Nicole Reeyn arrives in version 6.6 (Luna VII) as a powerful new 5-star Pyro Catalyst support. A member of the Hexenzirkel (codename "N"), she functions as a shielder and team-wide ATK buffer with strong synergy in Hexerei teams. Her kit delivers reliable Pyro shields, scalable ATK buffs, and coordinated off-field damage through Arcane Projections. She offers excellent comfort and versatility, making her a strong pick for both Hexerei-focused players and general ATK-scaling compositions.
Nicole Kit Overview
Normal Attack: Allegoria
Standard catalyst combos. Low priority for a support playstyle.
Elemental Skill: Revelation: Uncreated Light
Deals AoE Pyro damage and grants the Grace of Kenosis buff (ATK increase based on Nicole’s ATK, up to around 17.7% plus flat bonus at higher levels). It also creates a durable Pyro shield (absorption scales with her ATK and absorbs Pyro damage at 250% effectiveness).
After conditions are met (3 seconds on-field or via passives), the buff upgrades to Guidance of Theosis for an extra +300 ATK. The shield lasts 20 seconds with a 16-second cooldown. This is her core ability for both sustain and buffing.
Elemental Burst: Revelation: Ladder of Divine Ascent
Deals AoE Pyro damage and enters Silent Contemplation mode. When the active character hits enemies, it summons Arcane Projections that perform coordinated attacks matching the active character’s element (damage scales off the active character’s ATK). These trigger up to 4 times per Burst and become significantly stronger with Hexerei allies. 60 Energy cost, 15-second cooldown.
Key Passives
Her Ascension passives upgrade the ATK buff under certain conditions and enhance coordination with Hexerei teammates (Hexerei: Secret Rite). She also has a utility passive for exploration.
Playstyle Summary
Nicole is primarily off-field. Cast her Skill for the shield and ATK buff, then Burst when ready. Swap to your main DPS and let the buffs, shield, and coordinated attacks handle the rest.
Best Weapons for Nicole
Nicole wants high base ATK to maximize her own buffs and shield strength. Her signature weapon stands out, but strong alternatives exist.
- Angelos’ Heptades (Signature) – Best in slot. High base ATK, team DMG% buff after creating a shield (scales with her ATK), and periodic energy restoration. Perfect synergy with her kit and Hexerei teams.
- Starcaller's Watch – Excellent alternative. Provides a strong DMG% buff to the active character after shielding, with good uptime.
- Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers (R5) – Top F2P option. Delivers a massive ATK% buff on switch. Time your rotations carefully to keep it active on your DPS.
- Skyward Atlas – Solid 5-star choice with high base ATK and some personal damage.
- Oathsworn Eye or Favonius Codex – Good for Energy Recharge needs or when you want easier Burst uptime (Favonius benefits from some Crit Rate investment).
Weapon Tip: Prioritize base ATK and any team buffs. Thrilling Tales remains very competitive for free-to-play players.
Best Artifacts for Nicole
Celestial Gift (4-piece) – Best set by far.
- 2-piece: Energy Recharge.
- 4-piece: After using Skill, grants party-wide Elemental DMG Bonus (20%, or 40% in Hexerei teams). This is her signature support set and a major reason to run her in Hexerei compositions.
Alternatives (if Celestial Gift pieces are not ready):
- Noblesse Oblige (4-piece): Team ATK buff from Burst (decent placeholder).
- 2-piece ATK% sets (e.g., Gladiator’s Finale or similar) for early farming while hunting Celestial Gift.
Artifact Main Stats and Substats
Main Stats
- Sands: ATK% (priority) or Energy Recharge
- Goblet: ATK%
- Circlet: ATK%
Substats Priority
ATK% > Energy Recharge > Flat ATK
Target Stats
Aim for 3,000–4,000+ total ATK on Nicole (higher is better for her buffs and shield). Energy Recharge around 150–200% depending on your weapon and team (lower with signature weapon or Double/Triple Pyro). Some Crit Rate helps if using Favonius Codex. Level Nicole to 90 to maximize her base ATK.
Talent Priority
- Elemental Skill (priority to 9–10) – Core for shield strength and ATK buff.
- Elemental Burst (8–9) – Improves coordinated damage and Hexerei synergy.
- Normal Attack – Ignore or leave low. She rarely uses it.
Recommended Team Compositions
Nicole excels in Hexerei teams thanks to her Burst projections and Celestial Gift bonuses, but she also works well as a general shield + ATK buffer.
Strong Hexerei Examples
- Nicole + Durin + Varka + Prune (or Venti)
- Nicole + Durin + Varka + another Hexerei support
Other Strong Teams
- Nicole + Kinich + Iansan + Durin (shields help with Burning teams)
- Nicole + Arlecchino + Chevreuse + Fischl (Overload comfort)
- Nicole + Mavuika + Citlali + Durin
- General ATK-scaling carries that appreciate party-wide buffs and a reliable shield.
She pairs especially well with off-field damage dealers like Durin because her buffs are team-wide. She serves as a strong Bennett alternative or complement in many lineups, adding a shield for extra comfort.
Constellations
- C0: Already very strong and functional.
- C1: Adds extra Arcane Projections on party hits.
- C2: Highly recommended. Bigger ATK buff, 25% Elemental RES shred, and co-op shield support. Significant power spike.
- C4 and C6: Further enhance her personal and team damage (C6 adds DEF ignore and permanent buff upgrades).
C1 and C2 are the best early investments if you plan to pull for constellations.
Is Nicole Worth Pulling in 6.6?
Yes, especially if you enjoy Hexerei teams or want a flexible Pyro support with both shielding and strong ATK buffs. Her build is straightforward (stack ATK), she provides great team comfort, and she enables new synergies in version 6.6.
Free-to-play players can use Thrilling Tales + Noblesse Oblige effectively while farming Celestial Gift. Her signature weapon and C2 represent meaningful vertical investment. She is not a strict Bennett replacement in every scenario but shines as a sidegrade or upgrade in multi-DPS and Hexerei compositions.
Final Tips
- Focus on ATK% pieces and reaching comfortable Energy Recharge for consistent Burst uptime.
- Use her Skill on cooldown for maximum buff and shield coverage.
- Pair her with at least one other Hexerei character when possible to unlock her full potential.
- She is beginner-friendly in terms of build complexity but rewards good artifact investment.