At launch, the game's Meta and Tier List have some interesting details:

1. Initial Tier List (Launch Tier List)

Based on Beta data and early gameplay statistics, characters are ranked by 3v3 competitive performance as follows:

• S-Tier (Top Tier - Meta Defining):
  • Lightning (Agile): Excels in map control with high speed and efficient crystal clearing. Her AoE skills make it easy to sweep monsters around crystals.
  • Cloud Strife (Melee): The most stable character, easy to play with consistent damage in both PvP and PvE. His Omnislash can deal massive damage to bosses and finish 1v1 fights effectively.
  • Krile (Support): The best Bravery battery. Sharing Bravery points with teammates is key to enabling Burst mode quickly and killing bosses efficiently.
• A-Tier (Strong / Versatile):
  • Warrior of Light (Support): Excels in defense and team buffs, protecting teammates while dealing boss damage during Burst phases.
  • Gaia (Melee): Highest Burst damage potential but challenging to master due to complex timing mechanics. Skilled players can halt enemy movement and control fights efficiently.
  • Terra Branford (Ranged): Powerful ranged DPS, able to clear monsters and deal boss damage simultaneously with wide-area magic attacks.
• B-Tier (Moderate / Niche):
  • Zidane Tribal (Agile): Excellent at disruption and stealing Bravery, but requires high player skill to reach full potential.
  • Kain Highwind (Melee): Relies heavily on UR abilities; without high-level skills, often overshadowed by Cloud.
  • Rinoa Heartilly (Ranged): High damage but fragile (glass cannon) and easily targeted.
• C-Tier (Underperforming):
  • Prompto Argentum (Ranged): Attacks require standing still, making him an easy target in fast-paced 3v3 matches.

2. Meta Summary and Key Strategies

• Objective Focus: The current Meta prioritizes defeating bosses quickly rather than killing opposing players. Teams that efficiently collect crystals and deal boss damage systematically usually win more often.
• Balanced Team Composition: Recommended team setup: 1 Melee, 1 Ranged/Agile, 1 Support to cover all roles in a 5-minute match.
• 2-1 Split Strategy: High-level teams often have Melee + Support secure mid-crystals, while Agile or Ranged disrupt other points to slow enemy score accumulation.
• Double UR Start: Starting with two UR abilities for the main character is standard in competitive play.
• Synchronized Bursting: Coordinating Burst mode activation with teammates (Team Combo) deals the most damage and is key to victory.