Let’s face it: we all want to become the MVP in every match of Brawl Stars, whether it’s dominating Solo Showdown or clutching the final moments in Brawl Ball. We’ve been there, frantically scrolling through the latest Brawl Stars tier list just before a match, trying to figure out which brawler is worth our hard-earned trophy grind. With a constantly shifting meta, due to updates and balance changes, it can be overwhelming to keep up. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll dive into the updated Brawl Stars rankings for 2025, break down the best brawlers by tiers, and highlight their performance across different game modes. Whether you’re a seasoned player chasing competitive ranks or someone just looking to find the ultimate brawler for your style, this walkthrough will help guide your choices and strategies. Trust us; once you find your perfect brawler, playing Brawl Stars feels more rewarding than ever.
Understanding the Brawl Stars Tier List
Before we dive into the rankings, let’s talk about what a Brawl Stars tier list means and why it’s so important. Tier lists rank brawlers based on their power, utility, and versatility, making it easier for players to understand who currently dominates the game and why.
But here’s the thing: not all brawlers shine in every game mode. Some excel in Solo Showdown with high mobility, while others thrive in team-based modes like Gem Grab or Hot Zone thanks to their crowd control or defensive abilities. That’s why our tier list considers performance across all modes, factoring in recent balance changes, buffed ultimates, and shifted meta trends.
Tiers range from S-Tier, which includes unbeatable meta powerhouses, to D-Tier, where brawlers struggle to make any meaningful impact. We’ll also provide helpful tips and recommendations to maximize each brawler’s potential, no matter their tier.
1. The Tier System Explained
To rank each brawler fairly, we’ve divided them into five tiers:
– S-Tier: The absolute strongest brawlers in the current meta. These picks dominate most game modes and offer a big advantage in competitive play.
– A-Tier: Still powerful, but slightly more situational or highly dependent on skill to unlock their true potential.
– B-Tier: Balanced picks that perform decently in the right hands or under specific conditions.
– C-Tier: Niche, underpowered options that shine only in limited scenarios.
– D-Tier: Unfortunately, these brawlers struggle to compete and may require buffs or better metas to rise up.
Remember, this is just a guide to the Brawl Stars tier list. Sometimes, your personal playstyle or favorite maps can make a lower-tier brawler feel like an S-Tier pick for you. That’s the creative beauty of Brawl Stars!
2. S-Tier Brawlers: The Best of the Best
Let’s kick things off with the cream of the crop. These meta brawlers are reliable powerhouses, excelling across multiple game modes and offering a big advantage in competitive play.
a. Crow
Crow isn’t just good; he’s lethal. His poison damage, constant chip pressure, and unmatched mobility make him an absolute nightmare in Solo Showdown. One time, we sneaked into the final circle with Crow, only to outlast two enemies simply using poison damage. If played strategically, Crow can carry entire matches on his back.
– Strengths: High mobility, deadly poison pressure, excellent for Showdown.
– Best Modes: Solo Showdown, Bounty.
b. Janet
Janet is the definition of versatility. Her mid-range attacks are easy to use, but what sets her apart is her flight super, which offers unparalleled map control. You can dodge, reposition, and even push invincible enemies off key objectives, all in one perfect maneuver.
– Strengths: Great burst damage, versatile ult, strong in both team and solo play.
– Best Modes: Hot Zone, Gem Grab.
c. Buster
As a tank brawler, according to this Brawl Stars tier list, Buster thrives in high-pressure situations. He can absorb tons of damage with his shield while dishing out powerful close-range attacks. Once, our team used Buster to stall an entire lane in Brawl Ball, buying enough time for our teammates to score.
– Strengths: High durability, shield for blocking projectiles.
– Best Modes: Gem Grab, Brawl Ball.
3. A-Tier Brawlers: Solid Choices with a Twist
A-Tier brawlers are strong and reliable but require slightly more situational awareness or skill to fully utilize.
a. Surge
Surge’s upgrade mechanic is his biggest strength. With each level, he becomes faster, stronger, transforming from average to dominating in one match. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as surviving the early game and then snowballing onto the objective with full upgrades.
– Strengths: Upgrades mid-match, bursts of mobility, and damage
– Best Modes: Gem Grab, Brawl Ball
– Tips: Play safe at the start, grab your first super, and then play aggressively.
b. Bea
Bea rewards careful aim and sharp positioning. Her charged shot can delete most brawlers, and her gadget buys her room to escape sticky situations. We’ve lost count of the number of clutch double kills we’ve snagged with a perfectly timed charged shot.
– Strengths: Long-range damage, crowd control with super
– Best Modes: Bounty, Gem Grab
– Tips: Always play at max range and save gadgets for escaping flankers.
c. Tara
Tara’s super is one of the best control abilities in the game, and according to this Brawl Stars tier list, catching three people in it almost guarantees a team wipe. She thrives on tight maps, and clever placement can change the flow of a match in seconds.
– Strengths: Area control, crowd control, strong super
– Best Modes: Hot Zone, Gem Grab
– Tips: Bait enemies to cluster, then land your super for massive value.
4. B-Tier Brawlers: Balanced but Outshined
While these brawlers might not be the flashiest, they have their moments, especially in the right comp or on certain maps. We’ve pushed trophies with them when the situation was just right, and there’s a certain joy in making an “underdog” work!
a. Carl
Carl’s boomerang pickaxe is tricky to master but can deal solid chip across lanes. His super gives him movement and damage, but he can be vulnerable while spinning in.
– Strengths: Map control, mobility with super
– Best Modes: Heist, Bounty
– Tips: Use cover wisely and don’t overcommit with your super.
b. Lou
Lou offers zone denial with freezing attacks; he shines when the enemy is grouped up or defending a set area. His super on the Hot Zone is infuriating to play against (or satisfying to deploy!).
– Strengths: Freeze mechanics, great for slowing down objectives
– Best Modes: Hot Zone, Gem Grab
– Tips: Wait for the right moment to freeze multiple opponents.
c. Rico
If there are lots of walls around, Rico’s bouncing shots make him a menace, though this Brawl Stars tier list suggests he can feel underwhelming in open spaces. He can dominate narrow maps but can feel underwhelming in open spaces.
– Strengths: High potential damage, tricky movements
– Best Modes: Bounty, Knockout
– Tips: Learn bounce angles for maximum value.
5. C-Tier Brawlers: Limited Utility
These picks can feel a bit like a gamble, but in the right hands or on the right maps, they can still surprise. We’ve won games with these “underdogs,” but it takes work!
a. Barley
Barley floods tight corridors and small zones with splash damage. If the fight takes place in the open, though, he’s toast.
– Strengths: Consistent chip damage, area control
– Best Modes: Siege, Hot Zone
– Tips: Stay behind obstacles and use super defensively.
b. Bull
Bull remains a classic high-health brawler for close-quarters, but his limited range keeps him from shining against meta ranged picks.
– Strengths: Burst damage up close, big health pool
– Best Modes: Heist, Brawl Ball
– Tips: Lurk in bushes for surprise ambushes.
c. Jacky
Jacky can control objectives with her short-ranged area attacks, but is easily kited by faster, long-range brawlers.
– Strengths: Area damage, super for pulling enemies
– Best Modes: Hot Zone, Brawl Ball
– Tips: Wait to use super until enemy cooldowns are spent.
6. D-Tier Brawlers: In Need of a Buff
We all have our favorites, and maybe you’ve got some wild stories popping off as one of these, but right now, according to this Brawl Stars tier list, these brawlers are tough to recommend for serious climbing.
a. Dynamike
Dynamike can throw out big damage, but his slow projectiles make him easy to dodge, especially at higher ranks.
– Flaws: Slow attacks, limited mobility
– Modes: Only works in coordinated teams or lower-level play
– Hope: A potential stun or range bump in a future patch could save him.
b. Shelly
Shelly’s a starter for many, but her kit just hasn’t aged well compared to the newer, flashier brawlers.
– Flaws: Easily outranged, no reliable burst on most maps
– Modes: Only strong in bushy, close-range Showdown maps
– Hope: Increased range or a gadget rework could help.
c. El Primo
The classic wrestling champ is still fun, but his approach options are way too risky now.
– Flaws: Too easy to kite, predictable
– Modes: Heist, Brawl Ball with lots of grass
– Hope: Maybe a new gadget or health bump could bring back the pain.
7. Best Brawlers for Each Game Mode
Figuring out the best Brawl Stars tier list for each mode can completely change how you approach the game. Here’s what works for us after months of experimenting and watching top-tier play:
Solo Showdown
– Crow: Poison makes dodging and healing impossible for rivals.
– Edgar: Quick, aggressive jumps for picking off stragglers.
– Fang: Burst combos and great healing, excels in chaos.
Gem Grab
– Rosa: Her shield super helps anchor the zone.
– Jessie: Turret keeps lanes clear, great for controlling the gem mine.
– Pam: Healing and crowd control in one.
Brawl Ball
– Buster: Shield and body-blocking win goals.
– Max: Speed buffs push the whole team forward.
– Sandy: Super makes stealthy plays and team pushes possible.
Hot Zone
– Janet: Area control with flight.
– Lou: Super and freeze star power dominate static zones.
– Belle: Consistent poke, controls choke points.
8. How Updates Shift the Brawl Stars Meta
If you’ve been playing Brawl Stars for a while, you already know how much a simple balance change can shake up everything. We remember one patch where Gale suddenly went from mediocre to “must-pick” due to a little buff to his knockback.
Recent updates have shifted some roles dramatically. For example, the buff to Janet’s super and slight range adjustment shot her right up the Brawl Stars tier list. Meanwhile, nerfs to Edgar’s healing made him more situational. With every new brawler release (and those always come with wild new abilities), the tier list almost always changes.
Speculating for the future, we suspect some D and C-tier brawlers might see love soon. The developers have a habit of leveling the playing field whenever one brawler dominates too hard for too long!
Tournova: Simplifying Competitive Organization for Games Like Brawl Stars
In a dynamic mobile gaming world like Brawl Stars, where frequent meta shifts and unique game modes like Gem Grab and Solo Showdown drive player engagement, tournament organization requires meticulous planning. From managing diverse brawler choices across S-Tier powerhouses like Crow and Buster to strategic A-Tier picks such as Tara and Surge, balancing competition across variable modes becomes a critical task. Tournova meets these demands by simplifying tournament logistics through intuitive brackets and real-time match tracking, empowering organizers to seamlessly manage player pools while focusing on delivering the competitive thrill.
By aligning its tournament solutions with the shifting needs of fast-paced titles like Brawl Stars, including the strategic use of Brawl Stars tier lists, Tournova enables organizers to optimize for diversity and fairness in competitive play. Ideal for local events or structured circuits, Tournova ensures a smooth, exciting experience for both players and spectators, connecting the community through shared moments of strategic mastery and game-changing gameplay.
9. Final Reflection: Dominate Brawl Stars with the Right Picks
At the end of the day, a solid Brawl Stars tier list is a great guide, but it isn’t the only answer. We’ve found that experimenting, adapting to changes, and playing what feels right lead to the best and most rewarding matches. Let the list guide your learning, but don’t be afraid to color outside the lines and discover new favorites after each update. So, what’s your go-to brawler right now? Where do you think they belong on the list? Drop your favorites and hot takes in the comments; we love seeing fresh perspectives from the community. See you in the arena, and may your next box opening give you that perfect new brawler!
Read about all the pro gaming tier lists and best players records on Tournova.
10. FAQ: Brawl Stars Tier List Rankings
1. How should new players use the tier list for climbing early ranks?
Start with S or A-tier brawlers; they’re more forgiving and let you focus on learning game basics instead of fighting your brawler’s weaknesses.
2. Can favorite brawlers that aren’t S-Tier still help me win?
Absolutely! Mastery often outweighs raw tier rankings. If you vibe with a “lower-tier” brawler and know their strengths, you’ll catch opponents off guard.
3. What’s the best way to adapt to tier changes after updates?
Watch recent patch notes, play some test matches with “buffed” or “nerfed” brawlers, and keep an eye on pro/player community discussions.
4. Is there any brawler that’s always a safe pick, regardless of mode?
Utility brawlers like Crow or Janet stay strong no matter the mode; they’re almost always a safe bet if you want flexibility.
