Racket Rivals Tier List (March 2026) Best Spirits & Builds

Are you ready to dominate the court in Racket Rivals? As a passionate player who’s spent countless hours testing every combination, I’m excited to share the most comprehensive tier list that will transform your gameplay. Whether you’re grinding ranked matches or having fun with friends, choosing the right Spirits, Awakenings, and Rackets can mean the difference between crushing defeat and glorious victory.

In this ultimate guide, I’ll break down every single option available in the game, ranking them from game-changing S-tier picks to situational choices. You’ll discover which combinations work best for 1v1 duels, 2v2 partnerships, and chaotic 3v3 team battles. Plus, I’ll share insider strategies that most players miss – including mastery progression tips and stat optimization secrets that will give you the competitive edge.

Racket Rivals Tier Overview

Category	S-Tier	A-Tier	B-Tier	C-Tier
Spirits	Gomu, Jin, Gazo	Kyoki, Hinari, Senshu	Gojin	–
Awakenings	Gooey, Curve Shot, Energy Drain	Captain Salute, Tide Wall, Wall Portals	Ground Slam, Fake	Aimbot, Hocus Pocus
Rackets	Soul Smash, Divine Spin, Dragon’s Breath	Arcana Edge, Saber Spin, Shadow I	Crystal Edge, Danger String	Nova Core, Plasma Flex

Table based on Update 6 meta analysis and competitive play data

Understanding Racket Rivals Mechanics

Before diving into the tier lists, it’s crucial to understand how these three core components work together in Racket Rivals. This isn’t just about picking the “best” items – it’s about creating synergies that match your playstyle.

Spirits: Your Active Abilities

Spirits are special abilities you can use multiple times during matches, limited only by cooldown timers. Unlike Awakenings, you unlock Spirits by talking to Luna in the lobby (she’s the one with the Ouija board on the right side). Each Spirit costs Yen to unlock, and some are exclusive to the Early Access VIP Subscription.

What makes Spirits unique is their mastery system. Every Spirit has five mastery levels you unlock by reaching specific playtime and scoring milestones. As you progress, you’ll unlock Yen bonuses, rerolls, level upgrades, and eventually a unique Mythical Racket specific to that Spirit.

Awakenings: Ultimate Game-Changers

Think of Awakenings as your ultimate abilities – powerful effects that can turn the tide of battle. You unlock these by rolling spins at the floating Awakening NPC in the lobby. While there aren’t tons of Awakenings available yet (which actually keeps matches from getting too chaotic), each one offers distinct strategic advantages.

Awakenings come in different rarities: Common, Epic, Legendary, and even Secret. You can earn spins through regular gameplay or by using redeem codes. Pro tip: When browsing the Awakening list, you can select a specific ability to boost your luck for that particular one!

Rackets: Your Foundation

Rackets are more than just equipment – they’re your foundation for success. Every racket has seven crucial stats that determine your performance: Movement, Dash, Jump, Power, Speed, Reach, and Spin. Higher rarity rackets generally have better stats, but the best choice depends on your playstyle.

There are five racket rarities: Common, Rare, Legendary, Mythical, and Divine. You can obtain rackets through summoning (talk to Coach and select “I want a new racket”), from Jack Potts, or by playing ranked mode to earn ranked rackets. Additionally, each Spirit has its own exclusive Mythical Racket you unlock by maxing out that Spirit’s mastery.

Complete Spirits Tier List

S-Tier Spirits: Game-Changing Abilities

Gomu (Freeze)

Ability: Freeze the shuttle in place regardless of position. Hit again to break the freeze. Why S-Tier: Gomu is hands-down the best Spirit in Racket Rivals, and for good reason. The ability to freeze the ball anywhere on the court is absolutely broken in the right hands. Defensively, you can save yourself from impossible shots. Offensively, you can freeze the ball to mess with your opponent’s timing and set up devastating counterattacks.

Mastery Progression:

• Level 2: Freeze duration increases
• Level 3: Cooldown reduction
• Level 4: Freeze duration increases again
• Level 5: Further cooldown reduction

Pro Strategy: Don’t spam Freeze! Save it for crucial moments when you can’t otherwise block a shot, or use it offensively to freeze the ball at awkward angles that confuse your opponents.

Jin (Astral Set)

Ability: Pull the ball toward you and automatically set it up for the perfect shot. Why S-Tier: Jin’s Astral Set ability is incredibly versatile. Wherever the ball is, it gets pulled directly to you, making it amazing for both defensive saves and offensive setups. The automatic set means you can line up powerful shots immediately.

Mastery Progression:

• Level 2: Ball pull speed increases
• Level 3: Sets the ball higher for better positioning
• Level 4: Cooldown reduction
• Level 5: Ball pull speed increases even more

Pro Strategy: Jin shines brightest in coordinated teams where your teammates understand your pulls. In random matches, be careful – some players might not react well to your sets and could actually score points for the enemy by mistake!

Gazo (Time Control)

Ability: Slow down time for a short duration. Why S-Tier: Time Control is essentially a weaker version of Gomu’s Freeze but still incredibly powerful. During the slow-motion effect, you can reposition yourself for better defense or line up the perfect offensive shot. It’s effective in all game modes but particularly devastating in 1v1 situations.

Mastery Progression:

• Level 2: Slowing effect becomes more pronounced
• Level 3: Effect duration increases
• Level 4: Another boost to the slowing effect
• Level 5: Even longer effect duration

Pro Strategy: Use Time Control when the ball is coming at you at awkward angles or when you need extra time to position yourself for a spike. It’s also great for setting up teammates in 3v3 matches.

A-Tier Spirits: Strong Contenders

Kyoki (Smoky Orb)

Ability: Throws a smoky orb toward enemies that causes a blinding effect when hit. Why A-Tier: Kyoki’s ability is fantastic for disrupting enemy vision and creating openings. The blinding effect can cause opponents to miss crucial shots, giving you free points. While not as universally powerful as S-tier options, Kyoki excels in 1v1 and 2v2 scenarios.

Pro Strategy: Time your smoky orb to hit enemies just as they’re about to receive a difficult shot. The combination of visual obstruction and pressure often leads to mistakes.

Hinari (Overheat)

Ability: Sets the ball on fire. Enemies cannot touch or hit the ball unless they extinguish the fire first. Why A-Tier: Hinari is absolutely devastating in 1v1s and quite useful in team matches too. The fire effect essentially guarantees you a point if the enemy’s Set ability is on cooldown. In 3v3s, it’s less effective against coordinated teams but still creates chaos.

Pro Strategy: Keep track of when enemies use their Set abilities, then immediately follow up with Overheat for almost guaranteed points. Against random players, this ability feels like S-tier due to their lack of coordination.

Senshu (Defensive Bomb)

Ability: Places an AOE sphere zone that automatically repels any balls that hit it. Why A-Tier: Senshu creates a defensive safety net that can save you from seemingly impossible shots. The automatic repel effect means you don’t even need to time it perfectly – just position the zone well and it does the work for you.

Mastery Progression:

• Level 2: Increases the size of the defensive zone
• Level 3: Zone effectiveness improves
• Level 4: Cooldown reduction
• Level 5: Zone size increases further

Pro Strategy: Place the Defensive Bomb in areas where you expect difficult shots to land, such as corners or near the net in 3v3 matches. It’s particularly effective against spike-heavy players.

B-Tier Spirits: Situational Picks

Gojin (Invisibility)

Ability: Makes you invisible and increases your movement speed. Why B-Tier: Gojin’s ability is decent in 1v1 matches where the element of surprise can catch opponents off guard. However, it becomes significantly less effective in 2v2 and 3v3 matches where multiple opponents can still track you by sound and game sense.

Pro Strategy: Use invisibility to reposition yourself unexpectedly or to set up surprise attacks. In team matches, coordinate with your teammates to maximize the confusion factor.

Complete Awakenings Tier List

S-Tier Awakenings: Match-Winning Ultimates

Gooey (Legendary)

Ability: Applies goo on the ball that slows and mini-stuns the opponent hit by it. Why S-Tier: Gooey is absolutely broken in 1v1s and still very strong in team matches. The mini-stun effect essentially gives you a free point, and the slow makes it incredibly difficult for opponents to recover. It’s the ultimate lockdown ability that can single-handedly win matches.

Best For: 1v1 dominance, 2v2 support Pro Strategy: Use Gooey when opponents are out of position or when you need to secure a crucial point. The mini-stun duration is just long enough to prevent most defensive responses.

Curve Shot (Epic)

Ability: Your shots curve the ball to its maximum, making it extremely difficult for blockers to predict. Why S-Tier: Curve Shot is arguably the best Awakening for 1v1s and 2v2s. The extreme curve makes shots nearly impossible to read, leading to tons of free points. While less effective in 3v3s due to multiple blockers, it can still create chaos and find openings.

Best For: 1v1 matches, 2v2 aggressive play Pro Strategy: Look for openings on the enemy court and curve toward those positions. The more unpredictable your placement, the more effective this Awakening becomes.

Energy Drain (Legendary)

Ability: Combines Captain Salute’s team speed buff with Ground Slam’s enemy speed debuff, but only affects you (not your team) for the buff part. Why S-Tier: Energy Drain offers incredible value by buffing you while simultaneously nerfing the enemy team. It’s not the best for 1v1s but absolutely shines in 2v2 and 3v3 matches where team coordination matters.

Best For: 2v2 and 3v3 team matches Pro Strategy: Use Energy Drain aggressively to capitalize on the speed boost for offense, or defensively when you need to reposition quickly. Time it when enemies have just used their dashes for maximum effectiveness.

A-Tier Awakenings: Excellent Secondary Options

Captain Salute (Common)

Ability: Places a flag on your court that buffs the movement speed of your entire team. Why A-Tier: Captain Salute is one of the most useful Awakenings for team play. The entire team speed boost makes everyone better at both offense and defense. It’s especially valuable in 3v3s where coordinated movement can dominate matches.

Best For: 3v3 matches, team coordination Pro Strategy: Place the flag in a central location where it benefits all team members. You can spam this ability relatively often, so don’t be afraid to use it frequently.

Tide Wall (Epic)

Ability: Creates a wall of water above the net that speeds up your outgoing shots and slows down incoming shots. Why A-Tier: What makes Tide Wall special is its versatility across all game modes. Unlike many Awakenings that dominate one specific format, Tide Wall’s speed manipulation is useful everywhere – 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3.

Best For: All game modes, balanced play Pro Strategy: Use Tide Wall when you need to speed up your attacks or slow down enemy counters. It’s particularly effective against players who rely on fast-paced gameplay.

Wall Portals (Legendary)

Ability: While active, the court walls act as portals that teleport the ball to the opposite wall. Why A-Tier: Wall Portals has a higher skill ceiling than most Awakenings but offers incredible playmaking potential when mastered. Send the ball through portals low to make returns difficult, or wait until the last moment to portal for maximum confusion.

Best For: 1v1 and 2v2, skilled players Pro Strategy: Learn to play around the portals rather than fighting against them. Send the ball toward walls at unexpected angles, and wait for the ball to almost hit the ground before hitting it toward a portal.

B-Tier Awakenings: Situational but Viable

Ground Slam (Common)

Ability: Summons rocks on the enemy court that slow them down. Why B-Tier: Ground Slam can be quite effective in 3v3 matches where you can hinder multiple enemies at once. However, enemies can dash out of the rocks, making it less reliable. It’s particularly weak in 1v1s where a single opponent can easily avoid the effect.

Best For: 3v3 matches, area denial Pro Strategy: Use Ground Slam after you see enemies use their dashes, ensuring they can’t immediately escape the slowing effect. It’s great for controlling space in team matches.

Fake (Legendary)

Ability: Sends out two shuttles when you hit – one real, one fake that disappears before hitting the ground. Why B-Tier: Fake is essentially a 1v1 Awakening that creates a 50/50 chance for free points. However, it becomes less effective in 2v2 and 3v3 matches where multiple opponents can cover both shuttles. It’s like a worse version of Curve Shot in most situations.

Best For: 1v1 matches, mind games Pro Strategy: Use Fake to create confusion and force opponents to guess which shuttle is real. Mix up your timing to keep enemies off-balance.

C-Tier Awakenings: Needs Improvement

Aimbot (Epic)

Ability: The game’s AI determines where your ball goes, theoretically sending it to the best spot with no defenders. Why C-Tier: In theory, Aimbot sounds great, but in practice, it’s broken and constantly sends the ball to easily blockable locations. Even without counters like Freeze, opponents can usually reach the ball with a dash. This Awakening desperately needs a buff to be competitive.

Hocus Pocus (Common)

Ability: Makes your teammate invisible. Why C-Tier: While invisibility sounds good for team matches, Hocus Pocus has a fatal flaw – enemies can still see invisible teammates charging their shots, completely negating the benefit. It’s only marginally useful in 2v2 and 3v3 situations.

Complete Rackets Tier List

Understanding Racket Stats

Before diving into the rankings, let’s break down what each stat actually means for your gameplay:

• Movement: How fast you run around the court
• Dash: How far you can dash (crucial for defensive plays)
• Jump: How high you can jump (important for spikes and blocks)
• Power: How much power you hit the shuttle with
• Speed: How fast the shuttle travels after your hit
• Reach: How far you can hit the shuttle from
• Spin: How much the shuttle curves when you tilt hit in the air

S-Tier Rackets: The Elite Choices

Soul Smash (Divine)

Stats: Movement: 5 | Dash: 6 (caps at 10) | Jump: 4 (caps at 6) | Power: 6 (caps at 10) | Speed: 2 | Reach: 3 | Spin: 2 Why S-Tier: Soul Smash is arguably the best all-around racket in the game. With incredible Dash and Power stats that can be upgraded even further, it excels at both offensive and defensive play. The balanced stats make it versatile for any playstyle.

Best For: All-around play, aggressive offense Pro Strategy: Focus on upgrading Dash and Power first to maximize Soul Smash’s potential. It’s particularly deadly in 1v1 matches where individual skill matters most.

Divine Spin (Divine, Limited)

Stats: Movement: 3 (caps at 4) | Dash: 5 | Jump: 5 (caps at 9) | Power: 4 | Speed: 3 (caps at 4) | Reach: 3 (caps at 4) | Spin: 5 (caps at 9) Why S-Tier: Divine Spin lives up to its name with the highest Spin stat in the game. The incredible Spin potential, combined with solid Jump stats, makes it perfect for players who love curving shots and spiking. As a Limited racket, it’s also quite rare and prestigious.

Best For: Spin-focused play, spike specialists Pro Strategy: Master the art of spin shots with this racket. The high Jump stat also makes it great for defensive plays near the net.

Dragon’s Breath (Divine)

Stats: Movement: 2 (caps at 3) | Dash: 5 (caps at 8) | Jump: 4 | Power: 3 | Speed: 6 (caps at 10) | Reach: 4 (caps at 5) | Spin: 2 (caps at 5) Why S-Tier: Dragon’s Breath boasts the highest Speed stat in the game, making your shots incredibly difficult to react to. The excellent Dash and Reach stats make it versatile for both offense and defense. It’s particularly devastating in team matches where speed kills.

Best For: Fast-paced play, team matches Pro Strategy: Use the Speed stat to overwhelm opponents with rapid-fire shots they can’t possibly return. The high Reach also makes it great for defensive saves.

Infernis Smash (Mythical)

Stats: Movement: 2 (caps at 3) | Dash: 4 (caps at 5) | Jump: 5 (caps at 7) | Power: 6 (caps at 8) | Speed: 3 (caps at 5) | Reach: 1 | Spin: 1 (caps at 3) Why S-Tier: Infernis Smash is a powerhouse with the highest Power stat available. Combined with excellent Jump capabilities, it’s perfect for players who love to spike and dominate with raw power. While the low Reach can be challenging, the offensive potential is unmatched.

Best For: Power players, spike specialists Pro Strategy: Position yourself well to compensate for the low Reach stat. When you connect with shots, they’ll be devastating thanks to the incredible Power.

A-Tier Rackets: Strong Alternatives

Arcana Edge (Legendary)

Stats: Movement: 4 (caps at 6) | Dash: 3 (caps at 6) | Jump: 4 (caps at 5) | Power: 1 | Speed: 4 (caps at 6) | Reach: 4 (caps at 6) Why A-Tier: Arcana Edge offers incredible balance with high Movement, Speed, and Reach stats. While the Power stat is low, the versatility makes it excellent for defensive players who value positioning over raw strength.

Best For: Defensive play, positioning specialists Pro Strategy: Use the high Movement and Reach stats to position yourself perfectly for every shot. Focus on placement rather than power.

Saber Spin (Mythical)

Stats: Movement: 4 (caps at 6) | Dash: 4 (caps at 9) | Jump: 3 (caps at 4) | Power: 1 | Speed: 3 | Reach: 3 (caps at 5) Why A-Tier: Saber Spin offers incredible Dash potential with the highest cap in the game. The solid Movement and Reach stats make it versatile, though the low Power holds it back from S-tier.

Best For: Mobile play, dash-heavy strategies Pro Strategy: Maximize the Dash stat to become incredibly mobile on the court. Use your mobility to create angles and opportunities.

Shadow I (Legendary, Limited)

Stats: Movement: 4 (caps at 7) | Dash: 3 (caps at 7) | Jump: 4 (caps at 5) | Power: 3 (caps at 4) | Speed: 2 | Reach: 4 (caps at 5) Why A-Tier: Shadow I is incredibly well-rounded with high caps on Movement and Dash. The balanced stats make it versatile for any playstyle, and as a Limited racket, it has prestige value.

Best For: Balanced play, all-around performance Pro Strategy: Focus on upgrading Movement and Dash to maximize this racket’s potential. It’s particularly effective in 2v2 matches where versatility matters.

B-Tier Rackets: Decent Options

Crystal Edge (Legendary)

Stats: Movement: 3 | Dash: 4 (caps at 7) | Jump: 4 (caps at 6) | Power: 3 (caps at 5) | Speed: 3 (caps at 6) | Reach: 3 Why B-Tier: Crystal Edge is solid but unspectacular. All stats are decent but none stand out. It’s a good middle-ground option but doesn’t excel in any particular area.

Danger String (Rare)

Stats: Movement: 3 (caps at 4) | Dash: 2 (caps at 4) | Jump: 3 (caps at 4) | Power: 6 (caps at 7) | Speed: 1 (caps at 4) | Reach: 3 (caps at 5) Why B-Tier: Danger String has incredible Power for a Rare racket, making it surprisingly potent for aggressive players. However, the low Speed and mediocre Dash stats hold it back from higher tiers.

C-Tier Rackets: Early Game Options

Nova Core (Rare)

Stats: Movement: 6 | Dash: 2 (caps at 4) | Jump: 4 (caps at 6) | Power: 1 (caps at 3) | Speed: 1 (caps at 3) | Reach: 4 (caps at 6) Why C-Tier: Nova Core has high Movement and Reach but suffers from terrible Power and Speed stats. It’s workable early on but becomes obsolete quickly.

Plasma Flex (Rare)

Stats: Movement: 6 | Dash: 2 (caps at 4) | Jump: 4 (caps at 6) | Power: 1 (caps at 3) | Speed: 1 (caps at 3) | Reach: 4 (caps at 6) Why C-Tier: Essentially identical to Nova Core, Plasma Flex suffers from the same issues – good Movement and Reach but crippling lack of Power and Speed.

Optimal Builds for Different Playstyles

The Aggressive Dominator (1v1 Specialist)

Spirit: Gomu (Freeze for setup and defense) Awakening: Curve Shot (unpredictable shots) Racket: Infernis Smash (maximum power) Why it works: This build focuses on overwhelming individual opponents with raw power and unpredictability. Gomu’s Freeze sets up perfect opportunities, while Curve Shot makes your returns impossible to read. Infernis Smash ensures every connected shot hits like a truck.

The Team Player (3v3 Specialist)

Spirit: Jin (Astral Set for team coordination) Awakening: Captain Salute (team speed boost) Racket: Dragon’s Breath (speed for team plays) Why it works: This build maximizes team synergy. Jin’s Astral Set creates perfect setup opportunities for teammates, Captain Salute boosts everyone’s mobility, and Dragon’s Breath ensures rapid ball movement that coordinated teams can capitalize on.

The Defensive Wall (All-Rounder)

Spirit: Senshu (Defensive Bomb for safety) Awakening: Tide Wall (speed manipulation) Racket: Arcana Edge (positioning and reach) Why it works: This build focuses on outlasting opponents through superior defense. Senshu’s Defensive Bomb creates safety nets, Tide Wall controls the pace of play, and Arcana Edge’s stats allow for perfect positioning and defensive plays.

Advanced Strategies and Pro Tips

Mastering the Art of Timing

The difference between good and great Racket Rivals players often comes down to timing. Here are some crucial timing tips:

1. Don’t spam abilities: Save your Spirit and Awakening abilities for crucial moments. A well-timed Freeze or Gooey can win you the match, while spamming them leaves you vulnerable when it matters most.
2. Watch opponent cooldowns: Pay attention to when opponents use their abilities. If you see someone just used their Set in a 3v3 match, that’s the perfect time for Hinari’s Overheat.
3. Ability combos: Some abilities work better together than others. For example, use Gomu’s Freeze to set up a perfect spike opportunity with a high-Power racket.

Positioning Mastery

Positioning is everything in Racket Rivals. Here’s how to master it:

1. Court awareness: Always know where you are relative to the net, sidelines, and baseline. Different positions favor different types of shots.
2. Anticipate, don’t react: The best players anticipate where the ball will go rather than just reacting to where it is. Watch your opponent’s positioning and body language.
3. Use the full court: Don’t just stay in one spot. Use the entire court to create angles and force your opponents out of position.

Stat Optimization

Understanding how to optimize your racket stats can give you a significant edge:

1. Know your playstyle: If you’re an aggressive player, prioritize Power and Speed. If you’re defensive, focus on Movement and Reach.
2. Upgrade strategically: When upgrading rackets, focus on the stats that matter most for your playstyle. Don’t just upgrade everything equally.
3. Consider the game mode: 1v1 favors different stats than 3v3. In 1v1, individual stats matter more, while 3v3 rewards team-oriented stats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best overall combination in Racket Rivals?

Based on current meta analysis, the best overall combination is Gomu + Curve Shot + Soul Smash. This setup offers incredible versatility with Gomu’s Freeze for defense/setup, Curve Shot for unpredictable offense, and Soul Smash’s balanced stats for all-around performance. However, the “best” combination ultimately depends on your personal playstyle and the game mode you’re playing.

How do I get rare Spirits and Awakenings?

Spirits are purchased from Luna using Yen, with some exclusive to the Early Access VIP Subscription. Awakenings are obtained through the gacha system using spins, which you can earn through gameplay or redeem codes. Focus on saving up spins and using them during events when drop rates might be boosted.

Are higher rarity rackets always better?

Not necessarily! While higher rarity rackets generally have better stats, the best racket depends on your playstyle. For example, a Rare racket with high Power might be better for an aggressive player than a Legendary racket focused on defensive stats. Always consider how the stats align with your preferred playstyle.

What’s the fastest way to progress in Racket Rivals?

The fastest progression comes from:

1. Playing ranked matches for exclusive ranked rackets
2. Completing Spirit mastery for unique Mythical rackets
3. Using redeem codes for free spins and Yen
4. Joining the Discord server for community events and giveaways
5. Focusing on one Spirit at a time to maximize mastery progression

How often is the meta updated?

The meta typically shifts with major game updates. Based on our research, Update 6 (released November 15, 2025) significantly changed the tier lists. Follow the official Discord server and check back here for the latest meta analysis after each update.

Can I succeed with lower-tier options?

Absolutely! While S-tier options offer the most potential, skilled players can make any combination work. The tier lists are based on optimal performance at the highest levels of play, but player skill and game knowledge often matter more than tier placement. Focus on mastering your chosen combination rather than constantly chasing the “best” options.

Conclusion

Racket Rivals is a game where strategy, skill, and the right equipment combine to create thrilling matches. This comprehensive tier list should give you everything you need to make informed decisions about your Spirits, Awakenings, and Rackets. Remember that while tier lists provide excellent guidance, the best combination is ultimately the one that feels right for your playstyle.

The meta is always evolving with new updates and balance changes, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly for the latest rankings. And don’t forget to join the official Discord server to stay connected with the community and get real-time updates about game changes.

Whether you’re grinding ranked matches or just having fun with friends, I hope this guide helps you dominate the court and enjoy Racket Rivals to its fullest. Now get out there and show everyone what you’re made of!