Counter Side Tier List (November 2025)

The ultimate Counter Side tier list ranking all characters for both PVE and PVP content. Based on analysis from top gaming sources including Prydwen Institute, Exputer, PocketGamer, and PocketTactics, this comprehensive guide reflects the current meta as of November 2025. Whether you're building your perfect PVE team or dominating in PVP, this tier list will help you make informed decisions about which characters to invest in.

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Quick Summary: Key Tier Changes This Month

Tier Change	Character	Reason for Change
S → SS	Altergressive Seo Yoon	Exclusive Equipment massively boosts damage output
SS → S	Gerard Curian	Lacks damage against high-end defenders
B → A	Griffin Rider Christina	Viable lead for Wandering Sword Jisoo operator
S → SS	Vesca	High personal damage and team Unavoidable debuff
A → S	Tenured President Regina	New Exclusive Equipment allows both utility and damage builds

Understanding Counter Side Tier List Methodology

Before diving into the rankings, it's essential to understand how characters are evaluated in Counter Side. Unlike many gacha games, Counter Side features complex interactions between different character types, making tier lists particularly nuanced.

Key Ranking Factors

1. Content Type Separation

• PVE Performance: Includes Story Chapters, Raids, Shadow Palace, Danger Close, and Guild Co-op
• PVP Performance: Competitive matchmaking with ban system considerations
• Early vs Late Game: Some characters excel in early content but fall off in endgame scenarios

2. Faction-Based Analysis Characters are divided into three main factions, each with unique strengths:

• Mech Faction: High bulk or firepower, lacks ultimate/special skills
• Soldier Faction: Strength in numbers, high firepower with swarm tactics
• Counter Faction: Balanced units with versatile abilities

3. Meta Impact Factors

• Exclusive Equipment: New gear sets significantly boost character performance
• Operator Synergy: New operators can elevate or diminish character viability
• Balance Patches: Regular updates that adjust character capabilities

Tier Definitions Explained

SSS Tier: Characters who almost always represent the strongest option. These units have widespread application and significantly impact team performance through incredible value, either as stat monsters or through powerful utility.

SS Tier: Exceptionally strong characters that excel in their role or frequently occurring niches. These are staple units that will see frequent use across various game modes.

S Tier: Characters that excel in their role and are considered core components of many successful teams. They may have more specific use cases than SS tier but remain highly valuable.

A Tier: Solid performers that excel in uncommon but important niches. These characters are as good as S-tier in their specific situations but have fewer opportunities to display their strengths.

B Tier: Playable characters if you like them, but generally outperformed by stronger alternatives. Many have significant role overlap with better options.

C Tier: Characters with limited application, typically useful only in very specific stages or situations.

D Tier: Strictly worse than alternatives. While functional in PVE, there's a significant performance gap compared to stronger options.

Complete Counter Side Tier List November 2025

SSS Tier Characters (Meta-Defining Units)

PVP SSS Tier:

• Zodiac of Redemption Esterossa: The best frontline in the game by a large margin. Her durability, lack of buff reliance, and long revive animation make her nearly unmatched. Even viable on Ban 1, which is exceptionally rare.

PVE SSS Tier:

• Evelyn Keller: Consistently top-tier performer across all PVE content with incredible damage output and utility.
• Ifrit: Exceptional damage dealer with strong area control capabilities.
• Awakened Yuna Springfield: Versatile unit with high damage potential and team support abilities.

SS Tier Characters (Elite Performers)

PVP SS Tier:

• Altergressive Seo Yoon: Recently elevated from S tier due to Exclusive Equipment that provides ~20% ASPD, ~40% Ranged DMG, and 30% Skill Haste. Transformed from a healing support into a brutal damage dealer.
• Vesca: Comparable to Solovey but costs half as much. High personal damage and provides Unavoidable debuff for massive team damage increase.
• Space Hound Laika: Essentially a better Replacer Knight that targets rangers instead of snipers at lower cost.
• Outlander Rivet: Damage output comparable to Laika but with powerful Special Skill and stun immunity.

PVE SS Tier:

• Xiao Lin: Highest damage potential in the game with incredible attack stats.
• Awakened Shin Jia: Excellent support with strong damage amplification abilities.
• Nanahara Chifuyu: Versatile unit that excels in multiple PVE scenarios.
• Ministra: Top-tier support with incredible team utility and survivability.

S Tier Characters (Core Team Components)

PVP S Tier:

• Evelyn Keller, Ifrit, Awakened Yuna Springfield, Ministra, Awakened Lee Sooyeon, Awakened Seo Yoon, Sigma, Rita Arsenico, Awakened Horizon, Serapel, Administration Rifleman, Awakened Jake, Gaeun, Lucrecia, Eins & Zwei, Investigator Kang, Horizon, Replacer King, Claudia Nelson, Spira, Awakened Yoo Mina, Amy Firstwing, Arti Lana, Awakened Na Yubin, Machine Collector, Lee Yuri, Ingrid Johanna, Raphaela Juri, Evolved One, Lily, Harab, Gremory

PVE S Tier:

• Yang Harim, Sky Layfield, Replacer Queen, Seo Yoon, Lin Xien, Rosaria le Friede, Karin Wong, Tarrasque, Lyudmila, Orca, Esterosa de Chevalier, Awakened Hilde, Roy Burnett, Lucrecia, Eins & Zwei, Investigator Kang, Arius Esquede, Horizon, Nanahara Chinatsu, Dash, Lee Yumi, Edel Meitner, Terminator, Veronica, Lone Lee, Kim Sobin, Yamata no Orochi, Replacer King, Claudia Nelson, Janus, Shin Jia, Spira

A Tier Characters (Solid Performers)

PVP A Tier:

• Xiao Lin, Awakened Shin Jia, Nanahara Chifuyu, Replacer Queen, Awakened Joo Shiyoon, Sigma, Rosaria le Friede, Lyudmila, Awakened Hilde, Veronica, Yamata no Orochi, Assault Trooper, Administration Shieldman, Kyle Wong, Kaci Bins, Dorothy, Administration Sword Fighter, Carlota, Kang Soyoung, Overflow, Ironside, Yen Xing Lanchester, Lee Jisoo, Best Streamer Miya, Replacer Bishop, Sparrow, Naielle, Bluesteel, Kang Minwoo, Glitch, ATF-35 Thunderbolt, Rhino

PVE A Tier:

• Orca, Esterosa de Chevalier, Awakened Hilde, Roy Burnett, Lucrecia, Eins & Zwei, Investigator Kang, Arius Esquede, Horizon, Nanahara Chinatsu, Dash, Lee Yumi, Edel Meitner, Terminator, Veronica, Lone Lee, Kim Sobin, Yamata no Orochi, Replacer King, Claudia Nelson, Janus, Shin Jia, Spira, Orca, Esterosa de Chevalier, Assault Trooper, Administration Shieldman, Kyle Wong, Kaci Bins, Dorothy

Faction-Based Analysis

Mech Faction Tier List

Mech PVE S Tier:

• Tower Sigma: Her "Sigma Protocol" passive skill is game-changing - negates type weakness affinity for defenders and increases their damage by 60% against resistant units. Also serves as a battery with deployment cost regeneration.
• Striker Ifrit: High damage output with excellent area control.
• Striker Awakened Horizon: Versatile striker with strong damage potential.
• Striker Triana Titan: Powerful frontline mech with excellent durability.
• Ranger Tarrasque: Strong ranged damage with good utility.
• Striker Coldcase Horizon: Specialized striker with unique capabilities.

Mech PVP S Tier:

• Tower Sigma: Same passive benefits as PVE, incredibly valuable for team support.
• Striker Ifrit: Consistent high damage in PVP scenarios.
• Striker Awakened Horizon: Strong performance against various team compositions.
• Striker Triana Titan: Excellent frontline presence.
• Defender Horizon: Strong defensive capabilities.
• Sniper Grendel: High damage output against key targets.
• Defender Evolved One: Recently elevated due to meta shifts.
• Striker Coldcase Horizon: Consistent performer in current meta.

Soldier Faction Tier List

Soldier PVE S Tier:

• Striker Eve Meitner: Currently considered the best character in the game for PVE content.
• Ranger Admin. Rifleman: Essential unit with highest damage output at low cost (2). Crucial counter against bulky defenders.
• Striker Admin. Sword Fighter: Viable across all content with high evasion and critical hit potential. "Survival Instinct" passive provides full healing when one unit perishes.
• Defender Admin. Shieldman: Excellent in Guild Coop, Shadow Palace, and Danger Close. Very bulky with taunt capabilities.
• Striker Ciel Marronier: Strong damage dealer with unique mechanics.
• Striker Felix: Red Witch: Powerful offensive capabilities.
• Sniper Curian: Excellent long-range damage dealer.
• Ranger Justine Macy: Must-have for ranger compositions, less valuable outside of them.

Soldier PVP S Tier:

• Striker Eve Meitner: Top-tier performer in PVP as well.
• Ranger Admin. Rifleman: High damage output remains valuable in PVP.
• Striker Admin. Sword Fighter: Evasion and critical hit potential make her strong in PVP.
• Defender Admin. Shieldman: Bulky defender with taunt capabilities.
• Striker Terminator: Good in Raids, Guild Coop, and Danger Close with Armor-Piercing Buckshot.
• Ranger Nicole: Basic Attack boosts damage by 5% per level, with strong utility skills.
• Ranger Eddie Fisher: Crucial in hybrid Counter/Soldier decks with multiple buff abilities.

Counter Faction Tier List

Counter PVE S Tier:

• Awakened Lee Sooyeon: Versatile counter with strong damage and utility.
• Awakened Seo Yoon: Excellent damage dealer with team support capabilities.
• Rita Arsenico: Strong damage output with good utility.
• Serapel: High damage potential with unique mechanics.
• Awakened Jake: Powerful counter with excellent damage output.
• Gaeun: Strong all-around performer.
• Lucrecia: Versatile counter with good damage potential.

Counter PVP S Tier:

• Awakened Lee Sooyeon: Recently elevated due to Exclusive Equipment benefits.
• Awakened Seo Yoon: Transformed into a brutal damage dealer with new gear.
• Rita Arsenico: Consistent high damage performer.
• Serapel: Strong damage with disruptive capabilities.
• Awakened Jake: Powerful frontline presence.
• Gaeun: Versatile and reliable performer.
• Lucrecia: Good damage with utility potential.

Character Statistics Breakdown

Here are the key statistics for top-tier characters to help you understand their raw power potential:

Character	HP	ATK	DEF	CRIT	HIT	EVA
Evelyn Keller	23,667	2,965	279	246	483	696
Ifrit	28,642	4,807	1,075	706	732	111
Awakened Yuna Springfield	53,388	5,412	706	776	578	675
Ministra	39,816	4,893	878	860	630	360
Awakened Lee Sooyeon	32,670	6,336	418	754	823	996
Awakened Seo Yoon	38,097	5,340	695	788	920	590
Rita Arsenico	29,755	4,028	326	531	770	641
Awakened Horizon	39,120	6,071	783	405	762	608
Serapel	55,138	2,680	1,128	401	957	0
Administration Rifleman	13,924	2,808	258	657	312	204

Meta Analysis & Recent Changes November 2025

Impact of New Exclusive Equipment

The introduction of new Exclusive Equipment sets has dramatically shifted the meta landscape. These sets provide unreasonable amounts of stats, making them essential for top-tier performance:

Altergressive Seo Yoon's Transformation:

• Before: Considered an expensive healing support bot
• After: With Exclusive Equipment providing ~20% ASPD, ~40% Ranged DMG, and 30% Skill Haste, she's now a strong damage dealer that brutally punishes healers

Tenured President Regina's Rise:

• Before: Had to choose between Skill Haste utility and Anti-Counter DMG damage
• After: New Exclusive Equipment allows ~70% Skill Haste and ~45% Ranged DMG builds simultaneously

Operator Meta Impact

The release of Wandering Sword Lee Jisoo operator has significantly impacted the meta:

• Easy Command Skill proc order provides exceptional anti-frontline utility
• Counters buff-reliant units like most awakened defenders
• Elevated Griffin Rider Christina from B to A tier as a viable lead

Balance Patch Effects

Recent balance patches have created several notable shifts:

Sniper Balance Patch:

• Elevated Lyudmilla from B to A tier with good damage output and high disruptive potential
• High cost remains her limiting factor

Ship Ban Changes:

• Negatively impacted Sword Princess Ais who relied on Albion for performance
• Doubled ban power made Albion bans more common, restricting Ais's viability

Reroll Guide for New Players

If you're starting Counter Side, rerolling can give you a significant advantage. Here's what you need to know:

How Rerolling Works in Counter Side?

Unlike many gacha games, Counter Side uses a selective recruitment banner for initial character selection:

1. 30 Rerolls Available: You get 30 attempts to pick characters
2. Keep One Character: You can only keep one character from your selections
3. Priority S-Tier Characters: Focus on acquiring S-tier characters from this tier list

Top Reroll Targets November 2025

Priority S-Tier Characters for Reroll:

• Evelyn Keller - Consistent top-tier performer
• Ifrit - Excellent damage and utility
• Awakened Yuna Springfield - Versatile and powerful
• Ministra - Incredible team support
• Altergressive Seo Yoon - Recently elevated with Exclusive Equipment
• Sigma - Strong support with unique mechanics
• Eve Meitner - Currently considered best in PVE
• Administration Rifleman - Essential low-cost damage dealer

Reroll Strategy

• Focus on Versatility: Prioritize characters that work well in multiple content types
• Consider Faction Balance: Try to get characters from different factions for team flexibility
• Don't Stress Too Much: Counter Side is generous with pulls, so you'll acquire more strong characters quickly

Pro Tips & Advanced Strategies

Team Building Principles

1. Faction Synergy

• Pure Faction Teams: Often stronger due to faction-specific bonuses
• Hybrid Teams: Can be more versatile but require careful planning

2. Cost Management

• Balance High and Low Cost Units: Ensure you can deploy units consistently
• Consider Deployment Timing: Higher cost units need strategic timing

3. Role Distribution

• Balanced Team Composition: Include tanks, damage dealers, and support
• Content-Specific Adjustments: Modify team composition based on specific challenges

Exclusive Equipment Prioritization

Must-Have Equipment for Top Characters:

• Altergressive Seo Yoon: ASPD/Ranged DMG/Skill Haste set
• Tenured President Regina: Skill Haste/Ranged DMG hybrid set
• Vesca: Damage-focused sets to maximize personal output

Advanced PVP Strategies

Ban Phase Considerations:

• Identify Key Threats: Know which characters counter your team composition
• Protect Your Core: Ensure your most important characters remain available
• Adapt to Meta: Stay current with which characters are most commonly banned

Operator Selection:

• Wandering Sword Lee Jisoo: Currently meta-defining with anti-frontline utility
• Match Operator to Team Composition: Ensure synergy between operator and character abilities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Faction Mechanics

Many players underestimate the importance of faction-specific mechanics and bonuses. Pure faction teams often outperform mixed teams due to synergistic abilities.

2. Overlooking Cost Efficiency

High-cost characters aren't always better. Consider the deployment cost-to-effectiveness ratio, especially in PVP where timing is crucial.

3. Neglecting Exclusive Equipment

Characters without proper Exclusive Equipment are significantly weaker. Prioritize acquiring and upgrading gear for your core team members.

4. Focusing Only on PVP or PVE

Build teams that can perform well in both content types. Many characters excel in one area but struggle in another.

5. Ignoring Meta Shifts

The Counter Side meta changes frequently with new releases and balance patches. Stay informed about current tier positions and adapt accordingly.

Community Resources

Official Resources

Official Discord Server: Join the official Counter Side Discord community for real-time discussions, strategy sharing, and developer announcements. This is the best place to get immediate feedback on team compositions and meta changes.

Official Website: Visit the official Counter Side website for the latest news, patch notes, and events. Always verify information from official sources to ensure accuracy.

Official Social Media: Follow Counter Side on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for quick updates, community events, and developer insights.

Community Resources

Reddit Community (r/CounterSide): Active community with daily discussions, tier list debates, and strategy sharing. Great for getting diverse opinions and learning from experienced players.

Prydwen Institute: Comprehensive resource for detailed tier lists, character analysis, and meta breakdowns. Their regular updates make them a reliable source for current information.

Game Wikis: Use official and fan-maintained wikis for detailed character information, skill descriptions, and interaction mechanics.

FAQ Section

What makes a character S-tier in Counter Side?

S-tier characters in Counter Side typically excel in multiple areas: high damage output, strong utility abilities, versatility across different content types, and good synergy with popular team compositions. They often have minimal weaknesses and can significantly impact battle outcomes.

How often does the Counter Side meta change?

The Counter Side meta typically shifts every 4-6 weeks with new character releases, balance patches, and equipment updates. Major changes often occur when new operators are released or when significant balance adjustments are implemented.

Should I focus on PVP or PVE characters?

For most players, it's best to build a balanced roster that can perform well in both PVP and PVE. However, if you prefer one game mode over the other, you can prioritize characters that excel specifically in that content type.

How important is Exclusive Equipment in Counter Side?

Exclusive Equipment is extremely important in Counter Side. It can dramatically increase a character's performance, sometimes elevating them entire tiers. Many top-tier characters rely heavily on their Exclusive Equipment to reach their full potential.

What's the best faction in Counter Side?

There's no single "best" faction in Counter Side. Each faction has its strengths: Mech faction offers high bulk and firepower, Soldier faction excels in swarm tactics, and Counter faction provides balanced versatility. The best faction depends on your playstyle and the specific content you're facing.

How do I counter SSS-tier characters in PVP?

Countering SSS-tier characters requires strategic planning: use characters that specifically counter their strengths, employ ban strategies to remove them from matches, build teams that can outlast or outdamage them, and utilize operators that disrupt their key abilities.

Should I pull for new characters or save currency?

This depends on your current roster strength and the new character's meta impact. Generally, it's wise to save for characters that are confirmed to be meta-defining or that fill specific gaps in your team composition.

What's the difference between Early PVE and Late PVE tiers?

Early PVE covers content like Story Chapters 1-6, Challenge Mode, and Dives 1-50, while Late PVE includes Story Chapters 7+, Raids, and Dives 51+. Some characters excel in early content but fall off in late-game scenarios, while others may start weak but become essential in endgame content.

Conclusion

This comprehensive Counter Side tier list for November 2025 provides you with the most up-to-date character rankings based on analysis from multiple authoritative sources. Remember that tier lists are guidelines, not absolute rules - the best team is one that you enjoy playing and that suits your personal style.

The current meta is heavily influenced by new Exclusive Equipment sets and the Wandering Sword Lee Jisoo operator, creating significant shifts in character viability. Stay informed about regular updates and balance patches, as the Counter Side meta continues to evolve.

Whether you're building your perfect PVE team or climbing the PVP ranks, this tier list should serve as your foundation for making informed decisions about character investment and team composition. Bookmark this guide and check back regularly for updates as the meta continues to shift.