Arknights tier list: All Operators ranked (January 2024)

Hypergryph combines tower defense combat mechanics and RPG-based gameplay in Arknights. You step into the game's dystopian world as a Doctor, collect Operators, build a squad, and fight various enemies to save the world. Each Operator has a unique playstyle, represented by their classes: Medic, Guard, Caster, Defender, Specialist, Sniper, Supporter, and Vanguard.

Arknights' tier list groups all characters under their respective classes and ranks them from the best to worst based on their combat ability. Using our tier list, you can conveniently decide which Operators to upgrade, use, and avoid to clear the chapters and event stages in January 2024.

All Arknights Operators ranked in a tier list (January 2024)

Looking for Crossword hints & solutions? Check out latest NYT Mini Crossword Answers, LA Times Crossword Answers, and USA Today Crossword Answers

The Arknights' tier list changes with every update from the developers at Hypergryph because new Operators are added to the game. Apart from new Operators, the developers adjust the existing ones by buffing or nerfing their skills and stats. As a result, the Operators’ ranks change frequently.

Two new Operators, Executor the Ex-Foedere and Spuria, debuted in the latest update through a side story called Hortus de Escapismo in Arknights. This article categorizes all Operators in the game, including new ones, into SS, S, A, and B tiers under their respective classes. Here is the description of each tier:

SS-tier: You can find the most robust Operators in this tier. SS-tier characters are the best choices, but they also require significant resources for upgrades. Use them in your squad to breeze through stages.

S-tier: The S-tier Operators are powerful enough to help you through even the most challenging stages. They rank second but have the potential to become as robust as SS-tier Operators with proper upgrades. You can use them without hesitation, and they can guarantee winning results in every match of this mobile gacha title.

A-tier: The A-tier Operators have average utility, but this does not mean they can’t help you clear content. Ensure you upgrade their in-game level and skills and promote them to unlock new skills, talents, and more at every opportunity. It makes them more robust and helps you clear more stages.

B-tier: You can find the weakest Operators in the B-tier. You must obtain characters that rank at SS, S, and A-tiers and dispose of them sooner for an easy in-game journey.

That said, below is the tier list of all Arknights Operators for January 2024:

Defender tier list

Penance in Arknights (Image via Hypergryph)

The Defender class characters act as tanks and can withstand incoming damage. They tank attacks to protect your damage dealers, allowing them to obliterate enemies.

SS-tier

Penance
Horn
Blemishine
Eunectes
Hoshiguma
Liskarm
Mudrock
Nian
Saria

S-tier

Czerny
Shalem
Ashlock
Asbestos
Bison
Blitz
Croissant
Cuora
Heavyrain
Nearl
Kazemaru
Firewhistle

A-tier

Aurora
Bubble
Dur-Nar
Gummy
Mattherhorn
Hung
Vulcan

B-tier

Beagle
Cardigan
Spot
Noir Corne

Caster tier list

Carnelian in Arknights (Image via Hypergryph)

Arknights Operators under the Caster class specialize in dealing Magic damage. They typically deal damage from a long range.

SS-tier

Ebenholz
Carnelian
Lin
Dusk
Ceobe
Eyjafjalla
Ifrit
Mostima

S-tier

Goldenglow
Rockrock
Kjera
Amiya
Absinthe
Lava the Purgatory
Beeswax
Click
Gitano
Iris
Leonhardt
Mint
Passenger
Skyfire

A-tier

Harmonie
Qanipalaat
Corroserum
Greyy
Haze
Leizi

B-tier

Durin
12F
Tomimi
Lava
Steward
Nightmare

Guard tier list

Wind Chimes in Arknights (Image via Hypergryph)

The Guard class Operators deal damage to enemies in close-range combat. They have potent attacks and massive HP (Health Points) but are low on defense.

SS-tier

Executor the Ex Foedere
Mlynar
Gavial the Invincible
Irene
Nearl the Radiant Knight
La Pluma
Blaze
Ch’en
Hellagur
Lappland
Mountain
SilverAsh
Skadi
Specter
Surtr
Thorns
Qiubai
Rathalos S Noir

S-tier

Highmore
Dagda
Luo Xiaohei
Tequila
Pallas
Akafuyu
Amiya (Guard)
Astesia
Ayerscarpe
`k
Broca
Cutter
Flamebringer
Flint
Franka
Indra
Savage
Tachanka
Chongyue Utage
Whislash
Wind Chimes

A-tier

Arene
Beehunter
Conviction
Estelle
Jackie
Matoimaru
Melantha
Mousse
Sideroca

B-tier

Quartz
Castle-3
Dobermann
Frostleaf
Midnight
Popukar
Swire

Medic tier list

Lumen in Arknights (Image via Hypergryph)

Operators who can heal in this mobile RPG title are called medics. They have low defensive and offensive stats and less HP. You must place them on safe tiles and let them heal their allies, helping them survive longer.

SS-tier

Reed the Flame Shadow
Hibiscus the Purifier
Kal'tsit
Nightingale
Ptilopsis
Shining
Warfarin
Lumen
Paprika

S-tier

Mulberry
Breeze
Perfumer
Silence
Whisperain
Tuye

A-tier

Folinic
Ceylon
Gavial
Myrrh
Sussurro
Purestream
Chestnut

B-tier

Ansel
Hibiscus
Lancet-2

Specialist tier list

Specter the Unchained in Arknights (Image via Hypergryph)

The Operators specializing in one ability in this tower defense title are called Specialists. They can set traps, apply debuffs, and act as crowd controllers on the battlefield.

SS-tier

Texas the Omertosa
Dorothy
Specter the Unchained
Aak
Phantom
Projekt Red
Weedy
Gladiia
Lee

S-tier

Spuria
Mizuki
Cliffheart
Ethan
FEater
Gravel
Jaye
Manticore
Mr. Nothing
Kafka
Robin
Frost
Enforcer

A-tier

Kirara
Rope
Snowsant

B-tier

THRM-EX
Shaw
Waai Fu

Vanguard tier list

Flametail in Arknights (Image via Hypergryph)

Vanguard Operators can be melee or ranged attackers. They can block one or two enemies and generate additional DP (Deployment Points), allowing you to deploy more Operators on the battlefield.

SS-tier

Cantabile
Saileach
Bagpipe
Elysium
Myrtle
Siege
Saga

S-tier

Puzzle
Flametail
Reed
Texas
Vigna
Zima
Blacknight

A-tier

Beanstalk
Chiave
Courier
Grani
Scavenger

B-tier

Fang
Plume
Vanilla
Yato

Sniper tier list

Fartooth in Arknights (Image via Hypergryph)

As the name suggests, Snipers attack from a long range, dealing massive burst damage to opponents. They possess low HP and defense and might not be helpful against enemies with higher defensive stats.

SS–tier

Pozemka
Ch'en the Holungday
Fiammetta
Archetto
Ash
Exusiai
Poca (Rosa)
Rosmontis
Schwarz, W

S-tier

Insider
Totter
Andreana
Blue Poison
Firewatch
GreyThroat
Platinum
Provence
Meteorite
Toddifons
Pinecone
Kirin R Yato

A-tier

Lunacub
Fartooth
Aciddrop
Aosta
April
Executor
May
Sesa
Shirayuki
Vermeil

B-tier

Ambriel
Catapult
Jessica
Kroos
Meteor
Adnachiel
Rangers
Greyy the Lightningbear

Support tier list

Skadi The Corrupting Heart in Arknights (Image via Hypergryph)

Support Operators specialize in applying buffs to allies and debuffs to enemies. They don’t deal much damage themselves and help others by providing them support and diffusing enemies’ attacks.

SS-tier