The Strongest Battlegrounds Free Characters Ranked
Last updated: 2026-07-30
Every character here costs nothing — ranked for how fast they let a new player win real matches. If you are choosing your first main, pick from the top of this list and stick with one kit until its combos are muscle memory.
S Tier
| Name | Role | Why |
| Deadly Ninja (Sonic) | Best first main | Short cooldowns and great mobility make mistakes cheap — the friendliest strong kit to learn. |
| The Strongest Hero (Saitama) | Simple & lethal | Straightforward moveset with the game's scariest counter. You will win games while still learning. |
A Tier
| Name | Role | Why |
| Hero Hunter (Garou) | High ceiling | The best kit to grow into — combo routes take practice but pay off more than any other free character. |
| Destructive Cyborg (Genos) | Raw damage | Big numbers with simple inputs; just learn which moves are safe on block. |
| Blade Master (Atomic Samurai) | Reach & pressure | Long-range M1s bully new players; solid pick if you like keeping opponents at sword's length. |
B Tier
| Name | Role | Why |
| Wild Psychic (Tatsumaki) | Zoner | Rewarding if you hate close combat, but weak once cornered — a harder first main. |
| Brutal Demon | Brawler | Fun and honest, just outclassed in recovery speed. |
| Martial Artist (Suiryu) | Counter play | Wants game knowledge you will not have yet. Come back to it later. |
Want the full meta picture including paid and limited characters? See the
complete character tier list, or learn every kit in the
movesets guide.