HSR Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters: Dominate with Debuffs – Guide & Best Builds

The Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters is a Cavern Relic set in Honkai: Star Rail that excels in boosting damage against debuffed enemies. This set, found in Penacony, is a powerful option for characters who can consistently apply debuffs, turning them into formidable damage dealers. Let’s dive into the effects, ideal characters, and farming locations for the Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters relic set.

Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters Relic Effects

The Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters set is designed to amplify damage output based on the number of debuffs on enemies. Here’s a breakdown of its set bonuses:

Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters Set Bonuses

Honkai Star Rail – Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters Cavern Relic

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Best Characters for Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters

The effectiveness of the Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters set hinges on a character’s ability to apply debuffs. Characters who can consistently inflict debuffs will see the most significant damage increase from this relic set. Here are some of the best characters to equip with the Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters:

Top Character Synergies

Character	Explanation
Moze	Moze’s Talent, “Prey,” automatically inflicts a debuff on enemies marked by his Skill. This ensures that the 2-piece effect is always active, and the 4-piece effect is easily triggered and enhanced. Moze can effortlessly maximize the set’s potential, making him a prime candidate for the Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters.
Star Rail – AventurineAventurine	While primarily a Preservation character, Aventurine can function as a Sub-DPS with the right build. His Ultimate ability applies a “Uncertainty” debuff to all enemies, enabling him to activate and enhance the 4-piece effect of Pioneer Diver. This set allows Aventurine to contribute meaningful damage while providing team protection, making him a versatile user.
Acheron	Acheron’s kit is heavily reliant on debuffs. Her abilities are designed to exploit debuffed enemies, and the Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters set perfectly complements this. The set’s damage bonus against debuffed targets directly amplifies Acheron’s already substantial damage output, making it her current best-in-slot relic set.
Star Rail – Dr. RatioDr. Ratio	Dr. Ratio’s gameplay revolves around attacking debuffed enemies, with his follow-up attacks having a high chance of triggering when enemies are debuffed. His Ultimate also applies a “Wiseman’s Folly” debuff. Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters enhances his damage significantly, making it his best-in-slot set. The set bonus aligns perfectly with his kit’s design, maximizing his damage potential against debuffed foes.
Welt	Although a Support character, Welt can deal considerable damage, especially with his ability to Imprison enemies, which counts as a debuff. Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters allows Welt to capitalize on his debuffing capabilities to increase his personal damage. While not his primary role, this set makes Welt a more offensively potent support option, contributing both utility and damage to the team.
Star Rail – Dan HengDan Heng	Dan Heng’s Skill has a chance to inflict Slow on enemies, enabling him to benefit from the Pioneer Diver set. The additional CRIT buffs from the 4-piece bonus are especially valuable for Dan Heng, enhancing the damage of his powerful Ultimate. This set helps Dan Heng further amplify his burst damage potential, making him even more effective in burst-oriented team compositions.
Hook	Hook’s primary debuff is Burn, which she applies consistently through her Skill and Ultimate. Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters enhances her damage against burning enemies, and the CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG bonuses from the 4-piece set directly improve her overall damage output. This set solidifies Hook as a strong Fire damage dealer, particularly effective against enemies susceptible to Burn.
Star Rail – ServalServal	Serval applies Shock to enemies with her Skill and Ultimate, allowing her to consistently trigger the Pioneer Diver set bonuses. The set’s damage increase against debuffed enemies, combined with the CRIT bonuses, significantly enhances Serval’s damage, making her a more viable and potent Lightning DPS option. Pioneer Diver helps elevate Serval’s damage potential in debuff-focused team setups.

Other Characters to Consider

While the above characters are prime candidates, other characters can also utilize the Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters effectively if your team composition supports debuff application:

Additional Recommended Characters for Pioneer Diver
Himeko | Star Rail – March 7th (Imaginary) ItemMarch 7th (Imaginary)

Characters who can reliably inflict debuffs through their skills are generally good candidates for the Pioneer Diver set. DoT (Damage over Time) characters might benefit from the 2-piece effect, but the Prisoner in Deep Confinement set is generally a better choice for maximizing DoT damage.

Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters Location: Farming Guide

Cavern of Corrosion: Path of Dreamdive in Penacony

Honkai Star Rail – Trailblaze Power

To farm the Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters relic set, head to the Cavern of Corrosion: Path of Dreamdive located in The Reverie (Dreamscape) of Penacony. Each run costs 40 Trailblaze Power.

Detailed Path of Dreamdive Cavern Guide

Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters Release Information

First Released in Version 2.0

The Pioneer Diver of Dead Waters relic set was introduced with the release of Honkai Star Rail Version 2.0, alongside the Penacony region.

Version 2.0 Release Date and Banners Details

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