Among the many characters introduced in Punishing: Gray Raven, Hikari stands out as a unique and dynamic addition to the expanding roster of Constructs. As the game evolves, new characters bring fresh playstyles, visual designs, and lore that enhance the player experience. Hikari, with his vibrant energy and distinct role in the battlefield, has quickly gained popularity among fans of the action RPG title. Understanding his skills, background, and strategic uses is crucial for players looking to optimize their team compositions and enjoy the full potential of this fast-paced cyberpunk-themed game.
Who Is Hikari in Punishing: Gray Raven?
Character Background and Design
Hikari is a high-speed, agile Construct introduced as part of a later update in Punishing: Gray Raven. With a design that reflects his bright and electric personality, Hikari brings a refreshing energy to the often intense and dystopian tone of the game. His aesthetic is inspired by themes of light and speed, and his animations are filled with flashing strikes and rapid movement that make him visually striking in combat.
Affiliation and Role in the Story
In the overarching narrative of Punishing: Gray Raven, Hikari plays a supporting yet impactful role. While not part of the main command structure like Lucia or Lee, he operates as a specialized unit focused on hit-and-run tactics, intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance. His personality is often portrayed as upbeat and slightly rebellious, offering a contrast to the more stoic or serious members of the command squad.
Hikari’s Combat Role and Specialty
Class Type and Damage Element
Hikari is classified as anAttackerunit, with a focus on high combo damage and rapid movement. His primary damage element isLightning, which allows him to synergize well with other lightning-based Constructs like Liv: Empyrea or Bianca: Zero. His toolkit includes chain combos, area-of-effect (AoE) strikes, and movement abilities that make him difficult for enemies to lock down.
Signature Abilities
- Three-Ping Skills: Like all Constructs, Hikari uses the signature three-ping orb system. His red, yellow, and blue skills each trigger different attacks when activated individually or in three-ping combinations, delivering greater effects.
- Core Passive: Hikari’s core passive allows him to enter a quickened state where his attacks deal more damage and hit more frequently. Timing is key to activate this state during high-threat moments in battle.
- Ultimate Skill: His ultimate ability unleashes a flurry of lightning-charged strikes, hitting all nearby enemies with devastating force and visual flair. It’s particularly effective in mob-clearing and boss DPS phases.
How to Obtain and Upgrade Hikari
Banner and Pull Information
Hikari is typically released through a limited-time banner, meaning players need to save Black Cards or spend in-game currency during his event period. Like other Constructs, he comes with a specific S-Rank version, and acquiring enough shards can unlock or promote his strength.
Enhancing Hikari’s Power
- Construct Shards: Used to rank up Hikari, increasing his overall stats and damage output. Shards can be acquired through missions, events, or gacha pulls.
- Memory Sets: Equip him with specialized memory gear that enhances lightning damage and combo potential. Common recommendations include Darwin, Heisen, or Cottie sets for maximizing critical strikes and attack speed.
- Weapon Enhancement: Hikari’s signature weapon boosts his core passive effects and adds raw damage to his lightning attacks. Upgrading this weapon significantly improves his battle performance.
Best Team Compositions with Hikari
Synergy with Lightning Constructs
To get the most out of Hikari’s lightning-based attacks, players should consider pairing him with other Constructs who benefit from or boost lightning damage. Suggested teammates include:
- Liv: Empyrea As a lightning-based healer/support, Liv can sustain the team while boosting elemental synergy with buffs and heals.
- Bianca: Zero A long-range sniper who shares the lightning element, offering coverage and support fire while Hikari handles close-quarters combat.
- Wanshi: Hypnos While not lightning-focused, Wanshi’s buffs and shields can help maintain Hikari’s uptime during intense fights.
Playing as the Leader
When selected as the team leader, Hikari’s passive leader buff enhances lightning attack damage, making him a valuable primary attacker for lightning-centric builds. This leader skill further boosts the effectiveness of all team members using that element.
Combat Strategy and Playstyle Tips
Maximizing Damage Output
To play Hikari effectively, focus on chaining three-ping combos rapidly. His attack animations are quick, allowing players to weave dodges and orb activations together smoothly. His lightning damage builds up over time, so keeping pressure on enemies is essential.
Dodge and Movement Mechanics
One of Hikari’s strengths lies in his agility. His evasion skills can be used frequently, allowing players to maintain offensive pressure while avoiding incoming damage. Mastering his movement rhythm is key to staying alive during elite or boss fights.
Orb Management
Hikari relies heavily on orb generation and usage. Players should learn to trigger yellow orbs for AoE damage and use red orbs during boss phases. His blue orbs often trigger dash attacks or energy-building skills useful for keeping momentum.
Visual Style and Animation
Design Appeal
One of the biggest attractions to using Hikari is his fluid animation style and energetic visual effects. His movements are filled with color and flash, creating a spectacle that feels satisfying to control. This makes him not only effective but enjoyable to use over long play sessions.
Voice Acting and Personality
Hikari’s voice lines, both in Japanese and other available languages, reflect his bold, confident, and slightly mischievous character. Players who appreciate Construct personalities will find Hikari charming and full of life compared to more serious units.
Is Hikari Worth Building?
Performance in Meta
Currently, Hikari is considered a solid pick for both casual and competitive players. While not always topping DPS charts against specialized builds, his versatility and ease of control make him reliable in nearly all content, from story missions to War Zone challenges.
Resource Investment
If you’re focusing on a lightning team or simply enjoy agile melee fighters, Hikari is definitely worth the investment. His gear and memory recommendations are common enough for players to build without extensive grinding, making him accessible to both F2P and paying players alike.
Hikari brings a new level of flair and excitement to Punishing: Gray Raven. With his lightning-fast attacks, vibrant animations, and adaptable combat style, he offers a fun and effective experience for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re aiming to build a top-tier lightning team or just want a new Construct with flair, Hikari is a welcome addition to any roster. Mastering his combos and optimizing his team synergy will unlock a new level of combat satisfaction in the game’s ever-evolving battlefield.