All the latest leaks from HoYoLAB, Reddit, and gameplay sources reveal every detail of Phainon, the upcoming 5★ Physical Destruction hypercarry arriving in version 3.4 (expected July 1–2, 2025). Below is a comprehensive look at his lore, kit, and strategic value.

Lore and Origins

Phainon is a Chrysos Heir, chosen to inherit the Worldbearing Coreflame, a divine power previously held by Titan Kephale. He walks a path of divine inheritance and isolation, shadowed by the fear of repeating Nikador's infamous legacy. His story blends high-stakes mythology with psychological struggle, painting him as both savior and potential catastrophe.

Base Kit (Pre-Ultimate)

Basic Attack – Stride to Deliverance Deals Physical DMG (approx. 100% ATK) to a single target and grants 1 Coreflame stack (also referred to as Memory).

Skill – Let There Be Light Deals significant Physical DMG (~300% ATK) to a main target and adjacent enemies. Grants 2 Coreflame.

Talent – Pyric Corpus When Phainon is targeted (either by enemies or allies), he gains 1 Coreflame and a +30% Crit DMG buff for 3 turns. When Coreflame reaches 12 stacks, he automatically activates his Ultimate.

Technique – Beginning of the End Increases the team's Tech Points cap by 3. On battle start, consumes 2 Tech Points to eliminate normal enemies instantly, grants Energy to allies, provides Phainon with 2 Scourge stacks and 1 Skill Point, and deals AoE damage.

Ultimate and Transformation Phase

Ultimate – He Who Bears the World Must Burn Consumes 12 Coreflame to initiate transformation into Chronosruin Irontomb, entering an 8-turn solo phase. All allies are benched during this period.

Effects of Chronosruin Irontomb:

• Gains 4 Ruin marks (replacing Skill Points).
• Boosted stats: +80% ATK, +270% Max HP.
• Fixed SPD at 60% of base (72% with Eidolon 1).
• CC-immunity, 20% HP regeneration on hit.
• Enemies gain Physical Weakness and reduced Toughness.
• Buff durations are paused during this state.

Final Hit (Enhanced Ultimate Finisher): Triggered at the end of the 8-turn phase or upon early exit (due to HP depletion). Deals 960% ATK as AoE Physical DMG. If the form ends early, damage is reduced by 12.5% per unused turn.

Enhanced Kit (During Transformed State)

Enhanced Basic Attack – Creation: Bloodthorn Ferry Deals ~250% ATK to the main target and ~75% to adjacent enemies. Grants 2 Ruin marks per use.

Enhanced Skill 1 – Calamity: Soulscorch Edict Forces all enemies to take a turn immediately. Phainon gains Ruin equal to the number of enemies. Clears all debuffs, heals HP, and enters a Counter state:

• When hit, deals retaliatory damage (~40% ATK + 4 hits of 30% ATK).
• Counter damage scales with stacks of Soulrending Blaze.

Enhanced Skill 2 – Foundation: Stardeath Verdict Consumes up to 4 Ruin marks:

• Each mark triggers 4 hits of 45% ATK bounce damage.
• At 4 marks, it also triggers a powerful AoE attack (~450% ATK split).

Eidolon 2 Bonus: Consuming 4 Ruin grants an extra action.

Traces and Eidolons

Key Traces:

• On battle start or Ultimate activation: Gain +50% ATK (stackable twice).
• After healing or shielding: Gain +40–45% Damage for 4 turns.
• When allies generate Energy: Gain 1 Coreflame per turn.

Eidolons:

• E1: Transformed SPD increases to 72%, +15% Physical Pen when Coreflame is full. Restores ally Energy on exit.
• E2: Transformed DMG increases by 20%. Fully consuming Ruin in Skill 2 grants an extra turn.
• E4: Using Calamity grants 4 stacks of Soulscorch.
• E6: Ruin cap increases by 2. Enhanced attacks generate more Ruin. Foundation’s final hit deals bonus True DMG to the enemy with the highest HP.

Combat Flow and Strategy

1. Normal Phase: Build Coreflame through Basic Attacks, Skills, and being targeted.
2. Ultimate Phase: Trigger transformation at 12 Coreflame and enter solo form.
3. During Solo Phase: Chain Enhanced Basic and Skills. Use Calamity early for sustain and counterattacks. Follow with Foundation for bounce burst. Build Ruin with each turn.
4. Final Hit: Delivers an immense AoE finish. Allies return to battle with a 15% SPD buff.

This cycle rewards proper management of resources and timing for optimal burst and survival.

Materials and Pre-Farming Guide

Ascension Materials:

• Ethereal Omen, Echoing Wail, Eternal Lament (Golden and Crimson Calyx)
• Darkveil Moonlight from the Gelidmoon boss
• Teeth and Anamnesis-related mats

Trace Materials:

• Tracks of Destiny
• Elemental and boss drops available in events and weekly activities

Why Phainon is Good 

Phainon introduces a new high-risk, high-reward solo-DPS archetype to the game. His transformation design brings mechanical depth and a unique playstyle, while his lore adds rich narrative weight. His enhanced kit allows for dynamic rotations, counterplay, and high-value burst turns that reward tactical thinking.

Phainon is shaping up to be one of Honkai: Star Rail’s most innovative characters to date. His transformation mechanic creates a distinct play pattern, combining survival, scaling damage, and stylish finishers. Whether you're chasing meta dominance or looking for a lore-heavy protagonist, Phainon is a must-watch.