With Destiny Rising now officially released, players are jumping in and wondering one big thing—which characters should you invest in first? Whether you’re chasing efficient progression or just trying to avoid wasting your pulls on duds, this PvE-focused tier list breaks down who’s worth your resources.
We’ve ranked every major character based on real gameplay testing during beta, plus early post-launch performance. Think of this Destiny Rising Character Tier List guide as advice from a friend who’s already grinded the game and knows what clicks.
Destiny Rising PvE Tier List Overview
| Tier | Character | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Wolf | AoE DPS / All-Rounder | Free, fast, high AoE, 70% stacking damage buff |
| S | Tanto | Single-Target Sniper | Best boss killer, team-wide damage buff |
| S | So Yeler | Tank + DPS Hybrid | High damage with tankiness and healing |
| A | Estella | Ult-Based Burst DPS | Strong ultimate, weak outside of it |
| A | Gwen | Close-Range Brawler | Great in PvP, limited in PvE due to range |
| B | Ning Fay | AoE Caster (Underwhelming) | Poor AoE, needs buffs, outclassed |
| B+ | Schwani | Budget AoE DPS | Strong stats for F2P, stacks buffs fast |
| C | Generic 4-stars | Varies | Mostly weak in PvE, good for PvP only |
S Tier
Wolf
Wolf is the strongest all-around unit right now. Not just because you get him for free, but because his damage output rivals premium 5-stars. His kit gives you everything:
- Fast AoE grenade launcher
- Reliable AR sustain
- Stacking 70% damage buff when landing shots
You can upgrade him quickly, his kit feels fluid, and he tears through early content like a lawnmower through tall grass.
Tanto – Best for Bossing
Tanto specializes in deleting single targets. He uses sniper and scout rifles, giving him long-range precision, but what really makes him stand out is:
- Shreds bosses with ease
- Gives the entire team a damage buff
- Insane synergy with DPS-focused lineups
If you plan to grind late-game raids or elite missions, Tanto will carry your squad.
So Yeler
At first glance, you’d think So Yeler is your classic tank—slow and spongy. But no. She’s actually one of the top DPS characters in the game.
- 90% multiplicative damage buff when getting hit
- Great healing, fast movement, and extreme survivability
- Debuffs enemies and generates energy fast
She’s criminally underrated but easily top-tier for PvE.
A Tier
Estella
Estella’s power lives and dies by her dragon-summoning ultimate, which is one of the strongest in the game. But in-between ults? Her weapons don’t offer much.
She doesn’t have stacking buffs or damage multipliers, so her general DPS feels lacking unless she’s popping her ult.
Gwen
Gwen has style—goth aesthetic, cool animations, and a 30% damage multiplier buff. But it’s tied to her magazine, which drains fast.
She’s a close-range fighter (SMG + shotgun), and in PvE that’s risky. Especially when other characters can clear from across the screen.
B Tier
Ning Fay
Marketed as an AoE powerhouse, Ning Fay fails to deliver where it matters. His AoE is weaker than Wolf’s, and he doesn’t feel impactful enough in longer fights.
- Poor damage scaling
- Slow AoE clear
- Outclassed by almost every S and A tier pick
Schwani
If you’re looking for a strong free-to-play damage dealer, Schwani is your sleeper pick. His shotgun kit stacks a 50% multiplicative damage boost quickly, and he’s got great uptime on his skills.
C Tier
Other 4-Star Characters
While some of them might be viable in PvP, in PvE these characters are too weak to justify investing heavily.
- Low damage
- Weak scaling
- Mostly filler units
Use them only if you’re experimenting or out of other options.
Final Recommendation
Here’s your launch-day PvE priority list:
- Wolf – Free, strong, fast, and easy to build. No-brainer main.
- Tanto – If you want to melt bosses, he’s the top sniper.
- So Yeler – If you like tanky damage dealers, she’ll surprise you.
Avoid Ning Fay for now, and only go Gwen/Estella if their style matches how you like to play