Arknights: 6★ Selector Tier List - Zwillingstürme im Herbst

Hello, TacticalBreakfast here taking over yet another article series!  Azure retired from writing quite a while ago now, so that isn't really news.  However, I think this article series is especially valuable, so it's something I want to ensure continues in my life as a guide maker.o

The 6★ selector ticket, available to purchase during the event for $29.99 in the Rhodes Island Headhunting Pack, is the second best deal in the game (after the monthly card).  I’m definitely not telling you to spend your hard earned money on a mobile game.  However, if you’ve ever at all considered spending money on the game, this selector is the thing to do it on.  Being able to guarantee any standard unit is so incredibly valuable given the gacha that we are fortunate this ticket is only $30.  Since it is so valuable, I hope that this tier list will help you get the best value out of your money.

A major thing to consider before your selection is whether the unit you are considering is better able to be obtained elsewhere.  While reruns are possible (as with Reed the Flame Shadow), it is not usually suggested to pull on Standard or Kernel banners due to reduced odds, so this consideration comes down to if the Operator is purchasable in the Gold Certificate store, and if it makes sense to buy them.

There are a lot of factors that can go into this, and there is not a one-size fits all answer.  It varies with your team, your goals, your patience, how many certs you have, and much more.  So in this section I'll discuss some factors to consider, but ultimately you will have to make your own choice on if it makes sense to take an operator from the selector or take someone else and wait for them in the shop.
 

Blue (Kernel) vs Standard

When it comes to shop Operators, there is a difference to consider between the Kernel units and the regular units.  That difference is in the "Locating" banners, which occur roughly every three months.  During these banners you can select the units on the banner, which includes the shop.  This means that getting a Kernel unit into the shop is generally more reliable than a Standard unit!

Now before you rush to disregard every Kernel option in the selector, remember that these Locating banners only feature a selection of the kernel pool.  Each includes 11 of the 6★s, which is not quite half even before the expansion, meaning there is still a measure of unreliability here.

Additionally, based on trends on CN and trends on global so far, it seems the intention is to run each Kernel unit in the shop at least once before the kernel expansion in around six months.  Based on this we can reasonably expect the remaining units to appear in the next six months.  See below for the full list.  However, again keep in mind this is inherently unpredictable.  Even if the unit you want is on this list, it may still make sense to take them with the selector if you want the guarantee.
 

Known Upcoming Shop Operators

Bagpipe - April 23rd - May 7th

Kal'tsit - April 26th - May 10th

Ceobe - May 7th - May 21st

Gnosis - May 10th - May 24th

Kernel Locating Banner - May 21st - June 4th - Options are: Phantom, Magallan, Mostima, Schwarz, Ifrit, Saria, Siege, Skadi, Aak, Hellagur, Ch'en, Rosa

Mudrock - May 24th - June 7th

SilverAsh - June 4th - June 18th

Lee - June 21st - July 5th

edit:  This section has been updated based on datamines from the patch.
 

Possible Upcoming Shop Operators

These units are likely to appear in the shop prior to the next selector.  These are not set in stone, but are highly probable based on past trends of "first appearances" that have so far not changed.

Goldenglow - August 2nd - August 16th

Fiammetta - September 13 - September 27th

Horn - October 25th - November 8th

Irene - Dec 6th - Dec 20th

NOTE these dates are not definite.  They are predictions based on how Yostar has previously spaced out the new unit appearances.  They may actually appear sooner than the dates given here since the spacing may be one or two banners.

NOTE Irene's dates are after the next selector, however Yostar has occasionally accelerated these appearances.  If they do that here, it would place her before the next selector.

As discussed above, the following Kernel units are likely to appear in the next six months, prior to the next selector:  Shining, Nightingale, Ifrit, SilverAsh, Skadi, Ch'en, Schwarz, Mostima, Blaze, Aak, and Ceobe.

Kernel units not in this list are unlikely to appear in the shop again within the next six months, however they are still likely to appear as an option on the Locating banners, discussed above.

NOTE that while I'm using the same terminology we use in the big tier list, the context is different.  Being an EX selection doesn't necessarily mean they should be EX on the tier list.

These are the best of the best in the game of the selectable options.  A vast majority of players should pick someone from this tier, and only look beyond if you have them all already.  They are presented here in the priority order I would suggest.

Mlynar - Bottom line, Mlynar is the best DPS on the selector and many people consider him to be the best unit in the entire game.  While other DPS units merit the moniker EX, only Mlynar and Surtr are available on this ticket, and Mlynar is the more generally applicable one.  There are drawbacks to Liberators, and Mlynar does need an expensive E2 to be as good as he is, but those are meaningless considerations in the bigger picture of his raw power.  If you don't own Mlynar yet and want the most powerful unit available, Mlynar is the one to pick.

Surtr - Surtr is a broken tier of unit from an era before every new unit was broken, and to this day, still maintains that broken meta value.  It's actually rather impressive.  Her invulnerability is such a huge boon on top of her big DPS and RES shred that she remains a top unit in the game even after all this time, and is likely to remain there for the foreseeable future.

Ines - How good does a Vanguard have to be to make the same tier as Mlynar and Surtr?  Pretty darn good, and Ines lives up to the hype.  She blends all you could ever want out of the slot.  Good damage, insane utility, strong DP generation, and a flexible Fast-Redeploy body.  Her total package is so good and her end-game presence so pervasive, that she easily justifies inclusion among the top picks of the ticket.

Reed the Flame Shadow - While Reed's damage isn't quite up to Mlynar or Surtr, her blend of insane damage and healing make her a top consideration after them.  In most situations, she beats out both Casters and Medics, and is enough on her own to carry even basic blocker units to victory in tough situations.

Note that Reed's banner will be rerun in the next few months.  That can be a factor to consider before taking her if you think you may benefit more by taking someone different and rolling for Reed instead.  However, keep in mind there are a ton of very meta (and limited) units ahead of us, so it's still extremely worthwhile to take Reed from the selector and direct those pulls elsewhere.

Eyjafjalla - After all this time, Eyja still holds the crown as the single best Caster in the game (supposing you don't count Reed the Flame Shadow).  Simply, she has great damage that flexes for both heli-droppable burst (S3) or consistency (S2) on top of fairly significant RES shred.  While other Casters have started to pull ahead in certain niches, Eyja is still the generalist queen…  For now, anyway.

Goldenglow - While Goldenglow doesn't quite have the peak meta usage of Eyja, she far surpasses her in quality of life.  Her damage is still very good with decent RES shred, but that global range is a unique thing to have and a tremendous boon to have available.

Pozemka - The explosion of meta Snipers lately has pushed Pozy down a bit from her initial reception, however she still does incredible damage.  More importantly, her Typewriter adds a big helping of utility that can bypass a lot of irritating mechanics and enemies.

Qiubai - Qiubai has both tremendous damage and utility between her range and control.  Her wind-up, RNG, and lack of RES-shred does hold her back a little bit, but she is still a solid unit and a mainstay in the meta.

Horn - At times, Horn has justified inclusion in the EX tier.  She deals incredible Physical damage at a massive range that can be very valuable.  However, her range can also be a liability and she's lost some of her shine in the current IS iteration.  She is still a very strong selection, however, and could easily see her stocks rise back up depending on future content.

Kal'tsit - In the current meta, I wouldn't suggest a pure laneholder as your selection.  The DPS is so good these days that you'll get better value out of them while holding lanes with more basic units.  However, Kal'tsit bucks that trend thanks to the flexibility her total package brings.  On top of the flexibility of the bulky FRD Monst3r, Kal'tsit is the best source of True Damage which can solve an awful lot of problems that regular DPS can't.

Note that Kal'tsit is available in the shop when this selector becomes available.  If you have the Gold Certificates available it may make sense to purchase her that way and spend the selector on someone else.

Suzuran - Our Light is still the best damage amplifier in the game.  Her blend of healing, snare, and damage amp, all on a fast cycle, sees her as the best support option in the game.  And if that weren't enough, her S2 is a great AFK option for those annoying SSS clears.  If you're solid on your DPS already, then Suzuran is one of the most worthwhile options to look at.

Bagpipe - Bagpipe has lost a lot of her on-field value to Ines who is better as the early hold, however her Talent will be forever strong and her damage is still really good.  While not as busted as she once was, she's a constant presence in the endgame still.

Note that Bagpipe is available in the shop when this selector becomes available.  If you have the Gold Certificates available it may make sense to purchase her that way and spend the selector on someone else.

Units here are a touch under the previous tier.  In some cases they may be here because they have a special niche that elevates their consideration.  In other cases they may be more typical DPS/Lane Holding/Support options, but not be quite as powerful as the S-Tier units.

Mountain - Mountain's mix of low cost, near immediate activation, and insane sustain tend to see him as the most viable pure laneholder (Kal'tsit only surpasses him by flexing to DPS).  Others may still come ahead situationally, but Mountain comes out ahead most of the time.  He can be a viable pick if you have your core roles from the above tiers filled already.

Mudrock and Penance - The Juggernauts provide a bulky and damaging alternative to traditional laneholding.  They do tend to be a bit more situational, but both Penance and Mudrock have enough raw power to consider on the selector.  The choice between them is largely preference.  Lean slightly towards Mudrock for general use and slightly towards Penance for solo use.

Note that Mudrock should appear in the shop on the May 24th rotation.  If you have the Gold Certificates available it may make sense to purchase her that way and spend the selector on someone else.

Ceobe - Honey biscuit stocks have been on the rise!  As an overall trend, Hypergryph has been relying on bigger and bigger stat sticks for balance.  As enemy DEF continues to bloat higher and higher, Ceobe's value goes up along with it.  No other unit scales like she does.  While her ST nature keeps her from being a truly top DPS, she is a strong consideration after those core roles.

Note that Ceobe should appear in the shop on the May 7th rotation.  If you have the Gold Certificates available it may make sense to purchase her that way and spend the selector on someone else.

Ifrit - Ifrit has been consistently powerful since the launch of the game.  While her range has always been a bit awkward, she brings good consistent damage along with both DEF and RES shred.  However, of the Casters not in the top tiers, Ifrit offers the least utility in the modern meta and is mainly used for AFK clears these days.  Her DPS is enough to warrant consideration still, but that is a factor to consider if you're looking for more specialized options to advance in the end-game.

Lin - Lin got a ridiculous Module that makes her virtually immune to ranged damage.  She is quite literally the CCBP#2 carry by simply shrugging off the most dangerous enemy with no support.  While her DPS doesn't quite compare to those ranked higher than her, that niche usage is a very powerful one to have in the pocket.

Gnosis - Gnosis' mix of damage, control, and utility sees him as a rare sort of flexible unit that has more than proven his worth over the years.  While none of his numbers will blow you away compared to other picks, what he brings will be consistently useful, albeit a bit content dependent.

Note that Gnosis should be available in the shop shortly after when this selector becomes available.  If you have the Gold Certificates available it may make sense to purchase him that way and spend the selector on someone else.

Saria - Saria's role in the game is nudged out a bit by the upcoming Shu who is generally better at the "block and heal" role.  However, It isn't a direct powercreep, and Saria still maintains plenty of value.  Her consistently available S2 reaches further than Shu and her Arts amp still comes up with frequency in the end-game.

Units here are still good, but are becoming more fringe.  They have meaningful niches that are worth looking at or a solid enough role to consider, but are just not as generally good as the upper tiers.

Nightingale - No one does Arts defense as well as Nightingale.  Literally.  She's so good at it that we haven't gotten a meaningful alternative option since the launch of the game!  That's potentially very powerful, however it is also very content dependent.  Ptilopsis is the better general use AoE Medic, so Nightingale is certainly a reasonable pick, but also a good choice to just borrow off of supports when needed instead.

Mostima - Like Lin, Mostima got a ridiculous Module.  Fully maxed up, Mostima is the best stall option in the game.  That alone elevates her as a notable consideration if you're looking to specialize your team a bit.  However, be cautious here.  Mostima's niche justifies her inclusion, but her damage does not.  If you are a newer player, avoid Mostima here, as she is likely to just disappoint you.

Saileach - There is a breed of player that would find Saileach much more useful than this ranking.  However, if you are reading this article, you probably aren't one of them.  For a vast majority of players, Saileach is a replicability problem. What she brings just isn't worth the extra costs over Myrtle.  This is especially true now that Agent Vanguards have taken over the Vanguard Meta (Ines is a much better VG pick).  If you have to ask, you probably shouldn't pick Saileach.

Thorns - Thorns is a punching bag for meta players.  He just doesn't scale well to the end-game.  However, he's still a great story carry unit overall.  Unfortunately though, he leaves little room to grow and newer strong DPS units have exposed his long wind-up as a problem.  He's still a serviceable pick, and if all you want out of the game is to clear story stages with ease, then Thorns is a solid option.  However, among the laneholders, he's most likely to be pushed out of your team as you grow.

Hoshiguma - Hoshi is the bulkiest option available on the ticket.  With how the game has been trending, that's particularly valuable (especially if you don't have Nian).  That's very useful to have, however a number of lower rarity options that are "mostly" as good does hurt her value as a pick.

Blaze - Blaze lacks the sustain of other laneholder options, but she's been a consistent presence in AFK clears.  It doesn't get much better in that regard via her S2.  Further, she got a great Module which has breathed some new life into this fan favorite.  Like with Thorns, Blaze probably won't grow into the endgame as your team matures, but she can still be a solid choice.

Dorothy - Dorothy's value depends on the kind of player you are.  If you like creativity, then her mines can make a near endless playground of possibilities.  However, she doesn't really have an endgame niche outside of that.  And if you prefer a more unga bunga approach, Dorothy can seem more frustrating than useful.

Mizuki - Mizuki is a fairly underrated DPS unit.  With his S1 he hits very hard in a true AoE with some utility and control on top.  He doesn't measure up too well to the other DPS units, but he brings enough that he's actually a solid IS starter and might make for a fringier choice if you're looking for something a little different.

You probably don’t want to be picking from this tier.  However, if you are comfortable with your team and have most of the meta units already and are looking for something a bit different, the units here have enough merit to be worth a look.

Ch'en - Her damage is badly left behind in the modern game, but she still has some life left thanks to her utility as an SP battery.

Aak - He's got a good buff... supposing you're willing to work around all the drawbacks.

Weedy - She's still the best pusher in the game, but that's content dependent and even in situations where she shines, only more advanced players typically get the most use out of her.  She is not an easy unit to use.

Flametail - You shouldn't take a Pioneer with the ticket.  But if you really insist, Flametail is the best of the three since her fast cycling dodge tank niche is relatively useful.

Angelina - Her damage and most of her utility is forgettable in the current game.  However, she is usually the best source of Weightlessness and her S2 can still be an effective stall skill.

Stainless - He's a complex unit with a lot of potential, but also a gimmicky one compared to the more straightforward choices in the higher tiers.

Ebenholz - Ebenholz is on the weaker side relative to the other options here, but his new third Module that deals Necrosis damage is a pretty appealing fringe option.  Plus his big blasts are pretty fun.

Passenger - Passenger is a decent Caster, but lacks the niches of the other Casters on the list.  However, he has enough range and damage to consider, as well as being really fun in IS.

Exusiai - Her low DPH has dropped her value in a game where DEF is elevating, but she's still a solid basic unit, and is still the best 6★ to throw buffs on.

These units are a bit hard to rank since there is a unit which directly powercreeps them.  There's nothing wrong with taking them if they appeal to you, and they are still very solid and viable units.  However, you should understand what you're potentially giving up before taking a unit from this tier.

SilverAsh - SilverAsh was the old EX choice for a long time, but got the boot from Mlynar.  Now Mlynar exposes his long cycle time and drops his place in the meta pretty severely.  SilverAsh still has some value though between his invis reveal and redeploy talent.  Plus, what's better than one schwing schwing?  Two schwing schwings.

Note that SilverAsh should appear in the shop on the June 4th rotation.  If you have the Gold Certificates available it may make sense to purchase him that way and spend the selector on someone else.

Rosa - Bottom line, Typhon is better and even if you missed Typhon, she'll be on the next selector in 6 months.  Still, she's not terrible if you like her or have some sort of special niche in mind.

Schwarz - With so many powerful Snipers lately, there isn't a lot of meta room left for Schwarz.  However, her global buff, high DPH, and FRD Module give her some value still.

Skadi - OG Skadi's value depends on if you're building an Abyssal Hunter team or not.  Outside of that context, she would likely rank in the C-tier as a hard hitting medium-redeploy unit.  That use has merit, although not top tier merit.  However, AH teams are very popular and Skadi is an integral part of them.  With the other tribal buffs, Skadi becomes a bulky DPS monster.  The full investment across all those units is a daunting one and not for everyone, but if it interests you, Skadi is a valuable pick.

Irene and Fiammetta - You really should not pick a unit for their base skill.  It is a bad idea.  Don't do it.  Did I mention yet that taking a unit for their base skill is a bad idea?  Alright, now that I've said that, if you really want to throw away $30 and have everyone else listed above, then take a look at Irene or Fiammetta.  Both have very good base skills on top of being... acceptable DPS units.  BTW, in case I didn't mention it, don't take anyone for their base skill.

Look, there's nothing wrong with taking a unit in this tier.  If your waifu/husbando is here, by all means take them.  There's a ton of meta caliber units these days, and you don't need them all to functionally clear most Arknights content.  Every single 6★ in Arknights is at least usable!  However, when it comes to discussing relative power, some units have just been left behind.  Their DPS doesn't compare, their utility no longer matters, or their niche is so small to not matter.

I won't do a full write-up on all of the units here.  It would double the size of the article for mostly negative takes on units people mostly don't care about.  If your target is here, just proceed with caution.

That said, Phantom deserves a special note since his powercreeps are both Limited units.  It can be tempting to think that he's still good if you don't have them.  That isn't the case, however.  Phantom's DPS has always been on the low end, and it only falls further and further behind, regardless of Texas2 and Yato2.  He'd be in this tier even if they didn't exist at all.