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PokéSurvivor Tier List
Ranking framework for all playable Pokémon — tested tiers are being added run by run.
Last updated: 2026-10-12
TL;DR — 30 SECOND ANSWER
No trustworthy tier list exists yet for a game this new — ours is built run-by-run from survival times. Until then, use the data-driven starter ranking.
Tier criteria
Every Pokémon is evaluated in live runs against five criteria, each scored from confirmed in-game systems:
| Criterion | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Move evolution ceiling | Moves evolve when maxed — partners whose moves evolve well dominate late waves |
| Bond synergy | Bonded moves share a slot and fire together; strong bond pairs act like extra move slots |
| Wave coverage | Healers, shielders, exploders and summoners demand varied damage patterns |
| Rift performance | 18 type-themed rift arenas with legendaries reward type matchups |
| Upgrade efficiency | Per-Pokémon upgrades persist — how much each upgrade level improves the partner |
Tier structure
- S — top survival times across multiple rift arenas
- A — consistently strong, minor weaknesses
- B — solid with the right bonds/items
- C — playable but outclassed
Where rankings come from
Tiers are assigned only after hands-on runs: multiple runs per Pokémon, survival time as the primary metric (matching the game's own leaderboard), plus notes on move evolution paths and bond picks. With 966 playable Pokémon, testing is staged: starters first, then popular picks per region.
Until then, use the Best Pokémon framework to pick a partner, and the in-game leaderboard to see what top players are running.