Destiny: Rising Tier List-Ranking the Best Lightbearers for Campaign Success

After nearly a year in beta testing, developer NetEase Games finally launched Destiny: Rising on August 28 for iPhone and Android devices. Just a week into release, the free-to-play mobile game is already winning over players with its polished graphics, engaging missions, and a roster of unique characters called Lightbearers.

Like in sports betting or fantasy leagues, part of the fun in Destiny: Rising comes from analyzing strengths and weaknesses, then making the smartest picks to maximize your performance. With 10 Lightbearers currently available — and more expected to arrive in future updates — players are already debating which characters are must-haves for campaign success. To help you make an informed choice, here’s a breakdown of how each character stacks up, from the absolute top-tier heroes down to those who may struggle in tougher missions.

S-Tier – Gwynn and Tan-2, the Game-Changers

Every team has its MVPs, and in Destiny: Rising, that distinction clearly goes to Gwynn and Tan-2. These two Lightbearers stand head and shoulders above the rest thanks to their devastating attacks and adaptability.

Gwynn specializes in mid-range combat, making her a reliable choice across a wide variety of missions. Her electric burst attack not only dishes out heavy damage but also allows her to switch strategies depending on the situation. Whether you’re clearing waves of enemies or facing off against a tougher opponent, Gwynn consistently delivers.

Tan-2, meanwhile, is the perfect clutch player. His Blessing of Dusk ability boosts team-wide damage at critical moments, which can be the difference between barely scraping through a mission and absolutely dominating it. Just like betting on the safest pick in a crucial match, investing in Tan-2 will almost always pay off.

A-Tier – Maru, Ning-Fei, and Wolf, Reliable Core Choices

The next group of Lightbearers doesn’t quite match the dominance of the S-Tier duo, but they’re still strong, dependable picks for players looking to progress steadily through the campaign.

Maru is a favorite among those who prefer damage-per-second (DPS) builds. His offensive power makes him a reliable option in missions where you’re tasked with eliminating multiple waves of enemies. Think of him as the go-to striker who may not be flashy but always racks up points.

Ning-Fei appeals to more tactical players. Her clone summon ability allows her to target multiple enemies simultaneously, making her a perfect choice for missions where strategy and positioning matter. She’s like that versatile midfielder who controls the pace of the game and creates opportunities everywhere.

Wolf rounds out the A-Tier with his aggressive, close-ranged fire-based attacks. Wielding a sword, Wolf thrives in direct combat and can dish out heavy damage quickly. He’s risky in the sense that he has to get close, but in the right hands, he’s as effective as a striker who thrives in pressure-filled one-on-one scenarios.

B-Tier – Ikora, Jolder, and Finnala, Strong but Situational

The B-Tier features characters who have solid skills but lack the all-around consistency of higher-ranked Lightbearers. They’re useful and can carry you in certain situations, but like betting on a mid-table team, results can vary.

Ikora works best as a support character, with her area spells and team buffs providing a crucial advantage. However, she struggles offensively, which means she often relies on stronger teammates to shine.

Jolder is a melee-focused fighter, great for taking down groups of smaller enemies quickly. However, he’s less effective against stronger bosses or bulkier opponents, which can leave him exposed in later missions.

Finnala brings defensive strength to the table. Her solar spinning attack can inflict serious damage when timed right, and she has the durability to survive tough encounters. That said, her toolkit is more limited compared to the higher-ranked Lightbearers, making her valuable but not indispensable.

C-Tier – Kabr and Attal, High Risk, Limited Reward

Finally, we have the C-Tier Lightbearers: Kabr and Attal. These characters aren’t useless by any means, but they come with drawbacks that make them harder to recommend.

Kabr uses a Thunder Shield that fires a light beam, but his stun damage isn’t as effective as players might hope. In missions where disabling enemies quickly is key, this limitation can make him frustrating to use.

Attal has a unique kit that blends offense and support. She can fire bird-shaped projectiles to deal damage and also has the ability to heal teammates. While this versatility is attractive, she often struggles to keep up in later missions where raw power is required. For casual players or those early in the campaign, she can be useful, but for high-level runs, her limitations become clear.

The Bottom Line

Destiny: Rising may only be a week into launch, but already clear patterns are emerging in terms of which Lightbearers dominate the battlefield. If you want guaranteed results, Gwynn and Tan-2 should be at the top of your wishlist. For solid balance and firepower, Maru, Ning-Fei, and Wolf provide plenty of value. Meanwhile, the B-Tier characters can still be helpful with the right strategy, though they require more effort to shine. Finally, while Kabr and Attal can be fun to experiment with, they’re riskier choices for serious campaign runs.

As with any live-service game, updates and patches could shuffle these rankings in the near future. For now, though, if you’re aiming to get the most out of Destiny: Rising, treat this tier list like your betting guide to the Lightbearers — making the right picks will maximize your odds of success.