Arknights Integrated Strategies Tier List

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Caster AoE / Splash Caster

Costly Splash Arts damage options with generally low damage. Decent carry early on to hit multiple enemies when DPS options may be limited, but fall off pretty soon.

B+	Gitano Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
B	Lava Explanation General IS Notes + Can take care of early rushes of enemies during earlygame. + 0 Hope Cost. - Very expensive to deploy. - Doesn't scale well past early game. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E1 Max recommended, as it is a pretty low investment.
B-	Dusk ★ Explanation General IS Notes + S1: Great consistent DPS with a huge area of effect. - Extremely expensive to deploy. - Very mediocre burst damage options. - Needs to ramp up by killing enemies to reach full potential. - S3: Very long windup for an extremely niche effect. Cannot be helidropped. - S3: Summons do not interact with most relics. IS2 Specific Notes Very vulnerable to neural drones due to her long attack interval and very short range (without module). Good Relics Golden Chalice Relic Interactions S3 can spam and refresh summons constantly with big Attack Speed boosts. Other than that Dusk doesn't interact particularly well with any relic set. Recommended Promotion E2 recommended for masteries, but can work fine at E1.
C+	Mostima Explanation General IS Notes + S3: Strong stall utility, useful for bosses that make a beeline for the blue box. + S3: At higher difficulties, her ability to stall and dispose of increasingly dangerous common mobs can be invaluable for buying your team time to properly set up. + S3: Covers a wide area and can cover multiple lanes if needed. = Route-dependent pick, only recommended to draft when going for Endings where her ability to slow down bosses or elites is useful. - Extremely expensive to deploy. - Lacking in DPS, relegated to supporting other Operators. - Needs E2 to be useful for what you’re actually drafting her for. - S3: Poor skill uptime. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
C	Greyy Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Caster Burninator / Blast Caster

Extremely long range with powerful DPS and strong debuffs. Very stage and positioning dependant, but can solve entire stages if they have a good spot.

S-

Ifrit Explanation General IS Notes + Massive range. + All attacks are AoE. + S2: Very high consistent DPS with powerful debuffs. + S3: Extremely high burst DPS with even more powerful debuffs. + S3: Partners wonderfully with other powerful burst Arts Operators. - Extremely expensive to deploy. - Very position and stage dependant. - S3: Cannot hit air IS2 Specific Notes Deals decently well with Boss 2. Good Relics Broken Wand - Malediction Ribbon of Honor Relic Interactions Doesn't interact particularly well with any specific relic set, but DPS Casters have very good generic options. S3 interacts particularly poorly with Attack Speed relics. Recommended Promotion E2 heavily recommended for access to S3 and Masteries.

Caster Chain Caster

Generally weaker Caster options due to their high DP cost and low overall damage, but can perform quite well early on, and can scale to lategame with a bit of help.

S-

Passenger Explanation General IS Notes + Constant, consistent, long-range Slow infliction. + S3: Can take care of elite threats from large distances and thin out groups of enemies. + S3: Interacts amazingly with certain relics. - Extremely expensive to deploy. - Needs relic interactions to really shine. - S3: Poor uptime. IS2 Specific Notes S3 is a really good option against all bosses, can take care of some dangerous stages and deals decently well with neural drones. Extremely popular in the gamemode due to certain relic interactions. Good Relics Hand of Diffusion Relic Interactions Allows Passenger S3 to feed itself with more SP, allowing for potentially very quick casts of strong AoE Arts damage, one after the other. Boosts Passenger from an okay operator to a wincon. Recommended Promotion E2 necessary as S3 is his main skill. Pudding Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Caster Charge / Mystic Caster

B+	Indigo Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Caster Drone / Mech-Accord

S	Click Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Caster Modal / Phalanx Caster

More defensively oriented Caster archetype that can be used as bait for ranged enemies. Generally low impact due to their more passive nature.

B

Carnelian Explanation General IS Notes + Can draw ranged attacks and shrug them off easily. + S2: Very powerful skill for crowd control with okay damage. + S3: Extremely powerful AoE burst damage on a decent range and good cycling. - Sitting duck offskill. - S3: Large amount of conditionals gimps damage output. IS2 Specific Notes High Res when shield is up lets her somewhat soak neural triggers and heal back up with her Talent 1, but this strategy is risky. Cannot deal with neural drones offskill. Good Relics Golden Chalice 'Children's Puppet' Relic Interactions Both S2 and S3 benefit massively from Attack Speed increases. S2 easily reaches permanent Bind uptime on a quick cycle. S3 can fulfill the Mark conditionals much more easily for massive burst DPS. S2 can deliver great DPS combined with the Bind = Damage relics. Recommended Promotion E2 recommended for access to her S3 and Masteries.

Caster ST / Core Caster

Generic but strong options for ranged Arts damage that can fit in any sort of team. Usually paired with strong burst damage options, very useful to take down a plethora of armored enemies.

S+	Eyjafjalla Explanation General IS Notes + Most popular Caster for the gamemode. + S2: Very powerful consistent splash Arts DPS that can deal with most armored threats and maps with large enemy hordes. + S3: Very strong multi-target burst of Arts damage with a massive range that can be used as a helidrop. - Talent contains a modicum of RNG, which isn't ideal for this gamemode. IS2 Specific Notes Essentially as good here as she is elsewhere. Good Relics Broken Wand - Malediction 'Brilliant Lament' Relic Interactions Doesn't interact particularly well with any specific relic set, but DPS Casters have very good generic options. Recommended Promotion E2 heavily recommended for access to S3 and Masteries.
S-	Ceobe Explanation General IS Notes + Damage scales with enemy Defense, which some relics can increase. + S2: Strong Single-target bursts of Arts damage with really good cycling - Generally neither as powerful nor as versatile as Eyjafjalla. IS2 Specific Notes Deals decently well with bulky bosses and minibosses thanks to her Talents. Good Relics Broken Wand - Malediction 'Brilliant Lament' Relic Interactions Doesn't interact particularly well with any specific relic set, but DPS Casters have very good generic options. Recommended Promotion E2 recommended for access to S2 Masteries.
A	Steward Explanation General IS Notes + Cheap-ish to deploy. + Decent consistent Arts damage. + 0 Hope Cost. - Doesn't scale amazingly past early game, though he can still work. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Golden Chalice Wrath of Siracusans Relic Interactions Offensive SP recovery skills benefit massively from ASPD boosts. Additionally, S1 can greatly capitalize on Anger of the Siracusans. Recommended Promotion E1 Max recommended, as it is a pretty low investment.
B	Haze Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
E	Reserve Operator - Caster Explanation General IS Notes - No Skills, no Talents, poor damage. Avoid at all costs unless you have no other options available or don't want to spend Hope. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Defender Arts Protector

B	Dur-nar Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Defender Duelist

SP-recovery gimmick hurts this branch too badly to actually take advantage of their very powerful damage, making them poor options for Defenders, specially in comparison to other choices.

C-

Eunectes Explanation General IS Notes + Extremely high offensive stats + S3: Highest burst of single-target physical damage in the game. - Unable to gain SP naturally. Very poor uptime. - Only 1 block. - Extremely expensive to deploy. IS2 Specific Notes Interacts extremely poorly with most relics due to her trait. Even the ones that would benefit her S3 damage end up worsening her uptime even further. Underperforms heavily against Boss 2 and 3. Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E2 required for access to her S3.

Defender Enmity / Juggernaut

Defenders with very strong DPS options and self-sustain abilities, but that cannot be healed through regular means.

S+

Mudrock Explanation General IS Notes + Nigh-unkillable thanks to her shields. Can be dropped almost anywhere and survive very easily. + S2: Good sustained DPS with additional healing. + S3: Very high AoE Burst DPS with additional tech options. - One of the most expensive Operators to deploy in the game. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Royal Liqueur Wrath of Siracusans Relic Interactions S2 benefits from any sort of SP support, and it can capitalize on Anger of the Siracusans for heavy damage. Recommended Promotion E2 heavily recommended for access to S3 and masteries.

Defender Healing / Guardian

Very powerful Operators due to their heavy bulk, high versatility and great role compression. Generally the better choice of Defender branch.

S+	Saria Explanation General IS Notes '+ Extremely tanky. + Can provide the squad with strong, consistent healing without the need of a Medic. Extremely versatile. + S1: Powerful healing that's never wasted on allies with high HP. Can very easily sub for a Medic. Her go-to skill. + S2: Trivializes Poison Mist stages. + S3: Powerful Arts Nuke for elite threats or bosses. - S3: Not many viable targets in the gamemode. IS2 Specific Notes Extremely versatile skillset, can be brought to any stage and still perform amazingly. Go-to pick for 6* Defender. Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E2 heavily recommended for access to S3 and masteries. Spot Explanation General IS Notes + Somewhat tanky. + 0 Hope Cost. + S1: Can maintain nearby allies healthy through earlygame and even midgame, and ease healing pressure lategame. - Not as tanky as other low-Hope Defender options. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E1 Max recommended, as it is a pretty low investment.
S	Gummy Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
A-	Blemishine Explanation General IS Notes + Pretty decent damage for a Defender. + Healing gives her some additional versatility and sustain. + S3: Powerful mixed damage. - Limited healing capabilities due to SP charging mechanism and attack type. - S3: Cannot heal herself. IS2 Specific Notes Enemies with Arts-absorbing shields are not uncommon, so her mixed damage can come in handy at times. Good Relics Golden Chalice Relic Interactions Offensive SP recovery skills benefit massively from Attack Speed boosts. S1 interacts particularly well with it. Recommended Promotion E2 recommended. S3 is a fairly powerful skill and she benefits well enough from Masteries.

Defender Normal / Protector

Branch characterized by extremely high defensive stats and bulk-oriented skillsets. Generally poor Hope sinks due to their low utility and versatility.

S	Cardigan Explanation General IS Notes + Decently tanky. + 0 Hope Cost. + S1: Very strong self-sustain. Eases healing pressure. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E1 Max recommended, as it is a pretty low investment.
A+	Cuora Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion Bubble Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
B	Beagle Explanation General IS Notes + Decently tanky. + 0 Hope Cost. - Gets outscaled by enemies eventually. - Needs healing support to survive past earlygame. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E1 Max recommended, as it is a pretty low investment.
B-	Matterhorn Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
C+	Nian ★ Explanation General IS Notes + Extremely tanky. + Limited buffing and support capabilities. - Low versatility. IS2 Specific Notes Protector Defenders are one of the worst classes in IS2 due to their extremely low versatility and utility. They are almost never worth the Hope cost over lower rarity Operators that can already perform their role well enough. Good Relics Hand of Spikes Relic Interactions High Defense translates into decently good Arts DPS through this relic. Recommended Promotion E2 recommended for access to her S3, though she is functional at E1.
C	Hoshiguma Explanation General IS Notes + Extremely Tanky + Somewhat decent damage - Extremely low versatility and utility IS2 Specific Notes Protector Defenders are one of the worst classes in IS2 due to their extremely low versatility and utility. They are almost never worth the Hope cost over lower rarity Operators that can already perform their role well enough. Good Relics Hand of Spikes Relic Interactions High Defense translates into decently good Arts DPS through this relic. Recommended Promotion E2 is optional, works well enough at E1 for the most part.

Guard AoE / Centurion

Easy laneholding capabilities with multi-target damage that can ease the DPS pressure off other Operators, though often not the best options available for pure laneholding.

S-

Blaze Explanation General IS Notes + Decently tanky and can hold down waves by herself, especially with S2 up. + S2: Can provide DPS to multiple lanes by herself once activated. - S2: Long downtime before it starts working fully. Can easily get overrun in higher difficulties. - S3: Quite mediocre compared to other Guard burst options. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

B

Popukar Explanation General IS Notes + Good laneholding capabilities for earlygame due to her multi-target damage. + 0 Hope Cost. - Doesn't scale well past earlygame. - Only blocks 2 even when fully promoted. - Needs healing support to survive. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E1 Max recommended, as it is a pretty low investment. Estelle Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Guard Arts Fighter

Generally not a notably powerful branch in general, with a couple of very notable exceptions. Okay option for Melee Arts damage.

S+

Surtr Explanation General IS Notes + Very long-lasting invulnerability from Talent. + Res ignore lets her take on any enemy regardless of stats. + S2: Workable, smaller (but still powerful) bursts of Arts damage that can be useful in a pinch. + S3: Extremely powerful helidroppable bursts of Arts damage that can melt most enemies very quickly. + S3: Long-lasting invincibility from talent pairs well with this skill's extreme damage. - S3: Forcefully retreats Surtr after a while. IS2 Specific Notes Ideal option for bursting down Boss 1 from a melee position, though still needs support to do it by herself. Good Relics 'Brokenblade' Support Escape Crane Relic Interactions S3 benefits massively from a shorter Redeployment Timer to deliver successive bursts of massive Arts damage very quickly. Can largely ignore HP and Defense downsides. Recommended Promotion E2 required. S3 is her main skill.

A

Mousse Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Guard Brawler / Fighter

Extremely cheap deployment cost makes them a great option for the early game, though (with one clear exception) they tend to suffer heavily against armored enemies due to their low Attack stats.

S+	Mountain Explanation General IS Notes + Extremely cheap to deploy. Easily covers lanes by himself at the start of stages. + S2: Massive sustainability paired with really strong multi-target damage. + S3: Extremely powerful bursts of AoE physical damage around himself. IS2 Specific Notes Doesn't perform particularly well against any of the bosses, though he can put a dent on Boss 1 using S3. Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E2 strongly recommended. S2 Masteries are quite important, and access to S3 is a welcome addition as well.
C	Beehunter Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
D	Jackie Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Guard Dualstrike / Swordmaster

Generic options for melee positions, often with burst-oriented skills with offensive SP recoveries and somewhat large range.

S

Cutter Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

B+

Ch'en Explanation General IS Notes + Powerful burst damage. + S2: Helidroppable. Decent panic buton with high damage that catches air. + S3: Big burst of mixed damage on single targets. - Low uptime due to high SP costs and Offensive charging. - Generally worse than other Operators at both holding lanes and bursting enemies. - S2: Struggles to take down anything later on. IS2 Specific Notes Very reliant on relics to catch up to speed with other Operators. Doesn't perform well against most bosses in the gamemode due to their gimmicks. Good Relics Wrath of Siracusans Golden Chalice Royal Liqueur Relic Interactions Offensive SP Recovery skills benefit massively from Attack Speed buffs, or any kind of SP support as a whole. S2 can greatly capitalize on Anger of the Siracusans. Recommended Promotion E2 strongly recommended. Access to S3 and S2 masteries are fairly important.

Guard Duelist / Dreadnought

Categorized by very high HP and Attack values, their main usage is taking down prioritary threats quickly before they can approach other Operators.

S-	Nearl the Radiant Knight ★ Explanation General IS Notes + Very strong single-target physical damage with significant Defense ignore. + S2: Can duel even the strongest enemies and win. Very strong damage with sustain from shields. + S2: Ignores deployment slot limits. - Generally an inferior alternative to Surtr. IS2 Specific Notes Underperforms significantly against all bosses due to their gimmicks, but is a solid option against minibosses. Good Relics 'Brokenblade' Support Escape Crane Ribbon of Honor Relic Interactions S2 benefits massively from any Redeployment Timer reduction, and can easily ignore some downsides. Additionally, S2 can capitalize on Ribbon of Glory for a heavy DPS increase. Recommended Promotion E2 recommended for access to S2 Masteries, though she is functional at E1.
B-	Skadi Explanation General IS Notes + Extremely powerful single-target physical damage. + S2: Helidrop capabilities. Can duel dangerous threats. - Generally an inferior alternative to Surtr or Nearl the Radiant Knight, IS2 Specific Notes Underperforms heavily against all bosses, and struggles to take down a large amount of minibosses due to their gimmicks. Good Relics 'Brokenblade' Support Escape Crane Ribbon of Honor Relic Interactions S2 benefits massively from redeployment timer shortening, Additionally, all skills get a heavy DPS boost through Ribbon of Glory. Recommended Promotion
C+	Melantha Explanation General IS Notes + Strong single-target physical damage. Can deliver decent damage for earlygame. + 0 Hope Cost. - Doesn't provide anything of note past the early game. Enemies become too powerful for her. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E1 Max recommended, as it is a pretty low investment.
C-	Matoimaru Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
D	Conviction Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Guard Enmity / Musha

Very powerful potential damage and high survivability, though being more gimmicky than other Guard branches often restricts their usage heavily.

A+

Utage Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

B-

Hellagur Explanation General IS Notes + Strong archetypal traits that grants more DPS and sustain the lower on HP he is. + S2: Extremely high potential DPS with very strong healing. - Difficult to use. Can get overwhelmed quickly against enemies that are too strong. - Only blocks one enemy. - Very low versatility. IS2 Specific Notes Not very good against anything in IS2 in particular. Underperforms against all bosses. Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E2 optional as S2 is his key skill, though it does benefit from Masteries.

Guard Ranged / Lord

Very strong, versatile and diverse branch with powerful options for both laneholding and burst damage. Viable choice in all scenarios due to their increased range.

S+	SilverAsh Explanation General IS Notes + Very long range for a melee Operator. + Benefits from a large amount of relics. + S1: Surprisingly powerful sustained DPS. + S3: Extremely powerful, multi target, air-hitting burst of long-lasting Physical damage with massive range, and can be helidropped. - S3: Long downtime requires good map knowledge to optimally use. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Support Escape Crane Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion Thorns Explanation General IS Notes "+ Poster child for laneholding. + Decently strong self-sustain through regeneration. + S3: Very powerful sustained damage with massive range." IS2 Specific Notes Can defend himself and other Operators quite well against Neural Drones thanks to his wide range, short attack interval and high damage. Good Relics 'Second Economic Reform Act' Relic Interactions Extra initial SP can shorten the time until his second Destreza activation. Recommended Promotion E2 required. S3 is his main skill and benefits heavily from Masteries.
S	Midnight Explanation General IS Notes + Very long and versatile range. + S1: Powerful Arts conversion. + 0 Hope Cost. - Instant-E2 Guard Boon is commonly the preferred option, which makes Midnight pale in comparison to powerful 6* carries despite his low Hope cost. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E1 Max recommended, as it is a pretty low investment. Arene Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
C	Frostleaf Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Guard Support / Instructor

Generally secondary priorities to further buff stronger carry Operators, though certain ones can perform quite well on their own.

S

Pallas Explanation General IS Notes + Decently cheap to deploy. + S1: Powerful laneholding capabilities with strong self-sustain. - Very conditional damage. Relies on multiple buffs to function well. - Generally not the best option for laneholding in a Guard recruit ticket. IS2 Specific Notes Generally not worth considering until the late-game, as the Guard Tickets have some very powerful Operators that can carry runs on their own. Interacts very well with some of the most powerful relics. Good Relics Golden Chalice Relic Interactions Offensive SP Recovery skills benefit massively from Attack Speed boosts. Recommended Promotion E2 strongly recommended. S1 gets a massive powerspike with Masteries, though certain relics can paliate this need.

D

Dobermann Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Medic AoE / Multi-target Medic

Powerful sources of healing that can support multiple Operators and lanes without much issue.

A+

Perfumer Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

A

Nightingale Explanation General IS Notes + Can protect against Arts threats which can be vital in some encounters, especially at high difficulties. + S3: Very long-lasting skill with high healing, expanded range and Arts mitigation. Can be helidropped. + Fleeting Phantoms can be occasionally useful for drawing aggro. = Niche even among high-rarity Medics, and is generally picked when going for specific endings where her Arts mitigation matters. - S3: Very long downtime after the first activation. - Her Arts mitigation is not as universally useful compared to other Medics with more generic utility or better healing-per-second IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Medic ST / Medic

Single-target Medics have stronger heals than their multi-target counterparts, but aren't able to easily support multiple operators under fire at once. Still, they can easily take care of single lanes or multiple ones with low pressure enemies.

S+	Kal'tsit Explanation General IS Notes + Incredible versatility. + Mon3tr is a massive statstick with reduced redeployment time and self-sustain from Kal'tsit. + S2: Almost unbeatable lane holding abilities. Negligible downtime and can even deal with high armor. + S3: Large burst of True damage for Elite threats. - Somewhat more expensive to deploy than most guards. - Poor and unreliable healing abilities. IS2 Specific Notes There's very little competition for high-Hope Operators in Medic tickets, making her a very straightforward option. Good Relics 'Civilight Eterna' Relic Interactions S3 damage output heavily increases through this relic (not like she really needs it). Recommended Promotion E2 heavily recommended for access to S3 and Masteries.
S	Ansel Explanation General IS Notes + Good consisntent healing with multitarget chance. + S1: Extremely long range. + 0 Hope Cost. - Lowish healing for lategame IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E1 Max recommended, as it is a pretty low investment.
A-	Sussurro Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion Hibiscus Explanation General IS Notes + Good consisntent healing. + Somewhat better healing than Ansel. + 0 Hope Cost. - Low healing for lategame. - Generally a worse option than Ansel. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
B	Myrrh Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
B-	Gavial Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion Shining Explanation General IS Notes + Good healing capabilities. + Can protect against Physical damage. - Very low versatility. - Rarely worth the Hope cost over other alternatives. IS2 Specific Notes Most damage in this gamemode is either Arts-based (including Neural Drones) or not strong enough to be worth using Shining for. Even Boss 2, who deals large amounts of Physical damage, prefers Multi-target Medics as the damage is map-wide. Generally never worth the Hope cost over lower rarity Operators. Good Relics Relic Interactions Doesn't specially benefit from any relic set. Recommended Promotion E2 heavily recommended for access to S3.
E	Reserve Operator - Logistics Explanation General IS Notes - No Skills, no Talents, poor healing. Avoid at all costs unless you have no other options available or don't want to spend Hope. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Medic Wide-Range / Therapist

A	Purestream Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Sniper Aftershock / Flinger

Unable to attack aerial enemies even though they must be deployed on ranged tiles, making them weak against Neural Drones. Can output massive physical DPS against ground threats, specially if they are able to be blocked.

B+

Rosmontis ★ Explanation General IS Notes + Large attack range. + Very easily mows down large clusters of enemies. + S2: Decent consistent damage in stages where her S3 will not work. + S3: Massive AoE Physical damage nuke. - Unable to damage aerial enemies. - S3: Very conditional. Needs deployable ground tiles within her range and blockable enemies. IS2 Specific Notes Underperforms heavily against all bosses, as none of them can be blocked consistently. Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E2 heavily recommended for access to her S3.

Sniper Anti-Air / Marksman

Generic ranged physical damage options with great versatility. Can take down enemies with low Defense with ease and snipe down dangerous drones from the distance.

S+	May Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion Kroos Explanation General IS Notes + Powerful, constant Physical damage. + 0 Hope Cost. - Doesn't scale well past earlygame, but can still take care of Neural drones. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Golden Chalice Wrath of Siracusans Relic Interactions Offensive SP recovery skills benefit massively from ASPD boosts. Additionally, S1 can greatly capitalize on Anger of the Siracusans. Recommended Promotion E1 Max recommended, as it is a pretty low investment.
S	Exusiai Explanation General IS Notes + Very cheap to deploy. + Synergizes very well with Attack boosts. + S3: Extremely high constant bursts of damage. - Struggles against mid-high armor enemies. - S3: Automatic activation. IS2 Specific Notes Very popular carry due to low cost and good relic interactions. Can act as main carry for the first couple acts. Good Relics Wrath of Siracusans Fatal Bolts - Crossfire Relic Interactions S3 can somewhat capitalize on Anger of the Siracusans. Greatly benefits from any sort of Attack boost. Recommended Promotion E2 necessary as her main skill is S3 and it benefits heavily from masteries. Archetto Explanation General IS Notes + Solid multi-target damage. + Very cheap to deploy. + Synergizes well with Attack boosts. + S2: Can catch enemies from way outside her range and deal with waves of enemies with ease. + S3: Long-ranged multi-target burst of damage. - S3: Significantly lower burst damage than other alternatives. IS2 Specific Notes One of the best starters for runs. Very cheap to deploy, easy to use and solves most early maps by herself. Also great later on to remove neural drones. Good Relics Golden Chalice Wrath of Siracusans Fatal Bolts - Crossfire Relic Interactions Offensive SP recovery skills benefit massively from ASPD boosts. Additionally, S2 can greatly capitalize on Anger of the Siracusans. Benefits heavily from any kind of Attack boost. Recommended Promotion E2 recommended to gain access to S3 and Masteries.
A	Ash ★ Explanation General IS Notes + Very cheap to deploy. + Synergizes very well with Attack boosts. + S2: Extremely high on-demand burst and long stun. - S2: Worthless against stun-immune enemies. IS2 Specific Notes Consistently underperforms due a large number of elite threats (all bosses included) being stun immune. Good Relics Wrath of Siracusans Fatal Bolts - Crossfire Relic Interactions S2 can somewhat capitalize on Anger of the Siracusans. Benefits heavily from any kind of Attack boost. Recommended Promotion E2 recommended for access to S2 Masteries. Vermeil Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
B	Jessica Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
B-	Meteor Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
C	Adnachiel Explanation General IS Notes + Workable burst damage. + 0 Hope Cost. - Doesn't scale past earlygame. - Kroos is always a better alternative. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E1 Max recommended, as it is a pretty low investment.
D	Reserve Operator - Sniper Explanation General IS Notes - No Skills, no Talents, poor damage. Avoid at all costs unless you have no other options available or don't want to spend Hope. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Sniper AoE / Artilleryman

Slower, more expensive to deploy ranged Physical options with splash damage and high Attack stats. Their large range can come in handy to take out dangerous threats from afar.

S-	Shirayuki Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
B+	W ★ Explanation General IS Notes + S2: Decent damage and crowd-control capabilities. + S3: Good burst of damage against large crowds of enemies. - Expensive to deploy. - Lackluster support options in comparison to other Operators. - Generally a worse option than many other Snipers. IS2 Specific Notes Performs decently well in certain gimmicky maps, but often not enough to be worth the Hope over many other Snipers. Good Relics 'Children's Puppet' Relic Interactions Long-lasting stuns get converted into great Arts damage through this relic set. Recommended Promotion E2 recommended for access to S3 and Masteries.
D	Catapult Explanation General IS Notes + Large range with okay splash damage. + S1: Further extends splash radius. + 0 Hope Cost. - Expensive to deploy - Low impact. Doesn't scale at all past earlygame. - Large splash radius may hit enemies you don't want to hit yet. - Generally a worse alternative than Kroos. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Sniper Boomstick / Spreadshooter

Short-range alternatives to ranged Physical options with great true AoE damage and Defense ignore. Costly to deploy, but they pack a punch if placed correctly.

S+

Pinecone Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion Ch'en the Holungday ★ Explanation General IS Notes + Most popular Sniper Operator for the event. + S3: Incredibly high damage, range, uptime and versatility. - Extremely expensive to deploy. IS2 Specific Notes As good in IS as she's everywhere else, though she doesn't interact particularly well with any relic set due to her ammo mechanics. Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E2 necessary as S3 is her main skill.

Sniper Close Range / Heavyshooter

Very high damage potential, often with positional bonuses. Cheap to deploy but with a shorter range and often need careful planning to maximize DPS.

S-

Schwarz Explanation General IS Notes + Powerful damage with Defense shred capabilities. + S1 and S2: Large consistent damage when S3 is not needed. + S3: Huge single-target damage with very good cycling. Can take down armored threats with ease. - S3: Straight-line range. Stage and positioning dependant. IS2 Specific Notes Performs well against Boss 2. Good Relics Golden Chalice Wrath of Siracusans Relic Interactions Her kit benefits from Attack Speed increases due to her Defense debuff capabilities, and S1 can capitalize on Anger of the Siracusans. Recommended Promotion E2 heavily recommended for access to her S3 and masteries.

B-

Aciddrop Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Sniper Heavyweight / Besieger

Snipers with unconventional but quite large range that focus on delivering very strong hits to faraway enemies, often with some sort of Defense penetration.

A

Rosa (Poca) Explanation General IS Notes + Very large attack range. + 60% Defense penetration against most dangerous threats. + S2: Decent consistent damage when her S3 is not useful. + S3: Powerful, long binds with decent cycling.. - Unconventional range, might be difficult to place on a stage. IS2 Specific Notes Good support for taking down dangerous threats thanks to her long binds. Can keep Operators safe from Neural drones, though she may get overwhelmed quickly if there are too many. Good Relics 'Children's Puppet' Relic Interactions Main niche is her binds, so this relic set boosts her damage output neatly when using S3 Recommended Promotion E2 heavily recommended for access to her S3.

Sniper Long-Range / Deadeye

Ranged Physical Operators with massive range. Can take down dangerous threats from very safe positions away from their attack range and deliver powerful hits.

A+

Fartooth Explanation General IS Notes + Very large attack range. + S3: Big single-target damage with very good cycling and infinite range in a straight line. - S3: Straight-line range. Stage and positioning dependant. Often a worse alternative to Schwarz. IS2 Specific Notes Stages don't really favor infinite range, as they tend to be somewhat small, specially early on. Good Relics Relic Interactions A future relic will heavily increase her overall damage by boosting DPS proportionally to how far away she is from enemies. Recommended Promotion E2 necessary as S3 is her main skill.

B

Ambriel Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Specialist Ambusher

Support-oriented Melee Operators with high survivability thanks to their low aggro level and disruption-oriented Skills. Often with low DPS and versatility, must support other Operators to work well.

B+

Ethan Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

C+

Mizuki Explanation General IS Notes + High survivablility. + S2: Powerful, consistent multi-target Binds. + S3: Powerful multi-target Stuns with large range. - Generally pretty poor damage. - S3: Poor uptime. IS2 Specific Notes Stages don't benefit him particularly well, so he ends up being quite mediocre unless you abuse certain relic interactions, which other Operators may be able to do better. Good Relics Golden Chalice 'Children's Puppet' Relic Interactions Attack Speed boosts benefit both his S2 and S3 massively by allowing for constant Bind/Stun uptime. Paired with the Relic set that converts these effects to Arts damage, Mizuki can achieve a more-than-decent burst DPS. Recommended Promotion E2 recommended for access to S3 and Masteries, but works fine at E1.

Specialist DP-Drain / Merchant

Very low cost and quicker redeployment timer make Merchants great and very versatile options for IS. They can be used to great effect for combat, as well as like Executors to take care of threats outside the main lanes of each map, which are really common. They also perform quite well as baits for the few occassions that might require it.

S+

Jaye Explanation General IS Notes + One of the most popular Specialists due to his amazing versatility and low Hope cost. + Quicker redeployment than usual. Allows him to assassinate dangerous threats easily and cover multiple points. + S2: Very high sustainability to solo mid-pressure lanes, support teammates through powerful healing or helidrop on dangerous enemies. - Archetypal DP drain can hinder usefulness. The few maps with lower natural DP generation counter him badly. IS2 Specific Notes Doesn't do great against the first two bosses, but is a really, really powerful option for the third. Good Relics Rusted Blade - No Man's Land Relic Interactions Extra quick redeployment makes Jaye even more powerful against the third boss and allows for incredible control of the battlefield. Recommended Promotion Benefits from E2 (S2 Masteries + Module)

Specialist Fast-Redeploy / Executor

Powerful and versatile Operators owing to their extremely low redeployment timer. Can be used to bait attacks, block enemies for a short while or even deal high damage in some cases.

S+

Phantom Explanation General IS Notes + Second most popular specialist for this gamemode. + Massive versatility and very low redeployment timer allows him to find some use in most maps. + S2: Powerful assassination capabilities. - Multiple redeploys can be DP-intensive. IS2 Specific Notes One of the best options against Boss 3, can handle its gimmick with ease. Good Relics Rusted Blade - No Man's Land Relic Interactions Extra quick redeployment makes Phantom even more powerful against the third boss and allows for incredible control of the battlefield. Recommended Promotion E2 strongly recommended for access to S3 and Masteries.

S

Gravel Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Specialist Puller / Hookmaster

Support Operators designed to pull enemies into holes to instantly kill them. Generally not as viable in IS due to the lack of holes in maps.

B+

Gladiia Explanation General IS Notes + High sustainability through regen. + Decently high damage, can somewhat sub for a Guard. + S2: Good generic skill with workable damage and multi-target. + S3: Long, AoE pull that can interrupt enemies constantly. Decent damage. - Puller utility is somewhat low in IS. IS2 Specific Notes There aren't that many holes to take advantage of in IS. Good Relics Rusted Blade - Overwhelm Relic Interactions Lets Gladiia perform better against heavier enemies. Recommended Promotion E2 heavily recommended for access to S3 and Masteries.

C

Rope Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Specialist Pusher / Push Stroker

Support Operators designed to push enemies into holes to instantly kill them. Generally not as viable in IS due to the lack of holes in maps.

B-

Weedy Explanation General IS Notes + Decently high damage, can somewhat sub for a Guard. + S3: Extremely powerful push with very high true damage. - S3: Worthless against very heavy or stationary enemies. IS2 Specific Notes Heavily underperforms against all bosses. Good Relics Rusted Blade - Overwhelm Relic Interactions Heavily boosts DPS and viability of S3. Decently good with S2, but S2 isn't that great for IS Recommended Promotion E2 necessary as S3 is her main Skill.

C

Shaw Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Specialist Sacrificial / Geek

Self-damaging Operators with powerful buffing capabilities. Generally not as usefull in IS as the gamemode provides those buffs by itself.

B-

Aak Explanation General IS Notes + S3: Unmatched buffing capabilities. - Needs constant support or will die to trait. - Needs a strong DPS Operator that can tank his S3 or he becomes a poor Sniper substitute with S1. IS2 Specific Notes Good against Boss 1. Abundance and dominance of ASPD relics push him out significantly, since those are easier to acquire, buff all Operators at once and are permanent. Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E2 required as S3 is his main skill.

Supporter Artificer

C	Roberta Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Supporter Aura / Bard

Support Operators that do not attack and instead focus on providing other Operators with strong buffs (both offensive and defensive) and regeneration. Good option for rosters that already include powerful Operators.

S+

Skadi the Corrupting Heart ★ Explanation General IS Notes + Extreme versatility and low DP cost. + Ideal pair to many top-tier Operators. + S2: Constant Attack and Defense buff with high regeneration. + S3: Extremely powerful Attack boost. IS2 Specific Notes Essentially as good in IS as in regular content, if not even better. Good Relics 'Second Economic Reform Act' Relic Interactions S2 benefits from any sort of SP booster to get going quicker. Benefits greatly from any sort of Attack boost. Recommended Promotion E2 heavily recommended for access to S3 and Masteries.

Supporter Debuffer / Hexer

Operators characterized by their massive debuff capabilities and Fragile effects. Often an amazing complement to already-developed rosters.

S-

Gnosis Explanation General IS Notes + Can freeze enemies in place. + Extremely powerful weakening effect. + Decently high damage. + Powerful stall options. - Freeze-immune enemies remove most of his utility. IS2 Specific Notes Underperforms against Boss 1 and 2 as they are freeze immune. Good Relics Stalwart Aid - Counter-Arts Golden Chalice Relic Interactions Has a pretty wide range by default, so the Counter-Arts relic set helps him debuff enemies even further for massive bursts of damage. Easily the most powerful Operator to receive Attack Speed boosts. Easily gets to a point where his normal attacks can permanently freeze enemies. Recommended Promotion E2 heavily recommended for access to S3 and Masteries.

Supporter Slower / Decel Binder

Supporters characterized by their ability to slow enemies down, often to a crawl, so other enemies can take care of them at their own pace. Despite their archetype name, none of them can inflict Bind.

S	Podenco Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion Suzuran Explanation General IS Notes + Very versatile. + S3: Massive damage boost through Fragile, regenerates Operators and slows enemies in range. IS2 Specific Notes One of the most straightforward choices for a high-Hope Supporter recruit. Fits in any kind of team composition and almost any map, but benefits the most from parties with burst damage options. Performs quite well against Boss 1 and 2. Good Relics Stalwart Aid - Counter-Arts Relic Interactions Further boosts her S3 damage amplification by debuffing the defenses of all enemies in quite a large area. Recommended Promotion E2 necessary as S3 is her main skill and benefits massively from Masteries.
S-	Orchid Explanation General IS Notes + Good Slow capabilities. + 0 Hope Cost. - Subpar damage IS2 Specific Notes Not amazing in a vacuum, but most of the actually worthwhile supporters are 6*s so Orchid remains a strong option if you are not ready to invest that much. Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E1 Max recommended, as it is a pretty low investment.
A	Angelina Explanation General IS Notes + S2: Powerful single-taret slow with high Arts damage. + S3: High multi-target Arts damage with added Slow on a large area. - Doesn't perform auto attacks with her good skills equipped. IS2 Specific Notes Good damage and support abilities, but you generally would prefer a regular Caster for the role she covers. The Suppoerter tickets are also very contested for high-rarity Operators, so you'll likely have a better alternative. Good Relics Stalwart Aid - Diligence Stalwart Aid - Demoralize Relic Interactions Benefits greatly from any kind of SP support, though her skill already have great uptime. The large range on S3 can capitalize on the Demoralize debuffs. Recommended Promotion E2 necessary as S3 is her main skill, plus she benefits from Masteries.
D	Earthspirit Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Supporter Summoner

A	Deepcolor Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Vanguard DP-On-Kill / Charger

Like the Pioneers, Chargers tend towards being inefficient uses of Hope for likewise similar reasons. However a few of them stand out thanks to their raw power.

S+	Bagpipe Explanation General IS Notes + Incredibly high burst damage allows Bagpipe to excel as a key damage unit which no other Vanguard can do. + High bulk and her burst is available on heli-drop early on. + Although not as broken as in the base game, her talent is a welcome addition for the commonly picked Myrtle. IS2 Specific Notes Bagpipe is the second strongest Vanguard option in IS#2. Her damage and bulk are difficult to match on a ticket that is otherwise often a dead pick. Good Relics Blunt Claws - Proficiency Blunt Claws - Mastery Blunt Claws - Inspiration Rusted Blade - No Man's Land Relic Interactions No relic is all that broken with Bagpipe, but her overall power is enough to compensate for that. Recommended Promotion E2 required. All of the good stuff for Bagpipe comes at E2, and S3 Masteries are strongly recommended.
A	Plume Explanation General IS Notes + Cheap to deploy. + Decent damage + 0 Hope Cost - Very poor DP generation. Doesn't function too well past the earlygame. - Only blocks 1. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E1 Max recommended, as it is a pretty low investment.
A-	Vigna Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Vanguard Flagbearer / Standard Bearer

Standard Bearers are, all around, the best Vanguard options. With one exception (Bagpipe), the utility on Standard Bearers holds much more value for a successful run compared to any other Vanguard archtype.

S+

Myrtle Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

S-

Saileach Explanation General IS Notes '+ Strong and flexible utility unmatched in the class. + Fragile effects can be somewhat uncommon in many runs. + Healing off of Medic tickets is always welcome. - Can be a very expensive investment. - Takes away Hope for other units for a role that can often be filled by just Myrtle. - Not Myrtle, but close. IS2 Specific Notes Saileach is a reasonable pick thanks to all of the utility she brings. Still, the more cost effective Myrtle is generally the better option since spending the Hope on better DPS will get you further. Good Relics Blunt Claws - Proficiency Relic Interactions Very limited benefit from most relics. Recommended Promotion E2 strongly recommended. S3 is her main skill and her Masteries are fairly important, though she can be functional at E1 still.

Vanguard Skill-DP / Pioneer

The quintessential standard that most people think about when thinking of Vanguards, Pioneers end up usually being an inefficient use of Hope. Their main value, in being cheap early fighters, has limited value in the mode and they don't have the utility or power to match the other top-tier Vanguards.

S	Fang Explanation General IS Notes + Cheap to deploy. + Consisntent DP generation. + Simple Block-2 Operator. + 0 Hope Cost. - Low DP generation. - Pretty squishy. Needs immediate support past the earliest rushes. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E1 Max recommended, as it is a pretty low investment.
A+	Flametail Explanation General IS Notes + Powerful damage for a Vanguard. + High dodge chance on S3 gives her a measure of early tankiness not otherwise that common. - Even with her high dodge chance, the chance of RNG failure is unappealing since it can end a run. - Not as impactful for the Hope cost as most other 6*s. - Not Myrtle. IS2 Specific Notes Flametail, like all Pioneers, is a competent pick, but one rarely worth the Hope cost. There are ultimately better options for the same costs and no relic truly elevates her to the next level. Good Relics Blunt Claws - Proficiency Blunt Claws - Mastery Relic Interactions Benefits strongly from anything that improves her cycle time. Recommended Promotion E2 strongly recommended since S3 is her key skill. At E1 Flametail is significantly less effective. Saga Explanation General IS Notes + Powerful damage for a Vanguard. + Strongest raw DPS among the Pioneer Vanguards. + Good utility. - Utility is far harder to setup and less impactful. - Not as impactful for the Hope cost as most other 6*s. - Not Myrtle. IS2 Specific Notes Saga, like all Pioneers, is a competent pick, but one rarely worth the Hope cost. There are ultimately better options for the same costs and no relic truly elevates her to the next level. Good Relics Blunt Claws - Proficiency Blunt Claws - Mastery Wrath of Siracusans Relic Interactions Limited benefits from most relics, though anything that improves her combat prowess is welcome. S2 can capitalize on Anger of the Siracusans quite well. Recommended Promotion E2 recommended for access to her S3, though she is functional at E1.
A	Vanilla Explanation General IS Notes + Cheap to deploy. + Okay damage for early rushes + Simple Block-2 Operator. + 0 Hope Cost - Very poor DP generation. Doesn't function too well past the earlygame. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion E1 Max recommended, as it is a pretty low investment.
A-	Courier Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion Siege Explanation General IS Notes + High damage per hit maintains her utility against tougher enemies. - S3; No DP generation eliminates her utility as a Vanguard. - If she isn't acting as a Vanguard, then there are better uses for the Hope. - Even still, she is not as impactful for the Hope cost as most other 6*s. - Not Myrtle. IS2 Specific Notes Siege, like all Pioneers, is a competent pick, but one rarely worth the Hope cost. There are ultimately better options for the same costs and no relic truly elevates her to the next level. Worse, she is even less effective than Flametail or Saga and provides no real support to a party. Good Relics Blunt Claws - Proficiency Blunt Claws - Mastery Relic Interactions Limited benefits from most relics, though anything that improves her combat prowess is welcome. Recommended Promotion E2 optional as S2 is her key skill, though the extra stats and Masteries are welcome additions.
B+	Scavenger Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion
E	Reserve Operator - Melee Explanation General IS Notes - No Skills, no Talents, poor damage. Avoid at all costs unless you have no other options available or don't want to spend Hope.. IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion

Vanguard Summoner / Tactician

S-	Beanstalk Explanation General IS Notes IS2 Specific Notes Good Relics Relic Interactions Recommended Promotion