Arknights Tier List Reddit – The Ultimate Player’s Guide
Hey fellow Rhodes Island operators—if you’ve been grinding Arknights, you’ve probably stumbled into the wild world of tier lists, especially over at r/arknights on Reddit. In this guide, I’m coming at you from a player’s perspective—no analyst jargon, just real talk about how the community ranks ops, how they argue, and how you can make sense of it all to build a solid squad.
I.Introduction to Arknights Tier List Reddit
A. Overview of Reddit community tier discussions
Reddit’s r/arknights is one of the central hubs for discussion on operators: who’s OP, who’s past their prime, and which new drop might shake things up. Threads like “A 6-Selector Tier List – Who to Pick With Your Hard Earned Money!” spark debates.
It’s a mix of seasoned meta players, newcomers asking “Who should I pull?”, and theory-crafters listing every nuance.
But here’s the thing: not everything you read is gospel. Many lists are highly contextual, depend on which content you’re doing (story, roaming, CC), and each Redditor has their own bias.
B. Purpose of tier list rankings
So what’s the point of a tier list anyway? Well:
They give a quick snapshot of operator power and value (for investment, pulling, team building).
They help you identify “must have” units vs “nice to have”.
They highlight synergies, roles, and meta relevance (especially for harder content).
On Reddit, they also spark useful discussion: “Why is Operator X in S-Tier?” “How useful is Operator Y after E2?” etc.
C. Community consensus overview
Across Reddit, certain operators repeatedly pop into “top tier” categories, while others are consistently argued over. For instance:
“Both Pepe and Narantuya ARE good units… but the power level in the game has just gone up and up…”
“I think for IS2 tier lists you really need to either separate the lists in terms of early game, late game… or factor it in.”
These comments reflect how consensus is emerging—but fluid. One month an op might be “S-Tier” and the next, after a module or update, they fall. On Reddit, you’ll find heated debates and some toxicity around list placements.
D. Meta analysis explanation
When Redditors talk “meta”, they mean: what content is dominant (Contingency Contract, Integrated Strategies, event maps), which operators perform best in those settings, and how updates/new ops shift the power balance.
Tier lists often try to capture that: “This operator is S-Tier right now because they dominate CC9, but may drop later.” For example, a CC-focused list ranked certain units top because of their performance in that mode.
So when you read tier lists, keep in mind: what meta is this list assuming?
E. Ranking methodology
On Reddit, you’ll often find users outline how they ranked ops: criteria like “Usage rate in hardest content”, “Versatility across maps”, “Ease of use for newbies”, “Resource investment vs payoff”. For example:
“Priority list for operator progression: Levelling up, Trust and Promotion > Skill Mastery > Modules…”
Many lists note that rarity alone doesn’t automatically equal top tier—it’s about performance, not just stats.
In this article, I’ll adopt a comprehensive framework (informed by Reddit threads) so you understand how tier lists are made—and how to use them for yourself.
II.Arknights Reddit Community Overview
Let’s zoom into r/arknights itself: how the community works, what the discussion style is, how you should participate, and what to watch out for.
A. r/arknights subreddit guide overview
r/arknights is the official (large) Reddit community centered around Arknights: pulling discussions, operator analysis, event strategies, tier lists.
Posts often include: tier list polls, operator spotlight threads, meta discussions (e.g., “What op to raise for CC9?”), new player questions.
For example: user posts titled “A 6-Selector Tier List – Who to pick with your hard earned money!” spark hundreds of comments and debates.
B. Community structure
There’s a mix of users:
New players asking “Which beginner operators are good?”
Intermediate players posting progression guides, mid-game tier lists.
Meta players analysing end-game modes (CC, IS, high-risk events).
Theory-crafters posting “future operator rankings”, “module analysis” etc.
Moderation exists but discussions can get heated—because tier lists are subjective.
C. Discussion format
How discussions tend to go:
Someone posts a tier list or ranking question.
The community responds, often citing real numbers, modules, performance.
Comments critique placement, propose alternatives, or share experience:
“The units in Tier 3 are defined by their S3… but Surtr would be the only one I’d consider putting in Tier 1.”
Posts later become reference points for new lists or pulled in by guide-writers.
D. Participation guidelines
If you want to join:
Be clear about your context (e.g., new player, mid-game, late-game).
Provide your roster or goals: many answers hinge on “which ops you already have”.
Remember: Everyone has bias (favorite waifu/husbandos).
Use flairs and naming conventions.
Avoid broad definitive statements like “this op is trash”—focus on “in my experience…”.
E. Content moderation
Though Reddit allows free discussion, there are some norms:
Posts promoting “waifu > meta” may be ironed out by more serious threads.
Tier lists without backed-up reasoning may be downvoted or ridiculed (see user comments about “the list gets worse the more you look at it”).
Spoiler rules apply for new operators, collabs, modules.
Many veteran users will ask you about module level, E2 status, what content you’re looking at. Because placement often depends on those.
III.Operator Ranking and Discussion
Now let’s dive into how Reddit discusses operator ranking: the mechanics, how threads function, community debates, and how criteria are applied.
A. Operator ranking guide overview
Ranking here means: assigning operators (ops) to tiers (S, A, B, etc) based on their value, performance, versatility, and investment cost. Reddit users create their tier lists, debate them, and sometimes update them when new modules or events drop.
The key is: It’s not only about raw stats, but effectiveness in real-content, accessibility, and resource requirement.
B. Ranking mechanics
When someone says “I put Operator X in S-Tier”, what they’re usually considering:
How well the op performs across many maps (story, event, CC, etc).
How robust the op is: e.g., does it require perfect timing, or can it handle autopilot / semi-AFK?
Resource cost: Does the op require heavy investment (E2, high module) to shine, or is it solid early?
Synergy potential: Does the op elevate other squad members or is it isolated?
Future proofing: Does the op remain relevant after patches, or will it be out-dated quickly?
C. Discussion threads explanation
These threads often look something like:
“Here’s my tier list for new players till ~E1. Who do you think I’ve underrated?”
“In CC9/CC10, these 5 ops are indispensable.”
They include comments like:“The priority list for operator progression: Levelling up, Trust and Promotion > Skill Mastery > Modules…”
“I think for IS2 tier lists you really need to either separate the lists in terms of early game, late game…”
These threads are gold if you read the comments carefully—they often help you understand why an op is rated where they are.
D. Community debate
Yes, there’s debate—and sometimes flame wars. Some favorite topics:
“Why is op X in S-tier when I never use them?”
“New meta op just dropped—should they automatically go to S-tier?”
“This list is outdated—they didn’t factor in module Y.”
For instance:
“The list gets worse the more you look at it… Just have a section that says E2 only or something.”
Raw honesty—but also helpful: you’ll see how consensus shifts and why.
A good player takes these debates as cues: “Maybe I should wait on this op until the module drops”.
E. Ranking criteria
Based on Reddit discussion, a good set of criteria for ranking includes:
Performance in multiple content types (story, event, raids, CC)
Ease of use (Can I auto-deploy? Do I need perfect placement?)
Investment cost vs return (High cost op might be powerful, but if I’m new I might not have the mats)
Versatility & synergy (Does this op fit many team compositions, or only niche?)
Meta relevance / future viability (Does this op still matter after new content, or will they be replaced?)
When you look at any Reddit tier list, ask: “What were they ranking based on these criteria?” That will help you translate their list into your own strategy.
IV.Best Operators Reddit Consensus
Now that we’ve covered how ranking works, let’s dig into what Reddit users generally agree are the best operators. For you as a player, knowing the consensus helps you pick targets to aim for.
A. Best operators guide overview
Reddit often circles back to certain operators when talking “top tier”. These are ops you’ll frequently see in optimal teams or meta discussions. They may not always be easily accessible (rare pulls, heavy investment) but they set the benchmark.
For example:
“Both Pepe and Narantuya ARE good units… the power level in the game has just gone up and up over the last couple of years and they both lean towards the more powerful side!”
That kind of commentary reflects how Reddit sees new drop operators vs older ones.
B. Top performer identification
Some operators repeatedly mentioned in high tiers:
Operators who are “carry” units (can solo many stages, handle multiple roles)
Operators who require less investment to be effective (important for newer players)
Operators who retain relevance after updates (meta proof)
You’ll notice Reddit often emphasises modules and E2 level when discussing top performers—because the gap between “good if fully built” vs “good out-of-the-box” is big.
C. Consensus ranking
While there’s no universal Reddit ranking (and you’ll definitely see disagreements), some patterns are clear:
S-Tier units: those who can carry team, flexible across content, future-proof.
A-Tier: strong units, maybe slightly niche or high investment.
Lower tiers: still usable, but often require heavy investment or are situational.
Reddit threads like “Operator Tier List from CN’s most popular IS5 tourney” show how certain units shine in specific event meta. +2Reddit+2
D. Community agreement
Where Reddit tends to agree:
Newer units that bring fresh mechanics or powerful modules often shoot into S-Tier quickly (but also may be polarising).
Older units that were once “top” may decline unless they get upgrades/modules.
Investment cost matters a lot for newer players—just because a unit is S-Tier with module and E2 doesn’t mean you should rush unless you’re ready.
From one thread:
“I guess it’s different if a new player ONLY has 1 six star but there are a lot of great lower rarity alternatives that they get for free.”
That’s important context.
E. Performance metrics
When evaluating best operators, Redditors use metrics like:
Clear speed / time to clear stages
Autodeploy viability (can this unit be left on auto-mode?)
Frequency of usage in hardest content (CC9/CC10, late IS)
Survivability / utility (not just damage)
Resource sensitivity (how many mats needed for effectiveness)
If you’re reading tier lists, pay attention to how those metrics are considered—or ignored.
V.Tier List Structure and Methodology
So you know the community, you know the best ops—now let’s unpack how the tier list is structured and how you should read one like a pro.
A. Tier list guide overview
Tier lists are a visual/structural way to categorise operators: S, A, B, C, D (sometimes more divisions). Each tier represents a level of utility/performance. Reddit users often create their own lists.
But behind the simple labels are detailed criteria: what defines S vs A vs D, what content is considered, etc.
B. Ranking system explanation
A typical ranking system based on Reddit discussion:
S-Tier: Operators who excel in almost all content, low drawbacks, future-proof.
A-Tier: Very strong in many scenarios, may require more investment or may be slightly niche.
B-Tier: Reliable mid-game operators. Good value for cost, but may not shine late game.
C-Tier: Situational or resource-heavy; might require niche teams or content.
D-Tier / Bottom Tier: Harder to justify their use; may be better to skip unless you like them or have no alternatives.
C. Tier definitions
Important to read the fine-print when someone posts a tier list, e.g.:
“This is purely for Contingency Contract purposes and is not intended for new players…”
So definition matters: Is this list for all content, or special mode, or new players? For you as a player, match the list’s context to your situation.
D. Placement criteria
Criteria often include:
Versatility (How many content types can this operator handle?)
Power/ceiling (max potential after investment)
Ease of investment (How many rare mats, how steep curve)
Accessibility (How easy is it to obtain)
Longevity (Will they remain relevant)
Meta-fit (Do they handle bosses, CC, gimmicks)
Reddit discussions emphasise that placement is not always black & white:
“It’s so hard to find two units that do the exact same thing and then compare which has the better stat.”
E. Evaluation framework
Here’s a quick evaluation framework (based on Reddit consensus) you can use for yourself:
What content am I focusing on (new player story mode / event / late-game CC)?
Do I have resources to raise this operator effectively (E2, module)?
How flexible is this operator (role, squad synergy, switching)?
Are there alternatives I already own or can easily access?
What is the investment vs reward timeline for this op?
After answering above, place the operator: high (S/A) if strong & accessible, mid (B) if decent with investment, lower (C/D) if niche or hard to invest.
Using this framework helps you read Reddit tier lists, make sense of them, and apply them practically.
VI.S Tier and A Tier Operators
Let’s now get into the actual tiers, starting with the upper echelon: S Tier (top-tier) and A Tier (very strong) operators. As a player, you want to know who these are, why they’re here, and which are worth chasing.
A. S tier guide
S-Tier operators are the game-changers. They dominate content, require less problem-solving (or are so strong they cover many roles), and often remain valuable after patches. On Reddit, seeing an op repeatedly in S-Tier is a good indicator of their reliability.
For example, in one CC-focused list:
“1. Ines 2. Ceobe 3. Suzuran 4. Logos 5. Reed (Alter)…”
You’ll notice these are often high investment but they justify it.
B. Top-tier operators
Some names you’ll frequently encounter in S-Tier discussions: high versatility, dominant roles, carry potential.
From Reddit threads:
Operators like Qiubai were called “super underrated” but powerful in burst damage.
Pepe / Narantuya were evaluated as powerful but with the caveat they aren’t top top meta if you already have extremely strong units.
Discussion about “top of the pile is so high it’s hard to rate things fairly” reflects how strong the S-Tier is.
C. A tier overview
A-Tier operators are fantastic. Maybe they:
Require more investment or perfect use to hit S-Tier.
Are slightly niche (perform well in many content types but not everything).
May be overshadowed by newer S-Tier units, but still highly viable.
On Reddit you’ll often find debate: “Should Operator X be S or A?” In those cases, many lean A unless clear evidence pushes them S.
D. High-tier performance
What performance traits push an op into S/A Tier:
Clear speed and reliability: high consistent performance.
Utility across map types, enemy types, and modes.
Decent ease of use—while skill and strategy matter, they’re less fragile in deployment.
Good return on investment: If you invest mats, you definitely feel the power spike.
E. Tier comparison
Here’s a quick contrast:
S-Tier: “If I have this operator, I’m covered for most content and can build team around them.”
A-Tier: “This op is great, I’ll invest if I have extra resources or they fit my squad—but if I have only limited mats I might prioritise S-Tier first.”
When building your roster: if you pull an S-Tier op and can invest, do it. If only A-Tier, they’re still very good but maybe don’t neglect other roles/support.
VII.B Tier and C Tier Operators
Moving down the list: B and C Tiers. These operators can still perform, especially if well invested or situationally used—but they’re not the first picks for meta-domination. Knowing this helps you avoid “chasing everything”.
A. B tier guide
B-Tier ops are middle ground: they’re solid, often accessible, and good value for their cost—but they may have limitations like: higher investment to shine, niche role, or less meta flexibility.
Reddit users often list B-Tier as “good for mid-game”, “useful until late game but might be replaced”.
B. Mid-tier operators
Examples: an operator who can handle most story modes but maybe lacks in end-game speed, or requires perfect modules to match S-Tier.
From Reddit:
“Typhon, Ejya, Ceobe and Kal’tsit should be in the ‘works fine at E1’ tier… Yes they get a power-spike at E2…”
That basically places them in somewhere between A/B depending on investment.
C. C tier overview
C-Tier are operators who are usable, but:
Might require niche content to shine.
Maybe weaker compared to newer ones or have higher learning curves.
Might be better as filler/substitute rather than core picks.
Reddit threads might say things like “this operator is fine, but there are many alternatives that do their role better”.
D. Lower-tier performance
Lower tiers typically mean:
Specialist roles only (won’t cover general content well)
High investment needed for marginal gains
Better outcomes using higher-tier characters or waiting for event units.
E. Viability assessment
For you, as a player: if you have limited resources (which is most of us), prioritise S/A where possible. B-Tier is good for building breadth and filling gaps. C-Tier you might invest lightly only when you like the character or need them for a specific map/event.
VIII.D Tier and Bottom Tier Operators
Finally, the bottom of the list: D Tier and “bottom tier” operators. These are often ones with niche usage, very high investment for low payoff, or simply outdated by meta shifts. Reddit often debates whether labeling any op “trash” is fair—but many users agree some fall into this category.
A. D tier guide
D-Tier operators may still have value—but they’re often:
Very situational (only shine in certain gimmicks).
Require heavy investment and still underperform compared to newer alternatives.
Better off left behind until you have nothing else.
From Reddit:
“The funniest one is the second tier list … T4 characters – you won’t feel any impact from not having them.”
B. Low-tier operators
Examples: an operator that used to be viable early, but after patches/modules/updates they're outclassed. Or a unit that has very limited utility in current meta.
These might still be fine if you like them or for casual play—but for players aiming for efficient progression, these go last.
C. Bottom tier overview
Bottom tier is almost “skip unless you have extra resources and love the character”. Not because they’re bad, but they’re weak relative to what you could be doing with the same investment.
The community sometimes debates how fair this is, since “any op can clear content if you invest enough”, but the point here is value relative to cost.
D. Niche usage
One important note: Even D/Bottom tier ops can shine in niche situations. A map with specific gimmick might allow a low-tier op to carry. Reddit often acknowledges this:
“She is actually a really good operator here. But as you keep playing, she will quickly become outmatched…”
So don’t fully discard them—just don’t prioritise them unless you have a strategy.
E. Situational value
If you’re F2P/new account: focus on S/A first. D/Bottom tier ops—use them where needed, but don’t rely on them for meta carry.
Also, keep an eye on updates. Sometimes a bottom-tier op gets a module or buff and leaps up (though this is rarer).
IX.Six-Star Operator Ranking
Now, a special note on 6-Star operators (highest rarity). Because in Arknights, rarity often correlates with ceiling (but not guarantee of S-Tier). Reddit has plenty of discussion around “which 6★ to prioritise”.
A. Six star guide overview
6★ ops are: expensive in resources, rare in recruitment, and often intended to be “end-game” units. Many community tier lists treat “best 6★” separately. For instance:
“A 6 Selector Tier List – Who To Pick With Your Hard Earned Money!”
If you’re planning to use a 6★ pull voucher or selector, Reddit discussion becomes very relevant here.
B. Rarity tier explanation
Just because an op is 6★ doesn’t mean they’re automatically S-Tier. Reddit emphasises: skill set matters, investment cost matters, and how soon you can use them matters. Some 5★ ops may perform better in early game or have higher utility for F2P/new players.
Also, modules and E2 upgrades matter hugely for 6★ to hit their potential.
C. Top 6 star operators
Reddit often lists certain 6★ ops as “priority picks” because they hit S-Tier in many lists, across modes. Others are 6★ but considered A or even B because they require too much investment or are too niche.
For example, threads highlight how “the top of the pile is so high it’s hard to rate things fairly” when it comes to 6★.
If you’re pulling for a 6★, checking Reddit opinions on “how soon they become usable” and “how they scale to E2/module” is super helpful.
D. Performance ranking
In a typical 6★ ranking guide you’ll find:
Priority Tier: 6★ ops to aim for immediately (if possible)
Mid Tier: Good 6★ but maybe not essential or require heavy investment
Low Tier: 6★ that you could leave until your roster is in better shape
Often Reddit users will say: “If you don’t have X yet, you can skip 6★ Y for now and build depth first.”
Example from one comment:
“I guess it’s different if a new player ONLY has 1 six star but there are a lot of great lower rarity alternatives that they get for free.”
Advising build depth over blind chasing.
E. Investment priority
For 6★ ops, ask yourself:
How many mats/copies/modules do I need to make them shine?
Do I have the roster depth to support them (gear, other ops for synergy)?
Will they carry me now, or will they sit in a bench until later?
On Reddit, many point out that investing deeply into one 6★ might set you back if you ignore your roster’s breadth.
So: if you pull a 6★ you love, great—but balance is still key.
X.Class-Specific Tier Lists
Now let’s break down operators by class (role) and how Reddit communities treat each class with its own mini‐tier lists. Because one person’s “best sniper” might be totally different from “best defender”.
A. Class tier guide overview
Arknights has many classes: Caster, Guard, Defender, Medic, Specialist, Sniper, Supporter, Vanguard. Reddit users often create tier lists per class, to give more meaningful comparisons (rather than comparing a Medic vs Guard).
For example, PocketGamer’s class-by-class list mirrors this structure.
In Reddit threads you’ll see “Caster tier list”, “Medic tier list” etc. Helps you focus.
B. Class system explanation
Each class has its unique role:
Caster: magical damage, good vs high-def.
Guard: melee damage dealing.
Defender: tank/blocks, defensives.
Medic: healing/support.
Specialist: unique mechanics (push/pull/trap).
Sniper: ranged physical damage.
Supporter: buffs/debuffs, utility.
Vanguard: early DP generation, early game value.
When Reddit talks class tiers, they look at how strong ops are within their class, not just overall.
C. Class specialization
Because each role is distinct, “best in class” is meaningful. Reddit commentary often notes:
“For example: Snipers—range snipers, AoE snipers, nuke snipers… It’s hard to compare directly.”
So when you look at a class list, note the specialization within that class.
D. Role-based ranking
Here’s how you can approach:
For each class, identify “must have” top picks (S) and “good alternatives” (A/B).
For your roster, pick at least one strong op in each major class (especially early game).
Use Reddit class lists to see which operators are “carry” vs “filler”.
E. Class importance
Depending on your progression stage, some classes matter more than others:
Early game: Vanguards (for DP), Guards (for blocking/damage)
Mid game: Specialists / Supporters (for advanced maps)
End game: Utility, niche roles, synergy (Supporters, Snipers, Casters)
Reddit discussions highlight that focusing just on DPS classes without support/utility will hurt you later.
XI.Caster and Guard Class Tiers
Let’s look at two major damage‐focused classes: Casters and Guards. These are often the bread-and-butter of your squad, so knowing how Reddit ranks them matters.
A. Caster tier list guide
Casters specialise in Magic/Arts damage (often ignoring heavy DEF). On Reddit, players highlight Casters who:
Hit hard vs high-DEF enemies
Have good range or AoE
Require less gear to perform well
From PocketGamer: S-Tier Casters include Ebnenholz, Carnelian, Lin, Dusk, Ceobe, Eyjafjalla, Ifrit, Mostima, Goldenglow, etc.
Reddit threads echo similar names, often with commentary on their modules or niche.
B. Caster operators ranking
Reddit consensus: high priority Casters often include the ones listed above. But even here you’ll find debate:
“Lin, Magellan, Dorothy are all categorized under ‘Performance vary by brain’… I’d swap Ceobe and Goldenglow…”
Which tells you: within “good” Casters there’s still nuance—some require more skill or investment.
C. Guard tier list overview
Guards are melee physical damage dealers. On Reddit, Guards are evaluated for: high damage output, block capacity, versatility in content. From class breakout: S-Tier Guards include operators like Pepe, Zuo Le, Executor the Ex Foedere, Mlynar, Gavial the Invincible, Irene, etc.
D. Guard operators ranking
In player discussions, Guards that repeatedly shine include those who:
Bust through high-DEF enemies
Block multiple enemies or handle waves
Have utility (e.g., push, pull, control) besides raw damage
Reddit threads emphasise: While many Guards are strong, the difference between “just good” and “top tier” is whether they outperform the meta consistently—not just “this Guard is fun”.
E. Damage specialization
As a player you’ll pick Casters/Guards depending on content needs:
If the stage has heavy physical-DEF enemies, pick a good Caster.
If you need melee frontline and high damage, pick a top Guard.
From Reddit: It’s worth having one top-tier unit in each to cover your bases, especially until you expand your roster.
XII.Defender and Medic Class Tiers
Now let’s move to the support/tank side: Defenders (soaking/durability) and Medics (healing/support). These roles often determine how smooth your clears are, especially late game.
A. Defender tier list guide
Defenders are your frontline blockers, soak damage, hold positions. Reddit threads look at: how many blocks they can hold, their utility (taunt, damage reduction), their value in event/CC. From class list: S-Tier Defenders include Shu, Penance, Horn, Blemishine, Eunectes, Hoshiguma, Liskarm, Mudrock, Nian, Saria.
B. Defender operators ranking
From Reddit commentary:
“Nian is a universal defender… she can survive most enemies in the game…”
This kind of praise signals “priority pick”. As a player, if you have a top Defender, your team stability improves greatly.
C. Medic tier list overview
Medics heal the team, provide sustain, sometimes buffs. Reddit discussions look at heal output, team buffs, utility (revive, cleanse). From class list: S-Tier Medics include Mon3tr, Harold, Reed the Flame Shadow, Hibiscus the Purifier, Kal’tsit, Nightingale, Ptilopsis, Shining.
D. Medic operators ranking
Reddit threads often highlight Medics who “carry” clears because they keep your team alive in high-risk content. The infamous “you can finish content with bad DPS if your support/medic is built well” comment appears often.
Also: Medic viability links to investment; a top Medic may be more cost-efficient than chasing a high-end DPS.
E. Support specialization
For you as a player:
Make sure you have at least one strong Defender and one strong Medic before chasing multiple DPS. The backbone of your team is often defence + sustain.
Check Reddit lists for “Defender vs CC9” or “Medic for late-game” to see which units are most recommended.
Remember: The “damage” units get the limelight, but Reddit often has strong opinions about how much easier content becomes with a good Medic/Defender combo.
XIII.Sniper and Supporter Class Tiers
Continuing with ranged & utility roles: Snipers (ranged physical damage) and Supporters (buff/debuff/utility). These are often the key in high-difficulty content, so Reddit lists worth watching.
A. Sniper tier list guide
Snipers are ranged attackers—they can be single-target or AoE. On Reddit, they’re evaluated on: DPS, range, target type (ground/air), versatility. Class list S-Tier Snipers include Lemuen, Ray, Pozemka, Ch’en the Holungday, Fiammetta, Archetto, Ash, Exusiai, etc.
B. Sniper operators ranking
Reddit commentary:
“I don’t know why Archetto so underrated... Always start with her E2 and solo a lot of start stages.”
This indicates that some Snipers are “carry possible” if you invest.
Also: Some Snipers are niche but extremely powerful in specific meta maps—so placement in tier lists depends a lot on how accessible they are and how stable their performance is.
C. Supporter tier list overview
Supporters bring more than damage: buffs, debuffs, summons, crowd control. On Reddit, Supporter tiers focus on how much value they add to the team, how much they amplify strong units. Class list S-Tier Supporters include Stainless, Ling, Valarqvin, Gnosis, Angelina, Magallan, Scene, etc.
D. Supporter operators ranking
From Reddit:
“Floofiest tier list… I’d like to see a tier list about which units are best at this role.”
Meaning players want deeper lists for Supporters (because they’re less straightforward).
You’ll notice Supporter tier lists often reward units with synergy—ones that make your main DPS shine, rather than being flashy themselves.
E. Range specialization
Player takeaway:
If you have strong Sniper or Supporter, you unlock more of your squad’s potential (especially DPS).
Reddit often emphasises “Supporters amplify value of multiple ops” so if you’re building depth, getting one top Supporter may boost many DPS units.
For content like CC or event maps with gimmicks (air targets, waves of flyers), Snipers matter a lot. Check Reddit threads for recent meta changes: “Which Sniper is meta now?”
XIV.Vanguard and Specialist Class Tiers
Let’s cover the first-deployment class (Vanguards) and the unique, quirky class (Specialists). These roles often determine how efficiently you clear maps and handle tricks, so Reddit tier lists matter here too.
A. Vanguard tier list guide
Vanguards are early game heroes—they help generate DP (deployment points), block early enemies, set up the board. Reddit often discusses them in new-account threads: how to start strong. Class list S-Tier Vanguards include Degenbrecher, Ines, Fang the Fire-Sharpened.
B. Vanguard operators ranking
From Reddit:
“The poll only required you to have Amiya, Yato, Rangers, Noir Corne… Regular Texas can block 2… She and Myrtle is the fastest DP printer…”
So early game, Vanguards matter a lot—even though in late game their relative value may drop. Reddit users emphasise “get a good Vanguard early and you’ll cash in later”.
C. Specialist tier list overview
Specialists cover unique mechanics (push/pull traps, deployable units, SP manipulation). Reddit tier lists for Specialists are more parenthetical: because their utility is highly map-specific. Class list S-Tier Specialists include Ascalon, Ela, Texas the Omertosa, Dorothy, Specter the Unchained.
D. Specialist operators ranking
Reddit commentary:
“She is broken yeah… The alpha specialised module is good, but is she by far one of the best operator and top choice in all of IS2, IS3 and IS4? Not quite.”
Meaning: Some Specialists are extremely situational yet powerful—tier placement depends on how often you’ll face the gimmicks they counter.
If you’re an end-game player doing a lot of special modes, a top Specialist can be priority. If you’re early game, maybe less so.
E. Unique specialization
As a player you should think:
Do I have a strong Vanguard for early game/DP generation? Reddit says yes is “helpful”.
Do I have a Specialist that covers tricky maps (push/pull, etc)? If not, maybe keep some mats aside.
Tier lists for these classes matter more for “map efficiency” than “carry power”. If you’re playing casually, perhaps focus tanks/healers/DPS first, then come back to Vanguards/Specialists.
There it is—your detailed, player-centric deep dive into Arknights Tier List Reddit. We covered: how the Reddit community discusses tier lists, how to interpret those lists, class-specific breakdowns, six-star priorities, meta analysis, and how you can use all this to build a smarter roster.