If you’ve ever stared at the character screen wondering who to level next, you’re not alone. With over 90 playable characters and a new patch every six weeks, tracking the meta can feel endless.
Latest version analyzed: 6.5 Luna VI ·
Characters ranked: Over 90 ·
Top tier designation: S‑Tier ·
Last updated: May 2026 ·
Primary data source: Spiral Abyss usage rates
Quick snapshot
- Neuvillette leads Floor 12 usage at 68% in patch 6.4 (IGItems usage tracker)
- Zibai is the highest‑ceiling Geo DPS as of version 6.5 (Genshin Builds tier analysis)
- Mavuika is the gold standard for raw Pyro damage (BeatCopGame)
- Exact rankings of unreleased characters (Varka, Durin) in official tier lists
- Whether future versions will depose current SS‑tier units
- Consensus across all community lists for bottom‑tier characters
- Spiral Abyss rotation resets usage data monthly (no direct source)
- Exact update frequency of Game8 tier list (community consensus)
- Version 6.5 Luna VI is the current patch as of May 2026 (Genshin Builds version 6.5 analysis)
- Major tier list updates occur each patch (every 6 weeks) (Genshin Builds update cycle)
- Watch for official Hoyolab element‑based tier articles after each new character release
- Community pull‑value tier lists will shift with version 6.6 leaks
Nine key stats capture the state of the meta in version 6.5:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Current version | 6.5 Luna VI |
| Number of playable characters | 97+ |
| Most recent tier list update | May 2026 (IGItems usage tracker) |
| Highest usage rate in Spiral Abyss (Ph12) | Neuvillette – 82% |
| SS‑tier characters (community consensus) | 7 (Mavuika, Neuvillette, Columbina, Zibai, Linnea, Durin, Yelan) |
| Top 4‑star supports | Bennett, Xingqiu, Fischl, Sucrose |
| Declining characters | Dehya, Amber, Collei, Gaming |
| Tier list source with highest authority | Genshin Builds (aggregates Spiral Abyss data) |
What is the best Genshin Impact tier list for 2026?
Current top sources for tier lists
- Genshin Builds (Genshin Builds version 6.5 tier analysis) publishes a detailed table split by DPS, sub‑DPS, and support, updated each patch. It uses Spiral Abyss Floor 12 clear data and community feedback.
- BeatCopGame (BeatCopGame tier list) offers a version‑specific grid with SS‑Tier rankings for main DPS and supports.
- IGItems (usage tracker) provides a live usage‑rate table based on player data.
No single tier list is definitive — the best approach is to cross‑reference two or three sources, especially one that uses usage data and one that uses community voting.
How to interpret tier rankings
Most lists assume C0 for 5‑star units, F2P weapons, and Spiral Abyss Floor 12 performance. S‑Tier means the character clears a floor faster or more reliably than alternatives. The usage tracker rates characters by percent of clears, giving a direct view of what works in practice.
The implication: a character with high usage but a middling community tier may still be a safe investment because it fits many teams.
Which characters are considered top DPS in Genshin Impact?
Main DPS S‑tier contenders
- Neuvillette (Hydro) — SS‑tier per BeatCopGame, with 68% usage on the first half of Floor 12 in 6.4 (IGItems).
- Mavuika (Pyro) — SS‑tier, “gold standard for raw damage” according to BeatCopGame.
- Zibai (Geo) — Highest Geo damage ceiling in the game (Genshin Builds lists him in S‑Tier).
- Arlecchino (Pyro) — A‑tier DPS per community polls (YouTube tier discussion).
Sub‑DPS and support roles
Columbina is rated SS‑tier Hydro Lunar Enabler by BeatCopGame, slotting into almost any team. Xilonen and Skirk also appear in the Ascendant SS tier on Genshin Builds. The pattern: the best sub‑DPS characters provide both damage and utility (energy, shield, or element application).
A high constellation four‑star sub‑DPS like Fischl (C6) can match a C0 five‑star sub‑DPS, lowering the cost of an Abyss‑ready team.
What are the best 4‑star characters in Genshin Impact?
Top 4‑star supports
The F2P backbone remains intact. Xingqiu, Bennett, Diona, and Sucrose are described as “indispensable” by Genshin Builds. At C6, Bennett’s ATK buff and Xingqiu’s rain swords rival many five-star options.
4‑star DPS surprises
Iansan and Chevreuse reportedly outperform some older 5‑star characters in specific team compositions, per the Genshin Builds analysis. Meanwhile, Gaming (a 4‑star DPS) appears on the declining list alongside Dehya and Amber — a sign that even high‑investment 4‑stars can fall off as the meta shifts.
The takeaway: invest in 4‑star supports first; invest in 4‑star DPS only if you have their C6 and a tailored artifact set.
What are the best 5‑star characters in Genshin Impact?
S‑tier 5‑star characters
The Ascendant SS tier from Genshin Builds includes Ineffa, Durin, Yelan, Lauma, Skirk, Xilonen, and Escoffier. These characters dominate multiple metrics: clear time, team flexibility, and synergy with recent artifacts.
Another S‑tier group — Zibai, Flins, Nefer, Nilou — excels in specific element‑focused teams.
Pull value and future‑proofing
Pull value tier lists (shared on YouTube community discussions) weigh universality. Characters like Zhongli, Nahida, and Furina (though not listed in the latest research notes) have historically held value across patches. Newer units like Linnea offer plus‑value mechanics (Geo RES shred + team heal) that keep them relevant longer.
What this means: spending primogems on a universal 5‑star support (e.g., Yelan, Xilonen) is safer than investing in a hyper‑specialized DPS that may be power‑crept next patch.
How do you create a Genshin Impact tier list?
Using tier list maker tools
Tiermaker.com offers customizable Genshin Impact templates where you drag characters into S‑A‑B‑C‑D tiers. These are useful for personal rankings but lack the data depth needed for competitive evaluation.
Manual ranking criteria
To build a data‑backed tier list, collect these inputs:
- Spiral Abyss Floor 12 clear rates — available from IGItems usage data.
- Team synergy — check Genshin Builds for recommended team compositions.
- Constellation scaling — tier lists on Genshin Builds assume C0 for five‑stars and C6 for four‑stars.
- Community votes — Reddit pull‑value tier lists (e.g., this video discussion) reflect player experience.
Always note the assumptions (C0/C6, weapon, artifacts) when sharing a tier list — otherwise the ranking misleads readers.
Shared topic: Comparison of top DPS characters
Five top DPS characters, one clear pattern: raw damage alone doesn’t guarantee Abyss dominance — team synergy and element coverage matter equally.
| Character | Element | Role | Usage rate (6.4) | Community tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neuvillette | Hydro | Main DPS | 68% (IGItems) | SS (BeatCopGame) |
| Mavuika | Pyro | Main DPS | N/A | SS (BeatCopGame) |
| Zibai | Geo | Main DPS | N/A | S (Genshin Builds) |
| Arlecchino | Pyro | Main DPS | N/A | A (YouTube tier discussion) |
| Raiden | Electro | Sub‑DPS / Main DPS | N/A | A (YouTube tier discussion) |
The pattern: usage rates are only publicly available for Neuvillette, but the community tier lists for the others align with the general consensus that 5‑star DPS from 6.x dominate the top tier.
Clarity: What we know and what’s uncertain
Confirmed facts
- Hoyolab article ranks characters by element at C0 and C6 (Genshin Builds corroborates the C0 assumption).
- Reddit pull‑value tier lists focus on universality (YouTube discussion).
What’s unclear
- Exact ranking of unreleased characters like Varka and Durin in official tier lists.
- Whether future versions will significantly change the meta.
- Consensus across all community tier lists for bottom‑tier characters.
Quotes from the community
“Mavuika is the gold standard for raw Pyro damage in version 6.5.” — BeatCopGame tier list team
“Four‑star characters Iansan and Chevreuse can outperform some older five‑stars in the right team.” — Genshin Builds tier analysis
“Neuvillette leads the first half of Floor 12 with a 68% usage rate, the highest of any DPS.” — IGItems usage data
The bottom line for version 6.5
The meta in June 2026 rewards investing in a small core: Neuvillette, Mavuika, Zibai, and the universal supports (Bennett, Xingqiu, Yelan). For F2P players, the choice is clear: save primogems for a limited 5‑star support rather than chasing every new DPS, or risk falling behind in Spiral Abyss floor clear times.
Frequently asked questions
What does S‑tier mean in Genshin Impact?
S‑tier characters are the most effective in Spiral Abyss Floor 12 at C0 with F2P gear. They clear faster or more reliably than all others.
How often are Genshin Impact tier lists updated?
Major sources like Game8 update monthly; Genshin Builds updates each patch (every six weeks).
Do tier lists consider constellations?
Most official lists assume C0 for 5‑star and C6 for 4‑star characters. Community lists may specify.
Can 4‑star characters be better than 5‑stars?
Yes, especially at C6. Bennett, Xingqiu, and Fischl are often rated higher than some C0 5‑stars.
Where can I find the official Genshin Impact tier list?
Hoyolab and Game8 are the most authoritative sources; Genshin Builds provides an independent data‑driven version.
Are tier lists different for different game modes?
Yes. Spiral Abyss tier lists prioritize clear speed and survivability; overworld tier lists value exploration utility.
What is a pull value tier list?
It ranks characters by their long‑term usefulness and flexibility, rather than raw damage. Universal supports rank highest.