Punch Upon a Time Launch Roster Tier List
Every launch character ranked by current meta, with role tags and Pocket Item loadouts.
The Punch Upon a Time tier list ranks every launch character by current meta. The list is updated every patch and reflects the state of Squad Saga matchmaking in the most recent public demo. For full character profiles, see the Roster Profiles page; for beginner recommendations, see Best Starters.
Tier S — top picks
- Merlin — strongest ranged specialist. Easy inputs, screen-clearing ultimate, and the highest solo queue win rate in the roster.
- Sleeping Beauty — strongest defensive tank. Thornfield ultimate locks down zones in Long Live the King and Throne Defence.
- Pinocchio — strongest combo grappler. Puppet ultimate wins rounds on reaction. High execution ceiling but the highest damage output.
Tier A — strong picks
- Little Red — the canonical grappler. Solid damage output, forgiving dodge window, strong wolf-form ultimate.
- Frog Prince — the highest mobility character. Strong in Basketball and Red-Light-Green-Light but fragile in extended Sagas.
- Three Little Pigs — the most durable tank. Brick House ultimate is the strongest defensive cooldown in the game.
- Red Riding Hood — the strongest single-target debuffer. Wolf Hunt ultimate locks down the opposing squad’s star player.
Tier B — situational picks
- Goldilocks — strong beginner support but outclassed by Sleeping Beauty in late-game Sagas.
- Merlin’s Apprentice — the apprentice version of Merlin. Slightly weaker damage output but easier inputs for new pilots.
Tier C — niche picks
- Baker — the lowest tier in the launch roster. Strong in Tower Capture but weak in every other mode.
- Tailor — the lowest mobility character. Strong in 1v1 rounds but fragile in multi-pilot modes.
How the tier list is built
The tier list reflects three criteria:
- Solo queue win rate — win rate in casual Squad Saga matchmaking.
- Tournament win rate — win rate in the most recent community tournament.
- Pick rate — how often the character appears in the top 25% of Squad Saga ladders.
The tier list updates within 24 hours of every patch. For the latest balance changes, see Latest Patch.
Pocket Item loadouts by tier
- Tier S loadout: Freeze Wand + Big Top Hat + Speed Boost.
- Tier A loadout: Freeze Wand + Big Top Hat + Medkit.
- Tier B loadout: Freeze Wand + Shield Charm + Medkit.
- Tier C loadout: Shield Charm + Medkit + Speed Boost.
For more Pocket Item recommendations, see Best Items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
How often does the tier list update?
Within 24 hours of every patch. The Latest Patch page is the canonical record.
Which tier list should I trust?
This tier list reflects public matchmaking data. Tournament-specific tier lists may differ because they assume coordinated squads.
Can low-tier characters win?
Yes — every character in the roster is viable in the right squad composition. Tier C characters struggle in solo queue but can win in coordinated squads.