Anime Last Stand Unit Tier List (March 2026) Best Units Ranked

Updated by Tanvi Mukherjee
January 22, 2026
Tier ListGaming

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to mastering Anime Last Stand! As someone who’s spent countless hours analyzing the meta and testing every unit, I’m here to help you understand which units will carry you to victory in 2026. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first strong units or a veteran player optimizing your late-game strategies, this tier list will give you the competitive edge you need.

Quick Overview: Current Meta Snapshot

Tier	Top Units	Best Game Modes	Rarity Focus
S+	Black Swordsman, Devil & Spirit, Shimon	All Modes	Ultimate/Godly
S	Time Goddess, Nature’s Scientist, Hero Hunter	Raids/Infinite	Ultimate/Godly
A	Burning Hero, Poche, Ladies Man	Story/Challenges	Godly/Celestial
B	Rim, Divine Knight, Flash Goddess	Early Progression	Celestial/Secret

Understanding the Tier System

Before diving into the rankings, it’s crucial to understand how I evaluate these units. My tier list considers multiple factors:

Damage Output: Both single-target and AoE capabilities
Utility: Support abilities, buffs, and special effects
Cost Efficiency: Value for placement and upgrade costs
Game Mode Versatility: Performance across different content types
Synergy Potential: How well they work with other units
Meta Relevance: Current standing in the competitive scene

S+ Tier: Game-Changing Units

These units redefine what’s possible in Anime Last Stand. If you have access to any of these, they should be your priority investments.

Black Swordsman (Berserker)

Rarity: Ultimate
Element: Dark
Why S+: Insane damage output with full AE regeneration stopper
Best Use: Endgame content, raids, and infinite mode
Synergy: Works well with buffer units like Shimon

Devil & Spirit (Union Dive)

Rarity: Ultimate
Element: Perfect Seal
Why S+: Best starter unit in the game – can solo most gamemodes unupgraded
Best Use: All game modes, especially early progression
Special Note: Perfect for new players and veterans alike

Shimon (Supreme Commander)

Rarity: Godly
Element: Cosmic
Why S+: Highest damage stat in progressive gamemodes (~670B glitched mystical)
Best Use: Progressive modes, team buffer
Unique Ability: Grants nearby units a portion of his massive damage

S Tier: Elite Performers

These units consistently deliver top-tier performance and are essential for competitive play.

Time Goddess (Angel)

Rarity: Ultimate
Element: Neutral
Why S: Incredible support capabilities with time manipulation
Best Use: Support role in team compositions
Meta Impact: Essential for high-level raids and challenges

Nature’s Scientist

Rarity: Ultimate
Element: Nature
Why S: Excellent nuke capabilities with nature-based damage
Best Use: Optimal nukes, boss melting
Synergy: Works well with other damage dealers

Hero Hunter (Cosmic)

Rarity: Godly
Element: Water
Why S: Versatile damage dealer with consistent performance
Best Use: Raids, legend stages, and general content
Evolution: Strong progression path

A Tier: Solid Meta Choices

These units are reliable performers that excel in specific situations or game modes.

Burning Hero (Fused)

Rarity: Godly
Element: Neutral
Why A: Great damage with fusion mechanics
Best Use: Mid-game progression, raids
Special Note: Requires specific fusion materials

Poche (Made in Heaven)

Rarity: Ultimate
Element: Light
Why A: Excellent stall capabilities with reliable damage
Best Use: Defense-oriented strategies
Utility: Great for protecting other units

Ladies Man (Love)

Rarity: Celestial
Element: Perfect Seal
Why A: Unique support abilities with love-based mechanics
Best Use: Team composition enhancement
Special Effect: Buffs nearby allies significantly

B Tier: Viable Options

These units have their place in specific team compositions or game modes but may require more strategic planning.

Rim (Oni)

Rarity: Celestial
Element: Dark
Why B: Good damage output with oni-themed abilities
Best Use: Mid-game content, specific elemental teams
Obtainment: Available through survival shop

Divine Knight (Protected)

Rarity: Celestial
Element: Light
Why B: Defensive capabilities with reliable damage
Best Use: Tank roles, defensive strategies
Synergy: Works well with offensive units

Flash Goddess (Thunder)

Rarity: Godly
Element: Thunder
Why B: Area damage with stunning capabilities
Best Use: Crowd control, multiple enemy scenarios
Special Note: Great for wave clearing

New Units from Recent Updates

Update 82 Highlights

The latest update introduced several game-changing units that are already making waves in the meta:

Karumi: The standout secret unit with three distinct modes (DPS, Support, Buff)
Bombi: Meta early unit with low cost and full AE capability
Fubuki: Battle pass unit with full AOE blizzard ability
Shion: Raw damage specialist with 75% damage boost potential

Update 80-81 Additions

Guts, Itadori, Madoka, Kurumi, Meliodas: All received extreme boosts
Senku + Shiny: New event unit with unique mechanics
Asta and Yuno: Powerful duo from new event banner

Game Mode Specific Rankings

Infinite Mode Best Units

Shimon (Supreme Commander)
Time Goddess (Angel)
Black Swordsman (Berserker)
Devil & Spirit (Union Dive)
Nature’s Scientist

Raid Optimal Composition

Shimon (Supreme Commander)
Time Goddess (Angel)
Black Swordsman (Berserker)
Itadoki (Shrine)
Nature’s Scientist

Survival Mode Specialists

Shimon (Supreme Commander)
Time Goddess (Angel)
Black Swordsman (Berserker)
Itadoki (Shrine)
Bulmy

Challenge Mode Breakers

Shimon (Supreme Commander)
Time Goddess (Angel)
Black Swordsman (Berserker)
Itadoki (Shrine)
Bulmy

Beginner’s Guide to Unit Selection

If you’re just starting out, here’s my recommended progression path:

Phase 1: Starter Units

Priority: Devil & Spirit (Union Dive)
Why: Can solo most early content without upgrades
Alternative: Time Goddess (Angel) for support

Phase 2: Early Progression

Next Goal: Black Swordsman (Berserker)
Why: Massive damage upgrade for mid-game
Support Addition: Hero Hunter (Cosmic)

Phase 3: Mid-Game Optimization

Focus: Building around Shimon (Supreme Commander)
Strategy: Use Shimon as your core damage dealer and buffer
Team Composition: Shimon + 2-3 damage dealers + 1 support

Advanced Strategies and Synergies

The Ultimate Team Composition

Based on my testing, here’s the most effective team setup for endgame content:

Shimon (Supreme Commander) – Core damage and buffer
Time Goddess (Angel) – Support and utility
Black Swordsman (Berserker) – Primary damage dealer
Nature’s Scientist – Nuke specialist
Devil & Spirit (Union Dive) – Versatile damage/support

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

If you don’t have access to the top-tier units, here are some cost-effective alternatives:

Replace Shimon: Hero Hunter (Cosmic) or Burning Hero (Fused)
Replace Time Goddess: Poche (Made in Heaven) for stall capabilities
Replace Black Swordsman: Devil & Spirit (if not already using)
Replace Nature’s Scientist: Wrath (Assault) for nuke damage

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Unit Synergy

Many players focus only on individual unit power without considering how they work together. Always build teams with complementary abilities.

2. Overinvesting in Single Units

Don’t pour all your resources into one unit. A balanced team will always outperform a single overpowered unit.

3. Neglecting Support Units

Damage dealers are important, but support units like Time Goddess and Shimon can dramatically increase your entire team’s effectiveness.

4. Not Adapting to Game Modes

Different game modes require different strategies. Always adjust your team composition based on the specific challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best unit for beginners?

A: Devil & Spirit (Union Dive) is unquestionably the best starter unit. It can solo most early game content without upgrades and remains relevant throughout the game.

Q: How do I get Shimon (Supreme Commander)?

A: Shimon is achievable in progressive gamemodes, costing about 2.2M. You can typically obtain him around wave 17-18 in infinite mode.

Q: Which units are best for infinite mode?

A: The top units for infinite mode are Shimon, Time Goddess, Black Swordsman, Devil & Spirit, and Nature’s Scientist.

Q: Should I focus on damage or support units?

A: A balanced approach is best. I recommend 2-3 damage dealers, 1-2 support units, and 1 utility unit for optimal team composition.

Q: How often does the meta change?

A: The meta typically shifts with major updates, which occur every 2-3 weeks. Always check patch notes for balance changes.

Q: What’s the most underrated unit?

A: Poche (Made in Heaven) is often overlooked but provides incredible stall capabilities and reliable damage.

Q: How do I counter specific enemy types?

A: Match unit elements to enemy weaknesses: Dark vs Light, Fire vs Nature, Water vs Fire, etc.

Q: Is it worth investing in lower rarity units?

A: Some lower rarity units like Idol (Pop-Star!) can be incredibly effective in specific situations, so don’t dismiss them entirely.

Future Meta Predictions

Based on current trends and upcoming updates, here are my predictions for the evolving meta:

Rising Stars

Karumi: Expected to dominate with her versatile modes
Fubuki: Battle pass unit with growing potential
New Update 82 Units: Still being discovered but showing promise

Potential Nerfs

Black Swordsman: May see balance adjustments due to dominance
Shimon: Could receive changes to buffer mechanics

Meta Shifts to Watch

Increased focus on elemental team compositions
More emphasis on support/utility units
Potential rise of hybrid damage/support units

Conclusion

Mastering Anime Last Stand requires understanding both individual unit strengths and team synergies. This tier list should serve as your foundation, but remember that the best players adapt their strategies based on specific challenges and updates.

The current meta favors versatile units that can perform multiple roles, with Shimon (Supreme Commander) leading the pack as the ultimate damage dealer and buffer. However, don’t underestimate the power of a well-rounded team with proper synergy.

Keep this guide bookmarked and check back regularly for updates as the meta evolves with new patches and balance changes. The world of Anime Last Stand is constantly changing, and staying informed is key to maintaining your competitive edge.

Happy gaming, and may your units always land critical hits!