Nekomiya (Nekomata) Guide — Physical Attack DPS (v2.8)

TL;DR

Nekomiya (also known as Nekomata) is an S-rank Physical Attack agent from the Cunning Hares. She specializes in sustained close-quarters combat using her claw mode enhanced attacks. Her gameplay revolves around building combo stacks through basic attacks and EX Special, then unleashing devastating claw mode attacks that shred single targets. She is a strong starter carry and remains viable with proper investment.

Core Mechanics

Claw Mode

Nekomiya enters Claw Mode after completing her full basic attack combo or using her EX Special Attack. In this state, her attacks gain increased range, higher damage multipliers, and enhanced Critical Rate. The duration of Claw Mode can be extended by landing consecutive hits, rewarding aggressive play. Managing Claw Mode uptime is the single most important skill for maximizing Nekomiya's damage.

Combo Stacks

Each basic attack hit builds Combo stacks that persist for a short duration. At max stacks, Nekomiya's next attack consumes them to deal bonus Physical damage and extend Claw Mode duration. This resource management system rewards players who maintain consistent pressure without getting hit.

Best W-Engines

Best Drive Discs

Stat Priority

• Disc IV: CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG (aim for 1:2 ratio)
• Disc V: Physical DMG%
• Disc VI: ATK%
• Substats: CRIT Rate > CRIT DMG > ATK% > PEN

Skill Priority

1. Basic Attack: Core damage source and Claw Mode enabler
2. Dodge: Dodge Counter builds stacks and extends combos
3. Chain Attack: Burst damage during stun windows
4. Special Attack (EX): Gap closer and Claw Mode trigger
5. Assist: Least impactful, minimal investment needed

Best Team Compositions

Premium: Nekomiya + Qingyi + Caesar

The optimal setup for Nekomiya hypercarry. Qingyi delivers the fastest stuns in the game, creating extended burst windows for Nekomiya's Claw Mode. Caesar adds shields for uninterrupted combos and ATK buffs for higher damage.

Budget: Nekomiya + Nicole + Anby

A classic Cunning Hares team that works from day one. Anby provides reliable stuns with low investment, and Nicole's DEF shred dramatically increases Nekomiya's Physical damage output during stun windows.

Alternative: Nekomiya + Lycaon + Rina

Uses Lycaon's Ice stun with Rina's PEN buff. This team sacrifices elemental synergy for raw amplification, making it surprisingly effective against non-Ice-weak enemies.

Mindscape Cinema Priority

• M1: Increases Claw Mode duration — excellent QoL and DPS boost
• M2: Extra energy on crit — smoother rotations
• M4: DEF ignore during Claw Mode — significant against tanky enemies
• M6: Massive damage spike — Claw Mode attacks gain CRIT DMG bonus

Rotations & Tips

Optimal rotation: Open with EX Special → Full Basic Attack combo → Enter Claw Mode → Spam enhanced attacks → Dodge Counter to extend → Repeat. Always try to enter stun windows with full combo stacks and Claw Mode ready.

Nekomiya struggles against highly mobile enemies who can interrupt her combos. Caesar's shield is highly recommended for uninterrupted uptime. In multi-wave content, save your EX Special for new waves to instantly enter Claw Mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nekomiya a good starter character?

Yes. She's a solid S-rank DPS who performs well through mid-game content. She falls off slightly compared to top-tier Anomaly DPS in late endgame, but with proper investment she remains comfortable for all content.

How much CRIT Rate does Nekomiya need?

Aim for 60-70% CRIT Rate before Claw Mode bonuses. Her Claw Mode adds CRIT Rate, so you don't need to overcap. Balance with CRIT DMG for optimal damage.

Should I build Nekomiya with PEN or ATK%?

ATK% is generally preferred for consistency. PEN% can be competitive if you have external ATK buffs from supports like Caesar or Lucy.