What Is a Tier List?
A tier list is a ranking system that categorizes characters, units, or weapons from best to worst based on their in-game performance. In mobile RPGs, tier lists help players decide which characters to invest in, which banners to pull on, and how to build effective teams. Understanding how to read and use tier lists properly can save you enormous amounts of time and resources.
Standard Tier List Structure
Most tier lists use a letter-based ranking system:
| Tier | Meaning |
|---|---|
| SS / S+ | Top of the meta — game-defining units worth building around |
| S | Excellent units that perform well in most content |
| A | Solid units, viable in most team compositions |
| B | Decent units — useful in niche scenarios or early-game |
| C | Below-average units; only use if no better options exist |
| D | Generally not recommended for resource investment |
Why Tier Lists Change Over Time
A character's tier ranking is never permanent. Tier lists shift for several key reasons:
- New content releases: A new dungeon or raid boss may heavily favor certain unit types, elevating previously mid-tier characters.
- Balance patches: Developers regularly buff or nerf characters. A patch note can move a unit an entire tier in either direction.
- Powercreep: As new, stronger characters are released, older units naturally fall in relative ranking.
- New synergies: A newly released support character can dramatically increase the value of older DPS units.
Always check the date on a tier list. An outdated tier list from six months ago may be misleading in the current meta.
Tier Lists Are Not Absolute Rules
This is one of the most important concepts to internalize as a player. Tier lists represent general performance across all content, not a commandment. Here's why you shouldn't follow them blindly:
- A B-tier unit you already own may outperform an S-tier unit you don't have the resources to properly build.
- Some content (raids, PvP, story) favors different unit types — a unit weak in PvP may be the best story-clearer.
- Playstyle matters. A support-heavy player might find A-tier buffers more fun and effective than S-tier DPS units.
How to Use Tier Lists Effectively
- Check the source: Use tier lists from established communities — official game subreddits, GameWith (Japan), or dedicated wikis. Avoid random YouTube tier lists without cited reasoning.
- Read the notes: Good tier lists explain why a unit is ranked where it is. Read those explanations, not just the letter grade.
- Look for content-specific lists: Many games have separate tier lists for PvP, PvE raids, and story. Use the right list for your goals.
- Cross-reference multiple sources: If three major tier lists agree a unit is S-tier, that's a strong signal. If one says S and another says B, read the reasoning from both.
Building Your Own Judgment
Over time, experienced players develop the ability to evaluate units themselves — assessing stats, skills, and synergies without needing a tier list. Until you reach that point, tier lists are an excellent tool. Just remember: they're a starting point for decision-making, not the final word.