KOF XV Character Tier List
Combining EventHubs' pro consensus (patch 2.41) with DashFight's character tier list, this ranking organizes KOF XV characters into strength tiers, flags where the two sources disagree, and includes a draggable character template.
How the Rankings Work
Data Current As Of 2026-08-06Tier lists for The King of Fighters XV (KOF XV) vary somewhat from source to source: for competitive play, consult the patch-based list put together by professional players; for general play, consult the long-running character list. Both are provided below, with any disagreements in tier placement flagged, so you can choose what fits your rank and playstyle.
| Source | Snapshot / Version | Methodology | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EventHubs Pro-Compiled Tier List | Patch 2.41 | Jointly rated by players Yurikov, Lacid, Dentei, and others | Competitive-oriented; split across multiple tiers from S+ and S down; sample skewed toward high-level play |
| DashFight Character Tier List | Continuously updated | Editorial composite strength rating | General-purpose; covers the full roster; coarser tier bands |
| In-game character data | Current version | Moves, damage, and hitboxes | Exact frame data and damage are as shown in the client; patches may change them. |
Top-tier characters
The top tiers on the two lists don't fully overlap, which shows these characters are all strong but with different focuses. The pro consensus places Benimaru and Isla alone in S+; DashFight's top tier goes to Krohnen, Yashiro, and Shermie. If you want a reliable main, pick from these.
| Tier | Character | Basis | Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| S+ | Benimaru (Nikaido Benimaru) | Named as the sole top tier by the pro consensus | Well-rounded zoning and punishes; high payoff for learning him |
| S+ | Isla | Named as the sole top tier by the pro consensus | Strong pressure, high combo payoff |
| S | Krohnen | DashFight's top tier | Good mid-range control, high margin for error |
| S | Yashiro / Shermie | DashFight's top tier | Strong burst damage and pressure, but requires practiced confirms |
Reliable Mains
Well-rounded and strong overall, this tier has no obvious weaknesses, making it a solid choice for long-term mains. Most are veteran fan favorites with plenty of tutorials and combo guides available.
| Tier | Character | Rationale | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Iori / Kyo | DashFight A-tier | Flagship characters with extensive resources and strong all-around utility. |
| A | B. Jenet / Mai | DashFight A-tier | Good mobility and pressure; the pace runs fast. |
| A | Chizuru / Benimaru / Kula / Athena | DashFight A-tier | Steady control and poking; slots into teams easily. |
| A | Rock Howard / Gato / Vice | DashFight A-tier; Vice sits at the top of A on the pro list. | High ceiling, but the payoff hinges on execution. |
Playable, but needs development.
Mid-tier characters aren’t unusable—they just need more practice and matchup knowledge to perform well. They’re a good fit for players who already have a main and want to broaden their roster.
| Tier | Character | Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | Terry / Ralf / Leona / Robert | DashFight B Tier | Solid fundamentals, but missing one standout tool to push them over the top. |
| B | Andy / Blue Mary / Clark / King | DashFight B Tier | Effective once their game plan comes together, but demanding when it comes to opening up the opponent. |
| B | Ash / Chris / Joe / Yuri / Geese | DashFight B Tier | Each of these fighters has strong moves, but the overall payoff is only middling. |
| B | Dolores / Kukri / Shun'ei / Vanessa | DashFight B Tier | Lab-heavy and off-meta, but with untapped potential. |
Underpowered and Off-Meta
Bottom-tier characters currently give low returns and are mostly labbed by devoted fans. The pro consensus ranks Mature dead last of the whole roster, with Elisabeth, Billy Kane, and Darli Dagger also at the bottom. If you're looking to climb, steer clear for now.
| Tier | Character | Rationale | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Mature | Lowest in the roster per combined pro ratings | Disadvantaged by the current patch; pick with caution when climbing. |
| C | Elisabeth / Billy Kane / Darli Dagger | Pro Consensus: Bottom | Requires high proficiency just to break even |
| C | Heidern / K' / Ryo / Yamazaki / Whip | DashFight C Tier | Playable, but lower payoff than mid-tier |
How to Choose
Want to climb the ladder fast? Start with Benimaru, Isla, or Krohnen—plenty of resources and a high margin for error. Prefer the legacy characters? Iori, Kyo, and Mai are all safe long-term picks. When building your three-man team, lead with a strong control character (like Benimaru), put your damage carry in the middle, and close with a burst anchor. If a niche character appeals to you, go ahead and learn them, but don't expect them to close the gap on meta shifts. When the two tier lists disagree, defer to the rank feedback you're getting in your actual matches.
Edit the Tiers in the Template
The above combines public opinions from the pro consensus and the general character tier list. The template "KOF XV All Characters Ranked" (ID 342, roughly 56 character tiles) can be drag-and-dropped into a tier list of your own.
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King of Fighters 15 Characters Tier List
King of Fighters 15 Characters Tier List
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