Vampire Survivors Tier List Ranks DLC and Base Game

Pocket Gamer has published a tier list ranking the most powerful characters in Vampire Survivors. The list, updated on September 8th, 2026 for version 1.16.107, evaluates heroes from the base game and all downloadable content based on their late-game strength.

Choosing a potent character can make the game significantly easier, especially for beginners. The publication states that powerful characters allow players to kill enemies more effectively and secure victories with less challenge.

Base Game Standouts

Queen Sigma is highlighted as arguably the best character overall. She wields the potent Victory Sword and gains +1% Might and +1% Growth per level. Her defining trait is a massive 333 max health. Red Death is noted for its speed, with a 100% Movement increase and a 20% Might boost, making it ideal for finding relics and bosses. For beginners, Sir Ambrojoe is recommended as an easily attainable character with average stats, while Dommario offers strong defense and attack at the cost of very low speed.

Legacy of the Moonspell DLC

Megalo Menya Moonspell is ranked as the top character in this DLC. Her key strength is temporary invincibility, allowing her to avoid all damage. This power comes with a trade-off, as she disappears when a time limit expires, making her best for fast stage clears.

Tides of the Foscari DLC

Je-Ne-Viv leads the rankings for this DLC. She uses a unique weapon called Insatiable, which scales with Magnet and Greed stats, and is accompanied by a Shadow Servant. Her abilities deal significant area-of-effect damage.

Emergency Meeting DLC

Two characters are prominent here. Crewmate Dino gains permanent stat boosts whenever any player's weapon reaches its maximum level, a power particularly effective in co-op mode. Megalo Impostor Rina possesses high base stats and weapon mechanics that scale through all game phases, rewarding aggressive play.

Operation Guns DLC

Colonel Bahamut is the top pick for this DLC. He has strong passive bonuses, including +100 Max Health and +50% Might. His Metal Claw weapon deals significant area damage and scales well with Greed and Curse mechanics.

**Ode to Castlevania DLC**

This DLC features two top-tier characters. Alucard is praised for high damage output, versatility, healing abilities, and powerful area control. Sonia Belmont excels due to her scaling potential, weapon synergies, and ability to deal consistent damage while surviving.

**Hidden and Secret Characters**

The tier list also covers special unlockable characters. Vlad Tepes Dracula deals high area damage and enhances survivability. Lisa Tepes provides healing and stat-boosting support. Cornell offers strong offense with adaptable transformation mechanics.

Among secret characters, Cosmo is notable for having no primary weapon, allowing for greater build customization. Leda uses the Holy Land weapon and possesses a specific set of passive bonuses. Avatar Infernas, unlocked via a Piano Puzzle, uses the powerful Flames of Misspell and gains substantial passive bonuses. Gyorunton can evolve weapons faster than other heroes and has 300 max health. Smith IV uses the Vandalier weapon and has a unique +100% Luck stat that increases with each level. Gains Boros uses the Heaven Sword and gains +2% Growth per level.

The publication concludes that three of the best heroes in the game are Queen Sigma, Red Death, and Big Trouser.