Killer Instinct was released on Steam by Xbox on September 27, 2017. It became free after the latest update, and the number of players significantly increased. We decided to create a tier list. After reading this article, you will learn about the best characters and crush your opponents!
Killer Instinct Tier List
When preparing the Killer Instinct Tier List, we received support from all players. We made an effort to create an error-free article. Now, if you’re ready, let’s proceed!
T0
T1
T2
T3
S Tier
- Aganos
- ARIA
- Fulgore
- Omen
- Rash
- Thunder
A Tier
- Riptor
- Shadow Jago
- Spinal
- Tusk
- Arbiter
- Cinder
- Eyedol
- Riptor
- Shadow Jago
- Spinal
- Tusk
- Arbiter
- Cinder
- Eyedol
B Tier
- Kan-Ra
- General RAAM
- Kilgore
- Sadira
- Jago
- Eagle
- Shin Hisako
- TJ Combo
C Tier
- Kim Wu
- Orchid
- Sabrewulf
Killer Instinct Best Characters
Aganos
Command Attacks
- No Escape – (LP+MP+HP) – Aganos throws down a ground-shaking move, summoning an unyielding wall behind the foe. It munches on one chunk, and you can have up to four walls standing tall. These barriers can crumble under the pressure of three wall splats or three hard knockdowns.
- Trapped – (Back-LP+MP+HP) – Aganos crafts a defensive wall behind himself, using one chunk. Again, you can have four of these walls max on stage. The walls can be shattered by three wall splats or three hard knockdowns.
- Peacemaker – (Back-LP+MP+HP, near a wall) – Aganos transforms a nearby wall into a club named Peacemaker. This makeshift weapon lasts for three hits or breaks instantly if hurled using Relinquish.
- Dislocate – (LP, with Peacemaker) – Aganos swings his Peacemaker horizontally one way in a swift motion.
- Fracture – (MP, with Peacemaker) – Aganos takes his Peacemaker on a wild ride, swinging it horizontally in the opposite direction.
- Cripple – (HP, with Peacemaker) – Aganos viciously swings his Peacemaker overhead, hitting with an overhead strike.
- Entrench – (Down+HP, with Peacemaker) – Aganos makes a low sweep with his Peacemaker, causing a hard knockdown.
- Subdue – (P, with Peacemaker, midair) – Aganos swings his Peacemaker overhead while airborne, ready to recapture opponents.
- Dominate – (LP+LK, with Peacemaker) – Aganos hoists his opponent into the air and swats them away using his Peacemaker. This move can trigger the Wall Crash Combo Trait on opponents.
- Relinquish – (QCF+P, with Peacemaker) – Aganos swiftly hurls his Peacemaker forward, demolishing incoming projectiles.
- Fortify Chunk – (Back+HP) – Aganos grabs a chunk of earth, storing it in his chest for later use. He can stash up to four chunks, each slowing him down but providing armor. Chunks break on hits but empower Aganos to power through some attacks.
- War Path – (Forward+HK) – Aganos forcefully stomps the ground, causing a hard knockdown.
- Pressure – (HK again, after War Path) – If HK is hit again after War Path, Aganos takes additional steps, potentially stomping continuously. This is risky without chunks for armor.
- Throw – (Forward or back+LP+LK) – Aganos seizes the opponent’s head and slams them into the ground.
Special Moves
- Payload Assault – (QCF+P) – Aganos hurls a stone chunk from his chest. Light punch rolls it along the ground, medium punch lobs it forward in an arc, and heavy punch has Aganos punch the chunk midair, breaking it into smaller fragments like a shotgun shot. Consumes one chunk and serves as an ender, potentially restoring up to four chunks depending on ender level.
- Ruin – (QCB+K) – Aganos winds up before delivering a powerful punch, sending the opponent backward. The kick strength controls damage and range. It can activate the Wall Crash Combo Trait and acts as an ender.
- Pulverize – (QCB+P) – Aganos rotates his upper body like a helicopter, throwing three powerful punches. Punch strength controls damage and speed. This move acts as an opener, linker, and ender.
- Natural Disaster – (QCF+K) – Aganos curls into a ball and rolls forward. Kick strength controls damage and range. Holding up during the attack makes Aganos perform a short hop, perfect for cross-ups. On block, Aganos bounces backward and is vulnerable. This move serves as an opener, linker, and ender.
Shadow Moves
- Shadow Payload Assault – (QCF+P+P) – Aganos smashes the ground with both fists, sending a wave of stones into the air. They rain down seven times, covering the entire screen. This move is unavoidable and must be blocked.
- Shadow Ruin – (QCB+K+K) – Aganos winds up and charges forward with an unstoppable punch. It passes through projectiles and has infinite armor. This can activate the Wall Crash Combo Trait and acts as an ender.
- Shadow Pulverize – (QCB+P+P) – Aganos spins his upper body like a helicopter, delivering five punches. This move is throw invulnerable and acts as an opener and linker.
- Shadow Natural Disaster – (QCF+K+K) – Aganos tucks into a ball and rolls forward, hitting five times. Holding the kick allows you to rev in place, timing your attack better before releasing. This move acts as an opener and linker.
ARIA
ARIA’s entire robotic frame is composed of three different drone attachments: the “booster,” “blade,” and “bass” drones.
Fulgore
Signature Moves
- Cyber Dash: Fulgore moves at Quick Speed hitting the opponent with his plasma claw. (KI 1,KI 2/Gold)
- Cyber Upper Cut: Fulgore flies in the air delivering a uppercut using his plasma claw. (KI 1,KI 2/Gold)
- Eye Laser: Fulgore emits an laser from his eyes. Also can be perform in the air. (KI 2/Gold)
- CyberPort: Fulgore’s body turns black, enabling him reappear in front or behind the opponent. (KI 1,KI 2/Gold).
- Reflector: Fulgore emits a reflective blue energy shield that surrounds his entire body granting him the ability repel projectiles that are thrown at him. (KI 1,KI 2/Gold).
- Plasma Storm: Fulgore shoots out a plasma wave projectile from his claws. (KI 1,KI 2/Gold.) Can be done Three times.
- Electric Spark: Fulgore sends out a short surge from his eyes. (KI 1)
Omen
Omen can control and manipulate shadow energy, which is mainly provided to him by Gargos. He has an unpredictable and frantic fighting style with awkward kicks and swipes due to his unfamiliarity with having a corporeal form, though he makes up for this with his ability to fly using his wings and attack with the confusing Rashakuken fireballs.
Thunder
Spare Orchid, ULTRA Fulgore
hinmatoom’s victories have not filled the grave on Devil’s Throne. His brother’s spirit will never rest until his body returns home. Grieving and lost, hinmatoom resolves to “walk the Path” of Eagle, knowing it will lead to answers, or death. Thunder will be content either way.
Spare Fulgore, ULTRA Orchid
A competitor in the first Ultratech tournament, Orchid knows what became for hinmatoom’s brother. In defeat she sees a chance to turn hinmatoom into an ally, revealing the truth of Eagle’s remains. “There are no remains. There is no body, because Eagle is not dead.”
ULTRA Orchid and Fulgore
Eagle’s murder was blamed on a 600-year-old immortal, but he was not dead. Unable to create an artificial intelligence equal to a human fighter, Ultratech sought a “pure fighting spirit” upon which to base a new AI. Ultratech has plundered Eagle’s mind to create the ultimate fighter.
Tier Ranking Criteria
- T0: This is the highest tier in a tier list, reserved for the most powerful or effective options in the game. Characters or strategies in this tier are considered to be essential picks for competitive play and are often banned in tournaments.
- T1: This tier is just below T0-tier and includes characters or strategies that are still very strong and effective, but not quite as dominant as those in the T0-tier.
- T2: This tier includes characters or strategies that are considered to be average or balanced in terms of their strength and effectiveness. They may have some strengths and weaknesses, but they are not as dominant as those in the higher tiers.
- T3: This is the lowest tier in a tier list, reserved for the weakest or least effective options in the game. Characters or strategies in this tier are often considered to be inferior to other options and may be rarely used in competitive play.