying. I've seen it one-shot enemies that gave other characters trouble.
The Resource Journey
Building Moze wasn't easy, I'll admit that. The grind for his ascension materials was particularly challenging:
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Nail of the Beast Coffin
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Artifex's Module
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Artifex's Cogwheel
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Artifex's Gyreheart
And let's not forget about the trace materials:
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Tracks of Destiny
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Meteoric Bullet
I spent weeks farming these resources, often sacrificing development of other characters. But was it worth it? Absolutely. Once fully built, Moze transformed from a decent sub-DPS into a powerhouse that carried me through the Abyss and Forgotten Halls with ease.
Team Compositions and Synergies
Over the years, I've experimented with countless team compositions for Moze. My favorite remains:
| Position | Character | Role | Synergy with Moze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main DPS | Moze | Single-target damage | - |
| Support | Robin | Break effect | Extends Moze's invisibility |
| Buffer | Tingyun | Attack boost | Charges Moze's ultimate faster |
| Healer | Luocha | Sustainability | Keeps Moze alive during risky plays |
This team composition allows Moze to stay in stealth longer, regenerate skill points consistently through follow-up attacks, and deliver devastating ultimate attacks in quick succession.
The Meta Evolution
It's fascinating to see how Moze has remained relevant in the meta despite the influx of new characters since his release. While many four-stars have been left behind, Moze's unique kit and scaling have kept him competitive even in 2026.
The community initially underestimated him, comparing him unfavorably to Lingsha and Feixiao who were released around the same time. But as players began to understand his mechanics and potential, opinions shifted dramatically.
Personal Growth with Moze
Playing Moze has changed my approach to Honkai: Star Rail. His stealth mechanics taught me patience – waiting for the right moment to strike rather than rushing in. His single-target focus made me more strategic about target prioritization in multi-enemy scenarios.
There's something deeply satisfying about mastering a character that others overlooked. While friends chased the latest five-stars, I was perfecting my Moze rotations, finding optimal Light Cone pairings, and discovering hidden synergies.
Looking Forward
As we approach the fourth anniversary of Honkai: Star Rail, I wonder what's next for Moze. Will we see alternate outfits? Perhaps story content that delves deeper into his background as a Shadow Guard? Maybe even a five-star version in a future update?
Whatever comes, my journey with this Lightning assassin has been one of the most rewarding gaming experiences I've had. From skeptic to devoted main, Moze has proven that star ratings don't define a character's worth.
For new Trailblazers just discovering this gem of a character: give him a chance. Behind that mysterious hood lies one of the most satisfying combat experiences in the game. And veterans who may have benched him – perhaps it's time to dust off that dagger and rediscover what made Moze special in the first place.
The Shadow Guard awaits, ready to strike from the darkness once more. ⚡🗡️