Overview
Both Anima and Kardia characters in Honkai: Nexus Anima use a star-based rarity system with color-coded tiers. Higher-rarity units are harder to obtain but offer stronger base stats and abilities.
Rarity tiers
Rarity | Color | Acquisition |
|---|---|---|
3-star and below | Blue | Open-world Bond Encounters. Cannot be obtained repeatedly for evolution through catching. |
4-star | Purple | Purchasable once via rewards. Also once from high-difficulty encounters, once from Gym Challenges, once as event rewards, and unlimited from side-run gacha. |
5-star (Gold) | Gold | Quest rewards, special activities, one from Nightmare Abyss, store purchase (800 Aspect Gems), reputation rewards, unlimited from Kardia-limited gacha. |
Evolution
Acquiring duplicate copies of the same Anima or character allows evolution, up to six times. Each evolution unlocks higher stats or new abilities. This system works similarly to Constellations in Genshin Impact or Eidolons in Honkai: Star Rail.
Level scaling
All Anima start at level 10 and gain experience through battles. Their levels are linked to the protagonist's level, eliminating the need to individually grind each creature. When the player levels up, all their Anima scale accordingly. In beta footage, Anima were shown at levels ranging from 80 to 128. Specific stat customization is handled through attribute training, which consumes materials to enhance particular stats.
Character ratings
Animaster characters also use the star rating system. For example, Nanafey and Kiana are 4-star characters (purple border), while higher-tier characters carry a 5-star gold border. Character rarity affects the power of their Kardia abilities and the Talisman equipment they provide to Anima.
Equipment
Each Anima has three equipment slots that accept gear of varying quality. Nexus Threads provide additional stat boosts as consumable enhancements applied before battles. The combination of star rating, evolution level, attribute training, equipment, and augments determines an Anima's total power in auto-chess combat.