No tier list for Suikoden 2 is truly objective because Unite Attacks can elevate lower-tier characters. For example, The Ninjas (Mondo & Sasuke) are B-tier alone but A-tier together. Similarly, the Stallion (run fast on map) is F-tier in combat but S-tier for utility.
The beauty of Suikoden 2 is that you can beat the game with almost any party if you understand Rune combinations. But if you want efficiency, raw power, and the least amount of grind, stick to the S-Tier and A-Tier characters listed above.
Do you agree with this ranking? Did we miss your favorite character? Let us know in the comments—especially if you think Zamza deserves a second chance (he doesn’t).
Happy recruiting, and remember: Never give up hope, and always protect Nanami.
Suikoden II , character effectiveness is primarily determined by their number of open Rune slots (maximum of three), their speed, and their specific elemental affinities. While nearly any character is viable for a casual playthrough, specific "S-Tier" units dominate the endgame due to their ability to equip powerful rune combinations like Fury, Double-Strike, and Double-Beat simultaneously. S-Tier: The Powerhouses
These characters possess three open rune slots and exceptional base stats, allowing them to deal the highest potential damage in the game.
: Often cited as the mathematically strongest physical attacker when fully optimized with three rune slots and high strength.
: Another three-slot powerhouse. While he joins late, his high potential makes him a staple for endgame "min-maxing".
: The premier mage. His massive Magic stat and high speed allow him to end most encounters with a single spell. Riou (Hero)
: While his middle rune is fixed (Bright Shield), his exceptional speed, balanced stats, and early availability make him a permanent top-tier unit.
: Frequently ranked in the top 5 for maximum potential damage due to their three rune slots and high multi-hit potential. A-Tier: Reliable & Versatile
These units are consistently strong throughout the game, often featuring high base stats or useful fixed runes, though they may lack the three-slot flexibility of S-tier units. : The "backbone" of many parties. has high HP/Strength and two open slots, while
excels as a hybrid fighter-mage with strong Lightning affinity. Georg Prime suikoden 2 tier list
: Boasts some of the highest base attack and defense stats in the game. His only drawback is his late recruitment and lack of additional rune slots for customization.
: A top-tier magic user with high speed and unique Darkness rune abilities, though she is slightly limited by her inability to use certain support runes.
: Highly valued for her exceptional speed and her powerful Unite Attack with , which is effective for clearing regular enemy mobs. B-Tier: Niche & Solid Contenders
: A fantastic tank who can spam her "Angry Dragon" rune. She is particularly strong if given a Fury Rune early on.
: Can be extremely powerful if equipped with a Fire Sealing Rune to negate the self-damage from his Fire Dragon Rune.
: One of the strongest physical attackers from the first game who remains potent here, though she doesn't unlock her second rune slot until higher levels. D-Tier: The "Joke" or Underwhelming Units
These characters are generally avoided for serious combat due to poor stats or a lack of useful abilities.
: Notoriously weak stats, though sometimes used for his "Medic" ability early on.
: Generally considered bottom-tier due to low growth and limited utility compared to the 100+ other allies.
For more in-depth data, fans often refer to the comprehensive Character Database on GameFAQs or the community discussions at Suikosource. Best? - Suikoden - GameFAQs
Suikoden II combat meta typically favors high physical DPS characters who can equip the "Power Trifecta": Fury, Double-Strike, and Double-Beat runes. While mages like
have the highest magic stats, physical attackers often outclass them in the endgame because they don't rely on limited spell slots. Combat Tier List No tier list for Suikoden 2 is truly
Suikoden II , the "best" characters are often defined by their Rune Slots and Rune Affinities rather than just base stats. Characters with three open rune slots are generally superior because they can equip powerful combinations like the Fury, Double-Beat, and Double-Strike runes to maximize physical damage. S-Tier: The Powerhouses
These characters possess the highest damage potential due to multiple rune slots or unique, high-tier abilities.
(Tenkan Star): Widely considered the best mage in the game. He has incredible Magic and Speed stats and can equip three runes, making him a devastating force with the Cyclone or Flowing runes.
(Tenbi Star): A "min-max" favourite. He has three open rune slots and strong offensive stats. Equipping him with Fury and Double-Beat runes makes him one of the highest physical damage dealers. (Tenfu Star): Similar to
boasts three open rune slots and excellent stat growth, allowing for extreme customization and damage output. Georg Prime
(Teni Star): Though he only has one rune slot, his base Attack and Defense are massive. He is often used for his raw "pummeling" power and reliability as a front-line tank. (Chikai Star): A late-game mage that rivals
in power. He comes with high-level MP and excellent affinities for elemental magic. A-Tier: Versatile Elites
Reliable characters that often form the backbone of a strong mid-to-late game party. Who is Best in Suikoden II (Tier List)
Recruiting the 108 Stars of Destiny is only half the battle in Suikoden II. With over 70 playable characters to choose from, building an efficient party can be overwhelming. While the game is beatable with almost any team, certain characters stand out for their devastating rune combinations, high-speed magic casting, or sheer physical power.
This tier list ranks characters based on their late-game potential, specifically focusing on their rune slot availability, stat growth, and accessibility. S-Tier: The Powerhouses
These characters are essentially broken. They possess three open rune slots (often unlocked at high levels), allowing for the legendary "Steamroll" setup: Fury, Double-Beat, and Double-Strike runes.
Killey: Widely considered the best physical attacker in the game. With three open rune slots and high stats, he can dish out tens of thousands of damage when properly equipped with items like the Fire Emblem. Overall Verdict: 4/5 Stars (Essential for new players,
Sheena: A close second to Killey. His three rune slots and high overall stats make him a versatile elite fighter, though his magic is slightly lower than dedicated mages.
Hai Yo: Don't let the chef's hat fool you. Once he reaches level 65, he unlocks a third rune slot. With the right setup, he is one of the most powerful damage dealers in the game.
Chaco: His high speed and three rune slots make him an offensive monster. Some players dislike his slow attack animation, but his damage output is undeniable.
Tir McDohl (Hero of S1): Only available if you load a save from the first game. His Soul Eater rune is arguably the strongest in the franchise, and his stats are off the charts. A-Tier: Elite Specialists
These characters are nearly as good as S-Tier but might have a fixed rune or slightly fewer slots. Best? - Suikoden - GameFAQs
Whether you're revisiting a childhood favorite or diving into the Suikoden I & II HD Remaster, building the ultimate party is the core of the experience. With over 60 playable characters, "tiering" them comes down to a mix of raw stats, rune slots, and accessibility throughout the story. S-Tier: The Gods of the Battlefield
These characters are universally recognized as the most powerful. They typically offer high damage output, excellent magic, or game-breaking unique runes. Tier List? - Genso Suikoden - GameFAQs
Here’s a Suikoden II character tier list write-up, focusing on combat viability, rune slots, unite attacks, and overall utility (excluding story bias unless it impacts gameplay).
Overall Verdict: 4/5 Stars (Essential for new players, debatable for veterans)
A Suikoden 2 tier list is an incredibly useful tool, but it comes with major caveats. The game has 108 Stars of Destiny, and not all are created equal. A good tier list helps you cut through the noise, but a bad one can ruin your enjoyment of one of the best JRPGs ever made.
Role: Self-Destruct Button Why F-Tier: Zamza has a unique Fire Dragon Rune that damages enemies but also damages himself every turn. He will die in 2-3 turns without healing. His stats are terrible. A literal liability.
Role: Stone Wall Why B-Tier: Humphrey has insane Defense but abysmal Speed. He will attack last, but his attacks hit hard. The key is his Unite Attack with Futch, which is one of the best in the game. Alone, he’s slow; paired with Futch, he’s A-Tier.
Before we dive into the list, understand how we weigh the stats: