How to Rank Video Game Characters Fairly

Character tier lists are some of the most-shared — and most argued-about — tier lists online. Here’s how to make one that’s fair and useful.

Decide what you’re ranking

“Best character” can mean very different things:

• Competitive strength — how well the character performs at a high level of play.
• Ease of use — how quickly a new player can succeed with them.
• Personal favourites — design, story and personality.

Pick one and say so in your title, for example “Fighters ranked by tournament viability”.

Use evidence where you can

For competitive lists, look at tournament results, win rates and pick rates. Note which patch or version your list applies to — balance changes can move a character two tiers overnight.

Rank within tiers, too

Order matters inside each row. The leftmost item in A tier should be the one closest to S. Readers notice, and it shows you thought about it.

Use images

Character portraits make lists instantly readable. Upload images in the tool and they’re stored only on your device; they appear in your exported PNG.

Expect disagreement

That’s the point. A short note under your exported image explaining your most controversial placement will turn arguments into discussion.