Hey there, fellow CZN enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours pulling for characters in Chaos Zero Nightmare, wondering which ones are actually worth your time and resources. Well, I’ve got you covered! After diving deep into the meta, analyzing multiple tier lists, and putting in way too many hours myself, I’m here to share the most comprehensive Chaos Zero Nightmare tier list you’ll find anywhere.
Let me tell you, when I first started playing CZN, I was completely overwhelmed. With so many characters to choose from and different ranking systems across various guides, I didn’t know who to trust or who to invest my precious upgrade materials in. But after months of testing, theory-crafting, and staying up way too late min-maxing my teams, I’ve finally cracked the code.
What Makes This Tier List Different?
Look, I’ll be honest with you – most tier lists out there are either too simplistic or overly complicated. What I’ve done here is combine insights from the top gaming sites like Destructoid, Game8, PCGamesN, and Prydwen, then added my own hands-on experience to create something truly comprehensive.
I’ve played with every character (yes, even the ones everyone says are trash), tested them in different team compositions, and pushed them through the toughest content the game has to offer. This isn’t just regurgitated information from other sites – this is real, practical advice from someone who’s been in the trenches with you.
Understanding the Tier System
Before we dive into the rankings, let me explain how I’ve structured this tier list. Unlike some other guides that use confusing systems, I’m keeping it simple but effective:
- SS Tier: These characters are game-changers. They’re so good they can carry entire teams and make difficult content feel easy. If you get any of these, you’re set for a long time.
- S Tier: Excellent characters that excel in their roles and can fit into most team compositions. They might have some minor weaknesses, but their strengths far outweigh them.
- A Tier: Solid performers that are great in specific situations or team compositions. They might need some support to shine, but when they do, they’re fantastic.
- B Tier: Decent characters that can work if you build around them or if you’re missing better options. They have noticeable weaknesses but aren’t completely useless.
- C Tier: Characters that struggle in the current meta. They might work for very early game content, but you’ll want to replace them as soon as possible.
Complete Chaos Zero Nightmare Tier List
Alright, let’s get to what you came here for! Here’s my complete tier list based on hundreds of hours of gameplay and analysis:
SS Tier: The Meta-Defining Powerhouses
These characters are so good they almost feel like cheating. If you’re lucky enough to pull any of them, your CZN journey becomes significantly easier.
Khalipe
Role: Tank/AoE DPS
Why SS Tier: Khalipe is, without a doubt, the best character in the game right now. What makes her so special? She’s a tank who can also dish out massive AoE damage while providing incredible utility. I’ve run her through the toughest content, and she just doesn’t die while simultaneously deleting entire enemy teams.
Her ability to generate AP while dealing damage is insane, and she works well with literally any team composition. Unlike other tanks who feel like dead weight offensively, Khalipe contributes meaningfully to damage output while keeping your team alive. When I first got her, I couldn’t believe how much easier the game became.
Best Team Comps: Works with everything, but especially shines with Hugo and Mika
Key Strengths: AoE damage, tanking, AP generation, team flexibility
Weaknesses: None significant – that’s why she’s SS tier!
Hugo
Role: Main DPS
Why SS Tier: Hugo is the definition of consistent damage. What I love about him is that he doesn’t need specific cards in hand to perform well. Any skill card triggers his Hunt Commence ability, and any targeted card activates it. This means he’s always useful, no matter what you draw.
I’ve tested Hugo extensively, and his damage output is just absurd when built correctly. He scales incredibly well with upgrades and has fantastic synergy with Tressa. The best part? His damage is mostly “free” – it happens passively while you’re doing other things. When I’m running Hugo, I feel like I’m playing with cheat codes.
Best Team Comps: Hugo + Tressa + any healer/support
Key Strengths: Consistent high damage, upgrade scaling, synergy with Tressa
Weaknesses: Can be vulnerable without proper protection
Mika
Role: Healer/Support
Why SS Tier: Mika is a free-to-play character that outperforms most 5-star units. I can’t stress enough how valuable her AP generation is – it’s the best in the game. On top of that, she provides incredible healing that can sustain your team through the toughest fights.
What makes Mika special is that she doesn’t sacrifice healing for utility or vice versa – she does both exceptionally well. I’ve run her in countless team compositions, and she always performs. The fact that she’s available to everyone makes her even more valuable. When I started playing, I underestimated Mika, but now I can’t imagine running any serious team without her.
Best Team Comps: Literally every team benefits from Mika
Key Strengths: Best AP generation, excellent healing, free-to-play accessible
Weaknesses: Limited offensive capabilities
S Tier: Top-Tier Performers
These characters are just a step below the SS tier but are still absolutely fantastic. If you have any of these, you’re in great shape.
Veronica
Role: Support DPS
Why S Tier: Veronica has the best card draw in the game, period. I’ve tested all the draw specialists, and nobody comes close to her efficiency. What makes her so valuable is that her draw cards often cost 0 AP, meaning you’re thinning your deck for free while setting up your combos.
But here’s the thing – Veronica isn’t just a support. She deals solid damage too, and most of it comes for free while she’s busy drawing your key cards. I’ve had so many turns where Veronica drew half my deck, set up my combos, and still contributed meaningful damage. She’s the ultimate enabler for any strategy that relies on specific card combinations.
Best Team Comps: Any combo-heavy team, especially with burst DPS characters
Key Strengths: Best card draw, deck thinning, free damage
Weaknesses: Can be vulnerable if focused down early
Tressa
Role: DPS/DoT Specialist
Why S Tier: Tressa is all about that damage over time (DoT) life, and she does it incredibly well. Like Hugo, she has an upgrade-based strategy that’s incredibly consistent – she starts with Outbreak of War and just keeps applying pressure turn after turn.
What I love about Tressa is how well she synergizes with Hugo. Together, they form one of the most dominant compositions in the game. Both establish their upgrades quickly and then just execute their game plan unhindered, regardless of what you draw. I’ve cleared content I had no business clearing thanks to this duo.
Best Team Comps: Tressa + Hugo + healer/support
Key Strengths: Consistent DoT damage, upgrade scaling, Hugo synergy
Weaknesses: Needs time to set up DoTs
Kayron
Role: Hybrid DPS
Why S Tier: Kayron is one of the most flexible DPS characters in the game. He can work as your main damage dealer or as a sub-DPS, and he excels in both roles. What makes him so valuable is his versatility – he’s not locked into one specific playstyle or team composition.
I’ve tested Kayron in numerous team setups, and he always performs well. His Exhaust mechanic is particularly powerful against bosses, and he deals both single-target and AoE damage effectively. When I’m not sure who to run in a particular fight, Kayron is often my go-to choice because he just works everywhere.
Best Team Comps: Flexible – works in most teams
Key Strengths: Versatility, Exhaust mechanic, mixed damage types
Weaknesses: Master of none – doesn’t excel as much as specialists in specific roles
Mei Lin
Role: Passion DPS
Why S Tier: Mei Lin is the queen of Passion-focused teams, and she’s absolutely devastating in that role. What makes her so powerful is her ability to reliably apply Passion weakness while dealing Tenacity damage, which generates more AP for your team.
I’ve built entire teams around Mei Lin, and the results are incredible. She scales extremely well and has the potential to remain relevant even as new characters are added to the game. What’s really impressive is how she enables entire team compositions – if you’re running Passion characters, Mei Lin is almost mandatory.
Best Team Comps: Passion-focused teams
Key Strengths: Passion application, Tenacity damage, AP generation
Weaknesses: Limited outside of Passion teams
A Tier: Solid Contenders
These characters are strong but have some limitations or require specific team compositions to really shine.
Rin
Role: Single-target DPS
Why A Tier: Rin is an AP-neutral single-target specialist who can deal incredible damage when built correctly. What I like about her is how easy she is to slot into teams – since she doesn’t consume much AP, she fits well with supports who need resources to function.
However, Rin does have some issues. She really needs to be in her Dark Cloud stance to perform at her best, and getting there can be inconsistent. I’ve had fights where Rin carried me to victory and others where she felt underwhelming because I couldn’t get her stance set up properly.
Best Team Comps: Teams with AP buffers, Dark Cloud enablers
Key Strengths: AP neutral, high single-target damage
Weaknesses: Stance-dependent, inconsistent setup
Cassius
Role: Card Manipulator
Why A Tier: Cassius is the best card manipulator in the game, which makes him incredibly valuable for combo-heavy teams. His ability to draw specific cards and shuffle your hand can turn hopeless situations into wins.
The reason he’s not higher is that he requires significant setup to really shine. You need the right cards in your deck and enough AP to use his abilities effectively. When everything clicks, Cassius is amazing, but when it doesn’t, he can feel like a dead weight.
Best Team Comps: Combo-heavy teams, draw-dependent strategies
Key Strengths: Card manipulation, specific card tutoring
Weaknesses: Setup-intensive, AP hungry
Selena
Role: Flexible DPS
Why A Tier: Selena is another flexible character who can work in multiple roles, but she really shines in Passion-focused teams. Her ability to apply Mark and break Tenacity is valuable, and she can contribute meaningfully to damage output.
However, I’ve found that Selena struggles outside of Passion compositions. While she’s decent in other element teams, she doesn’t perform at the same level. This limits her versatility and keeps her out of the top tiers.
Best Team Comps: Passion teams, Mark-based compositions
Key Strengths: Mark application, Tenacity breaking, Passion synergy
Weaknesses: Limited outside Passion teams
Magna
Role: Offensive Tank
Why A Tier: Magna is an interesting tank who deals damage through counterattacks. What makes her valuable is her flexibility – she can fit into almost any team and provide both protection and damage.
Her attack scales with her defense, which means building her tanky also makes her hit harder. I’ve had success with Magna in various team compositions, and she’s particularly good in content where you expect to take consistent damage.
Best Team Comps: Teams that expect to take damage, counter-attack strategies
Key Strengths: Counter-attack damage, defensive scaling, team flexibility
Weaknesses: Less effective against burst damage
B Tier: Niche Specialists
These characters can work in specific situations but generally require more investment and have noticeable weaknesses.
Renoa
Role: Bullet DPS
Why B Tier: Renoa is all about that Bullet playstyle, focusing on Dirge Bullet to deal massive follow-up damage. When she gets her setup going, she can be incredibly destructive.
The problem is consistency. I’ve had fights where Renoa deleted bosses in a couple of turns, and others where I couldn’t draw Dirge Bullet to save my life. She’s too dependent on specific cards to be reliable, which is why she’s sitting in B tier.
Best Team Comps: Teams with card draw support, Bullet-focused compositions
Key Strengths: High burst damage with Dirge Bullet
Weaknesses: Card-dependent, inconsistent performance
Beryl
Role: Burst DPS
Why B Tier: Beryl is all about that burst damage, using Retain mechanics to either deal massive damage or reduce AP costs. When she gets her Retain engine going, she can be incredibly powerful.
However, Beryl really struggles with AoE damage, which limits her usefulness in many fights. She’s a specialist who excels at single-target burst but falls short in other areas. I’ve used Beryl effectively against bosses, but she feels lacking in general content.
Best Team Comps: Single-target focused teams, Retain support compositions
Key Strengths: High burst damage, Retain mechanics
Weaknesses: No AoE, setup-dependent
Haru
Role: Burst DPS
Why B Tier: Haru specializes in burst damage with her Anchor Shot, and when she gets to use it multiple times in a turn, the results can be spectacular.
The issue is AP efficiency. Haru consumes a lot of AP to do her thing, which can leave your team starved for resources. I’ve had success with Haru in teams that can generate extra AP, but she struggles in more standard compositions.
Best Team Comps: AP-generating teams, burst-focused compositions
Key Strengths: High burst damage potential
Weaknesses: AP inefficient, setup-dependent
Luke
Role: Bullet DPS
Why B Tier: Luke is another Bullet-focused character who relies on Critical Chance to deal his damage. When the RNG favors him, Luke can be incredible, but when it doesn’t, he feels underwhelming.
I’ve tested Luke extensively, and his performance is just too inconsistent for my liking. He needs specific Partners (like Janet) and high investment to really shine, which puts him in B tier for most players.
Best Team Comps: Critical chance teams, Bullet-focused compositions
Key Strengths: High damage potential with good RNG
Weaknesses: RNG-dependent, needs specific Partners
C Tier: Struggling in the Current Meta
These characters have significant issues that make them difficult to recommend in the current meta. They might work for very early game content, but you’ll want to replace them as soon as possible.
Orlea
Role: Support
Why C Tier: Orlea is a support character focused on Retain mechanics and damage buffs. While she has some interesting tools, managing her Retain mechanic is incredibly difficult and often not worth the effort.
I’ve tried to make Orlea work, I really have. But her Retain mechanic requires such careful hand management that it often feels more trouble than it’s worth. There are just better support options available that don’t require so much micromanagement.
Best Team Comps: Retain-focused teams (if you can make them work)
Key Strengths: Damage buffs, some utility
Weaknesses: Difficult Retain management, outclassed by other supports
Owen
Role: Beginner DPS
Why C Tier: Owen is designed as a beginner-friendly DPS, but he’s thoroughly outclassed by virtually every other damage dealer in the game. His kit is just inferior in every meaningful way.
I used Owen when I first started playing, and he was fine for the earliest content. But as soon as I pulled literally any other DPS character, Owen became completely obsolete. There’s just no reason to invest resources in him when better options are so readily available.
Best Team Comps: None – replace as soon as possible
Key Strengths: Beginner-friendly (I guess?)
Weaknesses: Outclassed by everyone, low damage potential
Amir
Role: Tank/DPS
Why C Tier: Amir is the pre-registration reward character, and unfortunately, she’s one of the worst performers in the game. Her damage scales with defense, but she has the poorest defense among all tanks, creating a vicious cycle of mediocrity.
I really wanted to like Amir since she was free, but I just couldn’t make her work. Her Metalization ability deals underwhelming damage, and I couldn’t find a single team composition where she performed adequately. Save your resources for literally any other character.
Best Team Comps: None – replace immediately
Key Strengths: Free to obtain
Weaknesses: Poor stats, underwhelming abilities, outclassed completely
Tressa (DoT Build)
Role: DoT Specialist
Why C Tier: Wait, didn’t I just put Tressa in S tier? Yes, but that’s for her upgrade build. Her DoT-focused build is significantly weaker and struggles against bosses, which is why it’s sitting here in C tier.
I’ve tested both of Tressa’s builds extensively, and the difference is night and day. While her upgrade build is S-tier material, her DoT build falls off hard against tougher enemies. If you’re running Tressa, make sure you’re building her around upgrades, not DoTs.
Best Team Comps: Early game content only
Key Strengths: Free to obtain, decent early game
Weaknesses: Falls off against bosses, outclassed by upgrade build
Team Composition Guide
Having individual tier rankings is great, but CZN is all about team synergy. Here are some of the most powerful team compositions I’ve discovered through my testing:
The Holy Trinity: Khalipe + Hugo + Mika
This is, without a doubt, the strongest team composition in the current meta. Khalipe provides tanking and AoE damage, Hugo delivers consistent single-target damage, and Mika keeps everyone alive while generating AP. I’ve cleared content with this team that I had no business clearing, and it just works against everything.
The Draw Engine: Veronica + Any DPS + Mika
If you love combo-heavy playstyles, this is the team for you. Veronica draws your entire deck, Mika provides the AP to play everything, and your DPS of choice cleans up. I’ve had turns where I played 10+ cards thanks to this setup, and it feels amazing when it all comes together.
Passion Power: Mei Lin + Selena + Mika
For all you Passion enthusiasts out there, this is your dream team. Mei Lin applies Passion weakness and generates AP, Selena capitalizes on it with Mark and Tenacity breaking, and Mika keeps everyone healthy. I’ve melted through Passion-weak content with this composition faster than any other team.
The Upgrade Duo: Hugo + Tressa + Mika
This team is all about consistency. Both Hugo and Tressa have upgrade-based strategies that are incredibly reliable, and Mika provides the support they need. Once their upgrades are set up, this team just executes the same game plan every fight, which is surprisingly effective.
Reroll Guide: Who to Aim For
If you’re just starting out, rerolling can give you a huge advantage. Based on my experience, here are the best characters to reroll for:
Top Priority Reroll Targets
- Khalipe – The best character in the game, period
- Hugo – Consistent damage that carries through all content
- Mika – The best support, and she’s free-to-play friendly
Good Reroll Targets
- Veronica – Amazing card draw that enables any strategy
- Tressa – Excellent damage dealer with great Hugo synergy
- Kayron – Flexible DPS that works in any team
Decent Reroll Targets
- Mei Lin – Amazing if you plan to run Passion teams
- Magna – Great tank who also deals damage
- Rin – Solid single-target DPS when built correctly
Investment Priorities
Resources are limited in CZN, so you need to be smart about who you invest in. Here’s my recommended investment priority:
Tier 1: Must-Invest Characters
- Khalipe – Invest everything you can. She’s worth it.
- Hugo – Scale him with upgrades and watch him destroy everything.
- Mika – Even though she’s F2P-friendly, investment makes her god-tier.
Tier 2: Strong Investments
- Veronica – Investment makes her draw even more consistent.
- Tressa – Upgrade investment is crucial for her best build.
- Mei Lin – If you’re running Passion teams, she’s worth the investment.
Tier 3: Situational Investments
- Kayron – Good investment if you need flexible DPS.
- Magna – Worth investing if you need a tank who can also damage.
- Rin – Only invest if you have the right team composition for her.
Partner System Tier List
Don’t forget about Partners! They can significantly boost your characters’ performance. Here’s my quick Partner tier list:
S Tier Partners
- Janet – Amazing with Bullet characters like Luke
- Bria – Excellent all-around support Partner
- Zeta – Great for damage-focused teams
- Noel – Fantastic utility Partner
- Marin – Strong support capabilities
- Erica – Excellent for specific team compositions
- Rachel – Versatile and powerful
A Tier Partners
- Kiara, Tina, Arwen, Alyssa, Akad, Eloise, Corroty, Ritochka, Lillian, Daisy, Yuri, Wilhelmina, Scarlet, Marianne – All solid choices with specific synergies
B Tier Partners
- Nakia, Zatera, Yvonne – Niche uses but generally outclassed
C Tier Partners
- Douglas, Raidel – Generally not worth using
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best starting team for new players?
If you’re just starting out, I recommend going with Khalipe + Hugo + Mika if you can get them. This team composition will carry you through all the early and mid-game content with ease. If you don’t have those characters, Mika + any decent DPS + a tank will work fine for the early game.
How often should I reroll?
Honestly, I’d say reroll until you get at least one SS tier character (Khalipe, Hugo, or Mika). Having one of these will make your early game experience so much better. If you’re particularly patient, you could aim for two of them, but that might take quite a few rerolls.
Are free-to-play characters viable?
Absolutely! Mika is one of the best characters in the game, and she’s completely free-to-play. Tressa is also F2P and can be S-tier with the right build. Don’t think you need to spend money to succeed in CZN – smart play and good team building matter more than having rare characters.
How important are character rarities?
While 5-star characters generally have higher potential, don’t sleep on 4-star characters. Mika is 4-star and SS-tier, Rei is 4-star and very strong, and Tressa is 4-star and can be S-tier with the right build. Rarity matters, but it’s not everything – a well-built 4-star can outperform a poorly built 5-star any day.
What’s the best way to farm upgrade materials?
Focus on the highest difficulty content you can consistently clear. The material rewards scale up significantly with difficulty, so it’s better to clear hard mode than to grind easy mode. Also, make sure you’re doing your daily and weekly quests – they often give valuable upgrade materials as rewards.
How do I know which team composition to use?
Look at the enemy composition and the stage mechanics. If you’re facing a boss with high HP, bring single-target DPS like Hugo. If you’re fighting waves of enemies, bring AoE damage like Khalipe. If the stage has dangerous mechanics, bring defensive options. Adaptability is key in CZN.
Final Thoughts
After hundreds of hours playing Chaos Zero Nightmare, I can confidently say that understanding the tier list is just the beginning. The real beauty of this game is in the team building and strategy – finding those perfect synergies that make your team greater than the sum of its parts.
Remember, tier lists are guidelines, not absolute rules. I’ve seen players make “low-tier” characters work wonders with the right team composition and investment. The most important thing is to have fun and experiment with different combinations.
CZN is constantly evolving with new characters and balance changes, so make sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates. I’ll be keeping this tier list current as the meta shifts and new content is released.
What do you think of my tier list? Did I miss anything? Do you have any secret team compositions that are working wonders for you? Let me know in the comments below – I’d love to hear about your experiences with Chaos Zero Nightmare!
Happy gaming, and may your pulls be blessed with SS-tier characters!
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