Nikke Tier List 2025 – What You Need to Know
Hey fellow Commanders—if you’re deep into Goddess of Victory: Nikke (aka NIKKE), you know there’s a ton to juggle: characters, weapons, gear, meta shifts. I’ve been grinding, pulling, testing units, and today I want to share a legit 2025 tier list (with my player-perspective commentary) to help you decide who to pull, invest in, and build around. Whether you’re a fresh free-to-play (F2P) pilot or a veteran with a stacked roster, this guide’s for you.
I. Introduction and Tier List Overview
A. What is Nikke Tier List
In NIKKE, you collect “Nikkes” (units) across many types, and a tier list ranks them based on overall usefulness: damage, support, survival, versatility across game modes. The “tier list” here is a snapshot of who’s meta-strong in 2025—who you should aim for, who you can skip, and how to best use what you have.
B. Understanding Tier Rankings and Character Power
Here’s what each tier roughly means (in my own words):
S+ Tier: Absolute top tier. If you pull these, you’re golden. Best in nearly all modes.
S Tier: Excellent, core characters. Maybe slight restrictions or niche tradeoffs.
A Tier: Strong and reliable, but require more investment or team synergy.
B Tier: Situational or niche picks; fine if you have them, but not required.
C Tier and below: Lower priority. Use if you like the character or in specific comps—but not meta-drivers.
C. How to Use This Guide Effectively
If you’re new, focus on S+ and S tiers first.
If mid-game, use A tier to fill gaps or build around what you already have.
Use B/C tiers when you want fun or aesthetic units, or special use-cases (events, raids).
Always keep meta shifts in mind—this guide reflects 2025, but patches and new releases can change things.
D. Tier List Update Frequency and Changelog
Meta evolves. Lots of players, sites and Reddit threads mention updates happen often. For example, in mid-2025, major tier list updates happened around March–April.
So treat this as current to 2025—but be ready for change.
II. Tier System Explained
A. What Each Tier Means
1. S+ Tier: Absolute Top Tier Characters
These are must-have, high priority pulls/investments. They perform extremely well in many modes and create a foundation.
2. S Tier: Tier One Core Characters
Very strong; in almost all teams they’ll shine; maybe slightly less universally dominant than S+.
3. A Tier: Strong and Reliable Units
Great picks: perhaps slightly weaker or more condition‐dependent, require good gear/team to match S/S+ output.
4. B Tier: Situational and Niche Picks
Good when you have them, but you don’t need them. Often they shine in specific strategy or when other pieces are lacking.
5. C Tier and Below: Lower Priority Characters
Low meta priority; maybe just for fun, or backup squads, or for specific content. Don’t dump your resources here early.
B. Tier List Methodology
1. Community Feedback Integration
Players on Reddit and meta sites talk about which units dominate raids, campaign, story levels. Example: Reddit comment on tier list credibility.
2. In-Game Performance Metrics
Clear speed, boss kill ability, survivability, flexibility.
3. Team Synergy Analysis
How well units mesh with others—because in NIKKE you rarely run single carry; you build a squad.
4. Different Game Mode Considerations
Story campaign, raids (solo/union), PVP (if applicable). A unit might be decent in campaign but weak in raid. Good tier list highlights that.
C. Important Disclaimers: Subjectivity and Personal Playstyle
Your favourite character might not be top tier—but if you love her, you’ll get value from using her smartly.
Gear, upgrades, OL (over-spec lines) configurations matter a lot; a “lesser” unit with perfect build can outshine a meta one that's under-invested.
Meta shifts: New units drop, patches adjust, so ranking can change.
III. Top Tier Characters – S+ and S Tier Breakdown
Here’s where we dive into some top picks. I’ll highlight some core S+ and S-tier units you really should aim for.
A. Liter: The Ultimate Support DPS
1. Role Classification and Combat Style
Liter is a support unit with DPS elements—buffing allies while contributing damage.
2. Attack Buff and Cooldown Reduction
Liter’s kit gives team-wide attack or burst support, making her ultra valuable for major content.
3. Healing and Sustainability
Not just raw damage—support features give sustainability in longer fights.
4. Why Liter is Must-Have Tier
Because whether you’re clearing story content or raids, Liter lifts entire team output. That’s why she sits at S+ in 2025 meta lists.
B. Scarlet: High Risk High Reward DPS
1. Scarlet Damage Scaling
Massive damage potential when built right; a top DPS pick.
2. Low HP Dependency and Playstyle
Often riskier—maybe lower HP or more fragile—so you need to play carefully.
3. Burst Damage Potential
Ideal for burst phases of boss fights; top tier when timed.
C. Crown: Offensive Buff Support
Crown is more utility/support but with high output. Buffs team, improves DPS of others, making her almost mandatory in meta squads.
D. Alice: Best Sniper Tier
Alice is sniper-type; long range burst, great for key targets. In 2025 she still holds S/S+ in many lists because snipers are often needed for weak points/bosses.
E. Vesti: Meta Tactical Upgrade
A more recent meta pick; excels in certain tactical/element combos. If you pull her, immediate upgrade target.
F. Asuka: Tier Top Character
Another strong S/S+ pick; flexible, high damage, good across many modes.
G. Cinderella: Tier Ranking
Cinderella brings strong burst, utility—so she sits high in S just behind S+ core.
H. Red Hood (Rapi): Strong DPS Tier
Red Hood or Rapi is still major; sometimes S+ depending on build and content. If you get her, good investment.
I. Other S+ Tier Characters (Nayuta, Blanc, Noir, Modernia, Rumani)
These characters populate the top tier meta list. If you have any of them, you’re in a strong position. Tier list sites list them as top picks.
IV. Role-Based Classification and Team Building
Let’s shift lens: instead of pure tiers, let’s break down by roles and why each matters.
A. Attacker Role Characters
1. DPS Tier Ranking
Best DPS units are often in S+/S because they clear fast. Example: Scarlet, Alice.
2. Burst Damage Specialists
Units built for big hits in short time; good for raids where you have windows.
3. Sustained Damage Champions
Some units aren’t just burst; they keep steady damage output, which helps for long content.
B. Defender Role Characters
1. Tanking Tier List
Tanks/defenders reduce damage, shield team. They might not always be top tier in damage, but they help survival.
2. Shielder Mechanics
Units that generate shields, protect burst units.
3. Taunt Defender Strategy
Some units taunt enemies so your carry DPS units can operate freely.
C. Support Role Characters
1. Offensive Support Tier List
Support that increases damage output of team (buffs, cooldown reduction). Example: Liter, Crown.
2. Defensive Support Characters
Support that heals, shields, gives sustain.
3. Energy Support Specialists
Some supports ensure you have energy or ammo for your DPS units so they can fire bursts.
4. Healer and Sustain Support
Critical for long fights or hard content.
5. Buff and Debuff Supporters
Support units may also debuff enemy, or buff multiple allies—makes meta difference.
D. Hybrid Roles
1. DPS/Tank Hybrids
Units that do damage and have defensive utility. They might rank slightly lower in pure DPS tier but have high value.
2. Flexible Character Classifications
Some units don’t fit neatly (they might support + burst). These are often underrated unless you know how to use them.
V. Game Mode-Specific Tier Lists
Knowing the mode helps you pick the right units.
A. Campaign Story Mode Meta
1. Early Game Tier List
In early game you don’t have full roster, so look for versatile units. Maybe A tier good picks.
2. Mid Game Character Ranking
As you unlock more, S+ picks become attainable. Upgrade accordingly.
3. Late Game Endgame Tier
S+/S units dominate. Gear, over-spec, build perfect.
4. Story Boss Strategy Tier
Units with burst, utility, strong synergy matter here.
B. Boss Raid and Solo Raid Meta
1. Solo Raid Best Characters
High DPS, strong single target performance.
2. Boss Phase Transition Strategy
Units that excel during certain phases (shield break, burst window) matter.
3. High Damage Output Tier List
Here DPS top picks shine (Scarlet, Alice etc).
4. Raid Survivability Ranking
Support + defence units maybe more important than in campaign.
C. Anomaly Interception Tier List
1. Anomaly Unlock Requirements
High difficulty, unique mechanics – meta units matter.
2. Best Teams for Anomalies
Often blends of strong DPS + utility + energy support.
3. Anomaly Difficulty Meta
Some units shine because of special mechanics (e.g., element break, shield destroy).
D. Tribe Tower Daily Meta
1. Tribe Tower Best Characters
Often units who clear waves, AoE, strong for daily grind. Might differ from pure boss meta.
2. Daily Tribe Tower Strategy
Efficiency over perfect burst. Use units while they’re strong but maybe not S+ tier.
E. Union Raid Team Composition
End-game group content; synergy dominates. Units that buff team or fill gap are gold.
VI. Weapon Types and Combat Classifications
Knowing weapon types helps you match units and gear.
A. Assault Rifle Characters and Tier
Mid-range, reliable. Some of the meta units use AR.
B. Sniper Rifle Specialists Ranking
Long-range, big burst; e.g., Alice in S tier.
C. Shotgun Users Tier List
Close-range damage, high risk/high reward.
D. Machine Gun Attackers Ranking
High sustained damage; valued in certain modes.
E. SMG and Rapid Fire Weapons
Fast-attack, often utility/DPS hybrids.
F. Rocket Launcher and Heavy Weapons
Big damage but maybe slower; situational.
G. Weapon Type Meta Analysis
Certain modes favour certain weapon types (e.g., sniper for shielded bosses, MG for hit count). So a “top tier unit” also depends on weapon and mode.
VII. Team Composition and Synergy Guide
A. Core Team Building Framework
1. Burst Slot Positioning (Burst 1, 2, 3)
Units that can burst strong should fill key slots.
2. Sub Slot Support Units
Support units who amplify the burst units.
3. Role Distribution Strategy
Balance DPS / Support / Utility (healer or shield) rather than stacking only damage.
B. Wave Clear Team Meta
1. AoE Damage Priority
For wave clear, AoE DPS units are more valuable.
2. Cooldown Reduction Support
To cycle fast and clear waves.
3. Continuous Damage Composition
Units that sustain rather than peak once.
C. Single Target Burst Teams
1. Burst Damage Rotation
Have units who can hit hard quickly when window opens.
2. High Spike DPS Composition
Combine DPS + support buffs during the burst window.
3. Attack Buff Synergy
Support units that boost damage right when you need it.
D. Defensive Team Compositions
1. Survivability Priority Ranking
When content is punishing, use shields, healers, counters.
2. Shield and Heal Synergy
Support + tank synergy.
3. Damage Reduction Teams
Maybe you sacrifice some DPS for survival.
E. Example Top Meta Teams
1. Liter + Crown + Red Hood Composition
Liter buffs, Crown supports, Red Hood DPS. A strong meta core.
2. Wave Clear Team Examples
Use AoE DPS + fast cooldown support.
3. Raid Boss Team Examples
Burst DPS + defender + energy support.
VIII. Reroll Guide and Starting Strategy
A. Why Reroll in Nikke
Since NIKKE is gacha-heavy, rerolling to get top units early helps your long-term progression.
B. Best Starter Characters for New Players
1. Must-Have Tier Units
S+ picks if you can get them. Save your pulls.
2. High Priority Reroll Targets
If you see Liter or Alice or Scarlet early, that’s a strong start.
3. A-Tier Reroll Alternatives
If you don’t get S+ early, aim for good A tier units you’ll invest.
C. Reroll Methods and Timing
1. Quick Reroll Process (10-15 minutes)
Complete tutorial, use free pulls, evaluate result, reset if necessary.
2. Extended Reroll Strategy (30-35 minutes)
Maybe aim for a specific banner or guarantee.
3. Optimal Reroll Schedule
Check for major banners / meta releases; reroll before those.
D. First Account Optimization
1. Best Starting Team Composition
Get one strong DPS, one support, one utility.
2. Early Game Progression Tips
Use resources to upgrade your core, don’t spread thin.
3. Starter Resource Management
Save premium currency for meta banner; use free/standard for fillers.
IX. Skill Investment and Priority Guide
A. Skill Investment Rating System
1. Highest Priority Skills Tier
Burst skills, major damage buffs.
2. High Priority Skills Explanation
Support skills, cooldown reduction, buffing team.
3. Mid-High Priority Skills
Secondary utilities like AoE, debuff.
4. Mid Priority Skills
Less impactful but still help.
5. Low Priority Skills
Maybe flavour, niche.
B. Skill Scaling and Level Recommendations
1. Level 1 vs Level 10 Scaling
Often big jump; invest until returns diminish.
2. Optimal Skill Level Targets
Maybe level 5 or 7 is “good enough” for many units, then move on.
3. Skill Level 4-5 Achievement
Milestones early game.
4. Skill Level 7 Breakpoints
Higher breakpoints where investment leaps.
C. Burst Skill Priority
In NIKKE, Burst skill is key; invest in units whose Burst synergy you use.
D. Attack Buff Skill Importance
Support units giving attack buffs are often more valuable than small raw DPS upgrades.
E. Damage Taken Debuff Priority
Debuffs on enemy (e.g., “increase damage taken”) amplify your DPS.
F. Cooldown Reduction Priority
Faster skill reuse = more value in long fights.
G. Healer Skill Investment
If you use healers, investing their utility may matter more than raw dps.
X. Progression and Endgame Optimization
A. CP Deficit Pushing Strategy
1. CP Deficit Explained
When your team is under-leveled or gear/OL is weak, you face content with steps missing—deficit = disadvantage.
2. Overpower Strategies
Use meta units + best gear + synergy to overcome deficit.
3. Damage Output Under Deficit
Your DPS units must be high enough to finish fights quickly before you get punished.
B. Equipment Gear Tier List
1. Overload Gear Priority Guide
Gear with major stat boosts, HL lines, best sub-stats.
2. Best Gear for Each Role
DPS gear vs support gear vs tank gear.
3. Gear Sub-Stat Optimization
Stat lines matter: e.g., ammo lines, crit, cooldown reduction.
4. Charge Speed and Max Ammo Scaling
In NIKKE you have to consider ammo, over-spec – gear that speeds up ammo or extends clip matters.
C. Upgrade Path and Resource Farming
1. Optimal Farming Stages
Which stage gives skill books, gear upgrades, currency.
2. Resource Priority Allocation
Spend resources on units/gear that give best return (typically S+/S units).
3. Skill Book Farming Guide
Know when to run skill book stages; not all days equal.
4. Equipment Enhancement Path
Start upgrading gear lines early; then push for best lines.
5. Leveling Strategy
Level your core units first, then expand roster once core is good.
XI. Element and Synergy Deep Dive
A. Fire Element Characters
Fire element might have advantage in certain content; units flagged Fire matter.
B. Electric Element Tier
Electric units may counter certain enemies or synergies.
C. Water Element Characters
Again, element advantage/disadvantage matters.
D. Element Advantage and Weakness
Understanding which units shine in which element fights is meta.
E. Elemental Team Synergy
Build teams mixing element types to counter content or exploit weakness.
XII. Free-to-Play and Budget Guide
A. F2P Tier List Best Characters
Even if you don’t spend, you can aim for high value picks: some S tier units may be pulled via standard or free banners.
B. Free Starter Units
Often there are units you get free or via missions—invest in them early.
C. Event-Based Free Character Acquisition
Keep eyes on event banners, login rewards—they may give high tier units.
D. Resource Efficiency for F2P Players
Prioritize top units rather than spread upgrades across many.
Save for meta banners.
Use free pulls wisely, don’t chase “low tier” units just because.
XIII. Codes, Events, and Rewards
A. Redeem Codes List (November 2025)
Often the devs drop special codes for anniversary, login, or milestone. Use them for free currency or pulls.
B. Active Code Redemption Guide
Know how to redeem: in game menu → settings → code/coupon. Many players share codes on Reddit/Discord.
C. Event Reward Optimization
Plan around events: major banners, limited units, extra pulls, bonus currency. Align your saving and pulls.
D. Limited-Time Character Events
Some units only come during certain events; if meta rises, maybe time to pull.
E. Anniversary Event Strategy
Anniversary events tend to give big rewards or reveal meta units; plan your currency reserve.
XIV. Character-Specific Deep Dives
Here are quick player-level breakdowns (you’ll still want to dig into full guides) for some of the top units:
A. Liter Full Guide
Liter: Key support unit. Invest heavy if you have her. Buffs + utility = must for high tier teams.
B. Scarlet Playstyle Guide
Scarlet: DPS beast, but fragile. Use with care, gear her for burst windows.
C. Crown Strategy Deep Dive
Crown: Buff support, build around her by having high-damage units to benefit from her skills.
D. Alice Sniper Optimization
Alice: Sniper = big value vs high HP/spread enemies. Focus gear for her range/damage.
E. Red Hood DPS Guide
Rapi/Red Hood: Strong DPS; good pick if you have her, but also invest in survivability or team protection.
F. Vesti Tactical Strategy
Vesti: More tactical/utility; excellent if you have her; maybe not as straightforward as pure DPS but high value.
G. Other Top Character Guides
Units like Nayuta, Blanc, Noir deserve separate build guides because of their unique kits.
XV. Meta Analysis and Patch Changes
A. Current Meta Summary (November 2025)
In 2025, we’ve seen heavy shift: new units drop, meta leans more burst + synergy rather than raw grind. Tier lists show big gaps between S+ and S tier now.
B. Major Balance Changes Overview
Tier list sites note many units being demoted/upgraded after changes.
C. Top Tier List Shifts
Units who were top tier last year may drop; new releases may leap in. Example: “Modernia” was top but got power-crept.
D. Community Tier List Consensus
Players on Reddit discuss tier list validity, how real gameplay feels vs rankings.
E. Competitive Viability Rankings
For high-end content (raid, deficit runs) only the best units matter; that’s why tier list is harsher at top.
XVI. Advanced Strategies and Optimization
A. Damage Benchmark Tier List
Know what damage numbers matter for your stage; set target benchmarks.
B. Burst Rotation Optimization
Use your units in correct order, exploit support buffs, time bursts when enemy weak.
C. Wave Clear vs. Boss Kill Strategies
For wave clear you may sacrifice top DPS for utility; boss kills want burst + optimal gear.
D. Underleveled Content Strategies
If you are under-geared, pick units that provide utility/defence rather than pure DPS; build slowly.
E. Performance Scaling Analysis
As you invest more gear/skill lines, returns may diminish; focus on best investment units first.
XVII. Platform and Access Guide
A. PC Version Gameplay
If you play on PC (client version) you’ll get higher resolution, possibly easier controls.
B. Mobile Optimization Tips
On mobile: ensure good FPS, manage battery, customize controls for aim/drop.
C. Cross-Platform Progress
NIKKE supports cross-progress (depending on server); don’t waste pulls/resets.
D. Device Performance Guide
Strong device = smoother gameplay for aiming/dodge; weaker device = optimize graphics/settings.
XVIII. FAQ and Common Questions
A. Who is the Best Character?
Answer: There’s no single “best” for all scenarios, but S+ tier units like Liter, Scarlet, Crown often top picks.
B. Should I Reroll?
Yes if you pulled none of the S+ units early and want best start. If you already have one, maybe skip.
C. Which Characters to Invest In?
Focus on S+ tier first; then S tier; upgrade gear/skills for them before spreading too thin.
D. How to Build Teams?
Use the structure: DPS + Support + Utility; ensure synergy.
E. Best Game Mode for Farming?
Depends on your stage: early game story mode; mid/late game raids/unions. Use tier list to pick units relevant to those modes.
F. Free-to-Play Progression Tips?
Prioritize meta picks you have; save currency for guaranteed banners; pick units with broad usefulness rather than niche.
XIX. Conclusion and Updated Recommendation
A. Best Overall Characters Summary
If you get one of the S+ tier characters (e.g., Liter, Scarlet, Crown, Alice), you’re off to a strong start.
B. Tier List Takeaways
S+ = top priority.
S = invest strongly if you have them.
A = strong backup/secondary.
B/C = nice to have but not core.
C. Next Steps for New Players
Check your pulls – see if you got any S+ or S units.
Build a core team (DPS + support + utility).
Save currency for big banners.
Upgrade gear/skill lines for your core.
Follow meta shifts; adjust as new units/rebalance drop.
D. Character to Pull Guide
If you don’t have any S+ yet: aim for banner where S+ unit appears; use tier list to evaluate banner units.
E. Resources for Further Learning
Join forums (Reddit), tier list sites (nikke.gg, prydwen), YouTube guides to stay ahead.
Thanks for reading this deep dive—remember: meta matters, but having fun matters more. Use this as a map, but pick units you like too. When your team not only wins but you enjoy them, that’s the real victory. Good luck out there, Commander!