Guilty Gear Strive Tier List is a beloved game in the world of fighting games. With its fast-paced action, beautiful animations, and unique cast of characters, it has gained a dedicated following of players who have spent countless hours mastering every move and combo. As a competitive game, it’s only natural that players want to know who the best characters are and how they stack up against each other. That’s where the tier list comes in.
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If you’re new to tier lists, don’t worry—I’ll explain everything in a way that’s easy to understand. A tier list is essentially a ranking system that categorizes characters based on their performance and potential in competitive play. The higher up on the list a character is, the stronger and more dominant they are in terms of their abilities, tools, and matchups against other characters. But remember, tier lists aren’t the be-all and end-all. They’re just a guide, and the real beauty of Guilty Gear Strive is that every character is playable and fun in their own way.
Now, let’s dive into the tier list for Guilty Gear Strive, breaking it down by character strength while also keeping the tone as friendly and accessible as possible!
S-Tier: The Top Dogs
In Guilty Gear Strive, the S-tier characters are the ones that stand above the rest. These fighters are generally considered the best of the best, thanks to their strong tools, versatility, and solid matchups against most of the cast.
Sol Badguy
Sol Badguy is a veteran in the Guilty Gear series, and in Strive, he continues to dominate. His combination of high damage, strong neutral game, and excellent mobility makes him a force to be reckoned with. With moves like “Gunflame” for zoning and “Volcanic Viper” for high damage, Sol is well-equipped to punish opponents and control the pace of the match.
Players who can master his versatile moveset will find themselves excelling at almost any level of play. He’s easy to pick up for beginners, but also offers enough depth for more advanced players to explore.
Ramlethal Valentine
Ramlethal has earned her spot in S-tier thanks to her fantastic range, high damage, and versatile zoning tools. Her sword-based moves, like the “Megalith” and “Calvados,” allow her to control space and pressure opponents from a distance. She’s also a threat up close with fast normals and strong mix-ups. If you can get the hang of managing her swords and timing her combos, you’ll be a real menace on the battlefield.
Zato-1
Zato-1 is a master of controlling the fight with his unique ability to summon and command his shadow minion, Eddie. The ability to simultaneously control Eddie while managing Zato’s own moves gives players an incredible advantage in terms of mix-ups and pressure. While Zato requires a lot of practice and precision, the payoff is immense. His ability to overwhelm opponents with complex setups and relentless offense places him in the S-tier.
A-Tier: Strong and Reliable
A-tier characters are still incredibly strong but may not have quite the same level of overwhelming presence as S-tier characters. They are solid choices and can perform well in the hands of skilled players.
Leo Whitefang
Leo is a powerhouse who excels at aggressive play and pressuring opponents. His unique “stance” system allows him to switch between offensive and defensive modes, giving him a lot of versatility. His huge damage output, powerful normals, and tricky cross-up potential make him a constant threat. Though he may take some time to master, Leo can dish out serious punishment and apply pressure consistently.
Ky Kiske
Ky is a well-rounded character that offers a solid mix of offense and defense. His wide range of tools, including his “Stun Edge” projectile and “Tonic” for recovery, make him a reliable choice for players looking to control the pace of the match. His ability to adapt to different playstyles, along with his well-rounded moveset, keeps him in A-tier.
Nagoriyuki
Nagoriyuki is a character who blends powerful offense with a bit of a risk-reward mechanic. His “Blood Gauge” mechanic adds an extra layer of strategy, as it affects his special moves. While he can deal tons of damage, players need to be careful not to overuse his bloodsucking techniques, or else they’ll risk overheating. However, in the hands of a skilled player, Nagoriyuki is a dangerous character who can dominate with his long-range attacks and strong zoning.
B-Tier: Solid Options for Most Players
B-tier characters are still very viable in competitive play, but they may require more effort or knowledge to get the most out of them. These characters have strengths, but they might struggle in certain matchups.
Millia Rage
Millia is a high-speed character known for her excellent mobility and tricky mix-ups. Her “Disk” special move is perfect for creating pressure, while her aerial mobility allows her to quickly navigate the screen. However, Millia can be somewhat fragile, with relatively low health and a reliance on hitting opponents with her tricky setups. Still, she has the tools to make her a very effective character if you’re willing to put in the effort to master her playstyle.
Faust
Faust is a weird and wacky character who stands out with his unpredictability. His large variety of projectiles, random item drops, and unique moves keep opponents on their toes. Faust isn’t the easiest character to play, as his randomness can make it hard to consistently execute strategies, but when played correctly, he can be an absolute menace. His zoning abilities and unusual setups make him a threat, even if he’s not quite as dominant as higher-tier characters.
C-Tier: Challenging But Fun
C-tier characters tend to have more difficulties in certain matchups or might not have as strong a presence in the competitive scene. They can still be fun and rewarding to play if you’re looking for a unique experience, but they generally require a higher skill ceiling to perform well consistently.
Axl Low
Axl Low is a character with fantastic range, thanks to his long-reaching normals and projectiles. However, he struggles when it comes to getting in on opponents. His lack of speed and defensive tools can make him vulnerable against more mobile characters. Axl’s gameplay revolves heavily around controlling space and zoning, and while he can be effective in the right hands, his weaknesses put him in the C-tier.
Happy Chaos
Happy Chaos is an unusual character who relies heavily on his “gun” mechanic, which requires precise control of his shots and resources. While his high-damage potential is enormous, his complexity makes him challenging to master. Players need to manage his “Concentration Gauge” to shoot accurately, and the difficulty in balancing his resources can make him frustrating to use. Nevertheless, Happy Chaos can be incredibly rewarding for players willing to put in the work.
D-Tier: Struggling in the Meta
D-tier characters are typically the ones that struggle the most in terms of matchup advantages and general viability. They often require very specific playstyles and can be much harder to succeed with in a competitive setting.
Jack-O’
Jack-O’ is an interesting character who relies heavily on summoning her “Minions” to control space and apply pressure. However, she can be difficult to get going, as her summons take time to set up. Players need to find ways to safely deploy her minions while maintaining a solid defense. While she can be a lot of fun, her lack of strong neutral tools and vulnerability in certain matchups keeps her in the D-tier.
Final Thoughts: It’s All About Playstyle
At the end of the day, tier lists are just a guide to help you understand how characters perform in a competitive setting. They don’t mean that any character is inherently bad or unplayable. Every character in Guilty Gear Strive has the potential to be effective, and what matters most is how you play them. Some players may excel with lower-tier characters simply because they’re more comfortable with their playstyle or have put in the effort to master them.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and find the character that fits your style. Whether you’re an aggressive player looking to dominate your opponents or a more patient player waiting for the perfect moment to strike, there’s a character for you in Guilty Gear Strive.
Good luck, and may your combos be ever in your favor!
