Paladins is a fast-paced, team-based hero shooter developed by Evil Mojo Games. Since its release in 2018, it has gained a massive following due to its diverse set of champions, dynamic gameplay, and frequent updates. Knowing which champions are the best in the current meta can give you a significant edge in your matches, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player. In this guide, we will deeply dive into the Paladins tier list: detailed insights on the champions who dominate the game and practical tips on how to master them.
Table of Contents
This tier list is based on performance, usability in various modes, and synergy with team compositions. We are going to show you the strengths and weaknesses of each champion. We will go through gameplay tips, counters, and strategies to give you the chance to perform your best.
What is the Paladins Tier List?
A tier list ranks champions based on their effectiveness in the game. In Paladins, the tier list usually divides champions into S, A, B, C, and D tiers. The S-tier champions are the most powerful, having high mobility, damage, or survivability. On the other hand, the D-tier champions struggle to stay up with the current meta.
The tier list is constantly changing because of balance updates, patch changes, and new champions. Our tier list reflects real-world gameplay experiences, meta shifts, and player feedback for the most accurate rankings.
The Current Paladins Meta
Before the tier list, it’s important to understand the current state of the game. Paladins is a game with a constantly evolving meta. Champions go through frequent balance changes as the developers tweak their abilities, health pools, and damage output. As a result, champions that were once considered “top-tier” may fall off the radar, while previously underperforming champions get buffed and rise in popularity.
For example, any balance patch is followed by a scenario where damage dealers get buffed or healers are given buffs so that they can provide better support. So, the player needs to keep up with the changes and update his champion pool.
S-Tier Champions: Dominating the Battlefield
These champions are the best pick in almost every scenario. Casual-ranked or competitive, S-tier champions are rockstars at both offense and defense, offering unparalleled utility to the team.
1. Fernando (Tank)
Role: Tank
Strengths: Durability, Crowd Control, Area Denial
Weaknesses: Lack of mobility, Vulnerable to high burst damage
Fernando is a heavy-duty tank who excels at blocking damage for his team with his Fire Shield and Flame Lance. He’s extremely durable and can hold objectives by using his shield to block incoming attacks. The ability to control areas with Fireball provides great utility, especially when paired with support champions.
Gameplay Tip: Fernando’s Fireball can be devastating in tight corners. Use it to knock enemies out of cover or away from objectives. Timing is key with his Shield; position yourself in front of your team to absorb incoming damage.
2. Victor (Damage)
Role: Damage
Strengths: High burst damage, Versatile
Weaknesses: Mediocre mobility
Victor has one of the most consistent damage outputs in Paladins. He’s the greatest asset for infantry and tanks as he has perfect Assault Rifles and Frag Grenades. He’s also very great at holding down key areas because of his Targeting System and Combat Slide.
Gameplay Tip: Victor is great at long-range combat, so don’t get too close. Keep moving and maintain position through your Combat Slide after killing or when retreating.
3. Seris (Support)
Role: Support
Hurt Characteristics: Healing, Crowd Control
Weaknesses: Is easy to flank.
Series is a really strong healer with a lot of utility to provide to her team, especially when it comes to Healing Surge and Black Hole which can displace enemies and bring your team into a huge advantage. She has also a Resurrection ability.
Gameplay Tip: Seris’s Black Hole is a game-changer when paired with area-of-effect (AoE) damage from your damage dealers. Utilize her Healing Surge on the tanks or frontline players, allowing them to stay alive for slightly longer.
A-Tier Champions: Highly Competitive
These champions are very strong. While they may not always be the top pick, in good hands, they can alter the course of battle.
1. Kinessa (Damage)
Role: Damage
Long-range sniping damage, high damage output
Zero mobility; vulnerable to flanks
Kinessa is a sniper who can do major damage against enemies from afar. She can detect threats using her Venom Mine and see enemy positions behind cover due to Thermal Vision.
Gameplay Tip: Kinessa excels in open maps where you can make the most of her long-range combat. Deploy her Venom Mines at strategic points to prevent the enemy from flanking.
2. Inara (Tank)
Role: Tank
Strengths: High survivability, Area Control
Weaknesses: Low mobility
Inara is good at creating stone walls and impassable terrain. It is one thing she specializes well with choke points. Her Mother’s Grace also lets her reduce taking damage from enemies, solidifying her position as a good tank.
Gameplay Tip: When using Seismic Crash, knock enemies back into the kill zone of your team. Try positioning yourselves in tight spots where your walls may place barriers on the enemy to restrict them from moving freely.
3. Androxus (Damage)
Role: Damage
High mobility, Strong burst damage
Fragile, Difficult to master
Androxus is an extremely mobile flanking champion with Blast from the Past and Reversal, perfect for catching off guard, doing a massive amount of burst damage, then getting out of dodge before retaliation. It is very difficult to master him, as the shots need to be precise, but when played well he can dominate.
Gameplay Tip: Utilize Reversal for projectile reflection and Curse to punish out-of-position or isolated enemies.
B-Tier Champions: Reliable but Situational
These champions are good, but they do need a little extra effort to truly shine in the right situations. They’re great for certain playstyles and strategies.
1. Makoa (Tank)
Role: Tank
Strengths: Large health pool, Crowd control
Weaknesses: Slow movement
Makoa can hook enemies in and deal strong amounts of damage with his Shell Spin. However, he struggles to keep a formation from occurring because of slow speed, but he is prone to being shot by enemy damage dealers.
Gameplay Tip: Use Anchor on key targets who are out of position, followed by Shell Spin to dislodge them off their cover spot.
2. Lex (Damage)
Role: Damage
Strengths: Strong to eliminate the individual target
Weaknesses: Weak against groups
Lex is a versatile damage champion who excels at picking off isolated targets with his Lawgiver and The Law abilities. While he can deal a lot of damage, he struggles when facing multiple enemies at once.
Gameplay Advice: Lex fights quite well against flanking champions as well as the support ones. Utilize The Law for a fast elimination of weak heroes. Make use of The Judge when sustaining a prolonged fight.
C-Tier and D-Tier: Struggling to Keep Up
These champions are either underpowered in the current meta or require significant skill to perform well. They can still be fun to play, but they are generally less effective in comparison to higher-tier champions.
How to Use the Paladins Tier List Effectively
A tier list is not something one can use as a one-size-fits-all guide. Remember that team composition, player skill, and map knowledge also influence the playability of a champion. A good player should, above all else, always pick champions fitting his or her play style and team strategy – not just because they are the best on a tier list.
FAQs
What’s the best champion for beginners?
For beginners, champions like Fernando (Tank) and Seris (Support) are great choices because of their straightforward abilities and high survivability.
Can I still play lower-tier champions effectively?
Yes, if you’re skilled and understand the nuances of the champion, lower-tier champions can still be effective, especially if you play to their strengths.
How often is the Paladins tier list updated?
The list is updated frequently to take into account patch changes, balance changes, and a constantly shifting meta.
Conclusion
The Paladins tier list is an excellent source for identifying which champions are currently the strongest in the game. However, mastering any one of these champions takes practice and a considerable understanding of their abilities. Having said that, any champion can be effective when played by someone who deeply understands game mechanics, even if they fall under the S-tier.
By following the tips provided in this guide and choosing champions that fit your playstyle, you’ll be well on your way to dominating the battlefield in Paladins.
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