There are many Operators in Arknights, and each of them belongs to a particular class. These Classes and archetypes dictate how you’re supposed to use them in battle. As with all games, not all characters are created equal, as it would be poor game design.
If you’re looking for an Arknights tier list, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll list out all the available Operators for you to find out who’s the best. Keep on reading to find out more.
Introduction to the Tier List
There are eight Classes in Arknights, and while Classes have different Archetypes and roles within them, we’ll divide the characters based on how versatile they are overall.
It would be difficult to tell who’s the absolute best in Arknights as the game requires skillful use of all Classes and Archetypes. Therefore, we can only list out the best in each Class.
Some Operators aren’t available in the global release, but we’ll list them here all the same.
Caster Tier List
Casters are ranged units that you can only deploy on Ranged tiles. They also inflict Arts Damage, which works excellently against enemies with low-RES stats. There are at least five Archetypes, but they can vary depending on who you ask.
S-Tier
Ifrit, Mostima, Eyjafjalla, Ceobe, Dusk, Carnelian, Passenger
A-Tier
Leonhardt, Lava the Purgatory, Iris, Click, Beeswax, Mint, Amiya, Absinthe, Pith, Tomimi
B-Tier
Nightmare, Leizi, Skyfire, Gitano, Greyy
C-Tier
12F, Lava, Steward, Durin, Reserve Operator – Caster
Defender Tier List
Defenders are melee Operators and thus only get to stand in Melee tiles. Their role requires them to block enemies and attract attention.
S-Tier
Saria, Blemishine, Mudrock, Eunectes, Nian, Hoshiguma
A-Tier
Asbestos, Vulcan, Nearl, Liskarm, Croissant, Cuora, Blitz
B-Tier
Matterhorn, Gummy, Hung, Dur-nar, Bubble
C-Tier
Cardigan, Beagle, Spot, Noire Corne
Guard Tier List
Guards are melee Operators with various Archetypes. This flexibility lets players deploy them on Melee tiles for different types of strategies. It’s the most varied Class in Arknights.
S-Tier
Blaze, Surtr, Mountain, Skadi, Hellagur, SilverAsh, Thorns, Lappland, Pallas, Ch’en
A-Tier
Specter, Broca, Savage, Amiya (Guard), Astesia, Flint, Indra, Cutter, Tachanka, Franka, Flamebringer, Utage, Ayerscape, Whislash, Bibeak, Akafuku
B-Tier
Estelle, Mousse, Sideroca, Jackie, Beehunter, Matoimaru, Conviction, Melantha, Arene
C-Tier
Swire, Popukar, Castle-3, Frostleaf, Midnight, Dobermann
Medic Tier List
As the name suggests, Medics are the healers of Arknights. Other Classes have healers too, but these Operators are the best for keeping units alive.
S-Tier
Nightingale, Ptilopsis, Shining, Warfarin, Kal’stit
A-Tier
Perfumer, Breeze, Silence, Tuye, Sussurro, Whisperain, Touch
B-Tier
Folinic, Myrrh, Gavial, Purestream, Ceylon
C-Tier
Hibiscus, Lancet-2, Ansel, Reserve Operator – Logistics
Sniper Tier List
Against aerial foes, Snipers are the best counters. They deal Ranged Physical Damage and have to stay in Ranged tiles. Most Snipers have an extended range except for a few.
S-Tier
Rosmontis, Ash, Exusiai, Archetto, W, Schwarz, Rosa (Poca)
A-Tier
Firewatch, Blue Poison, Platinum, April, GreyThroat, Meteorite, Sesa, Provence, Andreanna, Pinecone, Executor, April, Toddifons
B-Tier
Vermeil, May, Meteor, Jessica, Shirayuki, Aciddrop, Ambriel, Aosta
C-Tier
Catapult, Rangers, Adnachiel, Kroos, Reserve Operator – Sniper
Specialist Tier List
Specialists are a mixed bag, with some Operators getting to stay on both Ranged and Melee tiles. Others can only be deployed on one or the other. They mainly deal Physical Damage and are for highly specialized functions.
S-Tier
Phantom, Weedy, Aak, Gladila
A-Tier
Jaye, Mr. Nothing, Projekt Red, Gravel, Kafka, Cliffheart, Snowsant, FEater, Manticore, Robin, Frost, Kirara
B-Tier
Waai-Fu, Rope, Shaw, Ethan
C-Tier
THRM-EX
Supporter Tier List
Supporters provide utility in combat scenarios while the main damage-dealers fight. Of course, that’s why they’re in this Class.
S-Tier
Angelina, Suzuran, Magallan, Skadi the Corrupting Heart
A-Tier
Sora, Shamare, Pramanix, Glaucus, Istina, Scene, Mayer
B-Tier
Deepcolor, Podenco
C-Tier
Earthspirit, Orchid, Tsukinogi
Vanguard Tier List
Vanguards produce DP, which allows for quicker Deployment. While they get deployed first, players usually let them retreat after the DP requirements are met.
S-Tier
Bagpipe, Saga, Siege, Elysium, Myrtle
A-Tier
Reed, Vigna, Grani, Texas, Zima, Chiave
B-Tier
Scavenger, Courier, Beanstalk
C-Tier
Plume, Vanilla, Fang, Yato, Reserve Operator – Melee
Standing by for Combat
The eight Classes and many Archetypes in Arknights allow limitless combinations, even if it’s just one stage. Even though some Operators rank high on the tier list, they don’t always fit in the situation. Always deploy them based on the battlefield’s needs and not their tier ranking.
What’s your favorite Class in Arknights? Which S-tier Operators do you have? Let us know in the comments section below.
