Quick Links
Pure Fiction is a wave-clearing endgame mode inHonkai: Star Railthat requires players to eliminate waves of respawning enemies within a defined turn limit or rotation throughout multiple stages. All battle stages contain a set of battle mechanics and stage buffs known as Grit Mechanics, although players can still select which Cacophony team buff to use when clearing each stage. Battle stages consist of two nodes or half, with four difficulty levels. The more points you earn while defeating enemies, the more rewards you can unlock per battle stage.
Every Hoyoverse Game, Ranked
A ranked list showcasing the best games from Hoyoverse, the publishers of Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail.
Thisendgame guideprovides an overview of the Pure Fiction mode, covering its features and unlock requirements. This guide also covers the current phase of Pure Fiction, Clichéd Sayings, including its new phase buff mechanics and effects. Furthermore, this guide recommends the best premium and free-to-play teams for completing each stage. Lastly, this guide will explain the rewards for completing the endgame mode.
Pure Fiction Overview and Features
Below is a breakdown of the Pure Fiction endgame mode features:
Defeat continuous waves of enemies
Pure Fiction is a game mode in Honkai: Star Rail that involves defeating many waves of enemies to get a certain number of points.Enemies in this game mode will respawn until the end of the cycle or turn, including both normal and elite enemies faced in the main story.In Battle Stage 4, the final wave of foes will featureboss enemies. One boss for the first half, another for the second.
Choose your team buff
In addition to Pure Fiction’s Surging Grit stage buffs, you must also select a Cacophony team buff that is specific to your team’s build and archetype, similar to Apocalyptic Shadow.Choose one team buff for each of your teams, with three unique buff options available throughout the first and second half of a battle stage.
Complete the 1st and 2nd halves of each stage fast.
Pure Fiction’s point system is based on dealing damage and defeating waves of enemies.Each half or node of a battle stage has a maximum score of 40,000 points each. With the first wave giving 8,000 points, the second wave providing 16,000 points, and the third wave contributing another 16,000 points.The higher total points you get, the more rewards you’re able to acquire.
No access to Trial Characters
Pure Fiction does not include free five- and four-star units at every battle stage.To complete a battle stage, you must use your own characters and team builds.
Early stages can be bypassed
You can skip Pure Fiction Battle Stages 1 and 2 if you have already completed the game mode in prior phases.
How to Unlock Pure Fiction Game Mode
Clear the “Youci’s Clever Decor” Adventure Mission to gain access to the game mode. To begin this mission, you must first complete the “A Dragon Gallant, Its Ocean Distant” Trailblaze mission and the “Demise of Immortality, Finale of Calamity” sub-mission first, and reach Equilibrium Level 3 or higher.The “A Dragon Gallant, Its Ocean Distant” mission is part of the Topclouded Towerthrust Trailblaze Mission series in Honkai: Star Rail.
The Finality’s Vision bypass option is not available for this endgame mode, unlike Apocalyptic Shadow.
Speak to Youci at the Exalting Sanctum
Look for the Youci in front of the Spare Time Book Shop at Xianzhou Luofu’s Exalting Sanctum.After a few dialogues, you can now start playing the current phase of Pure Fiction end game mode, Clichéd Sayings.
Pure Fiction Clichéd Sayings Stage Mechanics and Buffs
Below is a breakdown of Pure Fiction Clichéd Sayings' Phase Buffs and Duration, Grit Mechanics, and Cacophony Buffs.
Clichéd Sayings Phase Effect and Duration
Clichéd Sayings Phase Effect
Ultimate Attack:After allies use Ultimate to attack enemy targets, every enemy target hit additionally accumulates 5 Grit Value for allies.
Phase Duration
August 09, 2025 to July 19, 2025
Reset Time
04:00 AM (Server Time)
Clichéd Sayings Grit Mechanics
Grit Mechanic
Grit Mechanic Effects
Concordant Truce
After an enemy target is defeated by any unit, all allies gain 1 stack of “Resound.”
Surging Grit
When entering Surging Grit, consume all “Resound.” Each stack of “Resound” deals 1 instance of a set amount of DMG to a random enemy target. During Surging Grit, increases enemy targets' DMG taken by 50%, and after they are defeated by any unit, all allies additionally gain 1 stack of “Resound.” When “Resound” stacks up to 10 or higher, consumes all “Resound” stacks and deals.1 instance of a set amount of DMG to a random enemy target per stack.
Clichéd Sayings Cacophony Stage Buffs
Cacophony Buff
Buff Effects
Universality
During Surging Grit, all allies' SPD increases by 40%. When all “Resound” is consumed in an attack, recover 1 Skill Point.
Grit Mechanics:After allies use Skill to attack enemy targets, every enemy target hit additionally accumulates 3 Grit Value for allies.
During Surging Grit, after an enemy target is defeated by any unit, there is a 50% chance for all allies to gain 1 stack of “Resound.”
Grit Mechanics:After allies launch a Follow-up ATK, every enemy target hit additionally accumulates 2 Grit Value for allies.
When entering Surging Grit, activates the Ultimate of the first character on the team lineup and increases their DMG dealt by Ultimate during Surging Grit by 50%.
Each team can only use one active Cacophony team buff during battle. Also, the Cacophony buffs you activated upon completing the first battle stage are not locked and can be swapped in subsequent stages.
Pure Fiction Stage 1: Clichéd Sayings Best Teams
Here’s a summary of the main elements of enemies in Clichéd Sayings Battle Stage 1, as well as the best teams for clearing these stages.
You can skip Battle Stage 1 if you have already completed Pure Fiction in the previous phases.
Battle Stage Element Types
Pure Fiction Stage
Recommended Damage Types
Clichéd Sayings 1 - First Half
Clichéd Sayings 1 - Second Half
Best Premium Teams - First Half
Before starting the battle, ensure that each team has the correct Cacophony team buff. Otherwise, you will receive a low clear score.
Himeko Team (Follow-Up) with Radiance Buff
5★ Tribbie
5★ Aventurine
The Herta Team (AoE Damage) with Potential Buff
5★ The Herta
The Herta Team (AoE Damage) with Universality Buff
5★ Tingyun • Fugue
The first half of Pure Fiction Battle Stage 1 is composed of enemies weak to Fire and Ice. For premium teams, you can choose between a Himeko team ora The Herta team.When it comes to Himeko, she is a flexible DPS unit who can be a Main DPS or a Sub DPS unit.If Jade isn’t available, you may use 4-star Herta, or Serval. If you don’t have Tribbie or Tingyun Fugue, replace them with Jiaoqui or Asta. If Aventurine is not available, try Fu Xuan or Gallagher instead.
Best Budget and F2P Team - First Half
4★ Gallagher
For a free-to-play team, you may use a Himeko team with Herta as the Sub DPS. Then, add Asta as your team buffer and Gallagher as your Break DMG dealer and healer unit.
Best Premium Teams - Second Half
Argenti Team (AoE Damage) with Potential Buff
5★ Argenti
Rappa Team (Super Break) with Potential Buff
5★ Trailblazer (Harmony)
5★ Ruan Mei
5★ Lingsha
Yunli Team (Counter) with Potential Buff
Enemies weak to Imaginary and Physical make up the second half of Pure Fiction Battle Stage 1. There are three premium team options for clearing this phase, namely Argenti, Rappa, and Yunli teams.If Sunday is unavailable, Sparkle or Hanya can be used as replacements.If you don’t have Robin, swap her for Ruan Mei or Pela. If Huohuo is not available, try Luocha, Bailu, or Lynx instead.
Best Budget and F2P Team - Second Half
Clara Team (Counter) with Radiance Buff
4★ Tingyun
For a free-to-play team, you can use a Counter DMG team led by Clara. Then, have Tingyun and Pela as your Support units. For healing, use Lynx since she can also boost Clara’s Taunt to provoke enemies to target her.
Pure Fiction Stage 1: Clichéd Sayings Strategies
The following are the strategies for completing Battle Stage 1 of Pure Fiction. This covers both the first and second phases of Clichéd Sayings' first battle challenge.
Defeat normal enemies with Blast DMG or AoE DMG
In both phases, begin the first wave by defeating as many normal enemies as possible using AoE or Blast DMG.When you reach Waves 2 and 3, continue the same strategy while also dealing damage to elite enemies.
Manage your skill points while clearing normal enemies. Always reserve some skill points for healing, removing negative statuses, and restoring shields for your allies.
Increase Grit Value to 100% to unlock Surging Grit buffs
In the process of clearing the waves of enemies, you will be able to build up the Grit Value to 100%.Once the meter is full, you will unlock the Surging Grit buff and gain powerful Stage Buffs.
Change the channel of Mr. Domescreen enemies to Happy Mode
A unique enemy like Mr. Domescreen is present in this stage, and it can reduce your unit’s energy in battle.Attack them to change their mode from Fright Channel (Angry Mode) to Surprise Channel (Happy Mode). While in Surprise Channel mode, they will mistakenly help you regenerate energy instead.
Focus on taking down Present Inebriated in Revelry elites
There are also enemies like “Present Inebriated in Revelry” that can inflict status effects like Stun. Consider taking them out immediately when they appear on the battlefield.If one of your units gets inflicted with negative effects, you can use cleanse skills from your Support units to remove them.Furthermore, having ahigh Effect RES will keep your units out of negative statuses.
Pure Fiction Stage 2: Clichéd Sayings Best Teams
Here’s a summary of the main elements of enemies in Clichéd Sayings Battle Stage 2, as well as the best teams for clearing these stages. you’re able to skip Battle Stage 2 if you have already completed Pure Fiction in the previous phases.
Battle Stage 2 can also be skipped if you have already completed Pure Fiction in the previous phases.
Clichéd Sayings 2 - First Half
Clichéd Sayings 2 - Second Half
Acheron Team (AoE Damage) with Potential Buff
5★ Acheron
5★ Jiaoqui
5★ Acheron E2
5★ Sparkle
Jing Yuan Team (Follow-Up) with Radiance Buff
5★ Jing Yuan
The first half of Pure Fiction Stage 2 consists of enemies weak to Lightning and Ice. To clear this phase, you’re able to choose between an Acheron team, Jing Yuan team, or The Herta team.If Tribbie is unavailable, you can switch her spot with Remembrance Trailblazer, Jiaoqui, or Pela instead.If you don’t have Aventurine, switch him with Fu Xuan, Bailu, or Gallagher.
ensure Aventurine is in the middle so that he can be hit by enemy Blast or AoE attacks. This will increase his Blind Bet stacks when getting hit. When teamed with an Acheron DoT team, equip him with the Trend of the Universal Market Light Cone to be able to inflict Fire Debuffs on enemies.
Serval Team (AoE Damage) with Potential or Universality Buff
5★ Bailu E4
For a free-to-play team, pair Serval with Herta to capitalize on her Follow-Up attacks. Stick with Pela as your team debuffer and Bailu for sustained healing. You can also use Gallagher as an alternative Sustain unit.
The second half of Pure Fiction Stage 2 has enemies with weaknesses in Imaginary and Physical. Premium teams led by Argenti, Rappa, and Yunli are still suitable for clearing this phase. If you are playing without Robin or Ruan Mei, you may switch their spots with Ice Trailblazer or Asta.If you didn’t acquire Tingyun Fugue, you can use Imaginary Trailblazer instead.
Always place Huohuo in the left or right corner of the team arrangement so that she may effectively heal her three teammates when necessary.
A Counter DMG team led by Clara is still suitable for a free-to-play team. Then, have Tingyun or Hanya, Asta or Yukong, and Lynx or Bailu as your teammates.
Pure Fiction Stage 2: Clichéd Sayings Strategies
The following are the newest strategies for completing Battle Stage 2 of Pure Fiction, in addition to the strategies offered in the prior stage. This covers both the first and second phases of Clichéd Sayings' second battle challenge.
Eradicate the Automaton Beetle instantly
When Automaton Beetles come in the early waves, focus on destroying them to prevent them from casting Shields.Having a shield will allow them to withstand damage. Once they have shields, deal normal or weak attacks to break them.
Target Illumination Dragonfish enemies quickly
Illumination Dragonfish enemies can apply Vulnerability debuffs, which lowers defense.Prioritize taking them down as soon as they appear in battle.
Pure Fiction Stage 3: Clichéd Sayings Best Teams
Here’s a summary of the main elements of enemies in Clichéd Sayings Battle Stage 3, as well as the best teams for clearing these stages.
You cannot skip Battle Stage 3 even if you have already completed Pure Fiction in the previous phases.
Clichéd Sayings 3 - First Half
Clichéd Sayings 3 - Second Half
Pure Fiction Battle Stage 3’s first half consists of enemies weak to Ice and Fire but at higher levels. Due to The Herta’s high damage output, it is preferable to clear this phase with her premium team.A Himeko premium team can still be effective, but make sure her Relic Sets have the best and optimal stats to win the battle.
Himeko Team (AoE Damage) with Radiance Buff
You are still able to use a Himeko budget team with Herta as the Sub DPS. Use Asta as your Support to boost your ATK DMG and Speed. Then, have Bailu as your healer. At E4, she can also provide DMG boosts for every healing provided to her allies.
Yunli Team (Counter) with Radiance Buff
Premium teams led by Argenti, Rappa, and Yunli remain the most effective for completing the second half of Battle Stage 3. This is because the enemies faced during this phase are mainly weak to Imaginary and Physical damage.Although it is preferable to have Aventurine as your shielder for this stage, you can still replace him with Huohuo or Gallagher if you don’t have him.
When paired with a non-DoT team, equip Aventurine him with a Moment of Victory or Day One of My New Life Light Cone to boost his DEF stat.
A Clara Counter team is still the best F2P team option for finishing the second half of Battle Stage 3. If you have free 5-star Support and Sustain units available, you can add them here as Clara’s teammates.Currently, Tingyun and Lynx are Clara’s valuable 4-star Support and Sustain units in the game.
Pure Fiction Stage 3: Clichéd Sayings Strategies
The following are the newest strategies for completing Battle Stage 3 of Pure Fiction, in addition to the strategies offered in prior stages. This covers both the first and second phases of Clichéd Sayings' second battle challenge.
Obtain Performance Points from Security Personnel enemies
Focus on breaking the toughness of Security Personnel enemies in order to gain their Performance Points.These points will provide your team an additional DMG boost during battle.
Set shields before facing Sweet Gorilla enemies
Before battling Dreamjolt Troupe’s Sweet Gorilla, make sure your shields are active if you have Aventurine.The shields will cause the elite enemy’s attack to bounce back and deal damage. It will also cast defense reduction to the Sweet Gorilla.
Pure Fiction Stage 4: Clichéd Sayings Best Teams
Here’s a summary of the main elements of enemies in Clichéd Sayings Battle Stage 4, as well as the best teams for clearing these stages.
Clichéd Sayings 4 - First Half
Clichéd Sayings 4 - Second Half
Jing Yuan Team (AoE Damage) with Potential Buff
For the fourth and final stage, you can choose between an Acheron or a Jing Yuan team to clear the first half.You have two premium team options for Acheron depending on your Eidolons or dupe copies of her. As for Jing Yuan, you can go to a full Hypercarry premium team or a triple Follow-Up premium team.If you don’t have Aventurine, you can pick Fu Xuan or Luocha as Sustain alternatives.
5★ Trailblazer (Remembrance)
Pair Serval with Xueyi to clear the first half of Battle Stage 4 as a free-to-play user. You are not restricted to using 4-star or standard 5-star Support and Sustain units if you can access better limited 5-star characters right now.
In the second half of Battle Stage 4, you may select between an Argenti team, a The Herta team, or a Yunli team.Argenti and Yunli are energy-dependent units, hence Tingyun and Huohuo are required for their composition.The Herta needs another Sub DPS unit who can deal AoE DMG and help build up her Inspiration Stacks, therefore Argenti and a 4-star Herta are important. If you don’t have Lingsha, you can use Fu Xuan, Luocha, and Gallagher.
Best Budget and F2P Teams - Second Half
Herta Team (AoE Damage) with Radiance Buff
To complete the second half of Battle Stage 4, you’re able to choose between Clara or a 4-star Herta as your Main DPS options. When it comes to Herta, she can work effectively with Remembrance Trailblazer, Asta, and Gallagher for this round. Feel free to replace your Support and Sustain units with limited 5-star characters as needed.
Pure Fiction Stage 4: Clichéd Sayings Strategies
The following are the newest strategies for completing Battle Stage 4 of Pure Fiction, in addition to the strategies offered in prior stages. This covers both the first and second phases of Clichéd Sayings' second battle challenge.
Prevent stun effects by defeating Furiae Warriors right away
Furiae Warriors can inflict stun effects during battle. Take them out immediately to avoid being affected by the Reverberation status.If you can remove their War Armor stacks, they will become stunned instead.
Get Shield and DMG bonuses by eliminating the Argenti’s spear summons.
In the final wave of the second phase, Argenti will come as your boss enemy.Throughout the battle, he will summon spears that will either do damage to your team, cast shields, or provide damage boosts.Once they appear, focus on defeating them to reap the rewards of their effects on your side of the battlefield.
Pure Fiction Endgame Mode Character Reward
If you’ve only recently started playing Pure Fiction and completed Battle Stage 2, you can get a copy of Lynx for free.
Still claim a free copy of Lynx even if you already have her at E6 or max dupe. Don’t pass up this free reward because you can still get 20 Undying Starlights and exchange them for one free pull at the Starlight Exchange store.
Free 4-Star Character Rating
Here is a breakdown of Lynx’s value in terms of her strengths and weaknesses.
Character Value
Pure Fiction Endgame Mode Clear Rewards
Below are the in-game rewards for clearing this endgame mode, such as Stellar Jades, Traveler’s Guides, Refine Aethers, Lucent Afterglows, and Credits.
Pure Fiction Total Clear Rewards
All Pure Fiction BattleStages
Total Clear Rewards
All Pure Fiction battle stages (1 to 4)
Pure Fiction Rewards by Stage
BattleStage
Finished 1 Pure Fiction Stage (1 to 4)
Unlocked 1 Pure Fiction Insignia (1 to 8)
Unlocked 1 Pure Fiction Insignia (9 to 12)
Pure Fiction Battle Pass Clear Rewards
Battle Pass Mission
Obtain a total of 6 stars from clearing Pure Fiction Stage
After completing Pure Fiction’s Clichéd Sayings mode, you’re able to still play other Honkai: Star Rail endgame modes, such as Memory of Chaos' Strife of Creation orApocalyptic Shadow’s Locust’s Instigation. Alternatively, you can resume playing Honkai: Star Rail’s main story missions orexplore Amphoreus!
Honkai: Star Rail - Apocalyptic Shadow Endgame Guide (Locust’s Instigation)
Need help with Honkai: Star Rail’s Apocalyptic Shadow in version 3.0? Our guide has everything you need to clear all 4 Locust’s Instigation stages!
