Tier lists · opinionated rankings
Tier lists — by build fit, not raw power
The opinion side of the wiki. Tier letters here rank by how many builds get value from each choice, not by abstract strength. Methodology first; rankings second.
What these tier lists do (and don't)
Every tier list in this hub answers one question: how many of a random player's builds will benefit from this choice? That's it. Tier letters rank versatility, not raw power. A B-tier pick on a build that wants it beats an S-tier pick on a build that doesn't.
Each list opens with its own methodology section before the rankings — read those first. The lower tiers are explicitly "specialized" not "weak." Most of the lower-tier entries are excellent in the situations they're designed for; they sit lower because they help fewer builds, not because the kit is bad.
Faction tier list
Ten factions, ten stat-themed passives, ten exclusive buildings. Ranked by how many builds benefit from each passive.
Essence tier list
Eight Virtue essences (Joy, Charity, Faith, Forgiveness, Cinder, Husk, Surge, Rime) ranked by combat utility. Plus the five starter commons.
World boss tier list
Five alliance world bosses ranked by expected value at your alliance scale. Iron Colossus and Ancient Dragon are S; the middle three get squeezed.
Looking for live data instead of opinion?
The data-driven reference pages — full essence catalog, archetype skill trees, every boss's live stats — live elsewhere in the wiki. Try the essences reference for the complete 80+ essence list, or the bosses reference for live stats. Tier lists here cover the opinion layer; the reference pages cover the data layer.