Summary
- The HSR 3.4 Apocalyptic Shadow features two challenging nodes: Flame Reaver and Doomsday Beast.
- You must clear four stages per node for a full 12-star clear.
- Node 1 favours Quantum DPS like Castorice and Phainon; Node 2 requires Wind, Ice, Fire, or Physical DPS.
- Team synergy and buff selection are crucial to handling unique enemy buffs and mechanics.
- This guide recommends top team comps and strategies for each node.
What is Honkai Star Rail 3.4 Apocalyptic Shadow: Ichor Beast?
Apocalyptic Shadow is a permanent endgame mode where you face tough bosses in multi-stage battles. The HSR 3.4 cycle is called “Ichor Beast,” featuring the Flame Reaver of Doomsday Led Astray and the Starbane Doombringer.
You clear four increasingly difficult stages per node, earning stars based on performance. Buffs rotate with each node, changing how you build teams and approach fights.
Enemies in node 1 resist many types but suffer against Quantum, Lightning, Ice, and Physical attacks. Node 2 enemies have weaknesses to Wind, Ice, Fire, and Physical.
How to Unlock Apocalyptic Shadow?
Finish the Grim Film of Finality mission in Dreamflux Reef. Afterwards, talk to Elegy to unlock the first stage of Apocalyptic Shadow. This unlocks the mode permanently, letting you attempt the latest cycle and collect rewards.
HSR 3.4 Apocalyptic Shadow Node 1: Flame Reaver Team Recommendations
Node 1 buffs include:
- Bold Leader: +60% damage for the character in position #1 and skill point recovery.
- No Turning Back: +40% damage after HP consumption for 3 turns.
- Tarsus Infection: Energy regen on DoT damage with enemies gaining +30% resistance.
Best Teams:
- Castorice, Tribbie, Remembrance Trailblazer, Hyacine: Castorice shines with her AoE Quantum DPS and powerful Memosprite. Tribbie boosts damage with RES PEN, Remembrance Trailblazer adds buffs and true damage, and Hyacine heals and supports. If you lack Tribbie or Hyacine, use Ruan Mei and Luocha or Gallagher, respectively. Pick the “No Turning Back” buff.
- Phainon, Sunday, Bronya, Cipher: Phainon delivers solid Quantum damage and self-heals in his Ultimate. Sunday speeds up his turns and boosts damage. Bronya offers buffs and action advancement, while Cipher debuffs enemies. Replace Cipher with Huohuo if you need healing. Use the “Bold Leader” buff for this team.
- Kafka, Black Swan, Tribbie, Huohuo: Dual DoT team using Kafka and Black Swan maximises DoT damage buffs. Tribbie increases damage further, and Huohuo heals. Replace Tribbie with Ruan Mei if needed. Take the “Tarsus Infection” buff.
HSR 3.4 Apocalyptic Shadow Node 2: Doomsday Beast Team Recommendations
Node 2 buffs include:
- Teaching and Learning Go Banana in Peel: +50% Skill and Ultimate DMG for all party members.
- Hunter’s Stride: Action advanced by 25% after breaking the enemy’s Weakness.
- Turn of Luck: Follow-up attacks ignore 15% All-Type RES and reduce enemy Toughness.
Best Teams:
- Phainon, Sunday, Bronya, Cipher: Phainon exploits the boss’s Physical Weakness. Take out the Doomsday Beast’s hands first to trigger his Ultimate transformation. Sunday and Bronya provide speed and buffs, while Cipher debuffs. Swap Cipher with Gallagher or Huohuo for sustain. Use the “Teaching and Learning Go Banana in Peel” buff.
- The Herta, Anaxa, Tribbie, and Lingsha: The Herta uses Ice damage to shred the Doomsday Beast’s defences. Anaxa supports with sub-DPS and debuffs. Tribbie buffs the team and can be swapped for Ruan Mei. Lingsha provides sustenance, but Gallagher also works. Pick the “Teaching and Learning Go Banana in Peel” buff.
- Feixiao, Topaz, Aventurine, Robin: Feixiao benefits from Follow-Up ATK buffs. Topaz and Aventurine offer sub-DPS and healing. Robin advances Feixiao’s actions for faster damage buildup. Replace Topaz with March 7th if needed. Take the “Turn of Luck” buff.
Boss Battle Tips
Flame Reaver Node: Defeat the Long-Shattered Vessels quickly to reduce the Flame Reaver’s Toughness. Prioritise Complete Vessels for extra turns and buffs during the second Toughness bar.
Doomsday Beast Node: Destroy the boss’s body parts to inflict Weakness Break. Target the right or left hand depending on your allies’ elemental infusion (Imaginary or Quantum).
Conclusion
The HSR 3.4 Apocalyptic Shadow Ichor Beast demands strong synergy and strategic buff choices. Use Quantum DPS like Castorice and Phainon in node 1, and Wind, Ice, or Physical DPS like The Herta and Feixiao in node 2. Adjust support units to maximise buffs and healing. Follow the boss battle tips to minimise difficulty and maximise stars.
With the right teams and tactics, you can clear all stages and enjoy the exciting challenges this mode offers.
