Build Guide Buster Class Fire DPS

Liu Zhigang Buster Build Guide Solo Leveling: Arise

The first Buster-class hunter. Accumulates stored damage during the Burst window, then detonates it all in one hit. Requires an Overload loop with Christopher Reed to reach his ceiling.

Fire Element
7-Star
A5 Target
Pair: Christopher Reed

Core Goal

Maximize Liu Zhigang's Burst output by setting up the Fire team Overload loop with Christopher Reed. The Buster mechanic stores damage during a Burst window then releases it all at once - it requires different setup than standard Strikers and underperforms without the Overload trigger.

Buster Class Mechanic
1

Accumulate

Use skills during Burst window to build up stored damage

2

Overload

Reed triggers Overload on enemies, amplifying burst damage

3

Release

Unleash all stored damage at once - transformation + massive Fire hit

1

Ascension Priority

Target: A5

  • -Community consensus for F2P / low-spenders
  • -Plan ~100-120k essence stones for reliable A5
  • -Grind all events tied to his banner window

A10 - Skip for now

Whale territory. Extra copies will come through selectors later. Over-investing early is the most common resource mistake players make on new banner units.

2

Core Team Setup

Recommended Team
LZ

Liu Zhigang

Buster DPS - accumulates and detonates burst damage

CR

Christopher Reed Required

Fire Stacker - applies elemental infusion and triggers Overload. Core to the loop.

+1

Fire Support / Secondary DPS

Esil mentioned as a solid option. Any strong Fire support works here.

The loop: Reed applies infusion and triggers Overload → Liu accumulates damage in Burst window → Liu releases burst for massive damage against Overloaded targets. Repeat every cycle.
3

Artifacts - Surt's Flame Set

Exclusive Set: Surt's Flame

  • -Boosts Buster skill damage that stacks during the Burst window
  • -Explodes on teammate Overload triggers
  • -Increases all damage vs. Overloaded targets
How to get it fast: Prioritize the crafting/reconfiguration event running during his release window. Don't skip it - this is the most efficient path.
Warning: Don't use generic DPS artifact sets long-term. Surt's Flame is a clear winner for his kit per all player previews. The exclusive set is worth waiting for.
4

Rotation and Playstyle

Burst Rotation
  1. 1. Trigger Christopher Reed's Overload on target enemies
  2. 2. Enter Liu's Burst window - use skills rapidly to accumulate stored damage
  3. 3. Release Burst skill - transformation and massive single-hit damage output
  4. 4. Reset with Reed, repeat the cycle
Playstyle note: Dual-sword, high-mobility combat. Stay close to enemies during the accumulation window to land all hits. The burst phase involves a transformation - don't interrupt it.
5

Leveling and Gear

Skills

Max his skills as soon as possible. New weapons drop with his update - level weapon alongside skills as both scale Burst output.

Artifacts

Use the June update artifact buffs for better flat stat efficiency. Prioritize the Surt's Flame crafting event above all else.

Common Mistakes

Mistake: Ignoring Stacker synergy. Liu underperforms without the Overload setup - he is designed around the Stacker-Overload-Buster loop.
Mistake: Over-pulling beyond A5 early. Save resources - extra copies come through selectors.
Mistake: Skipping the crafting event. Surt's Flame is time-limited and the fastest path to his best-in-slot setup.
Mistake: Playing him like a Striker. Buster mechanics require building stored damage then releasing in one burst - not continuous DPS output. Don't dump all skills immediately.