The “Instigation of the Locusts” challenge has arrived in Honkai Star Rail 3.7, and it’s not pulling any punches. Facing off against the Sky-Shrouding Stardevourer Swarm and Phantylia requires precision team building. Here’s your roadmap to crushing this endgame content.
Table of Contents
Honkai Star Rail Stage Buffs: Your Secret Weapons
Understanding buffs is half the battle. Choose wisely based on your team composition:
| Node | Buff Name | Effect | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Node 1 | Brand of Anamnesis | +20% DMG with 4 Remembrance units | Remembrance teams |
| Node 1 | Hardened by Frost | +50% Ice DMG, +10% SPD | Ice DPS teams |
| Node 1 | Heroic Vanguard | +50% Break efficiency & CRIT DMG (position 1) | Hypercarry teams |
| Node 2 | Dire Straits | +50% Break with 3+ DoT effects | DoT-focused teams |
| Node 2 | Stunning Remark | +15% Break DMG, +20% Super Break | Break effect teams |
| Node 2 | Sweeping Force | +60% CRIT DMG (doubled vs broken enemies) | CRIT-based DPS |
Node 1 Powerhouses: Crushing the Swarm King
The Sky-Shrouding Stardevourer Swarm brings Quantum and Ice weaknesses to exploit. AoE damage is king here—you’ll need to eliminate summons quickly.
Premium Pick: Castorice Dream Team
Team: Castorice, Evernight, Cyrene, Hyacine
Buff: Brand of Anamnesis
This Remembrance-stacked composition melts through the Swarm King’s defenses. Castorice delivers devastating Ice damage while Evernight provides critical support. No Cyrene? Swap in Tribbie for comparable results. The 20% damage boost from running four Remembrance units makes this brutally efficient.
Physical Alternative: Phainon Hypercarry
Team: Phainon, Sunday, Cerydra, Dan Heng (Permansor Terrae)
Buff: Heroic Vanguard
Phainon’s Khaslana transformation turns him into a boss-deleting machine. Sunday and Cerydra supercharge his Ultimate, while HoYoverse’s official character guide confirms Dan Heng Permansor Terrae is your best free sustain option. Position Phainon first to maximize the buff.
Budget-Friendly: The Herta AoE Squad
Team: The Herta, Anaxa, Tribbie, Hyacine
Buff: Hardened by Frost
Perfect for players who invested in The Herta during her banner. Anaxa amplifies her already impressive AoE capabilities. Missing Hyacine? Dan Heng Permansor Terrae slots in smoothly as your sustain replacement.
Node 2 Strategies: Outsmarting Phantylia
The Opportunistic Provocateur tests your ability to handle summons and exploit Imaginary, Lightning, and Wind weaknesses.
Speed Demon: Mydei Blitz Team
Team: Mydei, Sunday, Tribbie, Luocha
Buff: Sweeping Force
Mydei’s blistering attack speed makes him ideal for rapidly eliminating Phantylia’s Lotus summons. Sunday enables action advancement while Tribbie or Remembrance Trailblazer boost damage output. This team exemplifies modern aggressive team building in endgame content.
DoT Specialists: The Affliction Arsenal
Team: Kafka, Black Swan, Hysilens, Huohuo
Buff: Dire Straits
DoT teams shine when enemies have multiple weaknesses. Stack damage-over-time effects using Kafka’s detonation synergy and Black Swan’s Arcana mechanic. Hysilens amplifies Wind damage while Huohuo maintains team survivability. This composition requires patience but rewards strategic play.
Break Masters: Rappa Destruction Squad
Team: Rappa, Fugue, Ruan Mei, Lingsha
Buff: Stunning Remark
Break effect enthusiasts, rejoice. Rappa’s AoE attacks combined with Fugue and Ruan Mei’s Break efficiency buffs create devastating Super Break damage. Lingsha provides healing while contributing Break damage—substitute Gallagher if needed. This team proves Break mechanics remain competitive in version 3.7.
Pro Tips for Maximum Efficiency
Target Priority: Always focus Lotus summons first in Node 2. Phantylia’s toughness bar depletes significantly faster once her summons fall.
Energy Management: Charge your carry’s Ultimate before engaging bosses. That initial burst often determines clear speed.
Flexibility Is Key: Don’t have the exact team? Most compositions allow one substitute without sacrificing performance. Prioritize matching elemental weaknesses over perfect team replication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clear Apocalyptic Shadow 3.7 without limited 5-star characters?
Absolutely, though expect tighter execution windows. The Herta team for Node 1 works with mostly accessible units if you’ve pulled her. For Node 2, consider building Rappa with free supports like Ruan Mei from previous events. Focus on maxtering character builds and understanding boss mechanics—skill trumps roster depth for determined players. Check official build guides for maximizing four-star characters.
Which node should I prioritize if I can only fully clear one?
Tackle Node 1 first. The Sky-Shrouding Stardevourer Swarm has more predictable patterns and doesn’t punish positioning mistakes as severely. Node 2’s Phantylia requires understanding summon mechanics and precise timing. Master Node 1 for consistent rewards, then gradually refine your Node 2 strategy. Partial clears still provide valuable Stellar Jades for future banner pulls.
