Suikoden 2 Tier List -
Suikoden II , the "best" characters are often defined by their Rune Slots and Rune Affinities rather than just base stats. Characters with three open rune slots are generally superior because they can equip powerful combinations like the Fury, Double-Beat, and Double-Strike runes to maximize physical damage. S-Tier: The Powerhouses
These characters possess the highest damage potential due to multiple rune slots or unique, high-tier abilities.
(Tenkan Star): Widely considered the best mage in the game. He has incredible Magic and Speed stats and can equip three runes, making him a devastating force with the Cyclone or Flowing runes.
(Tenbi Star): A "min-max" favourite. He has three open rune slots and strong offensive stats. Equipping him with Fury and Double-Beat runes makes him one of the highest physical damage dealers. (Tenfu Star): Similar to
boasts three open rune slots and excellent stat growth, allowing for extreme customization and damage output. Georg Prime
(Teni Star): Though he only has one rune slot, his base Attack and Defense are massive. He is often used for his raw "pummeling" power and reliability as a front-line tank. (Chikai Star): A late-game mage that rivals
in power. He comes with high-level MP and excellent affinities for elemental magic. A-Tier: Versatile Elites
Reliable characters that often form the backbone of a strong mid-to-late game party. Who is Best in Suikoden II (Tier List)
Finding the perfect party among the 108 Stars of Destiny is the core of the Suikoden II experience. While the game is beatable with almost any combination, certain characters possess stat growths, rune slot flexibility, and unique abilities that place them in a league of their own.
This tier list ranks the most notable playable characters based on their combat effectiveness, versatility, and late-game potential. S-Tier: The Gods of War
These characters are game-breakingly powerful. They typically offer three open rune slots, exceptional stat growth, or unique runes that can end battles in a single turn.
Suikoden II features over 100 recruitable characters, but in combat, some clearly outshine the rest. This tier list focuses on damage output magic affinity unique utility to help you build the ultimate six-person party. 🏆 S-Tier: The Game Breakers suikoden 2 tier list
These characters can trivialise even the hardest boss fights. Riou (Hero):
Incredible stats, the Twin Fang Rune for high damage, and the Bright Shield Rune for the best healing in the game.
The premier magic user. With four rune slots and massive Magic stats, he can wipe entire enemy groups in one turn.
A physical powerhouse. He has three open rune slots, allowing you to stack Double-Beat, Fury, and Shrike runes for insane damage.
A late-game magic powerhouse who rivals Luc. His elemental magic is devastating.
A heavy-armoured tank with massive physical attack. He doesn't need complex setups to be effective. 🥇 A-Tier: Elite Specialists Highly reliable characters that excel in specific roles.
Often underrated. Her "Family Attack" with Riou is free and powerful, and her speed makes her a great item-user.
High HP and Strength. His Star Dragon Sword scales incredibly well throughout the game.
Surprisingly high magic stats for a diplomat. Great for support magic.
Exceptional speed and magic. Her unique Soul Eater-lite abilities provide great sustain.
The king of long-range damage. His accuracy and "Long-Range" status make him safe and deadly. 🥈 B-Tier: Solid Contenders Suikoden II , the "best" characters are often
Good characters that perform well but have minor drawbacks or are outclassed by S-Tiers.
A great "Red Mage" style character (good at physical and magic), though he excels at neither.
The ultimate tank. He won't die, but his damage output is lower than Pesmerga’s.
Her Falcon Rune is great for consistent damage, though it lacks the "burst" potential of multi-slot characters.
Very similar to Flik; versatile and capable of holding three runes later in the game. 🥉 C-Tier: Situational or Average
These characters are usable but usually require specific equipment or runes to keep up.
Reliable early-game, but falls off due to limited rune slots. Decent long-range magic/physical hybrid, but fragile.
Balanced stats but doesn't excel in any particular category.
Useful for his unite attack with Yam Koo, but mediocre otherwise. 💀 D-Tier: The Benchwarmers
Characters generally used only for their recruitment requirements or "joke" runs.
Outclassed by almost every other physical attacker immediately. Tir McDohl (Soul Eater) – Only available in New Game+
Very low combat stats; strictly a support/medic role that others do better. Low damage, low defense, and limited utility. 💡 Pro Tips for Team Building Rune Slots are King:
In the late game, the number of rune slots a character has (1, 2, or 3) is more important than their base stats. The "Double-Beat" Meta: Characters who can equip the Double-Beat Rune (allows two hits per turn) instantly move up a tier. Balance your Rows:
Always keep high-defense characters like Viktor or Humphrey in the to protect your mages in the custom party recommendation based on where you are in the story, or perhaps a guide on where to find the best runes for these characters?
Title: The Unifying Rune: A Suikoden II Character Tier List
In the pantheon of JRPGs, Suikoden II stands as a monolithic achievement. While other games of the era focused on cinematic cutscenes or 3D graphics, Suikoden II focused on scale, political intrigue, and the daunting task of managing an army of 108 recruitable characters. With such a massive roster, balance is inevitably sacrificed for variety. Not every Star of Destiny is created equal; some are gods of war, while others are merely logistical burdens.
To evaluate this roster, one must look beyond simple stats. A character’s placement depends on their rune flexibility, availability (when they join the party), unites, and the utility of their "free" inventory slot. What follows is a definitive tier list of the Dunan Army’s finest.
B Tier – Solid & Reliable
- Tir McDohl (Soul Eater) – Only available in New Game+. Amazing, but late.
- Eilie / Rina / Bolgan (Fire/Lightning/Wind) – Trio unite is decent. Good midgame mages.
- Sheena (Double-Beat) – High growths, weak start, but potential god-tier with farming.
- Oulan (Fury Rune) – High HP, good physical tank.
- Hai Yo (Cook) – Fun unite, decent stats. Better with chef hat (weapon).
C-Tier: The "Rune Slotted"
This is the tragedy of Suikoden II. Some characters have amazing stats but are ruined by a permanently attached, mediocre rune that occupies a slot you cannot change.
- Jowy (Black Sword): During his playable stint, he is fantastic. However, he is temporary, which limits his tier placement.
- Pesmerga: He looks cool, has high stats, and hits hard. But he is a one-trick pony. He has a permanently attached "Exertion" rune (or similar, depending on translation/version nuances), which prevents him from optimizing his kit. He is often outclassed by characters who can equip a Double-beat or Fury rune.
- Bob: The werewolf. In his human form, he is weak. In wolf form, he is strong. The transformation mechanic is clunky, taking up a turn or relying on low HP, making him less reliable than a standard fighter.
Suikoden 2 Tier List: The Definitive Guide to the Best Characters in the RPG Classic
Few JRPGs from the PlayStation era command the reverence of Suikoden 2. With 108 Stars of Destiny to recruit, plus a few secret characters, building the perfect six-person party can be overwhelming. Unlike modern games where balance patches smooth out the rough edges, Suikoden 2 retains its original quirks—some characters are godlike, while others are borderline unusable.
This Suikoden 2 tier list ranks every major playable character based on their combat efficacy, rune synergy, availability, and utility in war battles.
Note: This list assumes the original North American/JP release difficulty. We are not factoring in the "New Game+" carryover glitches. Characters are ranked from S-Tier (Game Breakers) to D-Tier (Bait) .