Acecraft Tier List December 2025: Best Pilots Ranked S to C

Choosing the right pilot in Acecraft can transform your bullet hell experience from frustrating to exhilarating. With the game’s Cuphead-inspired visuals and intense shoot ’em up gameplay, having a top-tier pilot makes all the difference between dominating boss fights and watching your aircraft explode repeatedly. I’ve tested every single pilot across all game modes, and I’m here to share exactly which characters deserve your gems and which ones should stay benched.

Quick Answer: The best pilots in Acecraft right now are Tom, Elsa, Jerry, and Joey – all ranked S-tier for their exceptional boss DPS, AoE damage, and versatility across all game modes. Tom stands out as the most well-rounded option with his invincibility ultimate, while Elsa absolutely melts bosses with her fire machine gun ultimate.

The bullet hell mobile game market exploded in 2025, and Acecraft emerged as one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences available. Whether you’re grinding solo missions or tackling cooperative challenges with friends, your pilot choice directly impacts your success rate. This comprehensive tier list breaks down all 10+ pilots from S-tier powerhouses to C-tier bench warmers, complete with detailed ability breakdowns, acquisition methods, and strategic recommendations.

Complete Acecraft Pilot Tier List December 2025

After hundreds of hours testing pilots across Story Mode, Boss Rush, Elemental Trials, and cooperative missions, here’s my definitive ranking. This tier list considers overall performance, ease of acquisition, and value for both F2P and premium players.

Tier	Sharpshot	Crusher	Vanguard
S	Elsa, Jerry, Joey	Tom	Summer (Not in Global)
A	Charlie	Amelia, Scott	Ironarm
B	Ryan, Ekko	–	–
C	–	–	–

S-Tier Pilots – The Meta Dominators

These pilots represent the absolute best options in Acecraft. They excel in both early game progression and late-game content, making them worthy of your premium currency investment.

Tom (Cyclone Crusher) – The Ultimate All-Rounder

Tom might look like a cartoon cat, but don’t let his appearance fool you – he’s a killing machine. His aircraft resembles giant bellows, and his kit provides everything you need: massive AoE damage, strong single-target DPS, and a game-changing ultimate.

Main Cannon: Fires marble balls that explode on impact, dealing AoE damage to clustered enemies. Position yourself strategically to maximize splash damage.

Passive – Bombs Away: Automatically deploys TNT packs in front of your aircraft every few seconds. These explosive traps detonate when enemies get close, creating a defensive perimeter.

Stunt – Take This!: Throws penetrating dumbbells that strike enemies twice, dealing heavy damage on both passes.

Ultimate – Trash Blast: Transform into a massive bellows that pulls trash from off-screen toward enemies. Grants complete invincibility during activation and clears projectiles while dealing massive screen-wide damage.

Why S-Tier? Tom’s invincibility ultimate makes him the safest option for difficult bosses. His combination of AoE and single-target capabilities means he never has a bad matchup. Perfect for players who want one pilot that handles everything.

Elsa (Solaris Sharpshot) – The Boss Destroyer

If you want to watch boss health bars evaporate, Elsa is your pilot. She’s built specifically for melting high-HP targets with her fire-based projectile system and devastating ultimate.

Main Cannon: Standard fire projectiles with solid damage output.

Passive & Stunt: Absorbing pink enemy projectiles boosts Elsa’s damage and grants projectile penetration. Her stunt fires enhanced shots after absorption.

Ultimate – Dual Machine Guns: Fires two rapid-fire machine guns that shoot flaming projectiles. The DPS during this window is absolutely insane – I’ve seen it delete boss phases in seconds.

Why S-Tier? Elsa has the highest burst damage potential in the game. Her ultimate turns difficult boss fights into speedruns. The pink projectile absorption mechanic rewards skilled defensive play with offensive power.

Jerry (Sandstorm Sharpshot) – The AoE Specialist

Jerry brings consistent damage, frequent ultimates, and excellent crowd control. His fruit-based arsenal might sound silly, but it’s devastatingly effective.

Main Cannon: Fires two projectiles instead of one from the start (triple shot with upgrades), giving him superior wave-clear capabilities.

Passive – Fruit Frenzy: Every 3 pink projectiles absorbed generates a fruit projectile. When ultimate energy isn’t full, Jerry throws these fruits at enemies. Each fruit deals different stunt damage and restores ultimate energy.

Stunt – Pie Throw: Tosses pies after absorbing pink shots, dealing solid damage.

Ultimate – Bomb Drop: Grants invincibility and drops 6 bombs across the field, each dealing massive AoE damage. The invincibility window makes this perfect for dodging complex attack patterns.

Why S-Tier? Jerry’s passive lets him spam his ultimate more frequently than any other pilot. The combination of invincibility and AoE damage makes him exceptional for both boss fights and mob-heavy stages.

Joey (Sandstorm Sharpshot) – The Beginner’s Best Friend

Don’t let the “beginner-friendly” label fool you – Joey remains competitive in end-game content. He’s given free after two days of logging in, making him the most accessible S-tier pilot.

Main Cannon: Fires three forked projectiles in a cone shape, providing excellent coverage without requiring precise aim.

Passive & Stunt: Joey’s counter skill converts absorbed pink projectiles into wide-area damage. This defensive mechanic makes him incredibly forgiving for players still learning bullet patterns.

Ultimate – Drill Dash: Transforms Joey and his aircraft into a massive drill that propels forward through enemies, dealing continuous damage along the path.

Why S-Tier? Joey’s counter mechanic provides both offense and defense, making him the safest pilot for newcomers. His triple-shot cannon requires less precision than single-target options. The fact that he’s free makes him an absolute must-have.

A-Tier Pilots – Solid Alternatives

A-tier pilots are excellent choices when S-tier options aren’t available. They handle most content effectively but may struggle slightly in the hardest challenges compared to top-tier picks.

Amelia (Solaris Crusher) – Best A-Rank DPS

Amelia stands out as the strongest A-rarity pilot in the game. Her penetrating laser attacks ignore shields and provide reliable boss damage.

Main Cannon: Fires penetrating projectiles that split into 4 smaller shots after hitting the first enemy. These split projectiles can’t be blocked, making Amelia exceptional against shielded enemies.

Stunt & Ultimate: Both deal instant laser damage that’s impossible to miss, unlike projectile-based abilities that can whiff against fast enemies.

Acquisition: Limited to premium events and season pass rewards (10% drop rate), making her harder to obtain than standard pilots.

Why A-Tier? Amelia has S-tier DPS output but slightly less versatility than the top pilots. Her instant-hit lasers are beginner-friendly, but she struggles with large enemy waves compared to AoE specialists.

Scott (Sandstorm Crusher) – The Explosion Expert

Scott specializes in splash damage through his explosive cannon shots. He’s straightforward to play and effective in cooperative modes.

Main Cannon: Each shot explodes on contact, dealing AoE damage to nearby enemies. Great for stages with clustered opponents.

Strengths: Simple mechanics, dependable in co-op, provides good mix of single-target and splash power. Standard pull availability (15% drop rate).

Weaknesses: Limited attack range forces closer positioning. Average scaling in hardest end-game content. Stunt projectiles can miss fast-moving enemies.

Why A-Tier? Scott excels in his specific role but lacks the all-around dominance of S-tier pilots. Perfect for players who prefer straightforward explosive gameplay.

Charlie (Nimbus Sharpshot) – The Elemental Trial Essential

Charlie holds a unique position as the only Nimbus element pilot, making him mandatory for Elemental Trials where element matching matters.

Main Cannon: Fires bouncing projectiles that ricochet between enemies, making him excellent for clearing clustered groups.

Strengths: Bouncing shots require minimal aim adjustment. Easier to obtain (15% drop rate). Essential for Nimbus-specific content.

Weaknesses: Weak against single bosses. Needs investment to stay competitive in late stages.

Why A-Tier? Charlie’s elemental exclusivity guarantees his relevance. His bouncing projectiles shine in specific scenarios, though he’s outclassed by S-tiers in general content.

Ironarm (Cyclone Vanguard) – The Only Global Vanguard

Ironarm currently stands as the sole Vanguard pilot in the global version (Summer isn’t released yet).

Main Cannon: Creates wind gusts that damage enemies in the path.

Stunt – Tidal Sweep: Unleashes wide swings after absorbing pink projectiles, excellent for clearing hordes.

Ultimate – Soaring Storm: Transforms into a tornado that damages nearby enemies and clears projectiles every 0.3 seconds.

Strengths: Reliable straight shots, strong counter skill, fairly easy to obtain (15% drop rate).

Weaknesses: Melee-focused stunt forces risky close-range play. Weak spread attacks compared to specialists. Gets outperformed by dedicated role specialists.

Why A-Tier? Ironarm provides steady performance but lacks the explosive power or safety of S-tier options. His melee mechanics feel out of place in a bullet hell shooter.

B-Tier Pilots – Average Options

B-tier pilots work fine for early progression but get overshadowed quickly. Consider them temporary solutions until better options arrive.

Ryan (Sandstorm Sharpshot)

Ryan’s straightforward design makes him beginner-friendly, but his kit lacks depth.

Main Cannon: Fires straight shots with no special effects.

Ultimate: Generates a bouncing bullet for coverage.

Acquisition: Very common (25% drop rate) and early campaign rewards.

Why B-Tier? Ryan teaches basic mechanics effectively but offers nothing special. His plain kit means he gets replaced as soon as you pull literally any A or S-tier pilot.

Ekko (Default Starting Pilot)

Every player begins with Ekko, making him the most accessible pilot in the game.

Main Cannon: Basic projectiles designed for tutorial learning.

Ultimate: Deals damage to all enemies on screen while clearing projectiles.

Stunt: Transforms shots into tracking flames.

Why B-Tier? Ekko exists to teach game fundamentals. His abilities provide minimal value compared to even common pulls. Replace him immediately after obtaining Joey (free after 2 days).

How to Unlock Pilots in Acecraft?

Understanding acquisition methods helps you target specific pilots efficiently. Here’s how to build your roster:

Free Pilots:

• Ekko: Automatic starting pilot
• Joey: Free after logging in for 2 days

Standard Recruiting (Gems): Most pilots are available through the recruiting system with varying drop rates:

• Common/A-Rank: 15-25% drop rates
• Epic/S-Rank: Lower rates, typically 3-5%

Navigator Pass: Progress through the battle pass to unlock specific pilots at designated milestones. This guaranteed method removes RNG if you’re willing to complete challenges.

Event Banners: Premium events occasionally feature rate-up banners for specific pilots like Amelia (10% drop rate during events). These limited-time opportunities provide your best chance at hard-to-get pilots.

Elite Stage Rewards: Some pilots like Ironarm can drop from elite stage completions (15% drop rate), providing a grindable free-to-play option.

Pilot Roles Explained: Sharpshot vs Crusher vs Vanguard

Understanding the three pilot archetypes helps you build balanced teams for cooperative play.

Sharpshot Pilots (High DPS, Lower Survivability): Sharpshot pilots like Elsa, Jerry, and Joey focus on dealing consistent damage through rapid-fire cannons and projectile-based abilities. They excel at:

• Boss fights requiring sustained DPS
• Stages with mixed enemy types
• Long-range engagements

Crusher Pilots (Balanced Damage and Utility): Crushers like Tom, Amelia, and Scott provide explosive AoE capabilities. Best for:

• Wave-clearing in mob-heavy stages
• Providing area denial
• Supporting teammates in co-op

Vanguard Pilots (Defensive Specialists): Vanguards like Ironarm focus on survivability and close-range combat. Their role includes:

• Frontline positioning in co-op
• Absorbing projectiles for teammates
• Elemental Trial requirements

Building Your First Team: Priority Recommendations

For Absolute Beginners:

1. Use Ekko until day 2
2. Switch to Joey immediately upon unlocking (free after 2-day login)
3. Save gems for your first S-tier pull (aim for Tom or Elsa)
4. Complete Navigator Pass missions for guaranteed pilot unlocks

For Free-to-Play Players:

1. Joey (Free, S-tier) – Your main until you pull better
2. Amelia (Best A-rank) – Farm event banners when available
3. Charlie (Nimbus element) – Needed for Elemental Trials
4. Target Tom or Elsa with saved gems for first S-tier

For Spenders:

1. Tom – Most versatile, handles all content
2. Elsa – Fastest boss clears
3. Jerry – Ultimate spam for difficult stages
4. Amelia – Best A-rank fills gaps

Advanced Pilot Strategies & Tips

Pink Projectile Management: Several top pilots (Elsa, Jerry, Joey) gain significant benefits from absorbing pink enemy projectiles. Master this mechanic:

• Position to intercept pink shots safely
• Time absorptions between attack patterns
• Chain absorptions into stunt activations for maximum DPS

Ultimate Energy Optimization: Jerry’s fruit passive provides ultimate energy regeneration. Maximize this by:

• Prioritizing pink projectile absorption
• Holding ultimate for difficult phases
• Timing invincibility windows to dodge undodgeable patterns

Counter Play with Joey: Joey’s counter converts absorbed projectiles into AoE damage. Use this to:

• Clear mobs while dodging boss attacks
• Build damage during defensive phases
• Survive overwhelming projectile density

Tom’s Trap Setup: Tom’s passive TNT placement creates defensive zones. Strategic use includes:

• Pre-placing traps at boss spawn points
• Creating safe corridors through projectile walls
• Forcing enemy pathing into explosive areas

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Spreading Resources Too Thin: Focus on upgrading 2-3 pilots maximum rather than leveling everyone equally. Resources scale significantly in cost, and a single maxed pilot outperforms three mediocre ones.

Ignoring Free Options: Joey is free and S-tier. I’ve seen players ignore him while chasing other S-tiers, wasting gems on pulls when they already have a top-tier option.

Skipping Charlie: Even if he’s A-tier, Charlie’s Nimbus element makes him mandatory for Elemental Trials. Don’t skip obtaining him.

Neglecting Equipment: Even S-tier pilots need proper equipment and upgrades. A fully upgraded A-tier pilot outperforms a base-level S-tier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the absolute best pilot in Acecraft?

Tom edges out as the single best all-around pilot thanks to his invincibility ultimate, strong AoE damage, and solid single-target DPS. He excels in every game mode without weaknesses. However, Elsa beats him specifically for boss-rushing content.

Which pilot should F2P players focus on?

Joey is your answer. He’s free after 2 days of logging in, remains S-tier competitive through all content, and his counter mechanic makes him extremely forgiving for beginners. Pair him with Amelia when you pull her from events for a devastating combo.

Are S-rarity pilots worth the gems?

Absolutely yes. The power gap between S-rarity and A-rarity pilots becomes massive in late-game content. S-tier pilots have better stat scaling, more impactful abilities, and handle end-game bosses significantly better. Save your gems for guaranteed S-tier banners rather than standard pulls.

How important is pilot element matching?

Element matching primarily matters in Elemental Trials mode, where you need specific elements to deal full damage. Charlie being the only Nimbus pilot makes him essential for Nimbus trials despite his A-tier overall ranking. For general content, pilot tier matters more than element.

Can I complete the game with only Joey?

Yes! Joey’s S-tier ranking means he can handle all story content and most challenges. However, having multiple pilots provides strategic flexibility. Some stages heavily favor AoE specialists (Tom, Jerry) while others need raw boss DPS (Elsa). Diversity helps.

What’s the best pilot combination for co-op mode?

Tom (AoE coverage) + Elsa (boss damage) creates the strongest duo. Tom handles mob waves while Elsa focuses on melting bosses. Alternative combo: Jerry (frequent invincibility) + Amelia (penetrating damage) for safer but slightly slower clears.

How long does it take to unlock a specific S-tier pilot?

Without spending, expect 2-4 weeks of saving gems for enough pulls to hit pity on a rate-up banner. Free gem income from dailies, events, and story progression provides approximately 3000-5000 gems weekly. Most S-tier guaranteed pulls require 10000-15000 gems.

Should I pull on standard banners or wait for rate-ups?

Always wait for rate-up banners featuring S-tier pilots you want. Standard banners have diluted pools making specific pilot targeting nearly impossible. Rate-up banners double your featured pilot chances and usually include pity systems guaranteeing success.

Acecraft Tier List Conclusion

The Acecraft pilot tier list for December 2025 clearly shows Tom, Elsa, Jerry, and Joey dominating the meta. These S-tier pilots provide the best mix of damage output, survivability, and versatility needed to conquer the game’s challenging bullet hell gameplay. Whether you’re a free-to-play grinder or a premium spender, prioritizing these four pilots sets you up for success.

Remember that Joey being free removes all excuses – every player can access S-tier power immediately after two login days. Use him as your foundation while saving gems for Tom or Elsa pulls, and you’ll breeze through content that crushes unprepared players.

The beauty of Acecraft lies in its skill-based gameplay where even top-tier pilots require mastering dodge patterns, pink projectile absorption, and ultimate timing. Your pilot choice gives you the tools, but your execution determines victory. Practice with Joey, learn the mechanics, then graduate to specialized pilots as your roster expands.

For more mobile gaming tier lists and guides, check out our Zenless Zone Zero Tier List for gacha character rankings, Arena Breakout Infinite Weapons Tier List for tactical shooter loadouts, and Type Soul Bankai Tier List for Bleach-inspired combat builds. If you enjoy collecting games, our Grow a Garden Best Pets Tier List ranks all 145+ pets with trading values.

Stay updated with the latest Acecraft codes and events by bookmarking this page – we update our tier lists within 24 hours of major balance patches or new pilot releases. Now get out there and show those bosses why you’re the ace pilot!