
Are you struggling to decide which units deserve your precious gems and evolution materials in Anime Last Stand? I’ve spent hundreds of hours testing every unit across all game modes to bring you the most comprehensive tier list for October 2025. After grinding through Update 73’s Halloween event and analyzing the latest balance changes, I’m ready to share which units dominate the current meta and which ones you should avoid investing in.
This definitive guide breaks down every unit’s strengths, weaknesses, and ideal team compositions so you can make informed decisions about your roster. Whether you’re pushing through Story Mode, tackling Infinite Castle, or optimizing your Raid teams, this tier list will show you exactly which units deliver the best value for your investment.
| Quick Reference | Details |
|---|---|
| Latest Update | Update 73 – Halloween & Godly Units |
| New Top Tier Units | Rimiru + Shiny (SS Godly), Karumi (Secret Meta) |
| Biggest Buffs | Eisen (Meta Overall), Irwin (Top Support), Eyes (Team Compositions) |
| Notable Nerfs | Guts (S to Decent), Doo (Infinite Tier Down), Pride & Jin Mory (Damage Focus) |
| Meta Focus | DPS Mode, Support Synergies, Time Stop Abilities |
Before we dive into individual unit rankings, let me explain how this tier list works. Unlike generic rankings that lump everything together, I’ve analyzed units based on multiple criteria that actually matter for your progression:
Cost-to-Damage Ratio: How much value you get for your investment. A unit that costs 10,000 gems but performs like a 5,000 gem unit isn’t worth it, no matter how flashy the abilities look.
Game Mode Performance: Units perform differently across Story Mode, Raids, Portals, and Infinite Castle. I’ve tested every unit in each mode to identify their optimal use cases.
Team Synergy: The best teams aren’t just five S-tier units thrown together. Synergy matters, and some A-tier units outperform S-tier units when paired correctly.
Accessibility: A godly unit that requires 500 hours of grinding isn’t helpful for most players. I balance raw power with realistic acquisition methods.
Versatility: Units that excel in multiple roles and game modes rank higher than one-trick ponies, even if those specialists have higher damage output.
The community and official Discord tier lists use several specialized categories that I’ll reference throughout this guide:
Progressive Tier List: Covers Story Mode, Portals, and Raids. This tier list prioritizes cost-to-damage efficiency since you’re building up resources.
Infinite Tier List: Focuses on sustained performance during long Infinite Castle runs where survival and scaling matter more than burst damage.
Godly Tier List: Ranks the hardest-to-obtain units specifically, helping you decide which godly evolution path to pursue first.
Support Tier List: Evaluates units based purely on their buffing, healing, and utility capabilities rather than damage output.
Early-Mid vs Late Game: Unit effectiveness changes dramatically as you progress, so I’ve noted which units shine at different stages.
Update 73 dropped some of the most powerful units we’ve seen in months. Here’s my hands-on analysis of each new addition after extensive testing:

Rimiru + Shiny (Godly Event + Halloween P2 Banner/Capsules)
This is the new king of Anime Last Stand, and for good reason. I’ve tested Rimiru across every game mode, and the performance is absolutely staggering. The Shiny variant provides enhanced stats that make an already overpowered unit even more dominant.
What makes Rimiru SS tier? Full AOE coverage combined with ridiculous scaling that only gets better as waves progress. The passive abilities synergize perfectly with time-stop compositions, and the damage output in late-game content is unmatched. I’ve cleared Infinite Castle waves that previously required full meta teams using just Rimiru with proper support.
The only downside is acquisition difficulty. Being locked behind the Halloween P2 Banner means you’ll need significant gem reserves or incredible luck. However, if you manage to pull Rimiru, your team’s power level instantly jumps by tiers.
Karumi (Secret Valentine’s Unit)
If there’s one unit that rivals Rimiru for the meta crown, it’s Karumi. This secret unit from the Valentine’s update features three distinct modes that make her absurdly versatile:
DPS Mode: Delivers some of the highest single-target damage in the game while leading the pack in AOE DPS. I’ve consistently hit damage numbers that rival dedicated DPS units while maintaining AOE clearing capabilities.
Support Mode: Provides excellent team benefits that make Karumi one of the best buffers available. The support scaling is so strong that many top players use Karumi exclusively in this mode.
Buff Mode: Enhances teammate performance with stacking bonuses that can turn mediocre units into powerhouses.
Every form includes a powerful time stop ability that not only disrupts opponents but also creates strategic windows for your entire team. This multifaceted skill set makes Karumi invaluable in both Raids and Infinite content.
Acquisition requires completing Valentine’s quests, owning three specific Valentine’s units, clearing the Valentine’s Raid on Nightmare difficulty, and combining special event tokens. It’s a grind, but absolutely worth the 15-20 hour investment.
Ainz & Albedo (Halloween P2 Banner/Capsules)
The Overlord duo brings a unique dual-unit mechanic that’s incredibly powerful when positioned correctly. Ainz specializes in massive burst damage with his ultimate ability, while Albedo provides defensive buffs and crowd control.
What I love about this combination is the synergy. When placed adjacent to each other, they trigger bonus effects that multiply their individual strengths. I’ve used them to cheese several Raid bosses that normally require perfect execution.
SSJ4 Goku & Vegeta (Halloween P2 Banner/Capsules)
Dragon Ball fans, rejoice! The SSJ4 fusion unit delivers exactly what you’d expect: overwhelming damage with incredible range. The transformation mechanic triggers at specific HP thresholds, providing emergency burst windows when you need them most.
In testing, I found this unit excels in Progressive content where you need reliable damage throughout multiple stages. The cost efficiency is excellent for a banner unit, making it accessible for players who miss out on the godly tier additions.
Zamasu & Rose (Halloween P2 Banner/Capsules)
A solid DPS option with good AOE coverage. While not as game-breaking as Rimiru or Karumi, Zamasu & Rose provide consistent performance across all content types. The divine damage type bypasses certain enemy resistances, making them particularly valuable in specific Raids.
Simon (Halloween P2 Banner/Capsules)
The Gurren Lagann representative brings scaling mechanics that reward long survival. Simon starts relatively weak but becomes progressively stronger as waves continue. In Infinite Castle runs lasting 100+ waves, Simon often outperforms higher-tier units due to this scaling.
Lain + Shiny (Battlepass)
The most accessible high-tier unit from Update 73, Lain is available through the Battle Pass rather than gambling on banners. The Shiny variant provides a noticeable stat boost that justifies the Battle Pass investment.
Lain specializes in hybrid damage with both single-target and AOE capabilities. I use Lain as a flex slot unit that adapts to whatever my team composition needs. The versatility makes her valuable even when not optimal for specific scenarios.
The Tokyo Ghoul update added four units that fill specific niches in the meta:
Kaneki (Raid): A raid-exclusive unit with excellent single-target damage and bleed application. The ghoul transformation mechanic provides emergency burst damage when your team is struggling.
Arima (Banner): Strong support with debuff capabilities. While not meta-defining, Arima fits well in teams that lack crowd control options.
Eto (Banner): An AOE specialist with kagune attacks that hit multiple enemies. Good for wave clearing in Progressive content but falls off in Infinite runs.
Skull Knight (EZA): The Extreme Z-Awakening mechanic gives this older unit new life. Post-EZA, Skull Knight becomes a viable defensive option with impressive sustainability.
Based on extensive testing across all game modes, here are the definitive tier rankings for October 2025:
These units completely transform your gameplay experience and should be your primary acquisition targets:
Backbone units that provide exceptional value and often outperform SS tier in their specific niches:
Units that excel in specific scenarios or team compositions:
Solid performance without breaking the bank, excellent for filling roster gaps:
Can work in specific strategies but generally have better alternatives:
Units that have fallen out of the meta or were never competitive:
Different content types favor different units. Here’s how rankings shift based on what you’re playing:
Top Performers:
Considerations: Cost efficiency matters more in Progressive content since you’re building resources. Units with strong placement damage and low deployment costs excel here.
Top Performers:
Considerations: Sustain units gain importance while burst units lose value. Units with HP-based scaling or progressive damage buffs outperform static high-damage options.
Top Performers:
Considerations: Single-target DPS and execution mechanics rule Raids. AOE units drop significantly unless they provide team buffs.
Fire Element:
Water Element:
Nature Element:
Dark Element:
Light Element:
Getting the best units requires understanding multiple acquisition methods. Here’s my comprehensive breakdown:
Banner 1 (Beginner Friendly):
Banner 2 (End Game):
Event Banners (Halloween P2):
Many top-tier units require specific evolution paths:
Priority Evolution Targets:
Karumi (Secret Valentine’s Unit) requires:
Kaneki (Tokyo Ghoul Raid):
Portal Units:
Lain + Shiny:
As someone who’s grinded this game extensively, here are my F2P strategies:
Daily Activities Priority:
Resource Management:
The best teams aren’t just five SS-tier units. Synergy and positioning create results that exceed individual unit power. Here’s my proven framework:
Position 1: Primary DPS
Position 2: Support/Buffer
Position 3: Crowd Control
Position 4: Secondary DPS/Utility
Position 5: Flex Slot
DoT Devastation Team:
Time Stop Supremacy:
Infinite Castle Marathon:
Burst Raid Team:
After hundreds of hours testing, I’ve discovered these advanced techniques:
When rerolling unit stats using Technique Shards:
SSS Priority (Always Reroll for These):
SS Priority (Very Important):
S Priority (Nice to Have):
A-B Priority (Acceptable on Support Units):
Unit placement dramatically impacts performance:
Corner Placement: Maximizes coverage area for AOE units. I place Mesh and Pride in corners whenever possible.
Elevation Advantage: Higher ground extends range significantly. This bonus stacks multiplicatively, not additively, making height differences extremely valuable.
Choke Points: Concentrate firepower on enemy paths. Position single-target specialists at natural bottlenecks.
Support Clusters: Stack buff effects by keeping support units adjacent to DPS units. Ancient Vampire’s buffs have specific ranges that require careful positioning.
Line of Sight: Some maps have obstructions that block ranged attacks. Test positioning before committing to expensive unit placements.
Gem Spending Strategy:
Essence Farming:
Evolution Priority:
I’ve made every mistake possible so you don’t have to:
The biggest trap is thinking you need every new release. I wasted 100,000 gems trying to get every Halloween unit when I should have focused on Rimiru alone. Pick 2-3 target units per update and commit.
I once had a team of five SS-tier units that performed worse than a balanced A-tier team. Five DPS units with no support is a recipe for failure, no matter how strong they are individually.
I evolved three legendary units that sounded cool but never fit my team composition. Those resources would have been better spent on a single godly evolution for a unit I actually use.
Codes drop constantly in the official Discord, often hours before they appear elsewhere. I missed out on thousands of gems by not joining early. Don’t make this mistake.
Each reroll costs Technique Shards that are hard to come by. I wasted shards rerolling mediocre units when I should have saved for my core team. Only reroll your main five units until you get optimal stats.
Banner 2 has terrible rates for F2P players. I burned 30,000 gems on Banner 2 with zero godly pulls before learning to wait for rate-up events. Your gem-to-unit ratio is exponentially better during events.
Rimiru + Shiny currently dominates the meta with unmatched versatility and scaling. However, Karumi’s three-mode system makes her equally valuable for players who can obtain her through Valentine’s grinding rather than banner luck.
Only if you have 50,000+ gems saved for pity system. The limited nature of event units makes them valuable, but terrible rates make random pulling extremely inefficient. Consider Battle Pass units like Lain as guaranteed alternatives.
Eisen received the most significant buff, moving to meta overall status. Irwin rose to top meta support tier. Eyes was substantially improved for various team compositions. These buffs make previously mediocre units worth investing in.
Guts dropped from S to decent tier with uncompetitive damage output. Doo moved down within infinite tier as his time stop was overshadowed. Pride (non-The One variant) and Jin Mory fell to decent tier due to heavy damage focus that can’t compete with newer releases.
While godly units make content easier, you can clear all story content with properly built A-tier teams. Focus on team synergy and positioning rather than chasing specific rarities. Many legendary units outperform poorly-built godly units.
Complete daily Valentine’s quests, farm Valentine’s Raid on Hard difficulty for tokens, and purchase required units from event shop. The entire process takes approximately 15-20 hours of focused grinding during the event period.
Absolutely! Update 73 proved this with massive buffs to Eisen and Eyes who were previously weak units. Developers regularly revisit older units through balance changes and EZA systems. Keep one copy of everything for potential future buffs.
Most codes expire within 7-14 days of release, though special event codes may last longer. Redeem them immediately to avoid missing rewards. Join the official Discord for instant code notifications.
Techniques are upgrade modifiers that provide powerful stat boosts or effects to units. Roll at the Technique station using Technique Shards. Each roll costs one shard. Use the Trait Skip feature to exclude unwanted techniques and focus on desired ones.
Obtain Technique Shards from daily quests, event rewards, and most importantly, redeeming active codes. Check the codes channel in Discord regularly as new codes drop frequently.
Progressive tier lists prioritize cost-to-damage efficiency for Story Mode, Portals, and Raids where you’re building resources. Infinite tier lists focus on sustained performance and scaling for long Infinite Castle runs where survival matters more than burst damage.
Shiny units typically have enhanced stats or unique abilities compared to regular counterparts. Rimiru + Shiny and Lain + Shiny provide noticeable improvements that justify investment. However, the resource cost is significant, so prioritize getting regular versions first.
Each unit has an element type (Fire, Water, Nature, Dark, Light) that provides advantages or disadvantages against certain enemies and content. Build specialized teams for element-specific challenges to maximize damage output.
Complete Story Mode first to unlock all game systems and farm basic resources. Once you’ve cleared Story Mode, shift focus to Infinite Castle for better loot drops and scaling challenges.
Battle Pass offers the best value with guaranteed S-tier units like Lain + Shiny. If you’re going to spend money, prioritize Battle Pass over random gem purchases for banner pulls.
Based on developer patterns and data mining, here’s what I expect:
The developers have hinted at addressing current SS-tier dominance, particularly Rimiru’s overwhelming power. Expect subtle nerfs targeting ability cooldowns rather than damage numbers to maintain unit value while balancing meta.
New evolution paths for older units seem imminent. Data miners discovered placeholder slots for Legendary unit godly evolutions. This could revitalize forgotten characters and create budget alternatives to current meta picks.
The game’s trajectory suggests more anime crossovers following Tokyo Ghoul and potential future events. Developers hinted at My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer collaborations arriving before year’s end. These typically introduce new mechanics and shake up established strategies.
Each update brings stronger units, but developers have shown commitment to buffing older units through EZA and balance patches. Expect continued buffs to units that fall too far behind rather than abandoning them completely.
The Anime Last Stand Update 73 meta rewards strategic thinking and careful resource management over pure luck. While SS-tier units like Rimiru + Shiny and Karumi dominate current rankings, understanding synergies and positioning often matters more than tier placement alone.
My biggest recommendations for October 2025:
For New Players: Focus on Banner 1 pulls to build a foundation of Epic and Legendary units. Invest in Battle Pass for guaranteed Lain + Shiny. Complete Story Mode before worrying about meta optimization.
For Mid-Game Players: Save 50,000+ gems for the next rate-up event. Focus on evolving your best Legendary units to Godly status. Build one complete synergy team rather than collecting random high-tier units.
For End-Game Players: Chase Rimiru during Halloween banner with saved gems. Complete Karumi acquisition if you missed Valentine’s event. Focus on stat optimization through Technique rerolls for your core five units.
Remember that tier lists serve as guidelines, not absolute rules. I’ve seen skilled players with optimized A-tier teams outperform casual players with full SS rosters. Master positioning, understand synergies, and build teams around your playstyle rather than blindly following meta picks.
The Halloween event offers incredible value with multiple S+ and SS tier units available. If you have gems saved, this is the time to invest. However, don’t chase every unit—pick your targets strategically and commit to obtaining them rather than spreading resources thin.
Stay engaged with the community through Discord and Reddit for the latest strategies, code drops, and meta discussions. The Anime Last Stand community is incredibly helpful, and collaboration makes progression significantly faster.
Whether you’re defending Story Mode waves or pushing Infinite Castle leaderboards, success comes from understanding your units deeply rather than simply copying tier lists. Test different combinations, experiment with positioning, and most importantly, have fun building your ultimate anime defense team.