Case File #skia
C TierSkia Build Guide
Skia serves as a Lakshana frontline DPS that excels in long fights, allowing him to make the most out of Fang Thrust. However, Fang Thrust itself can be clunky and inconsistent due to him needing to constantly keep it on an enemy, which he likely loses when swapping out to restart team rotations. This lands him in C-tier since other units have easier times keeping consistent rotations.
Strengths
- Excels in long fights and sustained DPS windows.
- Strong synergy with Remora and Stain teams, especially with Watch Your Heads!.
- Can stealth using Shadow Hound Chase, allowing repositioning or avoiding enemy detection.
- Benefits from ATK% bonus modules and CRIT-focused Cartridges.
Weaknesses
- Fang Thrust is clunky and can be inconsistent, requiring constant reapplication.
- Loses Fang Thrust stacks when swapping out to restart rotations.
- Needs long field time and support rotations to maximize damage output.
- C-tier character compared to more consistent DPS units.
Best Arcs
Ghostly Kite: Increases ATK by 10% and Lakshana DMG to targets affected by Remora and Stain by 10% for 15s after the wearer casts a Redirect Skill. Effect does not stack.
Spider Knowledge Collector: Grants the wearer 1 stack of Spider Knowledge when dealing damage with Basic Attacks, up to 8 stacks (up to 1 stack every 0.5s). All stacks are consumed when casting Ultimate. Increases the entire team's ATK by 1% for 10s per stack consumed. Increases ATK by an additional 2% when 8 stacks are consumed.
Best Cartridge
Epic (2): Lakshana DMG +10%. Legendary (4): Increases Crit Chance by 14%. Team triggering Remora or Stain increases the bonus to 14% for 20s.
Best Main Stat: CRIT Rate/DMG or Lakshana DMG Bonus
- Wants CRIT for comfort, DMG bonus for minmax. Due to Skia's ATK% Bonus Module, CRIT Rate is generally more favorable than other options, with CRIT DMG being a close second depending on your substats and weapon. If both are at good spots, Lakshana DMG Bonus gains more value since it serves as a direct damage increase.
Module Layout
Required Modules
Bonus: Type III (+10% ATK)
Total Bonus: +40% ATK
Substat Priority
- Shown above is the best Module layout when using the Street Boxer Cartridge. The layout contains all of the pieces needed to activate Street Boxer's 4-piece effect, while also maximizing the bonuses from the bonus Module. Try to get Modules that have the sub stats listed above to improve Skia's overall ATK, resulting in more DMG.
Best Teams
Skia works best as the Main DPS in Remora or Stain teams that allow him to reap the benefits of Shadow Hound Chase and Fang Thrust. Esper Zero serves as the Sub-DPS and a trigger for Remora. Sakiri is the team's main buffer, despite not contributing to the team's Esper Cycle. Fadia takes the spot of the main damage mitigation for the team and allows for triggering Stain.
Skia
Main DPS
Frontline Lakshana DPS who stays on-field for sustained damage.
Zero
Sub-DPS
Triggers Remora to support Skia's Fang Thrust.
Sakiri
Buffer
Main buffer; does not contribute much to the Esper Cycle.
Fadia
Sub-DPS/Support
Provides damage mitigation and triggers Stain.
Alternatives
Rotate supports first so Skia takes the field last and maintains uptime.
After entering, trigger Fang Thrust on an enemy, then immediately use Skill and Ultimate to enter Shadow Hound Chase.
Normal attack until Shadow Hound Gnaw expires, then swap off and restart rotation.
Skill Priority
The Pack (Ultimate)
Skia's Ultimate can either be used at the start of his rotation, which is ideal for increasing Fang Thrust's DMG, or at the end of his rotation as a burst tool. Either way, his Ultimate is mainly used for its Fang Thrust benefits, and should be leveled third.
Arrest Warrant (Support Skill)
Provides bonus Lakshana DMG.
Shadow Hound Chase (Skill)
Shadow Hound Chase is Skia's secondary source of damage due to its passive attacks that happen at intervals. Level this second to make use of these increased attacks.
Arresting Art (Basic Attack)
Skia's Basic Attack should be maxed first since most of his damage comes from the consistency and frequency of his Basic Attacks.
Awakening Priority
Unbothered Appearance
Straightforward DMG increase to any opponent affected by Fang Thrust when Skia is in Shadow Hound Chase state. Get this first since it will see the most uptime and will be effective during most of Skia's rotations.
Resolution
Increases damage done to targets in the Tailed state and extends Tailed by another 6 seconds, which will be most of Skia's targets when his Skill is properly utilized. Get this second since it provides up to 40% bonus DMG against Tailed targets and adds Quality-of-Life to Skia's rotations.
Solution
Another straightforward DMG increase to Fang Thrust targets, which is further amplified when there is only one enemy on the field. Get this third to help shred enemies, and bosses in particular.
Law and Order
In Shadow Hound Chase stat, increases CRIT Chance but more importantly, increases Interruption Resistance by 50%, which is highly favored on an extended On-Field character like Skia.
Process of Elimination
Provides bonus DMG to the auto-damage instances that Fang Thrust offers. Useful to have later on when your build is already set in stone.
Social Contract
Provides ease of access to targets by increasing their hitbox and slowing them, allowing for easier hits from Skia.
How to Play
Skia is a sustained on-field DPS. Let supports set up, then bring Skia in to apply Fang Thrust, activate Shadow Hound Chase, and deal enhanced normal attack damage. Use his Ultimate to buff Fang Thrust before your main damage window.
Rotations
- 1Standard Skia Rotation: Fadia Skill → Sakiri Hold Skill → Sakiri Ultimate → Esper Zero Skill → Esper Zero Ultimate → Swap to Skia (Remora Trigger) → Basic Attack to Trigger Fang Thrust on opponent → Skia Skill → Skia Ultimate → Normal Attacks until Shadow Hound Gnaw runs out
Tips
- Use Ultimate before your DPS window to gain +10% Lakshana DMG vs Fang Thrust targets.
- Team with Cosmos or Psyche characters to trigger Remora/Stain for extra damage and Arc synergy.
- Shadow Hound Chase stealths you as long as you don't attack; use it to reposition or ambush.
- Keep Skia on-field for 5-10 seconds after his Skill to maximize uptime.