Speed Tuning Explained: The HSR Action Value System
Speed (SPD) is one of the most impactful stats in Honkai: Star Rail, yet it's also one of the most misunderstood. Unlike ATK or CRIT, the value of SPD is non-linear — a few extra points at the right threshold can give your character an extra turn per cycle, dramatically increasing their damage output or healing frequency.
How the Action Order System Works
HSR uses an Action Value (AV) system to determine turn order. Every character starts at a baseline AV, which decreases as time passes. When a character's AV reaches 0, it's their turn. The formula is:
Action Value = 10,000 ÷ SPD
A character with 160 SPD takes a turn every 62.5 AV, while a character with 134 SPD takes a turn every 74.6 AV. Over a full combat cycle, this difference compounds into significantly more turns for the faster character.
Why SPD Thresholds Matter
A "cycle" in HSR typically refers to 100 AV of game time. The number of turns a character gets per cycle depends on their SPD:
| SPD Range | Turns per 100 AV | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 1 | Baseline, very slow |
| 120 | 1.2 | Average support SPD |
| 134 | 1.34 | Common support target |
| 143.5 | 1.435 | Key threshold for some supports |
| 160 | 1.6 | DPS benchmark with buffs |
| 200+ | 2.0+ | Ultra-fast; 2 turns per cycle |
The key insight: SPD just below a major threshold is wasted. If your character is at 159 SPD, they take 1.59 turns per cycle. At 160, they take 1.6. Pushing to exactly 160 or a specific breakpoint is worth optimizing for.
Team Speed Tuning Strategies
The "DPS Goes First" Rule
In most compositions, you want your buffers and debuffers to act just before your DPS. This ensures buffs are active when your main damage dealer takes their turn. A common ordering looks like:
- Debuffer applies debuffs (Pela, Silver Wolf)
- Buffer applies buffs (Bronya, Sparkle, Robin)
- DPS acts and deals damage with all buffs active
- Sustain acts last (healer/shielder)
Bronya and Sparkle Speed Tuning
Both Bronya and Sparkle have skills that advance a teammate's action forward. This means your DPS does not need to be the fastest character in the team — they can be slightly slower, get advanced by your support, and still act more frequently. With these supports, aim for:
- Bronya: Should be slightly faster than your DPS so she can advance their action.
- Sparkle: Her SPD only needs to be high enough to maintain Skill uptime on the DPS.
Break Teams and SPD
In Break-focused teams (Firefly, Rappa, Boothill), raw SPD is extremely valuable because every turn is another Toughness hit. Aim for 160+ SPD on your DPS and 134+ on your supports to maximize Toughness damage before the first break.
How to Check Your Speed in Practice
The in-game action order preview (visible during combat at the top of the screen) shows you the projected turn order. Use this to verify your tuning is working correctly during battle. If your buffer is acting after your DPS, your tuning needs adjustment.
SPD Substat Farming Tips
- SPD substats come in values of +2 or +3 per roll (for 5★ relics).
- A relic with 3 SPD rolls provides +6 to +9 SPD — significant for tuning.
- Prioritize SPD on Feet main stat for most supports and DPS characters.
- For sustain characters, SPD substats are valuable but lower priority than their healing/shielding stats.
Mastering speed tuning is what separates good players from great ones in HSR. Spend time understanding your team's action order and you'll clear endgame content more reliably and in fewer cycles.