AFK Journey Tier List (October 2025) Best Heroes

AFK Journey's meta evolves constantly with each new season and balance patch, making hero selection crucial for success across all game modes. Our comprehensive tier list ranks every character based on their performance in Dream Realm boss battles, PvP arenas, and AFK stage progression, giving you the definitive guide for building your ultimate team in October 2025.

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Key Information Summary

Aspect	Details
Current Patch	1.5.1 (Updated September 25, 2025)
Current Season	Thorns of Devotion
Main Game Modes	AFK Stages, Dream Realm, PvP Arena
Hero Factions	Lightbearer, Wilder, Mauler, Graveborn, Celestial, Hypogean
Hero Classes	Tank, Warrior, Marksman, Support, Mage, Rogue
Update Frequency	Meta shifts every 2-4 weeks with balance changes

Understanding AFK Journey Tier List Rankings

Before diving into specific hero rankings, it's essential to understand how tier lists work in AFK Journey and what factors influence hero placement. Unlike many games where heroes have universal ratings, AFK Journey requires evaluating characters across three distinct game modes, each with different mechanics and team composition requirements.

Ranking Methodology

Our tier list synthesizes data from five authoritative sources (Prydwen.gg, AFK.global, AllClash.com, Joytify.com, and LDShop.gg) and cross-references with official patch notes 1.5.1 to ensure accuracy. Heroes are evaluated based on:

Performance Metrics:

• Dream Realm Viability: Performance against rotating boss mechanics and endless mode challenges
• PVP Effectiveness: Arena dominance, team synergy, and counter-pick potential
• AFK Stage Progression: Carrying potential for high-deficit stage clearing
• Investment Efficiency: Power relative to resource requirements
• Meta Resilience: Consistency across balance patches and season changes

Tier Definitions:

• SS/S+: Meta-defining heroes that excel in multiple game modes
• S: Strong performers with specific team-building requirements
• A: Solid choices with situational effectiveness
• B: Niche picks requiring specific team compositions
• C/D: Generally outclassed or requiring heavy investment for minimal returns

Game Mode Considerations

AFK Journey features three primary competitive environments, each demanding different hero attributes:

AFK Stages: Endgame content where players face significant level deficits. Heroes here need sustained damage output, survivability, and the ability to perform well with minimal player intervention. Stage progression heroes typically scale well with investment and can carry teams through challenging content.

Dream Realm: Daily boss battles with rotating mechanics and increasing difficulty tiers. Success here requires specialized heroes that can exploit specific boss weaknesses, provide consistent damage output, and survive devastating area-of-effect attacks. The Dream Realm meta shifts frequently with new boss introductions.

PVP Arena: Player-versus-player combat where team composition, counter-picking, and burst damage potential determine success. Arena heroes need strong immediate impact, synergy with popular team compositions, and the ability to adapt to evolving metas.

Complete AFK Journey Tier List October 2025

SS+ Tier: Meta-Defining Heroes

These heroes represent the pinnacle of AFK Journey's current meta, excelling across multiple game modes and defining team compositions at the highest levels of play.

Elijah and Lailah

Faction: Celestial | Class: Support Overall Rating: SS+

• AFK Stages: SS+ | Dream Realm: SS+ | PvP: SS+

Elijah and Lailah stand as the undisputed best support duo in AFK Journey, providing unparalleled utility through haste buffs, energy regeneration, and ultimate energy refund mechanics. Their ability to enable entire team compositions makes them the first priority for any serious player, regardless of spending level.

Why They're SS+ Tier:

• Provide essential haste and energy regeneration that scales with team investment
• Ultimate energy refund creates massive tempo advantages in all game modes
• Synergize with virtually every damage dealer in the current meta
• Remain effective even at lower investment levels compared to other Celestial heroes
• Define team composition strategies around their buffing capabilities

Build Priority: Maximum investment recommended as first Celestial hero F2P Viability: Excellent - available through shop purchases P2W Significance: Essential - core component of premium team compositions

Shemira

Faction: Graveborn | Class: Mage Overall Rating: SS+

• AFK Stages: SS+ | Dream Realm: SS+ | PvP: SS+

Shemira dominates the current meta through her unique health-sacrifice damage cycle combined with self-sustain mechanics. Her ability to deal massive damage while maintaining survivability makes her equally effective in prolonged Dream Realm battles and quick PvP engagements.

Why She's SS+ Tier:

• Exceptional damage output that scales exponentially with investment
• Self-sustain mechanics reduce healing dependency on team composition
• Effective against all boss types in Dream Realm with proper positioning
• PvP dominance through burst damage potential and survivability
• Minimal counterplay options in current meta environment

Build Priority: Maximum investment including EX Weapon highly recommended F2P Viability: Good - achievable through dedicated resource management P2W Significance: Excellent - returns on investment are immediate and substantial

Bonnie

Faction: Graveborn | Class: Marksman Overall Rating: SS+

• AFK Stages: SS+ | Dream Realm: SS+ | PvP: SS+

Bonnie has revolutionized the marksman role through her unique combination of DPS output and debuff capabilities, particularly her haste manipulation mechanics. She excels at disrupting enemy timing while providing consistent damage across all game modes.

Why She's SS+ Tier:

• Haste manipulation controls enemy ultimate timing and attack patterns
• Consistent damage output with minimal investment requirements
• Debuff capabilities enhance entire team effectiveness
• Strong performance against both single targets and grouped enemies
• Minimal hard counters in current meta environment

Build Priority: High priority for damage-focused team compositions F2P Viability: Excellent - performs well even at moderate investment levels P2W Significance: Strong - additional investment significantly enhances carry potential

S Tier: Elite Performers

These heroes consistently deliver strong results but may have specific requirements or situational limitations that prevent them from reaching SS+ status.

Phraesto

Faction: Hypogean | Class: Tank Overall Rating: S

• AFK Stages: S+ | Dream Realm: S | PvP: S+

Phraesto serves as the second-most-important Hypogean hero after the Twins, providing essential tanking capabilities combined with energy battery functionality and debuff application. His versatility makes him valuable across all game modes, though his full potential requires significant investment.

Key Strengths:

• Energy battery capabilities enable faster ultimate cycling for entire teams
• Debuff application enhances damage dealer effectiveness
• Tanking capabilities provide crucial frontline sustainability
• Synergizes exceptionally well with popular damage dealers
• Hypogean faction benefits provide additional team-building options

Investment Considerations:

• Requires high-tier upgrades and EX Weapon for maximum effectiveness
• Better suited for players with established Hypogean team foundations
• F2P players should prioritize shop acquisition over banner pulls

Smokey & Meerky

Faction: Lightbearer | Class: Support Overall Rating: S

• AFK Stages: S+ | Dream Realm: S | PvP: A

This dynamic duo continues to provide excellent healing and buffing capabilities despite recent balance adjustments. While their range has been reduced from global to map-wide, they remain essential components of many successful team compositions.

Key Strengths:

• Consistent healing output keeps teams alive through sustained damage
• Buff capabilities enhance damage dealer effectiveness
• Strong performance in AFK stages where sustained healing is crucial
• Synergizes well with both burst and sustained damage compositions
• Lightbearer faction benefits provide additional team flexibility

Current Meta Position:

• No longer dominates every team composition but remains highly relevant
• Particularly effective in AFK stages and certain Dream Realm scenarios
• Less dominant in PvP due to power creep and new counter options

Koko

Faction: Mauler | Class: Support Overall Rating: S

• AFK Stages: S+ | Dream Realm: A | PvP: S

Koko provides exceptional team utility through reflection mechanics, healing capabilities, and various buffing effects. Her percentage-based scaling ensures effectiveness throughout all game stages, making her a reliable support choice for both F2P and paying players.

Key Strengths:

• Reflection mechanics provide additional damage output and survivability
• Percentage-based scaling ensures relevance from early to late game
• Healing capabilities reduce dependency on dedicated healer positions
• Buff effects enhance entire team performance
• Mauler faction provides unique team-building options

Build Considerations:

• Performs exceptionally well even at lower investment levels
• A-Rank rarity makes acquisition and upgrading more accessible
• Excellent choice for F2P players looking for reliable support options

A Tier: Solid Contenders

These heroes provide consistent value but may have specific requirements, counters, or situational effectiveness that limits their universal applicability.

Daimon

Faction: Wilder | Class: Tank Overall Rating: A

• AFK Stages: S+ | Dream Realm: S+ | PvP: A+

Daimon brings unique tanking capabilities through his HP-percentage-based damage mechanics, though he requires specific team support to reach his full potential. His effectiveness in Dream Realm boss battles makes him a valuable specialist pick.

Key Strengths:

• HP-percentage damage provides consistent output against high-health targets
• Tanking capabilities provide crucial frontline sustainability
• Exceptional performance in Dream Realm boss scenarios
• Synergizes well with shielding and healing support heroes
• Wilder faction provides additional team composition flexibility

Limitations:

• Cannot function effectively as solo tank; requires support composition
• Shielding mechanics demand specific hero investments for maximum effectiveness
• Less dominant in PvP due to burst damage meta environment

Pandora

Faction: Dimensional | Class: Support Overall Rating: A

• AFK Stages: S+ | Dream Realm: S | PvP: S+

Pandora represents the first truly viable Dimensional hero, providing essential enabling capabilities for important carry heroes. Her relatively low investment requirements combined with significant team enhancement make her an increasingly valuable pick.

Key Strengths:

• Enables important carry heroes through various enhancement mechanics
• Increasing relevance for boss battles and Dream Realm content
• Low investment requirements provide excellent resource efficiency
• Dimensional faction provides unique team-building options
• Synergizes well with both established and emerging damage dealers

Strategic Considerations:

• Investment efficiency makes her excellent for F2P and moderate spenders
• Growing importance in evolving meta environments
• Particularly effective when paired with popular damage dealers

Faramor

Faction: Wilder | Class: Rogue Overall Rating: A

• AFK Stages: S | Dream Realm: S | PvP: S+

Faramor excels at dealing true damage while providing valuable team enhancement through ally empowerment and healing nullification. His specialized capabilities make him particularly effective against specific team compositions and boss mechanics.

Key Strengths:

• True damage bypasses many defensive mechanics and resistances
• Healing nullification provides crucial counterplay against sustain compositions
• Ally empowerment enhances overall team damage output
• Strong performance against high-health targets and boss scenarios
• Wilder faction provides additional team composition options

Specialized Applications:

• Particularly effective against healing-reliant team compositions
• Strong counterpick in PvP environments with prominent sustain strategies
• Valuable specialist for specific Dream Realm boss mechanics

Game Mode Specific Analysis

Dream Realm Tier List Priorities

Dream Realm presents unique challenges with rotating boss mechanics and escalating difficulty tiers. Success here requires heroes with specialized capabilities rather than universal strength.

Top Dream Realm Heroes:

• Elijah and Lailah (SS+) - Energy regeneration enables faster ultimate cycling
• Shemira (SS+) - Sustained damage with self-sustain against prolonged encounters
• Bonnie (SS+) - Haste manipulation controls boss attack patterns
• Daimon (S+) - HP-percentage damage excels against high-health bosses
• Pandora (S) - Team enhancement for carry-focused compositions

Dream Realm Strategy Considerations:

• Boss mechanics change every rotation, requiring adaptable team compositions
• Endless mode demands sustained damage rather than burst potential
• Positioning and timing become crucial for maximizing effectiveness
• Certain heroes excel against specific boss types (mechanical, magical, hybrid)

PvP Arena Tier List Dominance

PvP success hinges on immediate impact, counter-picking potential, and synergy with popular team compositions. The arena meta evolves rapidly with new hero releases and balance adjustments.

Top PvP Heroes:

1. Shemira (SS+) - Burst damage with survivability dominates quick engagements
2. Elijah and Lailah (SS+) - Ultimate tempo advantages control match flow
3. Bonnie (SS+) - Haste manipulation disrupts enemy timing
4. Phraesto (S+) - Energy disruption and frontline control
5. Pandora (S+) - Carry enhancement enables quick victories

PvP Meta Analysis:

• Burst damage compositions currently dominate the higher ranks
• Counter-picking and team synergy outweigh individual hero power
• Positioning and timing execution separate good from great players
• New heroes frequently shake up established tier positions

AFK Stages Progression Heroes

AFK stage success requires heroes who can perform consistently with minimal intervention, carry teams through significant level deficits, and scale well with long-term investment.

Top AFK Stage Heroes:

• Elijah and Lailah (SS+) - Sustained buffing enables long-term progression
• Shemira (SS+) - Self-sufficient damage with sustain mechanics
• Smokey & Meerky (S+) - Consistent healing keeps teams alive through extended battles
• Koko (S+) - Reflection and healing provide sustainability
• Daimon (S+) - Tanking with damage output handles varied enemy compositions

AFK Stage Strategy:

• Sustainability outweighs burst potential for extended progression
• Heroes that perform well at lower investment levels provide better value
• Team composition synergy becomes increasingly important at higher deficits
• Long-term scaling considerations should guide investment decisions

Faction-Based Tier Analysis

Celestial Faction Tier List

SS+ Tier: Elijah and Lailah S Tier: Baelran A Tier: Velara B Tier: Callan

The Celestial faction currently revolves around Elijah and Lailah's unparalleled support capabilities. Baelran provides strong PvP focus with growing Dream Realm relevance, while Velara offers valuable utility through her Magic Circle mechanics. The faction's strength lies in its support-oriented heroes that enable entire team compositions.

Hypogean Faction Tier List

S Tier: Phraesto, Saida A Tier: Ravion, Harak B Tier: Mikola, Brutus

Hypogean heroes excel at disruption and specialized mechanics. Phraesto stands as the faction's cornerstone with his energy battery capabilities, while Saida brings life steal sustain and self-resurrection mechanics. The faction requires significant investment but offers unique capabilities that can't be replicated elsewhere.

Wilder Faction Tier List

SS+ Tier: Bonnie S Tier: Faramor, Ulmus A Tier: Daimon, Thador, Arden B Tier: Tasi, Lyca

Wilder heroes dominate through unique mechanics and versatility. Bonnie's haste manipulation controls entire engagements, while Faramor's true damage and healing nullification provide crucial counterplay. The faction offers strong options across all roles with good synergy potential.

Graveborn Faction Tier List

SS+ Tier: Shemira A Tier: Smokey & Meerky, Scarlita B Tier: Igor, Silvina

Graveborn strength currently centers on Shemira's exceptional damage output and sustain mechanics. Smokey & Meerky provide valuable healing support, though they've seen reduced dominance due to balance adjustments. The faction excels at self-sustain and damage-over-time mechanics.

Lightbearer Faction Tier List

S Tier: Smokey & Meerky A Tier: Rowan, Cecia B Tier: Lucius, Nara

Lightbearer heroes provide essential support and utility functions. Smokey & Meerky remain the faction's standouts with their healing and buffing capabilities. Rowan offers unmatched energy battery functionality, while Cecia provides valuable AoE control for stage progression.

Mauler Faction Tier List

S Tier: Koko A Tier: Shakir B Tier: Zandrok, Pang

Mauler faction strength currently revolves around Koko's exceptional support capabilities through reflection, healing, and buffing mechanics. Shakir provides valuable damage and support for specialized Mauler compositions, particularly effective against specific Dream Realm bosses.

Class-Specific Tier Rankings

Tank Class Tier List

S Tier: Daimon, Ulmus, Thador A Tier: Phraesto, Baelran B Tier: Gerda, Antandra

The tank class has evolved beyond traditional frontline protection to include damage dealers and support hybrids. Daimon leads with his HP-percentage damage mechanics, while Ulmus provides unique CC synergy capabilities. Modern tanks need to provide utility beyond simple damage absorption.

Support Class Tier List

SS+ Tier: Elijah and Lailah S Tier: Koko, Smokey & Meerky, Velara A Tier: Rowan, Pandora

Support heroes define the current meta through their enabling capabilities. Elijah and Lailah stand alone at the top with their comprehensive buffing package. Koko provides excellent value through reflection and healing mechanics, while Smokey & Meerky offer reliable healing output.

Mage Class Tier List

S Tier: Shemira, Arden, Cyran A Tier: Tasi, Talene B Tier: Marilee, Mirael

Mage dominance centers on Shemira's exceptional damage output and sustain mechanics. Arden provides valuable crowd control for PvP and AFK stages, while Cyran offers specialized anti-artifact capabilities for PvP environments. The class excels at area damage and utility effects.

Marksman Class Tier List

SS+ Tier: Bonnie S Tier: Zanie, Bryon A Tier: Lily May, Natsu Dragneel

Bonnie revolutionizes the marksman role through her haste manipulation and debuff capabilities. Zanie provides versatile turret damage with frontline utility, while Bryon offers specialized counterpick potential against popular compositions. The class has evolved beyond simple damage dealing to include control and support elements.

Rogue Class Tier List

S Tier: Faramor, Saida A Tier: Ravion, Ludovic B Tier: Soren, Indris

Rogue heroes excel at specialized damage and disruption mechanics. Faramor leads with true damage and healing nullification, while Saida provides life steal sustain and self-resurrection capabilities. The class offers strong counterplay options against popular team compositions.

Warrior Class Tier List

S Tier: Baelran A Tier: Harak, Perseus B Tier: Eironn, Athalia

The warrior class currently lacks dominant SS+ tier options but provides solid specialized choices. Baelran leads with high HP and hyper-carry potential, while Harak offers snowball potential after securing kills. The class provides reliable damage and frontline presence.

Investment Strategy by Player Type

Free-to-Play (F2P) Priority List

F2P players need to maximize resource efficiency by focusing on heroes that provide excellent value at lower investment levels and enable multiple team compositions.

Top F2P Priorities:

• Elijah and Lailah - Essential support available through shop purchases
• Koko - A-Rank rarity with percentage-based scaling
• Smokey & Meerky - Reliable healing with minimal investment requirements
• Bonnie - Strong performance even at moderate investment levels
• Pandora - Low investment cost with significant team enhancement

F2P Investment Strategy:

• Prioritize shop acquisitions over banner pulls for consistency
• Focus on A-Rank heroes with good scaling potential
• Build versatile supports that enable multiple damage dealers
• Avoid high-investment Hypogean heroes initially
• Concentrate resources on 2-3 core heroes rather than spreading thin

Moderate Spender Strategy

Moderate spenders can expand their hero pool while maintaining focus on high-impact heroes that provide the best returns on investment.

Moderate Spender Priorities:

• Elijah and Lailah - Maximum investment for core support functionality
• Shemira - EX Weapon investment for maximum damage potential
• Phraesto - Strategic Hypogean faction development
• Bonnie - Enhanced investment for haste manipulation dominance
• Daimon - Specialized tank development for Dream Realm success

Moderate Spender Approach:

• Strategic banner pulls during high-value promotional periods
• EX Weapon investments for core heroes with clear ROI
• Balanced development across multiple factions for flexibility
• Focus on heroes that enable multiple team compositions
• Maintain resource reserves for meta shifts and new releases

Pay-to-Win (P2W) Optimization

P2W players can pursue comprehensive roster development with maximum investment in meta-defining heroes and specialized counters for all scenarios.

P2W Priority Heroes:

• Elijah and Lailah - Maximum investment including all enhancement options
• Shemira - Complete investment including EX Weapon and exclusive equipment
• Bonnie - Full development for haste manipulation dominance
• Phraesto - Complete Hypogean faction development
• All SS+ and S Tier heroes - Comprehensive roster for maximum flexibility

P2W Strategy:

• Immediate maximum investment on all meta-relevant heroes
• Complete faction development for synergy bonuses
• Acquisition of exclusive equipment and enhancement materials
• Maintenance of multiple specialized team compositions
• Rapid adaptation to meta shifts with new hero acquisitions

Future Meta Considerations

Upcoming Hero Impact

Based on official announcements and community discussions, several upcoming heroes are expected to impact the current meta significantly:

Isabella Analysis:

• Expected Release: October 10, 2025
• Faction: TBD (likely Celestial or Hypogean)
• Initial Assessment: Strong Dream Realm potential against Nocturne Judicator boss
• PvP Concerns: Survival issues may limit immediate arena impact
• Investment Recommendation: Single copy for Dream Realm specialization

Meta Shift Predictions:

• New boss mechanics in Dream Realm will create specialized hero demand
• Balance adjustments expected for dominant SS+ tier heroes
• Faction balance changes may alter current team composition priorities
• Seasonal events will introduce temporary meta variations

Patch 1.5.1 Impact Analysis

The latest patch (September 25, 2025) introduced several balance changes that affect current tier positions:

Notable Adjustments:

• Healing effectiveness modifications impact sustain-oriented heroes
• Energy regeneration changes affect support hero prioritization
• Damage scaling adjustments alter carry hero investment priorities
• Boss mechanic changes create new Dream Realm specialization opportunities

Tier Position Changes:

• Some sustain-focused heroes saw reduced effectiveness in PvP
• Energy manipulation heroes gained increased importance
• Specialized boss counters rose in Dream Realm relevance
• Universal carry heroes maintained their core dominance positions

Community Resources and Official Channels

Official AFK Journey Resources

Official Website: afkjourney.farlightgames.com

• Latest patch notes and balance adjustments
• Official hero information and ability descriptions
• Developer insights and future content previews

Official Discord Server: discord.gg/WQDs8kQpJf

• Real-time meta discussions and strategy sharing
• Developer Q&A sessions and balance insights
• Community-created guides and team composition advice
• Direct feedback channel for game improvement suggestions

Official Twitter: @AFK_Journey

• Immediate patch notes and balance change announcements
• Hero spotlight and lore information
• Community event announcements and participation opportunities
• Developer communication and engagement

Community Tier List Resources

Prydwen.gg AFK Journey Tier List

• Regularly updated with current meta analysis
• Separate rankings for AFK Stages, Dream Realm, and PvP
• Detailed hero explanations and build recommendations
• Last updated: October 8, 2025

AFK.global Comprehensive Tier List

• Multi-mode rating system (SS, S, A, B, C, D tiers)
• Faction and class-based breakdowns
• Investment priority recommendations
• Last updated: July 30, 2025

AllClash Season 5 Tier List

• Detailed criteria including Banner Pull recommendations
• F2P vs P2W significance analysis
• Build priority and best team composition guidance
• Last updated: October 8, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hero in AFK Journey right now?

Elijah and Lailah currently stand as the best overall heroes in AFK Journey October 2025. Their unparalleled support capabilities through haste buffs, energy regeneration, and ultimate energy refund make them essential for virtually every team composition across all game modes. While heroes like Shemira and Bonnie offer exceptional damage output, Elijah and Lailah's ability to enhance entire teams gives them the highest overall impact and versatility.

How often does the AFK Journey meta change?

The AFK Journey meta typically shifts every 2-4 weeks due to several factors:

• Balance patches: Regular adjustments occur every 4-6 weeks
• New hero releases: New characters frequently shake up established tier positions
• Seasonal changes: Each new season introduces different boss mechanics and game mode priorities
• Dream Realm rotations: Boss changes every 3-5 days create specialized hero demand
• Community discoveries: New team compositions and strategies emerge continuously

Should I pull for banners or save resources?

This depends on your player type and current roster strength:

• F2P Players: Prioritize shop purchases over banner pulls for consistent value
• Moderate Spenders: Target specific high-impact heroes during promotional banners
• P2W Players: Comprehensive acquisition of all meta-relevant heroes

Generally, save resources for confirmed SS+ tier heroes (Elijah and Lailah, Shemira, Bonnie) rather than spending on situational or unproven characters.

What's the difference between AFK Stages, Dream Realm, and PvP rankings?

Heroes perform differently across AFK Journey's three main game modes:

• AFK Stages: Emphasize sustained damage, self-sufficiency, and long-term scaling
• Dream Realm: Requires specialized mechanics, boss-specific counters, and sustained DPS
• PvP: Values immediate impact, burst damage, counter-pick potential, and tempo control

A hero might be SS+ in one mode but only B tier in another. For example, Daimon excels in Dream Realm but is less dominant in PvP, while some PvP specialists struggle in AFK stage progression.

How important are hero factions and classes?

Factions and classes significantly impact team building:

• Faction bonuses: Provide additional stats and synergies for matching compositions
• Class roles: Determine battlefield positioning and team function
• Counter systems: Certain factions/classes have advantages against others
• Resource management: Different factions require separate investment resources

While faction diversity provides flexibility, focusing on 2-3 well-developed factions often outperforms spreading resources across all six factions.

What's the best team composition for beginners?

New players should focus on this core composition:

• Elijah and Lailah (Support) - Essential buffs and energy management
• Shemira (Damage) - Self-sufficient carry with sustain
• Koko (Support) - Healing, reflection, and team buffs
• Bonnie (Damage) - Haste manipulation and consistent DPS
• Daimon (Tank) - Frontline protection with damage output

This composition provides balance across all game modes and scales well with investment while remaining accessible for F2P players.

How do I know when to invest in EX Weapons?

EX Weapon investment should follow these priorities:

• Core SS+ heroes first (Elijah and Lailah, Shemira, Bonnie)
• Heroes you use frequently across multiple game modes
• Heroes with clear EX Weapon impact that significantly changes performance
• Heroes where you have extra resources after core investments

Avoid EX Weapon investments on heroes you rarely use or those with minimal performance gains from the enhancement.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The AFK Journey tier list October 2025 reflects a dynamic and evolving meta where hero selection significantly impacts success across all game modes. Elijah and Lailah, Shemira, and Bonnie currently define the upper echelon of hero performance, while strong contenders like Phraesto, Koko, and Smokey & Meerky provide excellent alternatives for specialized team compositions.

Key Takeaways:

• Support heroes currently define the meta through enabling capabilities
• Versatility across game modes separates SS+ from S tier heroes
• Investment efficiency varies significantly between heroes
• Faction and class considerations impact long-term team building
• Meta awareness remains crucial for maintaining competitive advantage

Recommended Actions:

• Prioritize core supports (Elijah and Lailah, Koko) for maximum team enhancement
• Develop main damage dealers (Shemira, Bonnie) for consistent output
• Maintain roster flexibility with heroes effective across multiple modes
• Stay informed through official channels and community resources
• Adapt investments based on balance patches and meta shifts

Remember that tier lists serve as guides rather than absolute rules. Individual skill, team synergy, and adaptation to specific scenarios often outweigh pure hero rankings. Focus on mastering heroes you enjoy while maintaining awareness of meta developments for optimal AFK Journey success in October 2025.

For the most current information and community discussions, join the official AFK Journey Discord server and follow official Twitter account for real-time updates and developer insights.