Honkai Star Rail's newest character, Manato, has quickly become a fan favorite since his release in early 2025. This fire-wielding rupture specialist brings a unique high-risk, high-reward playstyle that can devastate enemies when properly built and utilized. If you're looking for a comprehensive Honkai Star Rail Manato guide, you've come to the right place!

Who is Manato?

Komano Manato is an A-rank Fire Rupture agent from the Spook Shack faction. This mysterious dog-type thiren combines cool aesthetics with dramatic flair, making him both visually appealing and mechanically interesting. What makes Manato truly stand out is his sacrificial playstyle - he willingly trades his own HP to unleash devastating attacks that ignore enemy defenses.

As one player aptly put it, "Playing Manato feels like dancing on the edge of a knife - thrilling and dangerous in equal measure!"

Core Mechanics and Abilities

Manato's gameplay revolves around his unique HP sacrifice and Flame/Ignited mechanics:

1. Flame Conversion - All Fire damage he deals converts to Sheer damage that ignores defense

2. Ignited State - Building Flame unlocks his Ignited state, enhancing basics and unlocking his devastating EX Special

3. HP Management - Above 30% HP, he can consume life for greater Critical damage and Adrenaline recovery

His key abilities include:

• Special Attack: A forward Fire slash that deals damage while sustaining him; holding consumes HP to charge Flame

• EX Special (Ignited): A devastating falling slash with full invulnerability

• Chain/Ultimate: Both provide invulnerability frames and massive damage potential

Skill Priority

When building Manato, focus on these skills in order of importance:

1. Special Attack (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

2. Core Skill (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

3. Chain Attack (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

4. Assist (⭐⭐⭐)

5. Basic Attack (⭐⭐)

6. Dodge (⭐)

Best Equipment for Manato

W-Engines

Signature W-Engine: Grill O'Wisp

• Basic ATK: 624 | HP: 25%

• Effect: Increases Fire DMG by 15%. When HP decreases, CRIT Rate increases by 15% for 5s.

Alternative Options:

• Radiowave Journey (for Sheer Force stacking)

• Puzzle Sphere (for CRIT DMG and EX Special damage)

Drive Discs

Best Set: Yunkui Tales (4pc)

• 2pc: HP +10%

• 4pc: Stacking CRIT Rate after using EX Special, Chain, or Ultimate; at full stacks, increases Sheer DMG by 10%

Alternative Sets:

• 2pc Woodpecker Electro + 2pc Inferno Metal

• 2pc Yunkui + 2pc Woodpecker Electro

Main Stats Priority:

• Slot 4: CRIT Rate

• Slot 5: Fire DMG Bonus or HP%

• Slot 6: HP%

Sub-stats: CRIT Rate > CRIT DMG > HP%

Team Compositions

Manato works best in teams that can complement his aggressive playstyle while providing necessary support.

Premium Team

• Main DPS: Manato

• Sub-DPS: Ju Fufu (provides CRIT and Ultimate buffs)

• Support: Lucia/Astra Yao (healing, CRIT buffs, and Attack buffs)

• Bangboo: Snap

F2P-Friendly Team

• Main DPS: Manato

• Sub-DPS: Pan Yinhu (increases Sheer Force, healing, amplifies enemy damage taken)

• Support: Koleda (boosts Chain Attack damage, enables frequent Chain triggers)

• Bangboo: Snap

Materials Needed

To fully build Manato from scratch, you'll need to prepare:

Ascension Materials:

• Basic Rupture Certification Seal (4)

• Advanced Rupture Certification Seal (32)

• Arbiter Certification Seal (30)

• 800,000 Denny

Skill Level-Up Materials:

• Basic Burn Chip (25)

• Advanced Burn Chip (75)

• Specialized Burn Chip (250)

• Hamster Cage Pass (5)

• Exuvia of Refinement (9)

• Higher Dimensional Data: Toxic Edge (60)

• 2,905,000 Denny

Gameplay Tips and Tricks

1. HP Management - The key to mastering Manato is balancing his HP consumption with healing. Don't be afraid to drop low, but avoid letting him fall below 30%.

2. Timing is Everything - His invulnerability frames are precious. Use them to dodge major enemy attacks while continuing to deal damage.

3. Flame Building - Prioritize building Flame quickly to enter Ignited state, where Manato's damage potential skyrockets.

4. Team Synergy - Pair him with characters who can provide healing, CRIT buffs, or amplify his Sheer damage for maximum effect.

5. Special Attack Healing - Remember that getting hit during Special Attack actually restores HP - sometimes taking a hit can be beneficial!

As one veteran player noted, "Manato isn't just about big numbers - he's about rhythm. Once you find that perfect flow between risk and reward, he becomes absolutely unstoppable."

Conclusion

Manato brings a refreshing high-stakes playstyle to Honkai Star Rail that rewards skillful play and proper team building. By mastering his Flame mechanics, optimizing his equipment, and understanding his strengths and limitations, you'll transform this A-rank character into an S-tier damage dealer.

Whether you're a new player looking to expand your roster or a veteran seeking a new challenge, this Honkai Star Rail Manato guide should give you everything you need to unleash his full potential on the battlefield.

Have you built Manato already? What teams and builds have you found most effective? Share your experiences in the comments below!