The definitive Anchor Panic tier list ranks all 50+ operators across six tiers, with Karanissa, Tern, Echo, and Lilira dominating the S-tier meta as of September 2025. Our comprehensive rankings evaluate each operator's combat performance, team synergy, and future-proof potential based on CN server insights.
| Quick Reference | Details |
|---|---|
| Top DPS | Karanissa (S-Tier) |
| Best Support | Tern, Echo (S-Tier) |
| Best Healer | Lilira (S-Tier) |
| F2P Friendly | Antilope, Dione (A-Tier) |
| Best SR Units | Centaurea, Deling (A-Tier) |
| Last Updated | September 16, 2025 |
Looking to dominate in Anchor Panic's strategic turn-based battles? This ultimate tier list guide breaks down every operator's strengths, optimal team compositions, and investment priorities to help you build the perfect squad. Whether you're a new Linker starting your journey or a veteran optimizing your roster, our data-driven rankings will transform your gameplay experience.
Contents
Before diving into our comprehensive rankings, it's crucial to understand what makes an operator truly exceptional in Anchor Panic's complex combat ecosystem. Unlike other gacha RPGs, Anchor Panic rewards strategic team building over raw power, making even lower-tier operators viable in specific situations.
Our tier list evaluates operators across five critical factors:
Combat Effectiveness: Raw damage output, survivability, and skill utility in various game modes including PvE story missions, Subconscious Deepseek challenges, and PvP arena battles.
Team Synergy: How well operators complement popular team compositions, particularly within elemental affinities (Quantum, Fire, Lightning, Ice, Natural, Physical).
Investment Requirements: The resources needed to make an operator competitive, including ascension materials, sigils, and skill upgrades.
Future Viability: Based on CN/JP server data, we assess each operator's longevity in the evolving meta.
Versatility: An operator's ability to perform across multiple content types without requiring specialized team compositions.
The cream of the crop, these operators will carry you through any content and remain relevant even as new characters release.
Karanissa (SSR - Striker - Quantum) The undisputed queen of DPS in 2025, Karanissa's assassination capabilities are unmatched. Her Energy Burst allows consecutive recasts upon enemy execution, creating devastating chain kills. Her 3-star ascension is mandatory, removing the damage penalty on recast. Pair her with Tern for maximum quantum synergy.
Tern (SSR - Support - Quantum) The premier buffer in Anchor Panic, Tern transforms good teams into great ones. Her passive damage amplification and skill-based bonus damage make her invaluable for any DPS-focused composition. Her Sigil further enhances these buffs, making it a priority acquisition.
Echo (SSR - Support - Multiple Elements) A versatile support powerhouse, Echo provides team-wide damage buffs, healing, and the game-changing AoE Silence debuff. While her best passives require 3 and 6-star ascensions, even at base level, she's a game-changer for both PvE and PvP content.
Lilira (SSR - Healer - Quantum) The ultimate defensive anchor, Lilira's healing and shielding capabilities are unrivaled. Her resurrection ability (unlocked at 3-star) provides insurance against challenging content. Full Quantum teams benefit most from her kit, but she excels universally.
These operators excel in their roles and can substitute for S-tier units in most situations.
Lengjiao (SSR - Stun - Ice) The ice queen of crowd control, Lengjiao's AoE freeze capabilities trivialize PvP encounters. Her Freezing stacks provide consistent lockdown, making her essential for ice-focused teams. Remarkably effective even at 0 ascension.
Grenache (SSR - Striker/Support Hybrid - Fire) A self-sufficient powerhouse combining respectable AoE damage with team-wide lifesteal buffs. Her Burn stacking synergizes perfectly with fire teams while maintaining viability in mixed compositions. The 6-star lifesteal bonus significantly enhances her support capabilities.
Flicker (SSR - Defender - Quantum) The quintessential Quantum tank, Flicker combines exceptional durability with team-wide shielding. Her self-resurrection and damage mitigation make her nearly unkillable when properly invested. Sigil and 6-star ascension transform her from good to exceptional.
Deling (SR - Support - Quantum) Don't let the SR rarity fool you—Deling punches well above her weight class. Her Radiation stacking and dual ATK/DEF buffs make her a budget-friendly option for any roster. The ease of obtaining her 6-star ascension makes her incredibly F2P friendly.
Centaurea (SR - Healer/Support - Quantum) Another SR superstar, Centaurea offers debuff cleansing, AoE healing, and damage amplification. Often outperforms SSR alternatives in PvE content. Her accessibility makes her perfect for new players building their first competent team.
Dione (SR - Defender/Support - Natural) A versatile frontline option providing shields, heals, and defensive buffs to the entire team. Her emergency shielding at low HP (3/6-star passive) provides crucial survivability in challenging content.
Antilope (SR - Defender/Support - Quantum) Similar to Dione but with Quantum-specific bonuses, Antilope excels as an early-game tank. Her combination of shields, heals, and defensive buffs makes her invaluable for progressing through story content.
Streyne (SSR - Healer/Support - Multiple Elements) Massive ATK buffs and versatile healing make Streyne a top-tier support. However, her Adrenaline passive's DEF debuff requires 3/6-star ascension to mitigate, making her investment-heavy but worthwhile.
Ling (SSR - Support/DPS - Lightning) The cornerstone of lightning teams, Ling's Lightning Mark debuff and Shock application enable devastating elemental combos. Her 6-star ascension extends her viability to mixed teams.
Olivia (SSR - Striker - Fire) A formidable AoE specialist with excellent team buffing capabilities. While power creep affects her long-term viability, proper investment (Sigil + 6-star) keeps her competitive in the current meta.
Strong operators that excel in specific scenarios or team compositions.
Newcastle (SSR - Varies) - Solid damage dealer with limited versatility Marceline (SSR - Striker - Fire) - Decent fire DPS overshadowed by Olivia Sparkle Wing (SSR - Varies) - Niche utility in specific team compositions Mustang (SSR - Varies) - Respectable performance lacking standout features Raven (SSR - Varies) - Situational effectiveness in certain game modes Merlot (SSR - Varies) - Average performance across all metrics Yan (SSR - Varies) - Requires specific team building to shine Lycosha (SSR - Striker - Physical) - Physical teams only, limited by element Alice (SSR - Striker) - Solid starter unit from Onboarding Link banner Dawn (SSR - Varies) - Decent early game option Diamond (SSR - Stun - Ice) - Ice team specialist, outclassed by Lengjiao Abyssal (SSR - Support - Ice) - Niche ice support role Koraz (SSR - Varies) - Average performance lacking specialization
Usable operators that should be replaced when better options become available.
Lionblade (SR - Stun - Fire) - Basic fire crowd control Prism (SR - Varies) - Limited utility compared to alternatives Kymia (SR - Varies) - Functional but unremarkable Catalpa (SR - Varies) - Outclassed by other SR options Snow Fox (SR - Varies) - Niche ice team member Yuanya (SR - Varies) - Below-average performance Corrosicat (SR - Varies) - Natural team filler
These operators struggle to justify investment even in their optimal scenarios.
Alicia (SR - Varies) - Poor scaling and limited utility Artisan (SR - Defender - Lightning) - Outclassed by every other defender Neon (SR - Varies) - Weak kit with no standout features Firefly (SR - Varies) - Inferior to all other fire options Trigger (SR - Varies) - Minimal contribution to team success Core (SR - Varies) - Lacks any meaningful strengths Arc (SR - Varies) - Bottom-tier performance across all content
This composition maximizes Quantum elemental synergies while providing balanced offense and defense.
Accessible team requiring minimal gacha luck while maintaining competitive performance.
Focuses on locking down opponents while Karanissa eliminates frozen targets.
Focus your resources on building one complete team before branching out. The Quantum team offers the best return on investment for new players, as many top-tier operators share this element. Save Crystal Ashes for rate-up banners featuring S and A-tier operators rather than pulling on standard banners.
Each element in Anchor Panic provides unique debuffs that define team strategies:
Fire (Burn): Reduces healing effectiveness and strips shields—perfect for sustain-heavy opponents.
Lightning (Shock): Chance for bonus damage on lightning attacks—ideal for burst compositions.
Ice (Freezing): Speed reduction and resistance shredding—essential for control strategies.
Natural (Corrosion): Defense reduction at max stacks—enables physical damage teams.
Physical (Bleed): Damage over time—consistent pressure on tanky opponents.
Quantum (Radiation): HP%-based damage—scales excellently into late game.
Understanding class interactions elevates team performance:
Strikers benefit from Support buffs and Breaker debuffs Defenders enable Strikers by absorbing damage Healers sustain Defenders and remove debuffs Controllers create windows for Striker burst damage Supports amplify entire team effectiveness
Based on CN server data, several upcoming operators will shake up the meta. However, our S-tier recommendations remain viable even after these releases. Karanissa particularly maintains her position as a top DPS option months into the future.
Key operators to save for include enhanced Quantum supports and the rumored anniversary limited units. Maintaining a reserve of 30,000 Crystal Ashes ensures you can guarantee any must-have operator upon release.
Sigils provide massive power increases but require careful selection. Priority targets:
Not all ascensions are created equal. Focus on these key breakpoints:
Maximize your daily progression with these priorities:
Boost your roster with these working redemption codes:
Codes expire quickly, so redeem immediately upon discovery!
While rerolling isn't necessary due to Anchor Panic's generosity, targeting Karanissa or Echo provides the strongest start. The guaranteed SSR from Onboarding Link (aim for Alice) combined with selector tickets makes rerolling optional rather than mandatory.
Focus exclusively on limited banners featuring S or A-tier operators. The standard banner should only be pulled with free tickets. Save Crystal Ashes for guaranteed pity (typically 90 pulls) on must-have units.
Ascension (duplicates) significance varies by operator. DPS units like Karanissa dramatically improve with 3-star ascension, while some supports function perfectly at base level. Evaluate each operator's ascension bonuses individually.
Absolutely! Centaurea, Deling, and Dione often outperform SSR alternatives. Their easier ascension paths make them excellent long-term investments, particularly for F2P players.
Quantum currently dominates due to the concentration of top-tier operators. However, building a mixed team initially provides more flexibility for various content types. Specialize once you've accumulated enough operators.
Major shifts occur with new operator releases (monthly) and balance patches (quarterly). However, our S-tier recommendations have remained consistent since launch, proving their long-term value.
PvE progression unlocks more resources and should be prioritized initially. PvP becomes relevant once you've built a competent team, offering unique rewards for ranking climb.
Dailies require approximately 30 minutes, with events adding 15-30 minutes. The auto-battle feature allows passive progression during busy periods.
Success in Anchor Panic comes from understanding operator synergies rather than chasing individual power levels. Our tier list provides the foundation, but your strategic decisions determine ultimate success. Focus on building one cohesive team, prioritize smart investments over scattered pulling, and remember that even lower-tier operators can shine with proper team composition.
The current September 2025 meta heavily favors Quantum teams, but diversity ensures you're prepared for any challenge. Whether you're F2P or willing to invest, following our tier list recommendations guarantees competitive performance across all game modes.
Keep this guide bookmarked for regular updates as the meta evolves. Join the vibrant Anchor Panic community through official channels for real-time discussions and advanced strategies. Most importantly, enjoy the journey of collecting and battling with your favorite operators!
Ready to dominate the battlefield? Download Anchor Panic today and start building your dream team with our tier list as your guide. Remember to redeem those codes for a head start, and may your pulls be forever blessed with S-tier operators!