Hey Brawler! Whether you're a competitive grinder pushing ranked every season or a casual player just hopping in for fun, knowing the tier list can make a huge difference in how you play. Today, we're bringing you the latest Brawl Stars tier list to help you master the battlefield and enjoy the game—breaking down which Brawlers are dominating and which ones are worth investing in. If you want to know, just keep reading!
How We Rank the Best Brawlers
In 2026, the Brawl Stars meta favors aggression, mobility, map control, and strong value from Hypercharges and Buffies. The best Brawlers can initiate fights before opponents are ready, withstand aggressive pushes, or control key areas of the map.
Because balance changes, new Brawlers, and ability updates can quickly shift the rankings, we evaluate each Brawler using recent high-level win and pick rates, performance across different game modes, matchup reliability, and the latest official balance changes. Our rankings use the following framework:
| Factor | Weight | What We Look For |
| Recent performance | 30% | Recent win-rate strength, with small-sample outliers treated cautiously |
| Pick and draft pressure | 20% | High-level usage and the counter-picks a Brawler forces |
| Mode and map versatility | 20% | Whether the Brawler performs across multiple modes and map types |
| Matchup reliability | 15% | How easily opponents can shut the Brawler down with a single counter-pick |
| Recent balance trend | 10% | Buffs, nerfs, reworks, and changes in the surrounding meta |
| Ease of execution | 5% | How consistently players can reproduce the Brawler's value |
What Each Tier Means
- S Tier: Meta-defining or exceptionally flexible. Safe early upgrade choices.
- A Tier: Strong in many drafts, but not quite as universal or dominant.
- B Tier: Competitive when the map and matchup suit the Brawler.
- C Tier: Usable specialist picks that need a favorable draft.
- D Tier: Difficult to recommend outside a narrow niche.
- F Tier: Currently underperforming in the high-level data or too inconsistent for general use.
Brawl Stars Tier List
The rankings below are based on an August 2026 snapshot of the high-level meta. Performance reflects recent results, Popularity reflects usage among high-level players, and Versatility reflects how well each Brawler performs across different modes, maps, and drafts.
S-Tier Brawlers
These Brawlers define the current meta through outstanding results, draft pressure, or broad mode coverage.
| Tier | Brawler | Performance | Popularity | Versatility | Best Modes |
| S | Wendy | S | S | A | Showdown, Gem Grab, Brawl Ball |
| S | Griff | A | S | S | Heist, Hot Zone, Brawl Ball |
| S | B | S | A | Solo Showdown, Brawl Ball | |
| S | Surge | A | S | S | Brawl Ball, Gem Grab, Showdown |
| S | Nori | S | A | A | Duo Showdown, Trio Showdown, Knockout |
| S | Max | A | A | S | Gem Grab, Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
| S | 8-Bit | A | A | A | Hot Zone, Gem Grab, Heist |
| S | B | A | A | Brawl Ball, Bounty, Gem Grab | |
| S | Starr Nova | A | A | A | Duo Showdown, Brawl Ball, Trio Showdown |
| S | Brock | A | A | A | Bounty, Knockout, Heist |
A-Tier Brawlers
A-tier Brawlers are strong, dependable choices that fall just short of the most dominant or flexible picks.
| Tier | Brawler | Performance | Popularity | Versatility | Best Modes |
| A | Emz | A | S | S | Gem Grab, Hot Zone |
| A | A | S | S | Heist, Brawl Ball | |
| A | Meg | A | A | S | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
| A | Rico | A | S | S | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| A | Bibi | A | S | A | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
| A | Ash | A | A | A | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
B-Tier Brawlers
B-tier Brawlers remain competitive when the map, mode, and matchup suit their strengths.
| Tier | Brawler | Performance | Popularity | Versatility | Best Modes |
| B | Otis | B | B | A | Gem Grab, Hot Zone |
| B | Stu | B | B | A | Showdown, Brawl Ball |
| B | Janet | B | B | B | Bounty, Knockout |
| B | Sprout | B | B | C | Knockout, Bounty, Hot Zone |
| B | B | A | A | Showdown, Brawl Ball | |
| B | Lou | B | B | C | Hot Zone, Gem Grab |
| B | Rosa | B | B | B | Hot Zone, Gem Grab |
| B | Draco | B | B | C | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
| B | Buster | B | B | B | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
| B | Sandy | B | B | A | Gem Grab, Hot Zone |
| B | Shelly | B | A | A | Showdown, Brawl Ball |
| B | Bull | B | A | B | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
| B | Piper | B | A | A | Bounty, Knockout |
| B | Melodie | B | B | C | Showdown, Brawl Ball |
| B | Lumi | B | B | B | Bounty, Knockout |
| B | Pierce | B | B | C | Showdown, Brawl Ball |
C-Tier Brawlers
C-tier Brawlers are situational choices that usually need a favorable map or draft.
| Tier | Brawler | Performance | Popularity | Versatility | Best Modes |
| C | C | C | C | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone | |
| C | Spike | C | B | C | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| C | Bo | C | C | C | Gem Grab, Hot Zone |
| C | Shade | C | C | D | Showdown, Brawl Ball |
| C | Mandy | C | C | D | Bounty, Knockout |
| C | Byron | C | C | B | Knockout, Bounty, Duo Showdown |
| C | Larry & Lawrie | C | C | D | Gem Grab, Hot Zone |
| C | Alli | C | C | C | Gem Grab, Brawl Ball |
| C | Amber | C | C | B | Gem Grab, Hot Zone |
| C | Bolt | C | C | C | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| C | Pearl | C | C | D | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| C | Nita | C | C | C | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| C | Lola | C | C | C | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| C | Kaze | C | C | D | Showdown, Brawl Ball |
| C | Kenji | C | C | D | Showdown, Brawl Ball |
| C | Ruffs | C | C | B | Knockout, Bounty, Gem Grab |
| C | Meeple | C | C | C | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| C | Trunk | C | C | C | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
| C | Mina | C | C | C | Heist, Brawl Ball |
D-Tier Brawlers
D-tier Brawlers have narrower use cases and are difficult to recommend as blind picks.
| Tier | Brawler | Performance | Popularity | Versatility | Best Modes |
| D | Fang | D | D | F | Showdown, Brawl Ball |
| D | Moe | D | D | D | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| D | Nani | D | D | D | Bounty, Knockout |
| D | Charlie | D | D | D | Gem Grab, Hot Zone |
| D | Kit | D | D | D | Duo Showdown, Knockout |
| D | El Primo | D | D | D | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
| D | Belle | D | D | D | Bounty, Knockout |
| D | Gene | D | D | D | Gem Grab, Bounty |
| D | Tick | D | D | F | Bounty, Knockout, Hot Zone |
| D | Gray | D | D | D | Knockout, Bounty |
| D | Juju | D | D | D | Knockout, Bounty, Hot Zone |
F-Tier Brawlers
F-tier Brawlers currently struggle in the high-level meta, although some can still work as specialist counter-picks.
| Tier | Brawler | Performance | Popularity | Versatility | Best Modes |
| F | Mico | F | F | F | Showdown, Brawl Ball |
| F | Angelo | F | F | F | Bounty, Knockout |
| F | Frank | F | F | F | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
| F | Jessie | F | F | F | Gem Grab, Hot Zone |
| F | Sirius | F | F | F | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| F | Leon | F | D | F | Showdown, Brawl Ball |
| F | F | F | F | Heist, Hot Zone | |
| F | Cordelius | F | F | F | Showdown, Brawl Ball |
| F | Penny | F | F | F | Gem Grab, Hot Zone |
| F | Carl | F | F | F | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| F | Gigi | F | F | F | Showdown, Brawl Ball |
| F | Ollie | F | F | F | Gem Grab, Hot Zone |
| F | Hank | F | F | F | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
| F | Jae-yong | F | F | F | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| F | Buzz | F | F | F | Showdown, Brawl Ball |
| F | Poco | F | F | F | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
| F | Dynamike | F | D | F | Heist, Hot Zone |
| F | Bea | F | F | F | Bounty, Knockout |
| F | Lily | F | F | F | Showdown, Brawl Ball |
| F | Doug | F | F | F | Gem Grab, Brawl Ball |
| F | Mr. P | F | F | F | Gem Grab, Hot Zone |
| F | R-T | F | F | F | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| F | Gale | F | F | F | Gem Grab, Hot Zone |
| F | Tara | F | F | F | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| F | Finx | F | F | F | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
| F | F | F | F | Heist, Brawl Ball | |
| F | Grom | F | F | F | Bounty, Knockout |
| F | Najia | F | F | F | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| F | Willow | F | F | F | Gem Grab, Hot Zone |
| F | Gus | F | F | F | Gem Grab, Brawl Ball |
| F | Ziggy | F | F | F | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| F | Squeak | F | F | F | Gem Grab, Hot Zone |
| F | Chuck | F | F | F | Heist |
| F | Sam | F | F | F | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
| F | Maisie | F | F | F | Bounty, Knockout |
| F | Berry | F | F | F | Hot Zone, Brawl Ball |
| F | Pam | F | F | F | Hot Zone, Gem Grab |
| F | Eve | F | F | F | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| F | Darryl | F | F | F | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
| F | Glowy | F | F | F | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| F | Clancy | F | F | F | Heist, Brawl Ball |
| F | Barley | F | F | F | Hot Zone, Heist |
| F | Bonnie | F | F | F | Bounty, Knockout |
| F | Jacky | F | F | F | Brawl Ball, Hot Zone |
Note: A low overall tier does not mean a Brawler is unusable. Mode specialists can still outperform higher-tier picks on favorable maps or against the right composition.
Why We Rank These Brawlers as S Tier
The S-tier Brawlers stand out through a combination of recent performance, high-level popularity, matchup pressure, and versatility across modes and maps. Some are reliable all-rounders, while others earn their position by being exceptionally powerful in the right drafts.
Wendy
Wendy has climbed rapidly in the August 2026 meta and currently combines one of the strongest recent win rates with the highest pick rate among top players. Her short-term results justify an S Performance grade, although her lower position in the broader 30-day data suggests that players should continue watching how consistently she performs across future maps and balance updates.
Griff
Griff earns his S-tier position through versatility rather than relying on a single favorable mode. His burst damage can punish aggressive Brawlers, his attacks provide reliable area denial, and his wall-breaking tools open the map for his entire team. This combination makes him useful in Heist, Hot Zone, Brawl Ball, and many objective-focused drafts.
Edgar
Edgar's raw win rate is not always as impressive as his popularity, but he creates enormous matchup and draft pressure. He remains one of the most frequently selected Brawlers and currently has the highest overall score in recent Solo Showdown data, largely because of his exceptional pick presence. He is most effective against fragile opponents with limited knockback or crowd control, so his S-tier status does not make him a safe blind pick in every draft.
Surge
Surge is one of the most reliable answers to aggressive teams. He becomes increasingly difficult to contain as a match continues, while his mobility and burst damage allow him to punish enemies who move too close. His strong current and 30-day placements, combined with his value in Brawl Ball, Gem Grab, and Showdown, make him one of the safer S-tier investments.
Nori
Nori combines strong recent results with the mobility needed to enter fights, escape danger, and pressure enemies at different ranges. He performs particularly well in Duo Showdown, Trio Showdown, and Solo Showdown, while remaining usable in several team modes. His high win rate supports an S Performance grade, although he is slightly less universal than Griff or Surge.
Max
Max raises the effectiveness of an entire team rather than relying only on personal damage. Her speed support enables aggressive pushes, safer retreats, and faster control of important areas, making her especially valuable in Gem Grab and Brawl Ball. Her current S-tier position is supported by excellent versatility, although her broader 30-day ranking is slightly less dominant.
8-Bit
8-Bit offers dependable lane control, sustained damage, and powerful team-wide damage amplification. Although his movement speed can make positioning difficult, he becomes extremely effective when teammates protect him and fight around his Damage Booster. His value across Hot Zone, Gem Grab, and Heist helps keep him near the top of both short-term and 30-day rankings.
Mortis
Mortis earns his S-tier position through mobility, popularity, and the pressure he creates against fragile team compositions. A skilled Mortis can bypass the frontline, eliminate vulnerable opponents, and escape before the enemy responds. However, his results depend heavily on player execution and matchup quality, which explains why his Performance grade is lower than his overall tier.
Starr Nova
Starr Nova combines fast movement, strong pressure, and the flexibility to contribute across several current modes. Recent data shows above-average performance, with particularly strong results in Duo Showdown, Brawl Ball, and Trio Showdown. Her balanced combination of performance, popularity, and mode coverage makes her a dependable S-tier option without relying on one narrow strategy.
Brock
Brock remains a valuable S-tier pick because long-range pressure and wall breaking are useful on many open and semi-open maps. He can force opponents away from important lanes, remove protective terrain, and apply meaningful damage to objectives. His strong placement in both the current and 30-day rankings makes him one of the more stable long-range investments.
The Safest S-Tier Brawlers to Upgrade
Griff, Surge, Max, 8-Bit, and Brock are the safest general investments in this group. Together, they cover close-range punishment, team mobility, lane control, long-range pressure, and objective damage. Wendy and Nori currently show excellent results, but recently rising Brawlers can be more vulnerable to future balance changes.
Once you have chosen a Brawler to upgrade, you may also want a cosmetic that suits your new main. Compare the best Brawl Stars skins and check how each one can be unlocked.
Best Brawlers for Each Game Mode
Overall tiers are useful for upgrade planning. Mode and map fit should decide your actual pick. The recommendations below favor dependable roles and current-meta strength, but you should still check the active map, enemy draft, and available Hypercharges.
| Game mode | Recommended Brawlers | Why they work |
| Solo Showdown | Nori, Wendy, Edgar, Shelly | Nori and Wendy show excellent recent results; Edgar brings high pick pressure, while Shelly discourages tanks and close-range dives |
| Duo Showdown | Nori, Surge, Brock, Max | Range, mobility, and a reliable path to scaling are more valuable when a teammate can cover bad matchups |
| Brawl Ball | Surge, Max, Griff, Mortis | Surge and Griff punish clustered defenders; Max accelerates pushes; Mortis is a risky but powerful last pick into low-control teams |
| Gem Grab | Max, 8-Bit, Griff, Emz | Speed, mid control, area denial, and safe gem-carrier support matter more than raw elimination count |
| Heist | Griff, 8-Bit, Brock, Chuck | Objective damage and wall control win races; Chuck remains a map-dependent specialist despite his low general tier |
| Hot Zone | 8-Bit, Griff, Emz, Lou | Sustained control, damage amplification, and denial tools help teams hold a fixed area |
| Bounty | Brock, Piper, Nori, Pierce | Long-range pressure and safe finishing power reduce the risk of giving away stars |
| Knockout | Brock, Nori, Piper, Mandy | Range and survivability become more valuable when every elimination is permanent for the round |
The biggest lesson is that a specialist can outrank an S-tier Brawler on the correct map. Do not force Edgar into a team full of knockbacks, or Mortis into tanks and reliable crowd control. Likewise, do not ignore Chuck in Heist just because he appears in F tier overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best Brawler in Brawl Stars right now?
Wendy leads the August 19 short-window high-level snapshot, but Griff is arguably the safest all-purpose recommendation because his damage, control, and objective pressure transfer well across modes. The best pick for one match still depends on its map and draft.
Is Edgar the best Brawler for Solo Showdown?
Edgar has the highest recent Solo Showdown score in the dataset referenced for this update, helped by a very high pick rate. However, Nori and Wendy show stronger win-rate results in that sample. Edgar is popular and threatening, but he is not automatically the most reliable choice in every lobby.
Why is my favorite Brawler in F tier?
The overall tier list rewards consistency across high-level games. An F-tier Brawler may still be strong on one map or against one composition. Treat the tier as a warning against blind-picking, not a ban on using the character.
Are win rates enough to rank Brawlers?
No. A rarely selected counter-pick can post a high win rate because players only use it in ideal situations. Pick rate, sample size, mode coverage, draft pressure, and recent balance changes provide essential context.
Which Brawler should a beginner upgrade first?
Griff, 8-Bit, Emz, Shelly, and Brock are sensible starting choices because they cover multiple roles and teach transferable fundamentals. Pick the one that also appears frequently in your favorite mode. New players should also check the latest Brawl Stars codes and QR rewards, since active promotions may provide free cosmetics, Coins, or other limited-time items.
Conclusion
The Brawl Stars meta tier list is a living guide. The August 2026 rankings provide a useful starting point, but the best pick still depends on the active map, game mode, enemy draft, and your own level of experience. Balance changes and new Brawlers can shift the meta quickly, so check the latest patch notes before committing limited upgrade resources.
