Link Arena Tier List

[Geriba]

This could be fun. {Aside: I encourage PMs if you have a question or issue you'd like to keep private}

OPENING COMMENTS AND LIST CONDITIONS, PLEASE READ

Assumptions:

1) Optimal play is assumed. Consequently, units are not penalized for requiring RNG abuse to reach their full potential. This is equally true of support abuse.

2) LHM is assumed. Three reasons for this: one, it opens up the possibility of an extra angelic robe/energy ring for LM characters; two, many characters are disadvantaged from skipping LM (such as Lyn herself, whose HP potential drops from 57 to 56); three, assuming LHM over LNM avoids complications with Wallace's forced promotion (as without forced promotion, he can cap all stats naturally).

3) For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the player elected not to have a tactician. [i'm 95% sure that Tactician Bonuses carry over if present.]

4) Items and weapons received from either the mine glitch or the Double Dash!! bonus disc are considered fair use. Of particular note here is the Über Spear (here on abbreviated as US), around which LA play tends to centralize.

5) Winner is decided by survival, not by points.

Things to note:

-Understand that Unit A being placed above Unit B on this list doesn't necessarily mean that A is the better option for all teams in all situations, nor that A can necessarily beat B in a one-on-one fight. What it means is that, ceteris paribus, A is a superior candidate than B for most LA teams.

-As capped stats are shared, only three major factors distinguish units within the same class: constitution, support options, and falling short "naturally" (i.e. without boosters) of caps; all base-class characters can naturally reach their non-HP caps, meaning this problem only seriously affects certain prepromotes. HP is a problem stat for many characters, however, as you can see in the data below.

-About the US: due to its significant, strategy-defining stat bonuses, the placement of lance users on this list assumes no US. The reasoning here is that most teams will include more than one lance user, and bunching all such units at the top doesn't help compare, say, a general to a warrior. In most cases, if Unit A is better than Unit B without the US, the quality gap will be proportional even if both A and B have the US. I grant that there may be exceptions, such as a unit benefitting more than usual from the speed bonus; in these uncommon cases, a unit's adeptness at US use will be factored in to their list placement to some degree.

-A few minor reminders about Link Arena mechanics. First, the effects of the Delphi shield and iron rune still apply. Second, note that the three-square radius for support bonuses carry over into Arena play, making unit placement important.

Some stats you might find useful:

Natural capping deficiencies by character, in order of initial recruitment:

Lyn -> HP (-3)

Sain -> HP (-1)

Serra -> HP (-2)

Erk -> HP (-1)

Matthew -> HP (-2)

Lucius -> HP (-3)

Marcus -> HP (-10), Luck (-3)

Rebecca -> HP (-2)

Priscilla -> HP (-5)

Canas -> HP (-4)

Fiora -> HP (-2)

**Legault -> HP (-1)

Isadora -> HP (-13), Luck (-1), Res (-1)

Hawkeye -> Speed (-1), Luck (-1)

**Geitz -> Luck (-3), Res (-1)

Farina -> HP (-4),

Pent -> HP (-13), Luck (-2)

Louise -> HP (-18)

Karel -> HP (-17), Luck (-3)

**Harken -> HP (-6), Luck (-6)

Jaffar -> HP (-19), Luck (-13), Res (-2)

**Vaida -> HP (-2), Res (-5)

Karla -> HP (-16)

Renault -> HP (-13), Mag (-9), Luck (-16), Def (-3), Res (-8)

Athos -> HP (-20), Skill (-6), Speed (-5), Luck (-5), Res (-2)

Units with a (**) designation receive HHM bonuses, which are variable and left somewhat up to chance. Thus, with a little good fortune, you may be able to reduce these deficiencies a bit.

All other characters are capable of reaching max stats without boosts.

Constitution list, in descending order:

Dorcas -> 16

Hawkeye -> 16

Oswin -> 16

Bartre -> 15

Hector -> 15

Wallace -> 15

Dart -> 13

Geitz -> 13

Lowen -> 12

Vaida -> 12

Harken -> 11

Kent -> 11

Marcus -> 11

Sain -> 11

Heath -> 10

Athos -> 9

Eliwood -> 9

Karel -> 9

Legault -> 9

Raven -> 9

Renault -> 9

Canas -> 8

Jaffar -> 8

Pent -> 8

Rath -> 8

Lucius -> 7

Matthew -> 7

Karla -> 7

Wil -> 7

Erk -> 6

Farina -> 6

Fiora -> 6

Guy -> 6

Isadora -> 6

Louise -> 6

Lyn -> 6

Rebecca -> 6

Florina -> 5

Priscilla -> 5

Serra -> 5

Nino -> 4

Note that this list assumes post-promotion.

Quantities of relevant stat-boosting items (item totals assume HHM unless specified):

A.robe -> 2 (+1 in LM) (+1 on DD!BD)

E.ring -> 0 (+1 in LM) (+1 in EM) (+1 on DD!BD)

S.book -> 3 (+1 on DD!BD)

S.wings -> 3

G.icon -> 3 (+1 on DD!BD)

D.shield -> 3 (+1 on DD!BD)

Talisman -> 3

Body ring -> 2 (+1 on DD!BD)

CLARIFICATION: The numbers outside of the parentheses and the numbers inside the parentheses are entirely separate. For example: there are two angelic robes in HHM, one in LM, and one on the DD!BD-- four in total.

Now we can move on to the list itself:

Top

Dart

Hawkeye

Dorcas

Bartre

Hector

Oswin

Wallace

Upper Mid

Farina

Fiora

Florina

Vaida

Heath

Canas

Athos

Lower Mid

Harken

Raven

Lyn

Karel

Karla

Guy

Wil

Rebecca

Pent

Erk

Nino

Rath

Bottom

Matthew

Legault

Jaffar

Lucius

Serra

Louise

Lowen

Kent

Sain

Eliwood

Marcus

Isadora

Priscilla

Renault

This is a very rough first draft, based on conversations I had on GameFAQs back when the Link Arena was hip and cool. The best part about this list is Karla > Guy

Now, I'm sure there are a ton of questions and points of dispute, so someone feel free to jump right in.

LIST EDITS:

1) Lyn moves above the swordmaster trio. Mani Katti is too lightweight and too useful with its armor-piercing, especially against a key unit like Hector, not to be considered the best of an otherwise mediocre group.

Edited January 31, 2012 by God Brady

[MacLovin]

People use this?

Jaffar should be higher IMO.

High str base and silencer.

Also.

Brave weapons aren't mentioned?

[Lord Raven]

I doubt Silencer matters much when he's facing an average of ~19-20ish crit against enemies (probably lower) as well as Iron Rune characters. Having -19 HP (potentially -5 HP) with shitty max defense doesn't help.

[Elieson]

Karla above guy, srsly?

[Geriba]

Jaffar should be higher IMO.

High str base and silencer.

Please read the OP carefully. Base stats mean virtually nothing, as RNG abuse is assumed in light of optimal play. Silencer is worth pointing out, however, as the sole saving grace of the assassin class from abject failure. Caps are pretty abysmal- 20 maximum in strength, defense, and resistance- but Silencer offers a remote possibility of positive contribution. As a nice bonus, with 30 speed, they can double generals, warriors, and Hector, increasing their shots at a OHKO twofold. Iron rune spoils the fun a bit, naturally.

Having -19 HP (potentially -5 HP) with shitty max defense doesn't help.

In case the item list wasn't clear, there are actually three angelic robes Jaffar can take advantage of. The DD! robe is in addition to the two found in standard HHM gameplay.

Karla above guy, srsly?

Better constitution, better supports. HP is a problem, however, especially with Swordslayer!Berserkers and !Warriors roaming around. I've seen Karla effectively used in support-chain teams, which is why I gave her the slight nudge over Guy despite her health problems; I'm more than willing to hear an argument to the contrary.

Edited January 30, 2012 by God Brady

[Lord Raven]

I missed that one whoops, anyways a 7-8% chance of Silencer isn't quite reliable or good and their shitty defensive caps don't make it much better..

EDIT: actually hmm there might be a case, it's going to be a 20% chance of Silencer with a Killing Edge, though this still doesnt factor in CEV supports... Jaffar might be a force to be reckoned with in non-CEV support teams, but in CEV support teams he's not as effective as one would like.

Edited January 30, 2012 by Mercenary Raven

[Geriba]

I missed that one whoops, anyways a 7-8% chance of Silencer isn't quite reliable or good and their shitty defensive caps don't make it much better..

I think you've nailed it. The only thing I would add is that, despite how bad assassins are in LA play, the units below them are just that much worse. Their competition boils down to a) bishops with an underwhelming 26 speed cap, horrid defense, and heavy tomes that are just asking for a 'zerker doubling, b) mounted units who are flayed by horse-slaying weapons, and c) Louise.

[Elieson]

You have twice as many RNG advisable levels for Guy, no doubt having him end up more durable than Karla. That, and most things wielding a brave lance will have Karla shaking in her pretty little boots. I'm sure my argument is weak, only because lack of link arena experience, but if RNG abuse is present, like you say, Guy should end up superior on all levels (sans constitution).

Also, would that be a similar argument for Vaida being over Heath?

[OrangeCrush980]

You forgot the main character of FE7

[Geriba]

You have twice as many RNG advisable levels for Guy, no doubt having him end up more durable than Karla. That, and most things wielding a brave lance will have Karla shaking in her pretty little boots. I'm sure my argument is weak, only because lack of link arena experience, but if RNG abuse is present, like you say, Guy should end up superior on all levels (sans constitution).

Also, would that be a similar argument for Vaida being over Heath?

Your arguments aren't weak, but there is a bit of a disconnect here. The biggest thing: when I say "RNG abuse," I mean abuse. The Link Arena is like a playground to test units at their absolute peak, and if that means abusing Karla to get +7 stat-ups at every level, then so be it. This applies to Guy as well, of course, which explains the HP differential.

You forgot the main character of FE7

I did indeed. See if you can spot him now!

HINT: He's among the trash units with teh ponys

Edited January 30, 2012 by God Brady

[Titamon]

Lyn should move up, shes got Mani Katti and Brave Bow access and Supports that can give her up to +5 att and 25 crit

Without supports max str Lyn against max def Hector quads him for 5 damage per shot, which is over 20 damage total. Add in supports that's over 40 damage in one round.

[Geriba]

Lyn should move up, shes got Mani Katti and Brave Bow access and Supports that can give her up to +5 att and 25 crit

Without supports max str Lyn against max def Hector quads him for 5 damage per shot, which is over 20 damage total. Add in supports that's over 40 damage in one round.

The only quality supports Lyn has are with Hector and Wallace, neither of which grants full attack. Unless you want to waste a unit slot with mounted fodder like Kent or Eliwood, full attack is off the table. That said, we can look at your battle hypothetical more closely:

At max stats with the Wo Dao (which, against Hector, is just a Mani Katti with additional crit) and going against a non-reaver axe, Lyn's doing 4x2 damage for 8 total pre-supports. With the Brave Sword, thanks to AS loss, she's doing 5x2 damage for 10 total. Factoring in realistic supports, Hector's looking at some very viable options with Farina, Florina, and Oswin, each of which grants full defense. With full supports, we're looking at +2 attack for Lyn versus +5 defense for Hector; if we decide to be as generous as possible to Lyn, and field both Eliwood and Kent (which will never, ever happen), it's still 5 to 5-- a clean wash.

EDIT: I'm tempted to move Hawkeye above Dart. He's got nothing in the "viable supports" department, but his 16 con and 28 speed let him wield both hammers and brave axes without penalty. What this translates into is quadrupling Generals @11x4dmg w/WTA, or doubling Generals@22x2dmg w/WTA (assuming both hammer hits connect). That's pretty sexy.

Edited January 30, 2012 by God Brady

[Titamon]

The only quality supports Lyn has are with Hector and Wallace, neither of which grants full attack. Unless you want to waste a unit slot with mounted fodder like Kent or Eliwood, full attack is off the table. That said, we can look at your battle hypothetical more closely:

At max stats with the Wo Dao (which, against Hector, is just a Mani Katti with additional crit) and going against a non-reaver axe, Lyn's doing 4x2 damage for 8 total pre-supports.

Why use the Wo Dao vs Hector? Mani Katti has armor slaying bonuses

With the Brave Sword, thanks to AS loss, she's doing 5x2 damage for 10 total. Factoring in realistic supports, Hector's looking at some very viable options with Farina, Florina, and Oswin, each of which grants full defense. With full supports, we're looking at +2 attack for Lyn versus +5 defense for Hector; if we decide to be as generous as possible to Lyn, and field both Eliwood and Kent (which will never, ever happen), it's still 5 to 5-- a clean wash.

Ehhh I guess I got googly eyed at Lyn's support list, I saw 2 Anima's and forgot that Eliwood and Kent were mounties.

[Geriba]

IIRC, Mani Katti isn't SE against Hector. Someone can correct me on this.

[Narga_Rocks]

IIRC, Mani Katti isn't SE against Hector. Someone can correct me on this.

I thought he became an armour when he promotes?

[Titamon]

Hector counts as an armor

[Thor Odinson]

He does, and Mani Katti is effective against him.

[Geriba]

Thanks for the clarification. In that case, Lyn does 16 damage per round with the Mani Katti. Still not seeing a move-up, especially given her weakness to the Swordslayer.

[Elieson]

Thanks for the clarification. In that case, Lyn does 16 damage per round with the Mani Katti. Still not seeing a move-up, especially given her weakness to the Swordslayer.

So does Hector have Armads, Hammer, Swordslayer, BraveAxe, or Tomahawk equipped on turn 1? Because unless Lyn in the best they have to fight you with, im not prioritizing her over eliminating Oswin or Wallace.

[Geriba]

I feel like Lyn moving above Karel seems appropriate, given that the MK is armor-piercing and featherweight. Fair?

[Anouleth]

I feel like Lyn moving above Karel seems appropriate, given that the MK is armor-piercing and featherweight. Fair?

Is it acceptable for a unit to ever use bows? Because it seems to me that being able to pull out Reinfleche and ORKO Wyvern Lords is pretty useful. She can also double the Falcoknights if they're weighed down. Reinfleche weighs her down by 1, however.

[Geriba]

Bows are viable, sure. Most teams won't be sporting more than one flier, if only because there's only one Delphi shield available and bow-wielding Warriors are all over the place.

[dondon151]

Isadora is about 2 tiers too low.

Actually, the paladins should probably all go above at least the bishops, and maybe even some sages and snipers.

Edited February 1, 2012 by dondon151

[Geriba]

Mind clarifying? Paladins have horrible stat caps, and everyone will be carrying a horseslaying weapon. At least sages can hit pretty hard while they're alive.

[Raven]

Oswin w/ Uber Spear for God Tier.

Or anyone else capable of having a Lance rank for that matter.