Meta snapshot (late 4.5): who to pull before Version 4.6

Version 4.5 ends on September 28, so the Aventurine • Waveflair and Ashveil banners only have a few days left. Here is where the meta stands, based on the latest community tier lists (Prydwen, Game8) and current endgame modes.

Top tier right now

Elation has been the dominant Path since Version 4.0, and the current endgame modes favour it: Celestial Lupine (Apocalyptic Shadow) boosts Elation Skill DMG, and Domain Genesis (Pure Fiction) rewards every Punchline gained.

• Damage dealers: Evanescia, Himeko • Nova, Silver Wolf LV.999, Ashveil, Aventurine • Waveflair, Castorice, Archer, Evernight, Rin Tohsaka.
• Amplifiers: Robin • Summeretto, Mortenax Blade, Yao Guang, then Cyrene, The Dahlia and the Trailblazer (Elation).
• Sustain: Hyacine and Huohuo lead the pack, with Dan Heng • Permansor Terrae as the go-to shielder.

Should you pull on the current banners?

• Ashveil (rerun): a very safe pick. He is a top-tier Hunt damage dealer built around Follow-Up ATKs, and he also shreds DEF. If you missed him in 4.1, this is your last chance for now.
• Aventurine • Waveflair: a top-tier Elation damage dealer. He is a great pull if you already have an Elation core (the free Trailblazer (Elation), Yao Guang, Sparxie…), or Ashveil and Mortenax Blade for his Follow-Up ATK team, where he is the only Elation character. If you have neither, the reruns coming in 4.6 may be a better use of your jades.

Worth saving for (Version 4.6)

• Evanescia (first half): one of the strongest and most consistent damage dealers in all three endgame modes, and not very demanding to build.
• Mortenax Blade (second half): one of the best amplifiers in the game, and he fits into many of the strongest teams.
• Pearl (new, 5★ Elation, Ice): her kit looks built for full Elation teams. We'll wait for launch before rating her.

Free characters, don't miss them

• Gilgamesh or Archer (Fate Contract: Renewal), until the end of Version 4.6. For most accounts, Archer is the better pick, since he is rated higher on both tier lists. Choose Gilgamesh if you already own Archer or want the whole collab cast.
• The Trailblazer (Elation) is free and is one of the key supports for Elation teams. Level up their Traces if you haven't yet.

Our advice

• Want a damage dealer? Pull Ashveil now, or save for Evanescia.
• Want a support? Robin • Summeretto has already left, so save for Mortenax Blade.
• Already have a strong Elation team? Aventurine • Waveflair or Pearl will push it further.
• Missing a sustain? Look out for Hyacine and Huohuo reruns rather than pulling a damage dealer you won't be able to keep alive.

Tier placements reflect community consensus as of September 23, 2026 and change with every version.