As a dedicated fighting game enthusiast who has spent countless hours analyzing Street Fighter 6’s competitive landscape, I’ve compiled the most comprehensive tier list to help you understand which characters are dominating the meta in 2025. Whether you’re a casual player looking to pick a main or a competitive grinder aiming for tournament success, this tier list will provide valuable insights into each character’s strengths and competitive viability.
Before diving into the tier list, it’s important to understand the criteria used for these rankings:
| Character | Tier | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP | S | Excellent range, powerful projectiles, high damage | Low health, slow movement |
| Luke | S | Well-rounded, strong pressure, high damage | Limited range on some normals |
| Juri | S | Great pressure, high damage combos, versatile | Complex execution, meter dependent |
| Ken | S | Fast rushdown, explosive damage, good okizeme | Low health, risky playstyle |
| Character | Tier | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guile | A | Excellent zoning, strong defense, reliable damage | Struggles up close, limited mix-ups |
| Kimberly | A | Fast movement, strong pressure, good combo potential | Low health, requires precise execution |
| Cammy | A | Fast rushdown, strong pressure, good damage | Short range, linear approach |
| Ryu | A | Well-rounded, strong fundamentals, high damage | Predictable playstyle, lacks mix-ups |
| Dee Jay | A | Good spacing, strong defense, versatile combos | Low damage output, struggles against pressure |
| Manon | A | High damage, good range, unique mechanics | Slow movement, execution heavy |
| Character | Tier | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chun-Li | B | Fast movement, good pressure, strong normals | Low damage, requires meter for max damage |
| Jamie | B | High damage potential, good rushdown, unique drink mechanic | Inconsistent damage, requires setup time |
| Lily | B | Good range, strong air control, unique mechanics | Low damage, slow ground movement |
| Marisa | B | High damage, great range, armored moves | Slow movement, large hurtbox |
| Zangief | B | Highest damage, command grabs, armored moves | Slow movement, struggles with zoning |
| Character | Tier | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhalsim | C | Excellent range, strong zoning, tricky normals | Lowest health, struggles up close |
| Blanka | C | Good mobility, tricky movement, strong punish game | Inconsistent damage, predictable playstyle |
| E. Honda | C | High damage, armored moves, strong defense | Slow movement, limited range |
| Dhalsim | C | Excellent range, strong zoning, tricky normals | Lowest health, struggles up close |
JP stands at the top of the Street Fighter 6 meta with his exceptional zoning capabilities and high damage output. His unique projectile system allows him to control space like no other character, making it extremely difficult for opponents to approach. JP’s Psycho Power abilities give him access to devastating combos that can take over 40% of an opponent’s health with proper execution. His main weakness lies in his low health pool and relatively slow movement speed, making him vulnerable to aggressive rushdown characters who can successfully close the distance. For players who prefer a methodical, controlling playstyle with explosive damage potential, JP is undoubtedly the best choice in 2025.
Luke represents the perfect balance of offense and defense in Street Fighter 6. His well-rounded toolkit includes fast normals, strong pressure options, and some of the highest damage output in the game. Luke’s unique mechanics, such as his Power Shot special move, give him excellent combo extensions and okizeme opportunities. His straightforward execution requirements make him accessible to players of all skill levels while still offering a high skill ceiling for advanced players. The main drawback to Luke is his somewhat limited range compared to dedicated zoners, requiring players to take calculated risks to get in. For players who want a character that can excel in any situation, Luke remains a top-tier choice in 2025.
Juri’s versatile kit and high damage potential secure her position in S-tier. Her unique Fuhajin storage system allows her to customize her approach based on the matchup and situation, making her incredibly adaptable. Juri excels at maintaining pressure with her fast normals and tricky jump arcs, while her stored Fuhajins provide devastating combo potential. Her main weakness lies in her relatively low health and the execution requirements needed to maximize her damage output. Additionally, Juri’s effectiveness is heavily tied to her meter management, requiring players to make strategic decisions about when to spend resources. For players who enjoy a technical character with strong pressure and explosive damage, Juri is an excellent choice in 2025.
Ken embodies the rushdown archetype in Street Fighter 6 with his fast movement and explosive damage potential. His Step Kick special move provides excellent combo opportunities and okizeme setups, while his Dragon Punch remains one of the best reversal options in the game. Ken’s ability to convert any hit into a damaging combo makes him extremely threatening at all times. His main weakness is his relatively low health pool, which punishes reckless play. Additionally, Ken’s aggressive playstyle requires players to take risks that can backfire against patient opponents. For players who enjoy fast-paced, high-pressure gameplay, Ken remains a top-tier choice in 2025.
Guile continues to be a dominant force in Street Fighter 6 with his exceptional zoning capabilities and strong defensive options. His Sonic Boom and Flash Kick provide a reliable defense against rushdown characters, while his solid normals allow him to control space effectively. Guile’s damage output is consistent and reliable, though not as explosive as some higher-tier characters. His main weakness lies in his limited mix-up potential and struggles against characters who can successfully bypass his zoning. For players who prefer a defensive, methodical playstyle, Guile remains a strong choice in 2025.
Kimberly’s fast movement and strong pressure options secure her position in A-tier. Her unique spray can mechanics provide excellent combo extensions and okizeme opportunities, while her fast normals make her difficult to defend against. Kimberly’s damage potential is impressive, especially when utilizing her resources optimally. Her main weakness is her relatively low health pool, which makes her vulnerable to high-damage characters. Additionally, Kimberly requires precise execution to maximize her potential, making her less accessible to new players. For players who enjoy fast-paced, technical gameplay, Kimberly is an excellent choice in 2025.
Cammy’s fast rushdown capabilities and strong pressure options place her firmly in A-tier. Her Spiral Arrow and Cannon Drill provide excellent mobility and combo opportunities, while her fast normals make her difficult to defend against. Cammy’s damage output is consistent and reliable, especially when utilizing her Dive Kick properly. Her main weakness is her somewhat short range, requiring players to take risks to get in. Additionally, Cammy’s approach can be somewhat linear, making her predictable against experienced opponents. For players who enjoy fast-paced, aggressive gameplay, Cammy remains a strong choice in 2025.
Ryu’s well-rounded toolkit and strong fundamentals secure his position in A-tier. His balanced stats and reliable special moves make him effective in any situation, while his high damage output ensures that every hit counts. Ryu’s Shoryuken remains one of the best reversal options in the game, providing a solid defense against pressure. His main weakness is his somewhat predictable playstyle, which can make him vulnerable to experienced opponents. Additionally, Ryu lacks the mix-up potential of some higher-tier characters, requiring players to rely on solid fundamentals rather than tricks. For players who value consistency and reliability, Ryu is an excellent choice in 2025.
Dee Jay’s versatile toolkit and strong defensive options place him in A-tier. His unique projectile system and solid normals allow him to control space effectively, while his strong defense makes him difficult to rush down. Dee Jay’s damage output is consistent and reliable, though not as explosive as some higher-tier characters. His main weakness is his somewhat low damage output, requiring players to maintain pressure for extended periods. Additionally, Dee Jay can struggle against characters who can successfully bypass his zoning. For players who prefer a balanced, defensive playstyle, Dee Jay is a solid choice in 2025.
Manon’s unique mechanics and high damage potential secure her position in A-tier. Her medal system provides excellent damage scaling, allowing her to deal devastating damage with proper execution. Manon’s strong normals and excellent range make her effective at controlling space, while her command grabs provide mix-up potential. Her main weakness is her somewhat slow movement speed, which can make her vulnerable to fast-paced rushdown characters. Additionally, Manon requires precise execution to maximize her damage potential, making her less accessible to new players. For players who enjoy technical characters with high damage potential, Manon is an excellent choice in 2025.
Chun-Li’s fast movement and strong pressure options place her in B-tier. Her lightning kicks provide excellent combo potential, while her fast normals make her difficult to defend against. Chun-Li’s mobility is among the best in the game, allowing her to control space effectively. Her main weakness is her somewhat low damage output, requiring players to maintain pressure for extended periods. Additionally, Chun-Li’s effectiveness is heavily tied to her meter management, requiring players to make strategic decisions about when to spend resources. For players who enjoy fast-paced, mobile gameplay, Chun-Li is a solid choice in 2025.
Jamie’s unique drink mechanic and high damage potential secure his position in B-tier. His ability to level up his drinks provides excellent damage scaling, allowing him to deal devastating damage with proper setup. Jamie’s rushdown capabilities are impressive, especially when utilizing his resources optimally. His main weakness is his inconsistent damage output, which is tied to his drink level. Additionally, Jamie requires setup time to reach his full potential, making him vulnerable during the early stages of a match. For players who enjoy technical characters with high damage potential, Jamie is an interesting choice in 2025.
Lily’s unique mechanics and strong air control place her in B-tier. Her wind mechanics provide excellent mobility and combo potential, while her strong air control makes her difficult to anti-air. Lily’s damage output is consistent and reliable, especially when utilizing her resources optimally. Her main weakness is her somewhat slow ground movement, which can make her vulnerable to fast-paced rushdown characters. Additionally, Lily’s damage output is somewhat low compared to higher-tier characters. For players who enjoy aerial combat and unique mechanics, Lily is an interesting choice in 2025.
Marisa’s high damage output and excellent range secure her position in B-tier. Her armored moves provide excellent defense against rushdown characters, while her strong normals allow her to control space effectively. Marisa’s damage potential is among the highest in the game, especially when utilizing her resources optimally. Her main weakness is her somewhat slow movement speed, which can make her vulnerable to fast-paced rushdown characters. Additionally, Marisa’s large hurtbox makes her susceptible to combos. For players who enjoy slow-paced, powerful characters, Marisa is a solid choice in 2025.
Zangief’s high damage output and command grabs place him in B-tier. His ability to convert any grab into a damaging combo makes him extremely threatening at close range, while his armored moves provide excellent defense against rushdown characters. Zangief’s damage potential is among the highest in the game, especially when utilizing his resources optimally. His main weakness is his somewhat slow movement speed, which can make him vulnerable to zoning characters. Additionally, Zangief struggles against characters who can effectively control space. For players who enjoy grappler characters with high damage potential, Zangief is an excellent choice in 2025.
Dhalsim’s excellent range and strong zoning capabilities place him in C-tier. His unique limb-based attacks provide excellent range, allowing him to control space like no other character. Dhalsim’s teleport provides excellent mobility, allowing him to escape pressure when needed. His main weakness is his extremely low health pool, which makes him vulnerable to high-damage characters. Additionally, Dhalsim struggles against characters who can successfully bypass his zoning. For players who enjoy a defensive, methodical playstyle, Dhalsim is a niche choice in 2025.
Blanka’s unique movement options and strong punish game secure his position in C-tier. His rolling attacks provide excellent mobility and combo potential, while his electricity provides a solid defense against rushdown characters. Blanka’s damage output is consistent and reliable, especially when utilizing his resources optimally. His main weakness is his somewhat predictable playstyle, which can make him vulnerable to experienced opponents. Additionally, Blanka’s damage output is somewhat low compared to higher-tier characters. For players who enjoy tricky movement and unorthodox gameplay, Blanka is an interesting choice in 2025.
E. Honda’s high damage output and strong defense place him in C-tier. His armored moves provide excellent defense against rushdown characters, while his command grabs provide mix-up potential. E. Honda’s damage potential is impressive, especially when utilizing his resources optimally. His main weakness is his somewhat slow movement speed, which can make him vulnerable to fast-paced rushdown characters. Additionally, E. Honda’s limited range can make it difficult to approach certain matchups. For players who enjoy grappler characters with strong defense, E. Honda is a solid choice in 2025.
Street Fighter 6 tier lists typically evolve every 2-3 months as the meta develops and players discover new strategies. Major balance patches from Capcom can also significantly impact character rankings, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest changes in 2025.
For beginners, I recommend starting with characters like Luke or Ryu who have well-rounded toolkits and straightforward execution requirements. These characters allow new players to focus on learning fundamental mechanics without being overwhelmed by complex combos or unique mechanics.
While tier lists provide valuable insights into character strengths and weaknesses, player skill is ultimately the most important factor in Street Fighter 6. A dedicated player can achieve success with any character in the roster, though higher-tier characters may provide certain advantages in specific matchups.
Characters like Kimberly and Jamie are often underrated by newer players but have shown strong potential in competitive play. These characters require more technical skill and matchup knowledge but can be extremely effective in the right hands.
When choosing a main character, consider your preferred playstyle (rushdown, zoning, grappler, etc.), execution comfort level, and aesthetic preferences. I recommend trying several characters in training mode to find one that feels natural and enjoyable to play.
For more Street Fighter 6 guides, character breakdowns, and tier lists, visit Boundbyflame.com where we regularly update our content with the latest meta developments and strategies. You can also find valuable resources on official Capcom channels and community forums like Reddit and Discord.
