Guilty Gear XX Accent Core remains one of the most technical and beloved fighting games in the genre’s history. With its complex mechanics and diverse cast of characters, understanding the competitive landscape is crucial for players looking to improve. This comprehensive tier list breaks down every character’s competitive viability based on tournament results, matchup data, and character-specific strengths. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, this guide will help you understand which characters excel in the current meta and why certain fighters dominate the competitive scene.
Our tier list is based on several key factors that determine a character’s competitive viability in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core:
| Name | Tier | Key Strengths | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eddie | S | Unblockable setups, Pressure | Shadow puppet control |
| Slayer | S | High damage, Command grab | Invincible backdash |
| Potemkin | S | Grappler, High health | Hammer Fall, Potemkin Buster |
| Faust | S | Unpredictable, Range | Item throws |
| Testament | S | Zoning, Traps | Crow traps, Zeinest |
| Name | Tier | Key Strengths | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sol Badguy | A | All-around, High damage | Volcanic Viper, Fafnir |
| Ky Kiske | A | Zoning, Balanced | Stun Edge, Vapor Thrust |
| I-No | A | Rushdown, Mixups | Chemical Love, Megalomania |
| Dizzy | A | Space control, Summons | Fish summons, Ice Spike |
| Jam Kuradoberi | A | Rushdown, Card system | Card power-ups |
| Baiken | A | Defense, Counters | Tatami Gaeshi, Sakura Hane |
| Chipp Zanuff | A | Speed, Teleports | Alpha Blade, Teleports |
| Name | Tier | Key Strengths | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | B | Range, Dolphins | Dolphin summons |
| Johnny | A | Mist Finer, Coins | Coin buffs, Mist Finer |
| Axl Low | B | Zoning, Chains | Chains, Rensen |
| Zappa | B | Unpredictable, Ghosts | Raoh, Dog, Sword ghosts |
| Anji Mito | B | Pressure, Fan | Butterfly, Fuujin |
| Bridget | B | Mobility, Yo-yos | Yo-yo setups, Starship |
| Venom | B | Pool ball setups | Ball formations, Mad Struggle |
| Name | Tier | Key Strengths | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millia Rage | B | High-speed, Hair setups | Hairpin, Tandem Top |
| Robo-Ky | C | Unique mechanics | Robo-head, Missile |
| Kliff Undersn | C | Range, Damage | Heavy sword, Charge attacks |
| Justice | C | Space control, Range | Michael Blade, Imperial Ray |
Eddie dominates the competitive scene with his unparalleled pressure game and unblockable setups. His shadow puppet allows for complex mixups that can be difficult for opponents to defend against. Eddie’s ability to control space while maintaining offensive pressure makes him a top-tier character. His damage output is above average, and his okizeme game is among the best in the cast. The main drawback to Eddie is his relatively low health and the technical skill required to execute his pressure sequences effectively. Players who master Eddie’s puppet positioning can create nearly inescapable situations that lead to high damage conversions.
Slayer combines exceptional damage output with powerful mixup potential, making him a formidable character in the right hands. His command grabs are among the best in the game, providing both damage and positional advantage. Slayer’s invincible backdash gives him exceptional defensive options, allowing him to escape pressure situations that would trap other characters. His Dandy Step provides mobility and access to powerful follow-ups. While Slayer has strong tools, his range is limited compared to other top characters, and he requires precise execution to maximize his damage potential. Players who can consistently execute his difficult combos will find Slayer to be one of the most rewarding characters in the game.
As the premier grappler of Guilty Gear XX Accent Core, Potemkin excels at punishing mistakes with devastating damage output. His high health pool gives him durability that few other characters can match. Potemkin’s Hammer Fall provides armor and mobility, allowing him to approach through projectiles and attacks. His Potemkin Buster is one of the most threatening command grabs in the game, leading to high damage and favorable positioning. While Potemkin’s mobility is limited compared to other characters, his defensive options and damage potential more than compensate. Players who can effectively read opponents and capitalize on mistakes will find Potemkin to be a dominant force.
Faust’s unpredictable playstyle and excellent range make him a top-tier character in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. His item throws create constant uncertainty for opponents, forcing them to adapt to different situations each round. Faust’s long reach with his scalpel allows him to control space effectively from a distance. His mixup potential is enhanced by his overheads and command grab. While Faust’s damage output is average compared to other S-tier characters, his ability to control the pace of matches and create favorable situations gives him a significant advantage. Players who can effectively utilize Faust’s item system will find him to be a versatile and powerful character.
Testament excels at controlling space and trapping opponents with his crow and web setups. His ability to create zones that opponents must navigate gives him a significant advantage in controlling the match’s flow. Testament’s Zeinest provides excellent combo extension and okizeme potential, while his crow creates constant pressure and chip damage. His EXE Beast is among the best super moves in the game, providing both invincibility and damage. While Testament’s damage output is average, his ability to control space and create favorable situations makes him a top-tier character. Players who can effectively manage his trap system will find Testament to be a formidable opponent.
Sol Badguy represents the quintessential all-around character in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. His Volcanic Viper provides excellent anti-air and combo potential, while his Fafnir offers a powerful pressure tool. Sol’s damage output is consistently high across the board, and his movement speed is above average. His Gun Flame provides both pressure and combo extension options. While Sol lacks the specialized tools of higher-tier characters, his well-rounded toolkit allows him to adapt to various situations effectively. Players who prefer a straightforward, powerful character will find Sol to be an excellent choice for competitive play.
Ky Kiske excels at controlling space with his projectile game and well-rounded moveset. His Stun Edge provides excellent zoning capabilities, while his Vapor Thrust offers reliable anti-air options. Ky’s balanced toolkit allows him to adapt to various playstyles, making him a versatile character in the right hands. His damage output is average, but his ability to control space and maintain favorable positioning compensates for this limitation. Ky’s primary strength lies in his ability to dictate the pace of matches through effective use of his projectiles and movement. Players who enjoy a methodical approach to combat will find Ky to be a rewarding character.
I-No combines exceptional rushdown capabilities with powerful mixup potential, making her a formidable offensive character. Her Chemical Love provides excellent mobility and combo extension, while her Megalomania super can turn the tide of matches with its high damage output. I-No’s hover dash gives her unique movement options that can confuse opponents and create openings. While her defense is below average, her offensive pressure more than compensates for this weakness. Players who enjoy aggressive, high-pressure gameplay will find I-No to be an exciting and effective character. Her execution requirements are higher than average, but mastering her movement and pressure sequences is highly rewarding.
Dizzy’s space control and summon abilities make her a unique and powerful character in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. Her fish summons provide constant pressure and zone control, forcing opponents to navigate complex situations. Dizzy’s Ice Spike offers excellent combo extension and okizeme potential, while her Necro Install super enhances her abilities significantly. While her defense is below average and her summons require careful management, her ability to control space and create favorable situations makes her a top-tier character. Players who enjoy strategic, methodical gameplay will find Dizzy to be a rewarding character with a high skill ceiling.
Jam Kuradoberi excels at rushdown with her card system that enhances her special moves. Her ability to power up her attacks through card collection gives her increasing damage potential as matches progress. Jam’s movement speed is above average, allowing her to close distance quickly and maintain pressure. Her parry move provides defensive options against predictable attacks. While her damage output is average without cards, her powered-up state significantly increases her threat level. Players who enjoy aggressive, momentum-based gameplay will find Jam to be an exciting character with a unique mechanic that rewards consistent play.
Baiken’s defensive capabilities and counter options make her a unique character in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. Her Tatami Gaeshi provides excellent space control and combo potential, while her Sakura Hane offers mobility and escape options. Baiken’s guard points on various moves allow her to turn defensive situations into offensive opportunities. Her counters can punish predictable approaches, making her a formidable opponent for aggressive players. While her damage output is average, her defensive tools more than compensate for this limitation. Players who enjoy a defensive, reactive playstyle will find Baiken to be a rewarding character with a high skill ceiling.
Chipp Zanuff’s exceptional speed and teleport abilities make him a highly mobile character in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. His Alpha Blade provides excellent combo extension and mobility, while his teleports create unpredictable movement patterns that can confuse opponents. Chipp’s speed allows him to control the pace of matches and create openings through constant pressure. While his health is below average and his damage output is average, his mobility and mixup potential more than compensate for these limitations. Players who enjoy fast-paced, high-pressure gameplay will find Chipp to be an exciting character with a high skill ceiling.
May’s dolphin summons and range give her unique offensive capabilities in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. Her ability to control space with her dolphins creates pressure from various angles, making her difficult to approach. May’s horizontal and vertical dolphins provide different attack patterns that can be adapted to various situations. Her damage output is above average when utilizing her dolphin setups effectively. While her mobility is below average and her execution requirements are moderate, her space control capabilities make her a formidable character in the right hands. Players who enjoy strategic, setup-based gameplay will find May to be a rewarding character with unique mechanics.
Johnny’s Mist Finer and coin system provide him with versatile offensive options in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. His ability to power up his Mist Finer through coin collection gives him increasing damage potential as matches progress. Johnny’s balanced toolkit allows him to adapt to various situations, making him a versatile character in the right hands. His damage output is above average when utilizing his coin system effectively. While his mobility is average and his execution requirements are moderate, his versatile offensive options make him a formidable character. Players who enjoy a balanced, methodical approach to combat will find Johnny to be a rewarding character with a unique mechanic.
Axl Low excels at zoning with his chain attacks that control space effectively. His long-range attacks allow him to control the pace of matches and keep opponents at a comfortable distance. Axl’s Rensen provides excellent combo extension and space control, while his various chain options create a versatile zoning toolkit. While his mobility is below average and his close-range options are limited, his space control capabilities more than compensate for these limitations. Players who enjoy a defensive, zoning playstyle will find Axl to be a rewarding character with a unique approach to combat.
Zappa’s unpredictable playstyle and ghost summons make him a unique character in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. His various ghost forms (Raoh, Dog, Sword) provide different abilities that can adapt to various situations. Zappa’s unpredictability makes him difficult for opponents to prepare against, as his abilities change based on his current summon. While his execution requirements are high and his consistency is below average, his unique mechanics and potential for high damage make him an interesting character for players seeking something different. Players who enjoy unpredictable, high-variance gameplay will find Zappa to be a rewarding character with a high skill ceiling.
Anji Mito’s pressure game and fan abilities make him a formidable character in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. His Butterfly provides excellent pressure and mixup potential, while his Fuujin offers versatile offensive options. Anji’s ability to maintain pressure while controlling space makes him difficult to approach. His damage output is average, but his pressure capabilities more than compensate for this limitation. While his mobility is average and his execution requirements are moderate, his pressure game makes him a formidable character in the right hands. Players who enjoy pressure-based gameplay will find Anji to be a rewarding character with unique mechanics.
Bridget’s mobility and yo-yo setups give her unique offensive capabilities in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. Her ability to control space with her yo-yo creates pressure from various angles, making her difficult to approach. Bridget’s Starship provides excellent mobility and escape options, while her yo-yo setups create unpredictable attack patterns. Her damage output is average, but her mobility and setup potential more than compensate for this limitation. While her execution requirements are moderate, her unique mechanics make her an interesting character for players seeking something different. Players who enjoy setup-based gameplay will find Bridget to be a rewarding character with a high skill ceiling.
Venom’s pool ball setups give him unique space control capabilities in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. His ability to create complex ball formations provides pressure from various angles, making him difficult to approach. Venom’s Mad Struggle offers excellent combo extension and space control, while his various ball options create a versatile zoning toolkit. While his mobility is average and his execution requirements are high, his space control capabilities make him a formidable character in the right hands. Players who enjoy strategic, setup-based gameplay will find Venom to be a rewarding character with a high skill ceiling.
Millia Rage’s exceptional speed and hair setups make her a formidable rushdown character in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. Her Hairpin provides excellent okizeme potential, while her Tandem Top creates complex pressure situations. Millia’s speed allows her to control the pace of matches and create openings through constant pressure. While her health is below average and her damage output is average, her speed and setup potential more than compensate for these limitations. Players who enjoy fast-paced, high-pressure gameplay will find Millia to be an exciting character with a high skill ceiling.
Robo-Ky’s unique mechanics and versatile toolkit make him an interesting character in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. His Robo-head provides various attack options, while his missile system creates space control opportunities. Robo-Ky’s ability to adapt his playstyle based on his current heat level gives him versatility that few other characters can match. While his damage output is average and his execution requirements are moderate, his unique mechanics make him an interesting character for players seeking something different. Players who enjoy adaptable, strategic gameplay will find Robo-Ky to be a rewarding character with a high skill ceiling.
Kliff Undersn’s exceptional range and damage output make him a formidable character in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. His heavy sword provides excellent range and damage potential, while his charge attacks offer versatile offensive options. Kliff’s ability to control space with his long-reaching attacks makes him difficult to approach. While his mobility is below average and his execution requirements are moderate, his range and damage potential more than compensate for these limitations. Players who enjoy a defensive, spacing-based playstyle will find Kliff to be a rewarding character with unique mechanics.
Justice’s space control and range give her unique defensive capabilities in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. Her Michael Blade provides excellent space control, while her Imperial Ray offers powerful offensive options. Justice’s ability to control space with her long-reaching attacks makes her difficult to approach. While her mobility is below average and her execution requirements are moderate, her space control capabilities make her a formidable character in the right hands. Players who enjoy a defensive, zoning playstyle will find Justice to be a rewarding character with unique mechanics.
Guilty Gear XX Accent Core is an older game, so its tier lists are relatively stable compared to newer fighting games. However, they may still evolve as players discover new techniques, combos, or strategies. Major tournaments can also influence tier placements as certain characters may perform better than expected in competitive environments.
For beginners, characters like Sol Badguy and Ky Kiske are often recommended due to their well-rounded toolkits and straightforward playstyles. These characters allow new players to learn the game’s mechanics without being overwhelmed by complex systems or execution requirements.
Execution is crucial in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core, as the game features complex mechanics and high-damage combos that require precise inputs. However, there are characters with lower execution requirements that can still be effective at intermediate levels of play.
Top-tier characters in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core typically excel in multiple areas such as damage output, defense options, mobility, and matchup spread. Characters like Eddie and Slayer are considered top-tier due to their exceptional pressure game and damage potential.
Countering top-tier characters requires understanding their strengths and weaknesses. For example, characters with strong rushdown like Eddie can be countered by characters with good defensive options like Baiken. Learning specific matchup knowledge and practicing defensive techniques can help level the playing field against top-tier characters.
Guilty Gear XX Accent Core features relatively good character diversity compared to other fighting games, with most characters being viable at intermediate levels of play. While there are clear tier differences, skilled players can find success with a wide variety of characters.
Choosing a main character in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core depends on your preferred playstyle. If you enjoy rushdown, characters like I-No or Millia might suit you. If you prefer zoning, characters like Ky or Axl could be better choices. Experiment with different characters to find one that matches your playstyle and feels comfortable to execute.
While low-tier characters in Guilty Gear XX Accent Core may struggle against top-tier characters in competitive environments, they can still be viable at intermediate levels of play. A skilled player who understands their character’s strengths and matchups can find success with even the lowest-tier characters.
This tier list is based on current competitive understanding of Guilty Gear XX Accent Core as of November 2025. Remember that player skill, matchup knowledge, and personal preference often matter more than tier placement in determining match outcomes.
