The Duskbloods Best Rank D to S Tier Ranking
Where every confirmed Bloodsworn sits in the post-CNT meta, and why the gap matters.
FromSoftware’s August 2026 Closed Network Test surfaced six playable Bloodsworn, and the post-test meta began to take shape within hours. This page ranks each confirmed fighter from Best Rank S down to Best Rank D based on what press testers, content creators, and the wiki team observed during four days of matches. Tiers are written for the solo queue environment that dominated the test; ratings for Duos Mode are mentioned when they diverge.
Pair this tier list with Bloodsworn Roster Overview for kit details and Roles for Destined Rival and Companion mechanics. The tier list will shift as FromSoftware confirms more fighters for the retail launch — expect a refresh once private matchmaking is available.
Tier summary
| Rank | Bloodsworn | Solo queue | Duos | One-line rationale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | Zork | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Tank brawler with rocket rush, missile volley, and an unrivalled Phase IV duel win rate. |
| S | Trang Lanh | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Skirmisher with invisibility, ring blade toss, and white-snake knockback — flexible in any role. |
| A | Senator Samir Patres | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Melee duelist whose dinosaur transformation ends Phase IV duels fast. |
| A | Sniper Layla | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Ranged carry that kites slow fighters and dominates rooftops with her Gatling transform. |
| B | Bloodhand Jan | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | AoE pressure pick that punishes clumping but lacks solo range. |
| B | Albert | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Balanced starter with reliable SMG coverage; safe but rarely dominant. |
This is a starting list, not a final verdict. Use it to plan practice order before retail launch.
Best Rank S — Zork
Why Zork sits at S: Zork is the only armored fighter in the Network Test. His electric cable deals heavy damage, his speargun pierces groups, and his level-12 Bloodsworn Skill — the rocket rush — closes the distance against snipers in a single cast. In Phase IV Moon Blood Bestowal duels, his survivability is unmatched.
Where Zork struggles: Zork’s heavy movement can be kited by Trang Lanh and Sniper Layla if he uses the rocket rush too early. In solo queue, smart opponents will bait the rush then punish the cooldown.
Best role pairing: Zork performs best as a Destined Rival hunting a slow target, or as a free-roaming bruiser during Phase II Ritual Site contests. Pair him with Nia for burst damage or Gargoyle for additional tankiness.
Best Rank S — Trang Lanh
Why Trang Lanh sits at S: Trang Lanh’s invisibility at level 12 lets her ambush Flame Virtue corpses, Ritual Pledges, and high-value Trespasser spawns without warning. Her ring blade toss covers the entire map in seconds, and her white-snake summon creates distance when she is caught out.
Where Trang Lanh struggles: Sustained melee duels against Zork or Senator Samir Patres — both can chase her through invisibility windows. Trang Lanh players must rotate constantly rather than commit to holding a position.
Best role pairing: Trang Lanh is the strongest Destined Companion carry. Pair her with Baritone for stat auras and Black Wolf of Mars for clean damage when she rotates back into melee range.
Best Rank A — Senator Samir Patres
Why Patres sits at A: Patres’ dinosaur transformation at level 12 turns Phase IV duels into two-life races that he usually wins. His rapier and spectral birds let him pressure medium range, and the dinosaur form crushes careless positioning in close quarters.
Where Patres struggles: Open maps where he cannot force engagements, and ranged characters who deny the dinosaur transform’s gap-closer. Against organised Duos, his single-target design is less effective.
Best role pairing: Patres works best as a Destined Rival hunting high-value targets. Pair him with Black Wolf of Mars for damage during his transformation windows.
Best Rank A — Sniper Layla
Why Layla sits at A: Sniper Layla’s rifle controls sight lines across rooftops and open streets. Her insect transformation at level 12 warps short distances and pulls a Gatling gun from her chest, which can shred a tank during the Moon Blood Bestowal if the activation lands.
Where Layla struggles: Aggressive fighters who close distance before she can activate the Gatling transform. Solo queue against a coordinated Alliance that rushes her position is the most common loss condition.
Best role pairing: Sniper Layla performs best with Black Wolf of Mars or Gunslinger Beatrice so her Kin can pressure enemies closing on her position.
Best Rank B — Bloodhand Jan
Why Jan sits at B: Bloodhand Jan’s flamethrower and ground-slam AoE are devastating against groups. Players who clump at Ritual Sites dread his pressure. In Duos Mode, where coordinated groups are common, his value rises sharply.
Where Jan struggles: Solo queue against ranged characters like Sniper Layla who stay out of flamethrower range. Jan has the longest ramp-up time of any confirmed fighter.
Best role pairing: Jan works best with Nia for burst damage and zone control.
Best Rank B — Albert
Why Albert sits at B: Albert’s balanced kit — sabre, off-hand blade, and submachine gun — is the most forgiving for new players. His beam-style level-12 projectile punishes stationary targets and Trespasser AI.
Where Albert struggles: Pure carry potential. Albert does not dominate any phase like Zork or Trang Lanh do; he is consistent but rarely match-defining.
Best role pairing: Albert is the recommended starter. Pair him with Baritone for stat auras until players learn the meta better.
Meta notes and how the tier list shifts
Three factors will shift this tier list between now and retail launch:
- Map variety: the other two Lands of Dusk may favour different kits. A close-quarters map could push Zork higher; an open map could push Sniper Layla higher.
- Skill-based matchmaking: confirmed for retail launch. Veterans will queue against veterans, narrowing the gap between S and B tiers.
- Private lobbies: confirmed by Miyazaki for retail launch. Coordinated Duos teams will create a separate ranking environment that diverges from solo queue.
The wiki will update this tier list when FromSoftware confirms additional fighters. Treat the current ranking as a snapshot of the August 2026 meta.
How to use this tier list
- New players: pick Albert or Trang Lanh. Both have forgiving kits and clear strengths in solo queue.
- Competitive players: practice Zork and Trang Lanh first. Their level-12 Bloodsworn Skills decide Phase IV duels.
- Theory crafters: track how Bloodline unlocks change effective tier once the retail launch lands. Bloodline bonuses may push a B-tier fighter into S.
Related pages
- Tier List hub — broader tier discussion and archetypes
- Bloodsworn roster overview — full kit breakdown
- Dusk Battle Phases — when each Bloodsworn shines
- Builds — build theorycrafting per fighter