Anime Power Defense Tier List – Complete (March 2026) Guide

Are you struggling to figure out which units are worth investing in Anime Power Defense? With hundreds of units available and constant updates changing the meta, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I’ve spent countless hours testing every unit, analyzing community feedback, and staying up-to-date with the latest changes to bring you the most comprehensive Anime Power Defense tier list available.

In this ultimate guide, I’ll rank every unit from the absolute Meta+ tier units that dominate the game to the D tier units you should avoid. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first powerful unit or a veteran player trying to optimize your endgame lineup, this tier list has everything you need to dominate in Anime Power Defense.

Quick Overview: Anime Power Defense Tier List (March 2026)

Tier	Description	Key Units	Investment Priority
Meta+	Game-breaking units that define the current meta	Nero, Zodyl, DYO (Awakened)	Highest Priority
Meta	Excellent units that perform consistently well	Eyezen (TYBW), Mekuna, Rudo	High Priority
S Tier	Strong units that can carry most content	Explosion Maniac, Greed, Cheeto	Medium-High Priority
A Tier	Good units with specific use cases	Honored One, Masked Ninja, Fast Ninja	Medium Priority
B Tier	Average units with situational value	Ezdeaf, Rugia (Dangai), Gilgamesh	Low Priority
C Tier	Below average units, limited use	Sandy Ninja, Ice Lancer, Green Alien	Very Low Priority
D Tier	Weak units, avoid investing	Alien Saiyan, Blue Ninja, Mido	Avoid

Understanding Anime Power Defense Unit Tiers

Before diving into the specific rankings, it’s crucial to understand how I evaluate units in Anime Power Defense. The tier system isn’t just about raw damage output – I consider multiple factors that determine a unit’s overall effectiveness:

Tier Ranking Criteria

Damage Output: How much damage the unit can deal per second and per hit Utility Value: Support abilities, crowd control, buffs, and debuffs Survivability: Health pool, defense stats, and ability to stay alive Synergy Potential: How well the unit works with other units and team compositions Resource Efficiency: Cost versus performance ratio Versatility: Performance across different game modes and situations Future Proofing: Potential for evolution and long-term value

Game Mode Considerations

Different game modes in Anime Power Defense require different unit strategies:

• Story Mode: Balanced teams with progression-friendly units
• Infinite Mode: High DPS units with strong scaling
• Progressive Mode: Units that excel at sustained performance
• Elemental Cavern: Units with elemental advantages and flexibility
• Raids: Specialized units with raid-specific mechanics

Meta+ Tier: The Absolute Best Units in Anime Power Defense

These units are game-changers that define the current meta. If you’re lucky enough to obtain any of these, they should be your top priority for investment and evolution.

Nero

• Rarity: Relic
• Elements: Pyro Electro
• Class: Physical
• Suggested Trait: Celestial
• Source: Reward From Makai Rift

Nero stands at the pinnacle of Anime Power Defense units with incredible damage output and versatility. The Pyro Electro combination gives him excellent coverage against most enemy types, while his Physical class ensures consistent performance. As a Relic rarity unit obtained from the challenging Makai Rift, Nero represents the pinnacle of endgame content rewards.

Why Nero is Meta+: Unmatched DPS scaling, excellent elemental coverage, and the ability to carry teams through the most challenging content including high-level raids and infinite modes.

Zodyl

• Rarity: Mystery
• Elements: Aero Geo
• Class: Physical
• Suggested Trait: Sovereign
• Source: Reward from Heaven Portal

Zodyl combines the rare Aero Geo elemental combination with devastating physical damage. As a Mystery rarity unit from Heaven Portal, Zodyl offers incredible value for players who can access this endgame content. The Sovereign trait maximizes his potential, making him a cornerstone of top-tier team compositions.

Why Zodyl is Meta+: Unique elemental pairing provides unmatched coverage, exceptional scaling in extended fights, and synergy with virtually any team composition.

DYO (Awakened)

• Rarity: Mystery
• Elements: Umbra
• Class: Physical
• Suggested Trait: Sovereign
• Source: Awakened From DYO

The awakened form of DYO represents one of the most significant power jumps in the game. The Umbra element gives him advantages against many common enemy types, while his Physical class ensures reliable damage output. The evolution process requires dedication but pays off tremendously.

Why DYO (Awakened) is Meta+: Massive damage increase from base form, excellent single-target and AoE capabilities, and Umbra element coverage that’s rare and valuable.

Freeren

• Rarity: Ascended
• Elements: Lux
• Class: Magical
• Suggested Trait: Sovereign
• Source: Crafted in the Crafting station

Freeren stands out as one of the best craftable units in the game. The Lux element provides excellent coverage, while her Magical class offers unique damage scaling that differs from most Meta+ units. Being craftable means dedicated players can work toward obtaining her without relying on RNG.

Why Freeren is Meta+: Craftable accessibility makes her achievable for all players, Lux element coverage is consistently valuable, and Magical damage provides diversity in team composition.

Child Prodigy (Super)

• Rarity: Ascended
• Elements: Lux Electro
• Class: Magical
• Suggested Trait: Sovereign
• Source: Reward From Cel Games Raid

As one of the newest additions in Update 17, Child Prodigy (Super) has quickly established herself as a Meta+ contender. The Lux Electro combination is devastatingly effective, and her status as a raid reward from the new Cel Games Raid makes her highly sought after.

Why Child Prodigy (Super) is Meta+: New unit power curve advantage, excellent elemental combination, and raid reward status ensures limited availability and high value.

Meta Tier: Excellent Units for Competitive Play

These units may not reach the heights of Meta+ tier, but they’re consistently excellent performers that can carry you through most content with proper investment.

Eyezen (TYBW)

• Rarity: Ascended
• Elements: Umbra
• Class: Magical
• Source: Event-specific acquisition

Eyezen (TYBW) brings powerful Umbra elemental damage with Magical class scaling. His event-exclusive status makes him valuable for players who participated in the corresponding event, and his performance justifies the investment.

Why Eyezen is Meta: Strong Umbra coverage, Magical damage diversity, and event exclusivity add to his value.

Mekuna

• Rarity: Ascended
• Elements: Aero Pyro
• Class: Physical
• Source: Limited-time banner

Mekuna’s Aero Pyro combination provides excellent elemental coverage, while her Physical class ensures reliable damage output. As an Ascended rarity unit, she represents a significant step up from standard units.

Why Mekuna is Meta: Versatile elemental pairing, consistent physical damage, and Ascended rarity power level.

Rudo

• Rarity: Mythic
• Elements: Geo
• Class: Physical
• Suggested Trait: Celestial
• Source: Summoned From Event Banner

Rudo specializes in Geo elemental damage with Physical scaling, making him particularly effective against specific enemy types. The Celestial trait maximizes his potential, and his Mythic rarity ensures strong base stats.

Why Rudo is Meta: Specialized Geo coverage, Celestial trait optimization, and Mythic rarity foundation.

S Tier: Strong Units That Can Carry Most Content

These units are powerful enough to carry you through most game content, though they may require more support or specific team compositions to reach their full potential.

Explosion Maniac

• Rarity: Epic
• Elements: Pyro
• Class: Magical
• Source: Standard banner

Explosion Maniac lives up to his name with devastating area-of-effect Pyro damage. His Magical class scaling combined with explosive attacks makes him excellent for clearing waves of enemies quickly.

Why Explosion Maniac is S Tier: Outstanding AoE capabilities, Pyro element effectiveness, and accessible rarity make him a solid choice for most players.

Greed

• Rarity: Legendary
• Elements: Umbra
• Class: Physical
• Source: Special event banner

Greed combines Umbra elemental advantages with Physical damage scaling, creating a versatile damage dealer. His unique mechanics often include resource generation or theft abilities, adding utility beyond raw damage.

Why Greed is S Tier: Valuable Umbra coverage, Physical damage consistency, and unique utility mechanics.

Cheeto

• Rarity: Rare
• Elements: Aero
• Class: Physical
• Source: Common banner

Don’t let the Rare rarity fool you – Cheeto punches well above his weight class with excellent Aero elemental damage and surprising scaling. His accessibility makes him a great choice for free-to-play players.

Why Cheeto is S Tier: Exceptional value for rarity, strong Aero coverage, and surprising scaling potential.

A Tier: Good Units with Specific Use Cases

These units perform well in specific situations or team compositions but may lack the versatility to be top-tier picks across all content.

Honored One

• Rarity: Legendary
• Elements: Multiple elements available
• Class: Magical
• Source: Special banner

Honored One offers flexible elemental options with Magical damage scaling, making him adaptable to different content. His Legendary rarity provides good base stats, though he requires specific team compositions to shine.

Why Honored One is A Tier: Elemental flexibility, solid Magical damage, but situational effectiveness.

Masked Ninja

• Rarity: Epic
• Elements: Dark
• Class: Physical
• Source: Ninja-themed banner

Masked Ninja brings stealth mechanics and Dark elemental damage to the table. His Physical class ensures consistent damage output, though his effectiveness varies based on enemy types.

Why Masked Ninja is A Tier: Unique stealth mechanics, Dark element coverage, but inconsistent performance.

B Tier: Average Units with Situational Value

These units can be useful in specific situations but generally underperform compared to higher-tier options. Invest in them only if they fill a specific need in your team composition.

Ezdeaf

• Rarity: Rare
• Elements: Electro
• Class: Magical
• Source: Standard banner

Ezdeaf provides basic Electro elemental coverage with Magical damage scaling. While functional, he lacks the scaling or utility to compete with higher-tier options.

Rugia (Dangai)

• Rarity: Epic
• Elements: Water
• Class: Physical
• Source: Evolution from base Rugia

Rugia (Dangai) represents an improvement over the base form but still falls short of top-tier performance. Water elemental coverage can be valuable in specific situations.

C Tier: Below Average Units

These units generally underperform and should only be used if you have no other options. They may have niche uses but are not worth significant investment.

Sandy Ninja

• Rarity: Common
• Elements: Earth
• Class: Physical
• Source: Starting units

Sandy Ninja represents the baseline for unit performance in Anime Power Defense. While functional for early game content, he quickly becomes obsolete as you progress.

Ice Lancer

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Elements: Ice
• Class: Physical
• Source: Early game drops

Ice Lancer offers Ice elemental coverage but lacks the damage output or utility to remain relevant beyond the early game.

D Tier: Units to Avoid

These units are significantly underpowered and should never be invested in. They represent poor resource allocation and will hinder your progression.

Alien Saiyan

• Rarity: Common
• Elements: Basic elements
• Class: Physical
• Source: Starting roster

Alien Saiyan represents one of the weakest units in the game, with poor stats, limited elemental coverage, and no redeeming qualities.

Blue Ninja

• Rarity: Common
• Elements: Water
• Class: Physical
• Source: Early game acquisition

Blue Ninja offers minimal value even in the early game, with poor scaling and limited utility.

Update 17: New Units and Changes

The latest Update 17 has introduced significant changes to the Anime Power Defense meta, including new units that have immediately impacted the tier list.

New Units in Update 17

Ancient Warrior

• Rarity: Mystery
• Elements: Lux
• Class: Magical
• Suggested Trait: Sovereign
• Source: Mystery summon

Ancient Warrior brings Lux elemental coverage with Magical scaling, though he hasn’t yet established himself as a top-tier contender. His Mystery rarity suggests potential for future evolution or awakening.

Child Prodigy (Super)

• Rarity: Ascended
• Elements: Lux Electro
• Class: Magical
• Suggested Trait: Sovereign
• Source: Reward From Cel Games Raid

As mentioned earlier, Child Prodigy (Super) has immediately established herself as a Meta+ tier unit, demonstrating the power curve of new content in Update 17.

Evolved Units in Update 17

Cel (Perfect)

• Rarity: Mythic
• Elements: Geo
• Class: Magical
• Suggested Trait: Celestial
• Source: Evolved from Cel

The evolution of Cel to Cel (Perfect) represents a significant power increase, potentially elevating this unit to higher tier status with proper investment.

The Drink (Super)

• Rarity: Mystery
• Elements: Pyro
• Class: Magical
• Suggested Trait: Celestial
• Source: Evolved from The Drink

The Drink (Super) brings enhanced Pyro elemental capabilities with Magical scaling, making him a strong contender for A or S tier consideration.

Goko (IT)

• Rarity: Mythic
• Elements: Electro
• Class: Magical
• Suggested Trait: Celestial
• Source: Evolved from Goko

Goko (IT) represents a substantial evolution from the base form, with enhanced Electro elemental damage and Magical scaling that could place him in the A tier range.

Game Mode Specific Tier Lists

Different game modes in Anime Power Defense require different unit strategies. Here’s how the tier list shifts based on game mode:

Infinite Mode Tier List Adjustments

In Infinite mode, units with strong scaling and sustained performance excel:

• Meta+: Nero, Zodyl, DYO (Awakened)
• Meta: Freeren, Child Prodigy (Super)
• S Tier: Explosion Maniac, Greed

Units with poor scaling or limited utility drop significantly in value for Infinite mode.

Progressive Mode Tier List

Progressive mode favors units with consistent performance and good early-game value:

• Meta+: Zodyl, Freeren
• Meta: Mekuna, Rudo
• S Tier: Cheeto, Honored One

Units that require significant investment to perform well are less valuable in Progressive mode.

Elemental Cavern Considerations

Elemental Cavern requires units with diverse elemental coverage:

• Meta+: Nero (Pyro Electro), Child Prodigy (Super) (Lux Electro)
• Meta: Eyezen (TYBW) (Umbra), Mekuna (Aero Pyro)
• S Tier: Explosion Maniac (Pyro), Greed (Umbra)

Units with limited elemental coverage or single-element focus drop in value for Elemental Cavern.

Investment Strategies and Resource Management

Understanding the tier list is only half the battle – knowing how to invest your resources wisely is equally important for success in Anime Power Defense.

Resource Prioritization

Gems and Currency: Focus on Meta+ and Meta tier units first. These provide the best return on investment and will carry you through the most content.

Evolution Materials: Save evolution materials for units that have confirmed evolution paths to higher tiers. Check the official Discord for the latest evolution information.

Trait Selection: Always choose the suggested traits for Meta+ and Meta units. For lower-tier units, consider traits that complement your existing team composition.

Free-to-Play vs. Pay-to-Win Considerations

Free-to-Play Players: Focus on accessible S and A tier units like Cheeto, Explosion Maniac, and Honored One. These provide excellent value without requiring premium currency.

Paying Players: Prioritize Meta+ and Meta tier units, especially those with limited availability like Nero and Zodyl. These units provide the best long-term value for your investment.

2026 Team Composition Strategies

Building effective teams goes beyond individual unit power. Here are some proven team compositions based on the tier list:

Meta Team Composition

Nero (Meta+) - Primary DPS
Zodyl (Meta+) - Secondary DPS/Elemental Coverage
Freeren (Meta) - Magical Damage/Support
Child Prodigy (Super) (Meta+) - AoE/Crowd Control
DYO (Awakened) (Meta+) - Single-target/Boss Damage

Budget-Friendly Team

Cheeto (S Tier) - Primary DPS
Explosion Maniac (S Tier) - AoE Clear
Honored One (A Tier) - Utility/Support
Masked Ninja (A Tier) - Stealth/Single-target
Fast Ninja (A Tier) - Speed/Utility

Elemental Specialized Team

Nero (Meta+) - Pyro Electro
Explosion Maniac (S Tier) - Pyro
Mekuna (Meta) - Aero Pyro
Eyezen (TYBW) (Meta) - Umbra
Greed (S Tier) - Umbra

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best unit in Anime Power Defense?

Based on current meta analysis, Nero stands as the best unit in Anime Power Defense. His combination of Relic rarity, Pyro Electro elements, Physical class, and Celestial trait makes him unmatched in damage output and versatility. However, Zodyl and DYO (Awakened) are very close contenders that may outperform Nero in specific situations.

How often is the tier list updated?

This tier list is updated regularly to reflect new updates, balance changes, and meta shifts. With Update 17 recently released, significant changes have occurred, and I’ll continue to monitor the official Twitter and Discord server for the latest information.

Should I invest in lower-tier units if they’re my only options?

Yes, but strategically. If you only have access to B or C tier units, focus on those with the best evolution potential or those that fill specific roles your team lacks. However, save your premium currency for opportunities to acquire higher-tier units.

What’s the best way to get Meta+ tier units?

Meta+ tier units are typically obtained through:

• Endgame content: Nero from Makai Rift, Zodyl from Heaven Portal
• Limited-time events: Child Prodigy (Super) from Cel Games Raid
• Evolution systems: DYO (Awakened) from base DYO evolution
• Crafting systems: Freeren from Crafting station

Stay active in the community and participate in events to maximize your chances of obtaining these elite units.

How important are unit traits?

Unit traits are extremely important, especially for Meta+ and Meta tier units. The suggested traits (Celestial, Sovereign) provide significant bonuses that can make or break a unit’s performance. Always prioritize trait selection when investing in units.

What game mode should I focus on for unit testing?

Infinite mode provides the best environment for testing unit performance, as it reveals scaling potential and sustained effectiveness. However, Elemental Cavern is excellent for testing elemental coverage and versatility.

Conclusion and Next Steps

This comprehensive Anime Power Defense tier list should provide you with everything you need to make informed decisions about unit investment and team composition. Remember that the meta is constantly evolving, especially with regular updates like Update 17 introducing new units and balance changes.

Key takeaways:

• Prioritize Meta+ and Meta tier units for investment
• Consider game mode-specific requirements when building teams
• Stay updated with official sources for the latest changes
• Focus on units with good evolution potential
• Don’t neglect team composition and synergy

I recommend bookmarking this guide and checking back regularly for updates. The Anime Power Defense meta evolves quickly, and staying informed is crucial for maintaining your competitive edge.

For more Roblox gaming guides and tier lists, check out our Anime Royale Tier List, Anime Last Stand Tier List, and Anime Fantasy RE Tier List.

Pro Tip: Join the official Anime Power Defense Discord server to stay connected with the community, get real-time meta updates, and coordinate with other players for raids and events. The community is often the first to discover new unit combinations and strategies!

Remember, while tier lists provide excellent guidance, the best team is one that you enjoy playing and have invested in wisely. Use this tier list as a foundation, but don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your playstyle. Good luck in Anime Power Defense!

This guide was last updated in March 2026 to reflect Update 17 changes and the current meta. Check back regularly for the latest Anime Power Defense tier list updates!