As Honkai: Star Rail continues to expand its universe in 2026, the Pure Fiction mode stands as a testament to the game's enduring endgame appeal. Introduced as a permanent combat challenge alongside Memory of Chaos and Simulated Universe, Pure Fiction has undergone numerous transformations, yet a recent retrospective chart from the early days of the mode has resurfaced, highlighting which characters were the most beloved by Trailblazers during version 1.6. This snapshot not only stirs nostalgia but also provides a fascinating baseline for how far the meta has shifted.
When Pure Fiction first became a go-to activity for Stellar Jade grinding and relic farming, players quickly identified the key units needed to climb its increasingly difficult levels. The chart, originally compiled by community members, revealed that the five-star Harmony character Ruan Mei dominated the mode with a staggering 68.93% appearance rate. Her ability to massively boost team damage output while providing crowd control made her an indispensable asset. Close behind was Tingyun, a four-star Harmony unit whose energy regeneration and ATK buffs were essential for hypercarry setups, securing a 62.69% usage rate.
The standard banner star Bronya claimed third place at 52.34%, reinforcing the value of turn manipulation and critical damage amplification. Her popularity in Pure Fiction demonstrated that even permanent pool characters could shine in the right environment. Trailing just behind were the preservation specialist Fu Xuan (51.99%) and the icy DPS Jingliu (51.02%), both of whom offered immense survivability and raw damage respectively. The list continued with Pela at 44.68%, whose DEF shred was a universal debuff, and Luocha (40.47%) and Kafka (37.76%) rounding out the top half.
Interestingly, lower on the chart but still noteworthy were Himeko (34.47%) and Jing Yuan (33.57%), units often considered "niche" but proving their worth in Pure Fiction's wave-based structure. The data also highlighted the sleeper power of four-star characters like Herta and Asta, who repeatedly appeared in successful lineups throughout version 1.6. Their accessibility and specialized follow-up attack synergies allowed free-to-play Trailblazers to compete without relying on limited banners.
These rankings, while dated, underscore a design philosophy that Hoyoverse has continued to refine. Pure Fiction was not just a DPS check; it demanded versatility, team synergy, and tactical timing. The mode's unique scoring system encouraged players to clear enemy waves quickly while avoiding damage, a balance that made support units like Ruan Mei and Tingyun far more valuable than pure damage dealers in many cases. This dynamic is why a chart like this became so hotly debated among fans, and why it still gets referenced even in 2026 when discussing historical meta shifts.
Looking back, version 1.6 was just the beginning for Pure Fiction. Leaks that circulated ahead of version 2.0 promised updates featuring new enemies and rewards, such as the Penacony-based automaton Sam appearing on the 11th floor of Memory of Chaos, and terrifying foes like Voidranger: Trampler and Searing Prowler. Those ambitious additions have long since been implemented, and over the years the mode has expanded with multiple cycles, rotating buffs, and even higher difficulty tiers. By 2026, Trailblazers face enemies with complex mechanics that require even more specialized teams—characters once considered top-tier may have fallen out of favor, while previously overlooked units have risen as new synergies were discovered.
Despite the passage of time and the introduction of dozens of new Paths and characters, the essence of Pure Fiction remains unchanged. It is still a mode that rewards players who invest in understanding elemental weaknesses, speed tuning, and ultimate management. The data from version 1.6 serves as a time capsule, reminding the community of the era when Bronya was the undisputed queen of turn manipulation and Tingyun was in almost every top team. Today's meta may be dominated by newer faces, but the foundational lessons from those early Pure Fiction tier lists continue to influence teambuilding philosophies.
As Honkai: Star Rail moves into its next phase of content, even more combat-based endgame modes are expected to join the rotation. Pure Fiction's enduring popularity lies in its ability to constantly refresh its challenges while letting players relive their favorite character moments. Whether you were a Trailblazer who relied on Jingliu's relentless blade storms or a strategist who perfected Himeko's follow-up attack loops, the mode has always offered something for everyone. This 2026 retrospective is not just a look back—it is a celebration of how far the game, and its community, have come.