Anime Guardians Tier List (March 2026) Best Units Ranked

Welcome to the most comprehensive Anime Guardians Tier List 2026 you’ll find anywhere! As a dedicated player who has spent countless hours testing every unit in Update 23, I’m here to help you build the ultimate team that dominates every wave and boss challenge. Whether you’re a beginner looking to understand the meta or a veteran seeking the latest UPD 23 insights, this guide has everything you need.

In this complete tier list, I’ll break down every unit from the game-changing S+ tier champions to the units you should avoid investing in. With Update 23 introducing powerful new characters like Kurumi (Zafkiel), Frieren (Thousand Years), and Cartethyia (Echo Of Oblivion), the meta has shifted significantly, and staying informed is crucial for success.

Quick Overview: Current Meta Snapshot

Tier	Unit Count	Key Characteristics	Investment Priority
S+	3-5 units	Game-breaking damage/utility	MAXIMUM
S	8-12 units	Meta-defining performance	HIGH
A	15-20 units	Solid competitive choices	MEDIUM
B	10-15 units	Situational usefulness	LOW
C	6-10 units	Limited effectiveness	AVOID
D	5-8 units	Underperforming	NEVER

Understanding the Tier System

Before diving into the rankings, it’s essential to understand what each tier represents:

• S+ Tier: These units completely redefine the game meta and are worth maximum investment
• S Tier: Top-tier performers that excel in most situations
• A Tier: Reliable units that perform well with proper team composition
• B Tier: Niche units that can work in specific scenarios
• C Tier: Underpowered units that struggle in current content
• D Tier: Units that should be avoided entirely

S+ Tier: The Game Changers

Kurumi (Zafkiel) – Heaven

Role: Main DPS/Support Hybrid Why S+ Tier: Kurumi’s time manipulation abilities make her the most versatile unit in UPD 23. Her damage output scales incredibly well, and her support capabilities can turn the tide of any battle.

Key Strengths:

• Exceptional AoE damage
• Time-slow utility that benefits entire team
• Scales well with investment
• Viable in all game modes

Investment Priority: MAXIMUM – This unit should be your first priority if you pull her.

Frieren (Thousand Years) – Limited

Role: Burst DPS Why S+ Tier: Frieren’s magical damage output is unmatched in the current meta. Her ability to delete waves of enemies makes her essential for high-level content.

Key Strengths:

• Highest magical damage in game
• Excellent wave clear
• Strong against boss enemies
• Limited availability increases value

Cartethyia (Echo Of Oblivion) – Limited

Role: Support/Debuffer Why S+ Tier: Cartethyia’s debuff capabilities make even the toughest enemies manageable. Her synergy with DPS units is unmatched.

Key Strengths:

• Powerful enemy debuffs
• Team-wide damage amplification
• Essential for raid content
• Rare utility that can’t be replaced

S Tier: Meta Defining Units

Ichongo (Vasto Lorde)

Role: Main DPS Why S Tier: Consistently high damage output with excellent scaling. While newer units have emerged, Ichongo remains a top-tier choice for DPS.

Kafla (Overpower)

Role: Hybrid DPS/Support Why S Tier: Versatile unit that can fill multiple roles effectively. Great for players who need flexibility in team composition.

Aozort (Lord Arc)

Role: Tank/Support Why S Tier: Unmatched defensive capabilities with useful support abilities. Essential for survival in high-difficulty content.

Sung (Shadow Monarch)

Role: DPS/Summoner Why S Tier: Unique summoning mechanics provide consistent damage output. Excellent for prolonged battles.

Void (God Hand)

Role: Burst DPS Why S Tier: Incredible burst damage potential that can delete priority targets. Perfect for boss fights.

Gohan (Ultra Beast)

Role: Main DPS Why S Tier: Reliable damage dealer with excellent transformation mechanics. Scales incredibly well with investment.

Tio (Over Heaven)

Role: Support/Healer Why S Tier: Best healing support in the game. Essential for survival in challenging content.

A Tier: Solid Competitive Choices

Alon (Demon Lord)

Role: DPS/Tank Hybrid Why A Tier: Good balance of damage and durability, but outclassed by specialized units in either role.

Sai

Role: DPS Why A Tier: Consistent damage output but lacks the burst potential of S-tier units.

Ichiongo (True Bankai)

Role: DPS Why A Tier: Strong damage but requires specific team composition to shine.

Kafla (Base)

Role: DPS Why A Tier: Good damage output but significantly weaker than Overpower version.

Aozort (Hollow Form)

Role: DPS Why A Tier: Strong damage but less versatile than Lord Arc version.

Ichongo (Bankai)

Role: DPS Why A Tier: Solid performance but outclassed by Vasto Lorde form.

Griffith (Sacrifice)

Role: Support/DPS Why A Tier: Unique mechanics but requires specific investment to be effective.

Guts (Berserk)

Role: DPS Why A Tier: High damage potential but inconsistent performance.

Matsuri (Love Pillar)

Role: Support Why A Tier: Good support abilities but outclassed by dedicated healers.

Beerus (Destroyer)

Role: DPS Why A Tier: Strong AoE damage but lacks single-target effectiveness.

Lofy (Gear 5)

Role: DPS Why A Tier: Fun mechanics but underperforms compared to top-tier DPS units.

Goku (Ultra Instinct)

Role: DPS Why A Tier: Iconic character but average performance in current meta.

Vegeta (Ultra Ego)

Role: DPS Why A Tier: Similar to Goku – solid but not meta-defining.

B Tier: Situational Specialists

Bolm

Role: Tank Why B Tier: Decent tank but lacks the utility of higher-tier defenders.

Gogo

Role: Support Why B Tier: Limited usefulness outside specific team compositions.

Alon (Phase 1)

Role: DPS Why B Tier: Significantly weaker than evolved versions.

Satalan

Role: Support Why B Tier: Niche utility that rarely sees use in current meta.

Mish

Role: DPS Why B Tier: Low damage output compared to other units.

Rimosi

Role: Support Why B Tier: Limited effectiveness in most situations.

Aozort (Base)

Role: DPS Why B Tier: Outclassed by all evolved forms.

Saber

Role: DPS Why B Tier: Average damage with no standout features.

Rudy

Role: Support Why B Tier: Limited utility in current content.

Kilu

Role: DPS Why B Tier: Underwhelming damage output.

Susuna

Role: Support Why B Tier: Niche abilities with limited application.

Sung (Base)

Role: DPS Why B Tier: Much weaker than Shadow Monarch version.

C Tier: Limited Effectiveness

Miwalk

Role: DPS Why C Tier: Extremely low damage output for current content.

Osto

Role: Support Why C Tier: Useless abilities that don’t contribute to team success.

Rom

Role: Tank Why C Tier: Can’t survive in current difficulty levels.

Fleren

Role: DPS Why C Tier: Underwhelming damage and no utility.

Subaro

Role: Support Why C Tier: Abilities that don’t work as intended.

Beauty

Role: Support Why C Tier: No meaningful contribution to team performance.

D Tier: Avoid These Units

Natshi

Role: DPS Why D Tier: Completely useless in current meta.

Ichongo (Base)

Role: DPS Why D Tier: Outclassed by every evolved version.

Emilian

Role: Support Why D Tier: No useful abilities whatsoever.

Team Composition Strategies

Beginner Team Setup

For new players, I recommend focusing on:

1. One S-Tier DPS (Ichongo or Kafla)
2. One A-Tier Support (Matsuri or Sai)
3. One B-Tier Tank (Bolm or Alon Phase 1)

Mid-Game Progression

As you advance, aim for:

1. S-Tier DPS + S-Tier Support combination
2. Add specialized units for specific content
3. Begin investing in evolution materials

End-Game Meta Team

For maximum effectiveness:

1. S+ Tier unit (if lucky enough to pull one)
2. Multiple S-Tier units with synergy
3. Optimized support lineup

Investment Priorities

Resource Allocation

1. Priority 1: S+ and S-Tier units
2. Priority 2: Evolution materials for top units
3. Priority 3: A-Tier units with specific utility
4. Priority 4: Avoid investing in B-Tier and below

Upgrade Path

1. Level up your best units first
2. Evolve S-Tier units before others
3. Equip best artifacts on top units
4. Save resources for future S+ units

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Spreading Resources Too Thin

Don’t try to upgrade too many units at once. Focus on 3-5 core units.

2. Ignoring Synergy

Some units work better together. Research team compositions before investing.

3. Chasing Meta Blindly

While meta units are strong, play what you enjoy within reason.

4. Neglecting Support Units

DPS is important, but support units often determine success.

5. Not Planning for Future Updates

Save some resources for upcoming units and balance changes.

UPD 23 Impact Analysis

The latest update has significantly shifted the meta:

Major Changes:

• New S+ Tier units have redefined top-end play
• Balance changes have affected several A and B tier units
• New game modes favor certain unit types
• Raid content requires specific team compositions

Adapting to the Meta:

1. Prioritize new units if you pull them
2. Adjust team compositions for new content
3. Re-evaluate current investments
4. Stay updated on balance changes

Future Meta Predictions

Based on current trends and developer patterns:

Likely Future Changes:

• Power creep will continue with new updates
• New game modes may favor different unit types
• Balance patches will shake up current rankings
• Limited units will maintain high value

Investment Strategy:

1. Focus on current meta but prepare for changes
2. Diversify investments slightly
3. Save premium currency for future releases
4. Stay informed about upcoming updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often is this tier list updated?

A: I update this tier list immediately after major updates or balance changes, typically every 2-3 weeks or whenever significant meta shifts occur.

Q: Should I invest in lower-tier units I like?

A: While you can invest in units you enjoy, prioritize S and A-tier units for competitive content. Save lower-tier investments for casual play.

Q: How do I get S+ tier units?

A: S+ tier units are typically limited-time releases with very low pull rates. Save premium currency and participate in special events for best chances.

Q: Are older units still viable?

A: Some older units remain viable (like Ichongo), but many have been power-crept. Check current rankings before investing heavily.

Q: What’s the best team composition for beginners?

A: Start with one solid DPS (S-Tier), one support, and one tank. Focus on upgrading these three before expanding your roster.

Q: How important are evolutions?

A: Evolutions are crucial for reaching a unit’s full potential. Always prioritize evolving S and A-tier units first.

Q: Should I pull for every new banner?

A: No, be selective. Focus on banners with S+ tier units or units that fill gaps in your team composition.

Q: How do I know if a unit is worth investing in?

A: Check this tier list, consider your team needs, and evaluate the unit’s performance in actual gameplay before heavy investment.

Q: What’s the best way to farm upgrade materials?

A: Focus on daily quests, event rewards, and specific game modes that offer the materials you need for your priority units.

Q: Will this tier list change with future updates?

A: Absolutely! Game balance evolves with each update. Bookmark this page and check back regularly for the latest rankings.

Conclusion

This Anime Guardians Tier List 2026 provides you with the most comprehensive analysis available for building the perfect team. Remember that while tier lists are valuable guides, the best team is one that works with your playstyle and resources.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize S+ and S-tier units for competitive success
• Invest wisely in evolution and upgrades
• Stay flexible as the meta evolves with updates
• Have fun while building your dream team

For the latest codes to help you build your ultimate team, check out our Anime Guardians Codes guide. And if you’re interested in similar tower defense experiences, our Garden Tower Defense Best Units guide offers great insights.