[ Guide ] Honkai Star Rail 2.0 – Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters Relic Breakdown and Character Build 

Version 2.0 update of Honkai: Star Rail has gone live and along with the planet Penacony welcoming Trailblazers, the new Relics Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters and Watchmaker, Master of Dream Machinations are also available for players to deck out their favorite characters.

In this guide, we will look into the new Relic set Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters in Honkai: Star Rail to see if they are valuable to grind for and which character can take advantage of them.

Before we dive into the details of the new Relic set, both Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters and Watchmaker, Master of Dream Machinations can be obtainable from the new Cavern of Corrosion: Path of Dreamdive at The Reverie (Dreamscape) in Penacony. 

Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters

The Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters Relic set has the following effects when worn with multiple pieces of it:

• 2-Piece Bonus:
  • Increases DMG dealt to enemies with debuff by 12%.
• 4-Piece Bonus:
  • Increases CRIT Rate by 4%. The wearer deals 8%/12% increased CRIT DMG to enemies with at least 2/3 debuffs. After the wearer inflicts a debuff on enemy targets, the aforementioned effects increase by 100%, lasting for 1 turn(s).

Based on the Relic’s effect, Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters will be an amazing option for DPS characters that rely on applying debuffs to enemies to amplify their damage. In other words, any character who has strong synergy with debuffs or any unit that applies debuffs themselves will find this set useful.

While the 2-piece bonus is already powerful on its own, the 4-piece bonus effect really elevates the set further with its massive damage potential increase, making it far more recommended to have characters built with all 4 pieces rather than only 2 pieces.

Recommended Character for this Artifact

The first character that came to mind immediately is Dr. Ratio as he is a single-target DPS that favors having debuffs on enemies to trigger his follow-up continuously. Since debuff is the source of Dr. Ratio’s damage output, he also often times teams up with debuffers such as Silver Wolf, Pela  Guinaifen, and Welt, making his synergy with Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters even more apparent.

For those who are unclear of Dr. Ratio’s kit, his Talent grants him a chance to initiate a Follow-Up Attack upon using his Skill and the chances increase with the number of debuffs the target currently has. Dr. Ratio himself has two types of debuffs on his own, one that applies Effect RES reduction to enemies after using his Skill (require Ascension 3 Trace), while his Ultimate applies Wiseman’s Folly, which is also considered a debuff.

This means that overall, this Relic set effectively increases Dr. Ratio’s damage output by around 24% as long as the effect of Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters is maximized with at least 3 debuffs on the enemy and Dr. Ratio triggers a CRIT. Not to mention, when Dr. Ratio successfully applies a debuff, the CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG bonus from the 4-piece effect is doubled, making it 8% and 24% respectively at maximum.

This would mean that to effectively utilize Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters, you would need to be able to generate 3 debuffs, which is rather fulfillable as long as you have a Silver Wolf, Pela, Guinaifen, or Welt in the team with Dr. Ratio.

Is this Artifact good?  

The answer is yes, Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters is a great set and aside from Dr. Ratio, any debuffers may also effectively utilize it. Furthermore, any future characters who favor debuffs to deal damage will no doubt be able to utilize this Relic set well.

Also, considering Dr. Ratio was given out for free, the Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters is certainly a great set to farm for as the man himself is indeed a very powerful DPS at the current meta.

For more Honkai Star Rail content such as character guides and the latest news, be sure to check them out here at GamerBraves.

Download

Honkai Star Rail

Publisher: miHoYo

Developer: miHoYo

Release Date TBC

Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows

Honkai: Star Rail is an all-new strategy-RPG title in the Honkai series that takes players on a cosmic adventure across the stars.

Available Now

On Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, PS4 & Steam

Buy Now

Beatrix

Undying Blue

An elite Society agent and contractor of the seal weapon Embrasque, Beatrix's ferocity when facing primal beasts is rivaled only by her insatiable hunger for glory.

Eustace

Earthrending Thunder

An elite Society marksman and contractor of the seal weapon Flamek Thunder, Eustace is efficient, laconic, and longs to live in a world of peace and quiet.

Fraux

Striking Strength

Pactbearer to The Devil, a primal seeking to create a new world order, Fraux is otherwise an ordinary skydweller whose heart, character, and temperament are filled with love and compassion.

Fediel

Darkness Personified

One of the Six Dragons, entities who exist beyond the confines of the natural world. Having dominion over darkness, she influences the very laws of nature.