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Anime Expeditions Tier List (July 2026)

A version-aware S-to-D ranking with role, trait, team, mode, and source context for every published unit.

33 units reviewed for Release (0.0)
Current versionRelease (0.0) · Launch versionLast reviewedJul 22, 2026Previous versionNo independently reviewed pre-release tier
Quick answer

Anime Expeditions tier list overview

Every unit links to a sourced profile with its complete official upgrade table.

TierUnitsMeaning
S8th Sword (Berserk), Cursed Student (True Love), Elf Mage (Unleashed), Puppet (Telekinetic), Ramen Guy, Salmon Sorcerer (Grade 1), Shadow (Divine)Meta Defining
ACrimson (Brother), Flame Emperor (Reincarnate), Forbidden Teacher, Hollow (Blaze), Lady Giant (Envy), Reaper (Released), String Demon (Awakened), The Hero, Toy Maker, True Saint (Holy)Strong Picks
BGreed, Ice Queen, Scissor, Water PrincessSolid Choices
CBounty Hunter, Corps Captain, Demon Cyborg, Ice Mage, Nen Hunter, Stone AlchemistSituational
DCarrot, Curly Brow, Kid Assassin, Reishi Archer, Rubber Boy, Thunder ShinobiLimited Value
July 22 editorial review

What changed in this Anime Expeditions tier list

These changes combine the new Wiki Team role order with current independent analysis; they are not developer-issued balance changes.

UnitChangeReason
Elf Mage (Unleashed)A → SThe July 22 official Wiki list places it in the overall Top 5 and second in its DPS order, while newer independent coverage also treats its long-mode scaling as top tier.
Crimson (Brother)S → AIts mark and area damage remain strong, but current role comparisons place it behind more complete carries.
Flame Emperor (Reincarnate)S → ABurn synergy keeps it valuable, but its current cross-source position is below the most self-sufficient S-Tier damage units.
Toy MakerS → AA-Tier reflects baseline performance; Unbound can raise its one-placement summon output to a conditional S-Tier level.
External editorial comparison

Official Wiki role rankings

This is a Wiki Team editorial list curated by @ansphoria, not developer-authored balance data.

Read the source ranking · Accessed Jul 22, 2026.

S

S-Tier — Meta Defining

The strongest cross-role choices for difficult content and efficient progression.

Physical scaling hypercarrySecretNeutral

8th Sword (Berserk)

Why S-Tier: It scales permanently from takedowns, adds repeatable Stun and inner-range damage, and gains a Berserk burst window after ramping.

Best Traits
Strength II, Bolt, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Physical copy DPS and summon hybridMythicDark

Cursed Student (True Love)

Why S-Tier: Cursed Mimicry borrows value from a nearby carry, while Spirit Bats add sustained damage when the team supplies Bleed.

Best Traits
Strength II, Bolt, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Magical scaling area DPSMythicLight

Elf Mage (Unleashed)

Why S-Tier: The official Wiki places Elf Mage (Unleashed) in its overall Top 5 and second in DPS; its charge-driven area attacks and permanent spell scaling justify S-Tier despite the ramp time.

Best Traits
Enlightenment, Precision I, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Psychic boss support and controlMythicLight

Puppet (Telekinetic)

Why S-Tier: Puppet Mark amplifies damage taken by a priority enemy, while Rewind and the Doll summon add boss control and emergency safety.

Best Traits
Optics, Speed II, Enlightenment
Mode fit
Raids and difficult waves where extra time and safer damage windows matter.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Physical economy supportLegendaryFarm

Ramen Guy

Why S-Tier: Its reported 50% bonus Yen from kills accelerates upgrades in longer stages and gives it more team value than a replaceable damage slot.

Best Traits
Investor, Enlightenment
Mode fit
Story, Infinite and other long stages where early investment can repay itself.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Magical crowd-control supportMythicGale

Salmon Sorcerer (Grade 1)

Why S-Tier: Strong control and scaling Slow make it a premium support for keeping enemies inside carry range, especially with its unit-specific equipment.

Best Traits
Optics, Speed II, Enlightenment
Mode fit
Raids and difficult waves where extra time and safer damage windows matter.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Magical summoner DPS and team supportSecretDark

Shadow (Divine)

Why S-Tier: Its permanent summons, Stun and Rewind utility, plus a temporary team-wide Magical damage buff, make it one of the most complete release-meta units.

Best Traits
Optics, Speed II, Enlightenment
Mode fit
Bosses and coordinated teams that can capitalize on buffs or debuffs.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
A

A-Tier — Strong Picks

Reliable units that perform well across most teams and progression stages.

Magical area and damage-over-time DPSExclusiveDark

Crimson (Brother)

Why A-Tier: Delayed mark explosions, damaging pools, and a controllable line attack remain strong, but the official role ranking and newer independent lists place Crimson below the release meta's most complete carries.

Best Traits
Enlightenment, Precision I, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Magical burn and damage-over-time DPSMythicFlame

Flame Emperor (Reincarnate)

Why A-Tier: Reliable Burn application and Hollow synergy remain valuable, but the July 22 official DPS order and newer independent testing place it below the most self-sufficient S-Tier carries.

Best Traits
Enlightenment, Precision I, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Physical burn-consumption DPSMythicFlame

Hollow (Blaze)

Why A-Tier: It converts Burn applications into extra damage and becomes much stronger beside a consistent Burn source, but loses much of its kit without one.

Best Traits
Strength II, Bolt, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Physical area DPSMythicTerra

Lady Giant (Envy)

Why A-Tier: A strong physical damage option with useful area coverage, but current cross-source rankings place it just below the most self-sufficient release carries.

Best Traits
Strength II, Bolt, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Physical critical-hit DPSMythicLight

Reaper (Released)

Why A-Tier: Reaper can scale damage, Critical Chance and attack speed in longer mixed-enemy stages, but needs time and a critical-focused build to peak.

Best Traits
Strength II, Bolt, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Magical area DPS and controlMythicNeutral

String Demon (Awakened)

Why A-Tier: Its control and burst are valuable, but full performance depends on team attack speed and the Webbed Fruit equipment passive.

Best Traits
Optics, Speed II, Enlightenment
Mode fit
Raids and difficult waves where extra time and safer damage windows matter.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Psychic summonerExclusiveDark

Toy Maker

Why A-Tier: Its one-placement summons are useful at baseline, but the strongest published results depend on Unbound; treat it as conditional S-Tier with Unbound and A-Tier otherwise.

Best Traits
Enlightenment, Precision I, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Magical damage amplifier and beginner carryMythicLight

True Saint (Holy)

Why A-Tier: Its mark increases damage taken by enemies and it remains useful early, though published testing says its personal damage falls behind in late content.

Best Traits
Enlightenment, Precision I, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
B

B-Tier — Solid Choices

Useful units with clear strengths, balanced by matchup or investment limits.

Physical boss DPSLegendaryDark

Greed

Why B-Tier: Its boss-focused damage remains useful for early progression, but broader release-meta carries outperform it across mixed waves.

Best Traits
Strength II, Bolt, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Magical controlLegendaryHydro

Ice Queen

Why B-Tier: Freeze and control are helpful during early progression, but its damage and scaling do not match the upper-tier options.

Best Traits
Optics, Speed II, Enlightenment
Mode fit
Raids and difficult waves where extra time and safer damage windows matter.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Physical single-target DPSLegendaryTerra

Scissor

Why B-Tier: It can ramp against one target and works as an accessible early carry, but is a temporary slot once stronger Mythic options arrive.

Best Traits
Strength II, Bolt, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Magical defensive supportLegendaryHydro

Water Princess

Why B-Tier: Its debuff protection offers situational value, but the slot is less universally useful than damage amplification, economy, or hard control.

Best Traits
Optics, Speed II, Enlightenment
Mode fit
Bosses and coordinated teams that can capitalize on buffs or debuffs.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
C

C-Tier — Situational

Niche options that need the right team, mode, or stage to show their value.

Physical damageEpicNeutral

Bounty Hunter

Why C-Tier: Published release rankings describe it as straightforward damage with limited scaling or utility, making it a temporary progression unit.

Best Traits
Strength II, Bolt, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Physical damageEpicNeutral

Corps Captain

Why C-Tier: It supplies basic damage but lacks the documented scaling and utility that define higher-tier release units.

Best Traits
Strength II, Bolt, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Physical damageEpicFlame

Demon Cyborg

Why C-Tier: The release consensus treats it as a basic damage dealer that should be replaced when stronger role-complete units become available.

Best Traits
Strength II, Bolt, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Magical damage and controlEpicHydro

Ice Mage

Why C-Tier: It offers early Hydro coverage and some control value, but is outscaled by Ice Queen and higher-rarity support options.

Best Traits
Optics, Speed II, Enlightenment
Mode fit
Raids and difficult waves where extra time and safer damage windows matter.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Physical damageEpicFlame

Nen Hunter

Why C-Tier: Current release rankings place it among plain damage options with little documented scaling, support, or late-game value.

Best Traits
Strength II, Bolt, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
D

D-Tier — Limited Value

Units that are generally outperformed in the current reviewed meta.

Physical damageRareGale

Carrot

Why D-Tier: The release consensus places it among the first units to replace because it has no documented passive or durable late-game role.

Best Traits
Strength II, Bolt, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Physical damageRareFlame

Curly Brow

Why D-Tier: Current release rankings find no documented passive or utility that offsets its low scaling, so it should be replaced early.

Best Traits
Strength II, Bolt, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Magical damageRareStorm

Kid Assassin

Why D-Tier: It is a launch progression filler with no documented passive kit and is outperformed as soon as stronger units become available.

Best Traits
Enlightenment, Precision I, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Magical damageRareLight

Reishi Archer

Why D-Tier: Its release-meta placement reflects limited scaling and no documented utility compared with accessible higher-tier options.

Best Traits
Enlightenment, Precision I, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Physical damageRareFlame

Rubber Boy

Why D-Tier: Published rankings treat it as an early filler with no meaningful passive contribution to justify continued investment.

Best Traits
Strength II, Bolt, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Magical damageRareStorm

Thunder Shinobi

Why D-Tier: It lacks the documented control, scaling, or support value of the release roster's stronger Storm and Magical choices.

Best Traits
Enlightenment, Precision I, Limit Breaker
Mode fit
Story progression, Raids and boss-focused teams when supported by economy and control.
Version change
New at release; no prior independently reviewed placement.
Open full unit guide →Version evidence
Version history & methodology

How we rank Anime Expeditions units

  1. 01
    Official facts

    Upgrade rows, placement limits, elements, archetypes, and abilities are checked against the official support Wiki.

  2. 02
    Decision value

    Tier reasoning weighs damage, economy, control, support, investment cost, team-slot efficiency, and mode fit.

  3. 03
    Patch evidence

    A tier moves only when a verified balance change or stronger gameplay evidence supports the change.

Current version: Release (0.0). Read the update record for additions and tier impact.

Tier list FAQ

Anime Expeditions tier list questions

What is the best unit in Anime Expeditions?

8th Sword (Berserk), Cursed Student (True Love), Elf Mage (Unleashed), Puppet (Telekinetic), Ramen Guy, Salmon Sorcerer (Grade 1), Shadow (Divine) currently lead the reviewed S-Tier for Release (0.0). Read the role, upgrade cost, and mode fit before spending resources.

How often does this tier list change?

Rankings are reviewed after every verified balance patch, with a 24-hour review target. The displayed date changes only when the placements or supporting evidence are actually checked.

Last tier list review: