These characters are a step below the best, but still hold their own and can be part of your endgame party with the right gear.
These characters fall just short of the absolute top tier, usually because their third Rune slot unlocks very late, or because they have a single permanent Rune slot that limits customization.
| Character | Explanation | | :--- | :--- | | (M-Range) | The hero from the first Suikoden , Tir McDohl is an absolute powerhouse, widely considered the best character in Suikoden 2 . His unique Soul Eater rune is devastating, with spells that can instantly kill all enemies on the screen or obliterate a single target. He also has fantastic magic stats and can equip three runes, making him an unstoppable force of nature. Requires save data from Suikoden 1 to recruit. | | Luc (S-Range) | The most powerful pure mage in Suikoden 2 . Luc boasts the highest magic stat in the game and possesses three rune slots, allowing him to unleash a constant barrage of high-level elemental magic. He's a top-tier character for the entire journey, capable of dealing massive damage to single targets and groups alike. | | Long Chan-Chan (S-Range) | This martial arts master is a physical damage monster. He can perform a powerful Double Strike Unite Attack with his apprentice, Wakaba, every single turn. Combined with his high attack power and exclusive rune, he consistently dishes out enormous damage, especially in boss fights. | | Wakaba (S-Range) | The perfect partner for Long Chan-Chan, Wakaba is no slouch on her own. Together, their Double Strike Unite is one of the most reliable and devastating attacks in the game, usable every turn. This pair alone can shred through nearly any enemy formation. | suikoden+2+tier+list
Selecting the best party in often comes down to balancing raw physical power, magical utility, and Rune slot availability. While almost any character can be viable with the right setup, a few stand out as "game-breakers" due to their multi-rune potential and high stats. S-Tier: The Powerhouses
— Your strategist at the Mercenary Fort These characters are a step below the best,
The game takes place three years after the events of the first Suikoden. The story follows a young protagonist, Riot, as he attends a prestigious military academy, only to find himself embroiled in a conflict between rival nations. The narrative is well-developed, with a complex web of characters, plot twists, and themes that explore the consequences of war and the importance of friendship.
While characters like Killey and Sheena represent the absolute peak of min-maxed power, the game is ultimately balanced enough that you can also choose your favorites and still succeed. The true joy of Suikoden 2 lies in experimentation, discovery, and forging your own unique band of heroes. His unique Soul Eater rune is devastating, with
Suikoden II , the "tier" of a character isn't just about raw stats; it’s about their , speed , and range . With over 100 recruits and only six party slots, the competition is fierce. The best units typically have three open Rune slots and high magic or physical growth, allowing them to adapt to late-game bosses like the Beast Rune. S-Tier: The Game-Breakers
Characters who unlock can stack the game's most broken physical power-ups—the Fury Rune , Double-Beat Rune , and Double-Strike Rune —to melt endgame bosses in a single turn. Conversely, characters limited to a single fixed Rune often struggle to keep up.
A-Tier characters are fantastic choices who can easily fill any role in a party. They are powerful in their own right and make excellent additions to any team composition.