April 4, 2024: We’ve tweaked some aspects of the AFK Journey tier list to fix an issue with heroes like Walker, Salazer, and Cecia either being featured in the wrong role or absent entirely.
Who are the best AFK Journey characters? Paying close attention to the shifts in character meta and team-building tactics can keep you from wasting valuable pulls on units that just don’t cut the cake. Resources are scarce the further you go into this adventure. By pouring them into sub-par units, you risk digging yourself a hole that could be difficult to escape.
Our growing list of AFK Journey codes goes hand-in-hand with the tier list below, potentially giving you enough premium currency to get the units most likely to make a difference to your team. And if you’re just getting started, be sure to use the quickest AFK Journey reroll method to grab top-tier AFK Journey characters right from the start.
AFK Journey tier list
Here are all the AFK Journey characters ranked from best to worst:
| Tier | Character |
| S |
|
| A |
|
| B |
|
| C |
|
From S to C-grade, the AFK Journey tier list ranks characters based on their rarity, their potential across all modes, and the resource requirement needed to be – and stay – competitive.
S-rank units are well worth attempting to pull and should be invested in as much as possible. They’ll generally provide the best bang for your buck over a longer period.
A and B-rank units are typically quite strong and useful in most situations, but either require plenty of resources to reach that point, are only viable in select modes, or tend to struggle as you get further into the game.
C-rank characters in AFK Journey are best left unused or reserved as a last resort. They can serve a purpose in specific scenarios befitting their role, but that’s about it. If you can help it, avoid investing valuable resources into these.
The best AFK Journey tank
In order of potential, these are the best AFK Journey tanks in the game for launch:
- Thoran
- Granny Dahnie
- Temesia
- Antandra
- Lucius
- Lumont
Their usefulness will depend on the mode you’re playing in, but Thoran tends to stand up the best across the story, PVP, and Dream Realm modes.
The best AFK Journey warrior
In order of potential, these are the best AFK Journey tanks in the game for launch:
- Korin
- Brutus
- Scarlita
- Igor
- Kruger
- Valen
- Kafra
When it comes to warriors in AFK Journey, no single one excels in every mode like the tank Thoran does. Still, if you invest in one of the first three, you should go far before struggling with a weak frontliner. Just don’t look to Kafra.
The best AFK Journey marksman
In order of potential, these are the best AFK Journey marksmen in the game for launch:
- Odie
- Cecia
- Lyca
- Marilee
- Byron
- Rhys
- Dionel
- Atalanta
Odie stands tall as the best marksman in AFK Journey at launch, but Lyca and Marilee aren’t far behind. So long as you steer clear of Atalanta unless absolutely necessary, you shouldn’t struggle here.
The best AFK Journey support
In order of potential, these are the best AFK Journey support units in the game for launch:
- Reinier
- Smokey & Meerky
- Rowan
- Koko
- Damien
- Hewynn
- Niru
- Fay
With support units, the mode you play can make a huge difference. Reinier excels in them all, but Hewynn, who performs well in the story and PVP, falls off dramatically in the Dream Realm. Similarly, Damien only really stands out in PVP.
The best AFK Journey mage
In order of potential, these are the best AFK Journey mages in the game for launch:
- Carolina
- Viperian
- Cassadee
- Mirael
- Satrana
- Arden
- Parisa
When choosing a mage in AFK Journey, Carolina is typically the best to build up. If you don’t have access to her, or simply need a different element/faction, Viperian or Cassadee should be your next consideration.
Satrana is best used if you’re missing those and need reliable Dream Realm and PvP representation, whereas Arden only holds his own as a story support.
The best AFK Journey rogue
In order of potential, these are the best AFK Journey rogues in the game for launch:
- Vala
- Shakir
- Eironn
- Silvina
- Seth
- Berial
- Walker
- Salazer
Rogues AFK Journey’s selection of rogues all have the potential to decimate the back line. Investing in one is well worth the effort in the right scenario.
If you happen to have them, Vala and Shakir are the best to build up, with Eironn being the most likely to make a dent in the game’s challenging PVP scene.
Want to get deep into other team-building gacha games? Make a start on a similar title with the Reverse 1999 tier list. And if you’re looking forward to the next Hoyoverse hit, familiarize yourself with the Zenless Zone Zero tier list to start your adventure off on the right foot.