Arlan is the head of the Herta Space Station Security Department in Honkai Star Rail, and players often find him relaxing with Peppy rather than chasing glory. But when combat starts, this 4-Star Lightning character follows the Destruction Path and steps into the Main DPS role. In 2026, is Arlan still worth building? Absolutely, if you understand his risk-reward design. He is not the flashiest option, and newer characters have raised the bar, but Arlan can still clear challenging content when he receives the right relics, Light Cones, and teammates. The key is to lean into his HP-draining Skill and turn that self-inflicted damage into a reason for powerful buffs.
⚡ Arlan's Role and Playstyle in 2026
Arlan is a 4-Star Lightning Destruction unit. That means he wants to be the team's primary damage dealer, not a support or a tank. His Skill drains his own HP, which makes him a high-risk, high-reward DPS. Why would anyone accept that trade? Because his damage can scale from the danger. He performs best when a team protects him just enough to keep him alive while he stays low. In 2026, with many powerful 5-Star DPS options, Arlan is a niche pick, but he remains a solid choice for players who lack a strong Lightning DPS or simply enjoy his character.
💡 Arlan's Best Build & Relic Sets
For any Main DPS, the goal is simple: buff CRIT Stats, ATK, and Lightning DMG. Arlan is no exception. The recommended relic setup is a 4-Set of Band of Sizzling Thunder and a 2-Set of Space Sealing Station.
| Relic / Planar Set | Effect | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Set Band of Sizzling Thunder | 2-Set: +10% Lightning DMG. 4-Set: +20% ATK for 1 turn after using Skill. | Arlan's Skill drains HP, so the ATK buff helps make that cost worthwhile. |
| 2-Set Space Sealing Station | +12% ATK. At 120+ SPD, +12% more ATK. | Arlan needs SPD to trigger the extra ATK, making this a strong offensive boost. |
Main stats and substats should look like this:
| Piece | Main Stat | Substats to Prioritize |
|---|---|---|
| Body | CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG | CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, ATK%, SPD |
| Feet | SPD | CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, ATK% |
| Sphere | Lightning DMG | CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, ATK%, SPD |
| Rope | ATK% | CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, SPD |
Because Space Sealing Station gives bonus ATK at 120 SPD, Arlan should aim to cross that threshold. Does that mean every substat must be SPD? No, but speed boots and a few SPD rolls make a noticeable difference. CRIT stats remain the priority, followed by ATK% and enough SPD to activate the planar set.
🛡️ Arlan's Best Light Cones
The best Light Cones for Arlan buff ATK, CRIT Stats, SPD, or Lightning DMG. Here are three strong options across rarity levels.
5-Star Light Cone: Something Irreplaceable
Something Irreplaceable increases Arlan's ATK by 24%. When Arlan defeats an enemy or is hit, it restores HP equal to 8% of his ATK and increases his DMG by 24% until the end of his next turn. This effect cannot stack and triggers once per turn. It is the best option if available because it gives offense and self-sustain, which is perfect for a DPS who drains his own HP.
4-Star Light Cone: A Secret Vow
A Secret Vow increases Arlan's DMG by 20% and gives an extra 20% DMG against enemies with a higher HP percentage than him. Since Arlan often sits at lower HP after using his Skill, this condition is easy to meet. It turns his risky playstyle into a direct damage advantage.
3-Star Light Cone: Mutual Demise
Mutual Demise increases Arlan's CRIT Rate by 12% when his HP is lower than 80%. For early-game players, this is a surprisingly effective temporary option. After Arlan uses his Skill, his HP drops, and the CRIT Rate boost can activate immediately.
🛡️ Arlan's Best Team Compositions
Arlan's Skill drains his HP, so his team must keep him alive. At least one healer or shielder is mandatory. If Arlan uses a Light Cone that rewards low HP, a shielder is often better because they prevent him from falling too low. A SPD support is also valuable, especially for Space Sealing Station.
| Role | Recommended Characters | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Healer | Luocha, Huohuo, Gallagher, Natasha | Keeps Arlan healthy after Skill use. |
| Shielder | Fu Xuan, Gepard, March 7th | Fu Xuan also gives CRIT and survivability. |
| SPD / Support | Asta, Bronya, Tingyun, Hanya, Sparkle | Buffs speed, ATK, or turn order for Arlan. |
| Debuffer | Pela, Silver Wolf | Lowers enemy defenses so Arlan hits harder. |
A simple 2026-friendly team could be Arlan, Asta, Fu Xuan, and Tingyun. Asta boosts SPD, Tingyun batteries Arlan and buffs ATK, and Fu Xuan protects him while adding CRIT. Another option is Arlan, Bronya, Luocha, and Pela. Bronya gives extra turns, Luocha keeps the team alive, and Pela shreds enemy defense.
💡 Final Thoughts: Is Arlan Worth Building in 2026?
Arlan is not a meta-defining character in 2026. He faces stiff competition from newer Lightning DPS units and limited 5-Stars. Yet he can still work. His build is straightforward: Band of Sizzling Thunder, Space Sealing Station, CRIT and ATK stats, and a Light Cone like Something Irreplaceable or A Secret Vow. Pair him with a reliable sustain unit and a speed support, and he will reward careful play.
So, should you build Arlan? If you need a Lightning Main DPS and enjoy his underdog style, yes. If you already have multiple top-tier DPS characters, he may be a passion project. Either way, Arlan proves that even a 4-Star security chief can hold the line when his team gives him the chance.