HSR Oneiric Shards Guide 2026: Prices, Uses & Best Value Top-Ups

In the vast galaxy of Honkai: Star Rail, resources are the fuel that powers your Astral Express journey. While Trailblazers can earn Stellar Jades through gameplay, events, and exploration, there is one currency that stands above the rest: Oneiric Shards.

As the game's premium currency (equivalent to Genesis Crystals in Genshin Impact), Oneiric Shards are the gateway to acquiring new characters, purchasing exclusive skins, and accelerating your progression. However, with multiple exchange rates, bonus packs, and third-party top-up options, understanding the true value of a Shard can be confusing.

Is the $99.99 pack actually worth it? When does the double bonus reset? Should you convert Shards to Jades immediately or save them? This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Oneiric Shards in 2026, ensuring you get the absolute best value for your real-world money.

What Are Oneiric Shards?

Oneiric Shards are the paid currency in Honkai: Star Rail. Unlike Stellar Jades, you cannot farm Shards by playing the game. They must be purchased with real money via the "Contract Shop" or authorized third-party platforms like ManaBuy.

The Core Exchange Rate:

1 Oneiric Shard = 1 Stellar Jade

While the conversion is 1:1, Oneiric Shards have unique uses that Stellar Jades do not cover, such as buying character outfits or purchasing specific resource bundles.

Price Breakdown & Bonus Structure

The standard pricing model for Oneiric Shards has remained consistent globally, though regional currency fluctuations can affect local prices. Here is the standard USD pricing table, comparing the "First-Time Double" versus the standard recurring bonus.

Price (USD)	First-Time Yield (Double)	Standard Recurring Yield
$0.99	120 Shards (60+60)	60 Shards
$4.99	600 Shards (300+300)	330 Shards (300+30 Bonus)
$14.99	1,960 Shards (980+980)	1,090 Shards (980+110 Bonus)
$29.99	3,960 Shards (1980+1980)	2,240 Shards (1980+260 Bonus)
$49.99	6,560 Shards (3280+3280)	3,880 Shards (3280+600 Bonus)
$99.99	12,960 Shards (6480+6480)	8,080 Shards (6480+1600 Bonus)

The Reset Rule: The "First-Time Double Bonus" resets once per year, typically during the game's Anniversary (April). If you haven't bought the $99.99 pack before the reset, you lose that specific double bonus opportunity.

Where to Spend Oneiric Shards?

Once you have topped up, you have several options. Spending wisely is key to account progression.

1. Converting to Stellar Jades (Gacha)

This is the most common use. You convert Shards directly into Jades to buy Star Rail Special Passes (for limited banners) or Star Rail Passes (for standard).

Strategy: Only convert when you are actively pulling for a character. Keeping them as Shards prevents accidental spending on standard banners.

2. Express Supply Pass (Monthly Card)

While usually bought with cash ($4.99), purchasing the Supply Pass gives you 300 Oneiric Shards instantly + 90 Stellar Jades daily for 30 days.

Value Analysis: This is mathematically the best value in the game. Over 30 days, you get 3,000 Jades (worth ~$50) for $5.

Stacking: You can buy multiple passes to extend the duration (up to 180 days), but you only get the 300 Shards upfront per purchase.

3. Character Outfits (Skins)

Starting from Version 1.6, HSR introduced skins.

Cost: Typically 1,680 Oneiric Shards (approx. $30 without bonuses).

Discount: During the release patch, skins are often discounted to 1,350 Shards.

Note: You cannot buy skins with Stellar Jades. You must save your Shards for this.

4. Contract Shop Bundles

In the store, you will find "Herta Contracts." These contain materials like Traveler's Guides (XP), Refined Aether (Weapon XP), and Credits.

Verdict: Generally Not Worth It. You can farm these materials with Trailblaze Power. Only buy these if you are a "Whale" who needs to max a character instantly and has run out of stamina refreshes.

5. Nameless Honor (Battle Pass)

You can purchase the "Nameless Glory" ($10) or "Nameless Medal" ($20) upgrade. While usually a direct cash purchase, some third-party platforms allow you to fund this via account balance.

Value: High. It provides a 4-star Light Cone, massive resources, and 680 Stellar Jades.

The ManaBuy Advantage: How to Save Money

If you purchase Oneiric Shards directly through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, you are paying full price plus potential regional taxes. However, smart Trailblazers use ManaBuy's Top-Up Service.

Why use ManaBuy?

1. Discounted Rates: By leveraging regional pricing differences and bulk purchasing partnerships, ManaBuy offers Shard packs at a lower cost than the in-game store.

2. Bonus Events: ManaBuy often runs exclusive promotions where you get extra Shards or entry into giveaways.

3. Safe & Secure: Uses the official UID top-up method (HoYoverse partner API). No login credentials required. Your account remains 100% safe.

For example, saving 10% on a $100 pack might not seem like much once, but over a year of playing HSR, building premium teams, and pulling for Eidolons, those savings can add up to the cost of an entire extra character.

Cost-Per-Pull Analysis (2026)

How much does a 5-star character actually cost?

• 1 Pull = 160 Jades = 160 Shards.
• 10 Pulls = 1,600 Shards.
• Hard Pity (90 Pulls) = 14,400 Shards.

Scenario A (First Time Buyer):

Buy the $99.99 pack (12,960 Shards).

Cost per pull: ~$1.23.

You get ~81 pulls. Almost enough for one 5-star.

Scenario B (Standard Buyer):

Buy the $99.99 pack (8,080 Shards).

Cost per pull: ~$1.98.

You get ~50 pulls.

Conclusion: Without the double bonus, pulling characters is expensive. This emphasizes the need to use the Express Supply Pass and complete all in-game content (Simulated Universe, events) detailed in our Beginner's Guide to supplement your paid currency.

When to Top Up? (Timing Strategy)

Don't just buy Shards randomly. Time your purchases for maximum efficiency.

1. The Anniversary Reset

Honkai: Star Rail's anniversary is in late April. Historically, HoYoverse resets the "First-Time Buyer Bonus" for all packs during the version update closest to the anniversary.

Strategy: If you haven't bought the big packs yet and it's March, buy them now! Then, when the reset happens in April, you can buy them again with the double bonus.

2. Major Version Updates (x.0)

New planets (like Penacony or Amphoreus) usually bring "Top-Up Events" where spending a certain amount grants extra materials. Check the patch notes before swiping.

3. Character Banners

Check the Tier List before spending. Don't top up for a "C-Tier" character unless you love their design. Save your paid Shards for meta-defining units like Acheron or the latest Harmony support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I get negative Oneiric Shards?

A: Yes. If you refund a purchase through your bank (Chargeback) after spending the shards, your balance will go negative. HoYoverse will ban your account if you do not top up enough to return the balance to positive within a week. Never refund; contact customer support instead.

Q: Do Oneiric Shards expire?

A: No. They stay in your account forever. You can hoard them for years.

Q: Can I gift Oneiric Shards to a friend?

A: You cannot transfer them in-game. However, you can use ManaBuy to top up a friend's account using their UID. This is the safest way to gift.

Q: Is the $0.99 pack efficient?

A: Surprisingly, yes, but only with the double bonus. Without the bonus, the $99.99 pack offers the best Shards-per-Dollar ratio.

Q: Can I use Shards to buy the Battle Pass?

A: No. The Battle Pass is a direct cash purchase. However, the Battle Pass gives you Jades, not Shards.

Conclusion

Oneiric Shards are a powerful tool in Honkai: Star Rail, allowing you to bypass the grind and secure the characters you want. While the prices can be steep, utilizing the First-Time Bonuses, stacking the Express Supply Pass, and taking advantage of ManaBuy's discounted rates can significantly stretch your budget.

Plan your pulls, watch for the Anniversary reset, and may your warps always be gold.

Ready to top up? Visit the Honkai: Star Rail Top-Up Center now for instant delivery.