Guilty Gear Strive is a critically acclaimed fighting game known for its complex mechanics, stunning visuals, and diverse character roster. As the competitive scene evolves in 2025, understanding character viability is crucial for players looking to climb the ranks. This comprehensive tier list breaks down every character’s competitive potential, with special attention to Venom, who has seen significant tournament success in recent months. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your main or an experienced player seeking to counter the meta, this tier list provides the insights you need to make informed decisions about your character selection in Guilty Gear Strive.
Before diving into the rankings, it’s important to understand the criteria used to evaluate each character:
| Name | Tier | Damage | Speed | Defense |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Chaos | S | High | Medium | High |
| Baiken | S | High | Medium | High |
| Ramlethal Valentine | S | Very High | Low | Medium |
| I-No | S | Very High | High | Low |
| Venom | S | High | High | Medium |
| Name | Tier | Damage | Speed | Defense |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ky Kiske | A | High | High | High |
| Sol Badguy | A | Very High | Medium | Medium |
| May | A | High | Medium | Medium |
| Axl Low | A | Medium | Low | High |
| Chipp Zanuff | A | Medium | Very High | Low |
| Faust | A | Medium | Medium | High |
| Zato-1 | A | High | Medium | Medium |
| Giovanna | A | High | High | Medium |
| Name | Tier | Damage | Speed | Defense |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo Whitefang | B | High | Medium | Medium |
| Millia Rage | B | Medium | Very High | Low |
| Potemkin | B | Very High | Very Low | Very High |
| Nagoriyuki | B | Very High | Low | Medium |
| Jack-O’ | B | High | Medium | Medium |
| Anji Mito | B | Medium | High | Medium |
| Name | Tier | Damage | Speed | Defense |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Testament | C | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Bridget | C | Medium | High | Low |
Happy Chaos dominates the meta with his exceptional neutral game and versatile toolkit. His ability to control space with Steady Aim bullets while maintaining strong close-range options makes him incredibly difficult to approach. What sets Happy Chaos apart is his damage output, which rivals some of the game’s hardest hitters despite his keepaway playstyle. His focus management system rewards skilled players who can balance aggression with resource conservation. While he requires strong fundamentals to maximize his potential, his ceiling is arguably the highest in the current meta. Happy Chaos excels at controlling the pace of matches and can adapt his strategy against virtually any opponent.
Baiken’s exceptional defensive capabilities combined with surprising offensive power make her a top-tier contender in 2025. Her parry system (Hiyarikei) allows her to turn defensive situations into devastating punishes, making her incredibly scary to pressure. Baiken’s mix-up game is formidable, with multiple overhead options and a command grab that keeps opponents guessing. Her damage output is consistently high, with corner combos that can take nearly half a health bar. While her movement options are somewhat limited compared to other top tiers, her defensive tools more than compensate. Baiken thrives in patient gameplay where she can bait opponents into committing to unsafe approaches, then punish them severely.
Ramlethal Valentine maintains her S-tier status with her incredible damage output and unique sword mechanics. Her ability to control space with her two swords (Bajoneto) creates a defensive wall that many characters struggle to penetrate. Once Ramlethal gets her offense started, her pressure is relentless, with frame traps and mix-ups that can be difficult to defend against. Her corner damage is among the highest in the game, capable of ending rounds quickly from relatively simple confirms. While her movement speed is below average and she struggles with rushdown characters who can get inside her sword range, her strengths far outweigh these weaknesses. In the right hands, Ramlethal is a tournament-viable character who can dominate the competition.
I-No’s high-risk, high-reward playstyle pays dividends in the current meta, earning her a solid S-tier position. Her mobility is unmatched, with airdashes and chemical love trajectory options that make her incredibly elusive. I-No’s mix-up potential is second to none, with ambiguous cross-ups and unblockable setups that can mentally exhaust opponents. When she gets going, her damage output is explosive, capable of stealing rounds with just a few correct reads. The primary drawback to I-No is her low health and defensive options, making her vulnerable to rushdown. However, skilled players can mitigate these weaknesses with proper spacing and resource management. I-No rewards aggressive play and is perfect for players who enjoy keeping their opponents constantly guessing.
Venom has risen to S-tier status in 2025 thanks to his exceptional zoning capabilities and improved offense. His ball setups create complex patterns that control the screen effectively, limiting opponents’ approach options. What makes Venom particularly dangerous is his ability to transition seamlessly from defense to offense, using his balls as both defensive walls and offensive pressure tools. His damage output is consistently high, with corner combos that showcase his technical potential. Venom’s movement speed is above average, allowing him to reposition and maintain optimal spacing. While he requires significant execution to play at the highest level, his ceiling is immense. In the current meta, Venom’s ability to control the flow of matches makes him a formidable opponent for any character.
Ky Kiske remains a versatile and well-rounded character in the A-tier. His balanced toolkit allows him to adapt to various matchups and playstyles effectively. Ky’s projectile game with Stun Edge provides excellent zoning options, while his close-range pressure with Vapor Thrust and Greed Sever gives him solid offensive capabilities. His damage output is consistent across all situations, though not as explosive as some higher-tier characters. Ky’s defensive options are strong, with reliable reversals and good movement speed. What keeps Ky from S-tier is his lack of truly overwhelming strengths in any particular area. He’s a jack-of-all-trades but master of none, making him solid but not dominant in the current meta. For players who value consistency and adaptability, Ky remains an excellent choice.
Sol Badguy continues to be a formidable force in the A-tier with his explosive damage and straightforward gameplan. His ability to convert nearly any hit into high-damage combos makes him incredibly dangerous, especially when he has meter for his Dragon Install super. Sol’s pressure is formidable, with frame traps and safe options that keep opponents blocking. His movement speed is average, but his forward momentum attacks help him close distance quickly. Sol’s primary weakness is his relatively linear approach options, making him predictable against experienced players. Additionally, his defensive options are somewhat limited, requiring careful resource management. Despite these drawbacks, Sol’s raw damage potential and ability to steal rounds with minimal hits keep him firmly in the A-tier.
May’s unique dolphin-based toolkit keeps her competitive in the A-tier. Her ability to control space with her various dolphin summons creates a dynamic offense that many characters struggle to defend against. May’s damage output is consistently high, with corner combos that can take nearly half a health bar. Her movement speed is average, but her air mobility with horizontal dolphins gives her excellent approach options. May’s primary weakness is her somewhat limited defensive options and reliance on specific setups for optimal damage. She also requires strong execution to maximize her combo potential. Despite these challenges, May’s unique playstyle and strong pressure game make her a solid choice for players looking for a character with a different approach to the neutral game.
Axl Low excels at controlling space with his long-range normals and chain-based zoning. His ability to keep opponents at bay is unmatched in the cast, making him incredibly difficult to approach. Axl’s damage output is average, but his ability to convert from nearly any screen position gives him consistent damage opportunities. His defensive options are strong, with reliable anti-airs and reversal options. Axl’s primary weakness is his poor mobility and vulnerability to characters who can bypass his zoning tools. Once opponents get inside his effective range, Axl struggles to create space and establish his gameplan. Despite this limitation, his ability to control the flow of matches from a distance keeps him firmly in the A-tier.
Chipp Zanuff’s incredible speed and mobility make him a constant threat in the A-tier. His ability to traverse the screen quickly and create ambiguous offensive situations keeps opponents on their toes. Chipp’s mix-up potential is among the best in the game, with multiple overhead options and fast lows that can be difficult to react to. His damage output is average but consistent, with reliable conversions from most situations. Chipp’s primary weakness is his extremely low health, making him vulnerable to explosive damage from top-tier characters. His defensive options are limited, requiring careful resource management. Despite these fragility issues, Chipp’s speed and pressure game make him a formidable opponent for anyone who struggles with fast-paced offense.
Faust’s unpredictable playstyle and unique item throws keep him competitive in the A-tier. His ability to control space with random items creates situations that even experienced players struggle to adapt to. Faust’s damage output is average but consistent, with reliable conversions from most situations. His defensive options are strong, with a large hurtbox that can be difficult to hit and a command grab that can turn defensive situations into offensive opportunities. Faust’s primary weakness is his reliance on random item throws, which can sometimes provide less useful options. His movement speed is average, and his approach options are somewhat limited without favorable item throws. Despite these inconsistencies, Faust’s ability to create chaotic situations that disrupt opponent gameplans keeps him solidly in the A-tier.
Zato-1’s unique puppet mechanics and versatile offense make him a strong contender in the A-tier. His ability to control space with Eddie creates complex pressure situations that many characters struggle to defend against. Zato’s damage output is high, with corner combos that showcase his technical potential. His movement speed is average, but his ability to cover multiple screen positions with Eddie gives him exceptional presence. Zato’s primary weakness is his reliance on Eddie gauge management, which requires careful resource planning. Without Eddie, Zato’s options become significantly limited, making him vulnerable during gauge recovery. Despite this dependency, Zato’s pressure game and mix-up potential keep him a formidable opponent in the current meta.
Giovanna’s fast-paced rushdown style and consistent damage output earn her a solid position in the A-tier. Her ability to quickly close distance and maintain pressure makes her incredibly difficult to defend against. Giovanna’s damage output is consistently high, with reliable conversions from most situations. Her movement speed is above average, allowing her to control the pace of matches effectively. Giovanna’s primary weakness is her somewhat limited defensive options and reliance on specific resources for optimal damage. She also requires strong execution to maximize her combo potential. Despite these challenges, Giovanna’s aggressive playstyle and strong pressure game make her a solid choice for players who prefer fast-paced offense.
Leo Whitefang’s unique stance system and solid offense keep him competitive in the B-tier. His ability to switch between forward and backward stances creates a dynamic offense that can be difficult to defend against. Leo’s damage output is high, with reliable conversions from most situations. His movement speed is average, but his stance-specific movement options give him unique approach capabilities. Leo’s primary weakness is his somewhat predictable offense and limited defensive options. His stance system, while versatile, can be exploited by experienced players who understand his options. Despite these limitations, Leo’s solid damage and unique playstyle make him a viable choice for players looking for a character with a different approach to offense.
Millia Rage’s incredible speed and mix-up potential make her a threat in the B-tier. Her ability to create ambiguous offensive situations with her various hair-based setups keeps opponents constantly guessing. Millia’s damage output is average but consistent, with reliable conversions from most situations. Her movement speed is among the highest in the game, allowing her to control the pace of matches effectively. Millia’s primary weakness is her extremely low health and limited defensive options. She struggles against characters who can withstand her initial offense and counter with strong defensive tools. Despite these fragility issues, Millia’s speed and mix-up potential make her a formidable opponent for anyone who struggles with fast-paced offense.
Potemkin’s incredible damage output and defensive capabilities keep him relevant in the B-tier. His ability to convert nearly any hit into high-damage combos makes him incredibly dangerous, especially when he has meter for his super attacks. Potemkin’s defensive options are strong, with armor moves that can absorb attacks and create counter opportunities. His primary weakness is his extremely poor mobility, making him vulnerable to characters who can control space effectively. Once opponents establish their zoning game, Potemkin struggles to approach and establish his offense. Despite this significant limitation, Potemkin’s raw damage potential and defensive tools make him a viable choice for players who prefer a patient, defensive playstyle.
Nagoriyuki’s unique blood gauge system and incredible damage output make him a threat in the B-tier. His ability to switch between normal and blood rage states creates a dynamic offense that can be difficult to defend against. Nagoriyuki’s damage output is among the highest in the game, especially in blood rage state. His primary weakness is his reliance on blood gauge management, which requires careful resource planning. His movement speed is below average, making him vulnerable to characters who can control space effectively. Despite these limitations, Nagoriyuki’s raw damage potential and unique mechanics make him a viable choice for players looking for a character with a high-risk, high-reward playstyle.
Jack-O’s unique servant system and versatile toolkit keep her competitive in the B-tier. Her ability to control space with servant summons creates a dynamic offense that many characters struggle to defend against. Jack-O’s damage output is consistently high, with reliable conversions from most situations. Her movement speed is average, but her servant-based approach options give her unique capabilities. Jack-O’s primary weakness is her reliance on servant management, which requires careful resource planning. Without servants, Jack-O’s options become significantly limited, making her vulnerable during servant recovery. Despite this dependency, Jack-O’s pressure game and unique mechanics make her a viable choice for players looking for a character with a different approach to offense.
Anji Mito’s versatile fan-based toolkit and solid offense keep him competitive in the B-tier. His ability to control space with his various fan options creates a dynamic offense that can be difficult to defend against. Anji’s damage output is average but consistent, with reliable conversions from most situations. His movement speed is above average, allowing him to control the pace of matches effectively. Anji’s primary weakness is his somewhat limited defensive options and reliance on specific resources for optimal damage. He also requires strong execution to maximize his combo potential. Despite these challenges, Anji’s versatile playstyle and solid pressure game make him a viable choice for players looking for a character with a different approach to offense.
Testament’s unique crow-based toolkit and versatile playstyle keep them in the C-tier. Their ability to control space with crow summons creates a dynamic offense that can be difficult to defend against. Testament’s damage output is average but consistent, with reliable conversions from most situations. Their movement speed is average, but their crow-based approach options give them unique capabilities. Testament’s primary weakness is their somewhat limited defensive options and reliance on specific resources for optimal damage. They also require strong execution to maximize their combo potential. Despite these challenges, Testament’s unique playstyle and solid pressure game make them a viable choice for players looking for a character with a different approach to offense.
Bridget’s unique yo-yo-based toolkit and high mobility keep them in the C-tier. Their ability to control space with yo-yo setups creates a dynamic offense that can be difficult to defend against. Bridget’s damage output is average but consistent, with reliable conversions from most situations. Their movement speed is above average, allowing them to control the pace of matches effectively. Bridget’s primary weakness is their somewhat limited defensive options and reliance on specific resources for optimal damage. They also require strong execution to maximize their combo potential. Despite these challenges, Bridget’s unique playstyle and high mobility make them a viable choice for players looking for a character with a different approach to offense.
Guilty Gear Strive tier lists typically evolve every 3-4 months as the meta develops and players discover new techniques. Major balance patches from Arc System Works can also cause significant shifts in character rankings. It’s important to stay updated with the latest competitive results and character developments in 2025 to understand the current meta.
Yes, Venom has risen to S-tier status in 2025 due to several factors. Recent tournament results have shown Venom’s exceptional performance at high levels of play. His improved ball setups and enhanced offensive capabilities make him a formidable opponent. Additionally, the current meta favors characters with strong zoning and pressure tools, both of which Venom excels at.
For beginners, characters like Ky Kiske and Giovanna are excellent choices. Ky offers a well-rounded toolkit that teaches fundamental Guilty Gear concepts without overwhelming execution requirements. Giovanna provides a straightforward rushdown style that’s easy to understand but still effective at higher levels. Both characters allow new players to focus on learning game mechanics rather than complex character-specific combos.
While tier lists provide valuable insights into character viability, player skill and matchup knowledge are often more important factors in determining match outcomes. Guilty Gear Strive is relatively balanced compared to other fighting games, meaning even lower-tier characters can achieve success with dedicated practice. The most important factor is choosing a character that fits your playstyle and committing to mastering their mechanics.
For more Guilty Gear Strive content, check out our other articles on Boundbyflame.com, including character guides, combo tutorials, and matchup breakdowns. You can also find valuable resources on official Guilty Gear channels, community Discord servers, and competitive player streams on platforms like Twitch.
