Updated on December 22, 2025: Adjusted the tier list based on December 20th buffs to various units and also added best ways to farm Gems, Trait Rerolls and more in the FAQ section.
The best units in Universal Tower Defense fit into five key categories: Hybrid, Hill, Ground, Support, and Farm. Whether you’re battling in Nightmare mode or going for High Scores in Infinite, understanding the best units for each role is essential. Let’s dive into my Universal Tower Defense Tier List and Guide!
Universal Tower Defense Unit Tier List
This tier list will give you a sneak peek into the best units available. I will explain the ranking for each unit and suggest the best game modes for utilizing them. While any unit can serve you well with the right upgrades and Etherealization with Relics, I’ll focus on standout options for Nightmare, Infinite, Challenges, and Virtual Realm modes.
Stat & Evo Assumptions: I’m assuming you’re feeding and upgrading your units with strong traits from the Traits NPC. The EVO versions of units will be prioritized when applicable, with non-EVO versions typically falling one tier lower. For example, a base version of Admiral excels as a strong Ground unit.
Best Traits: I’ll highlight optimal traits for each unit.
Best Relics: Look below the tier list for the best relics associated with each unit.
Farming Tips: The FAQ section below offers great farming strategies for gems, Trait Rerolls, and more.
Meta/S-Tier Hybrid
| S-Tier Hybrid | Rankings Explained |
|---|---|
 Berserker (Enraged)Mythic |
• Top 3 DPS unit with impressive hybrid flexibility and crowd control• Fast ramp-up and excels at obliterating armored enemies. |
 Jinoo (Monarch)Banner Secret |
• A top DPS unit with scaling buffs• Best in Infinite mode and recent buffs enhanced his utility. |
 Dragon Guy (Silverite)Challenges Secret |
• Enhanced abilities make him a strong pick for Virtual Realm and Infinite modes, especially when paired with Freeze units. |
 Scarlet Maid (World)Get from Virtual Shop |
• A versatile hybrid DPS and Support unit boosted by recent buffs• Best with E6 for enhanced Crowd Control. |
 Admiral (Magma)Legendary EVO |
• Great budget option due to easy availability and compensated damage traits, including great support with Confusion. |
 Mob (100%)Mythic |
• A strong hybrid option well-suited for VR and Infinite• Gained buffs making it an ideal DPS or support unit. |
Meta/S-Tier Ground
| S-Tier Ground | Rankings Explained |
|---|---|
 Kriatu (Cheater)Mythic |
• Currently the best ground unit with incredible damage potential in VR• Buffed ability damage solidifies his dominance. |
 Sasku (Chakra)Mythic |
• Great overall with solid DoT damage and utility, particularly in Story mode for newer players. |
 Rule (ROOM)ExclusiveBattlePass Reward Level 50 |
• Provides high DPS that can carry in Story mode—perfect for those rushing the BattlePass. |
A & B-Tier Ground
| A-Tier Ground | Rankings Explained |
|---|---|
 Ronin Obito/Rogue OniExclusiveDay 7 Daily Reward |
• Excellent for Story mode, providing solid DoT damage even without exceptional utility. |
 Footballer (Ego)ExclusiveBattlePass Reward Level 25 |
• Decent DPS option in Story, but lacking in utility with a more straightforward role. |
 GenLegendary |
• A solid option for beginners, but will struggle later unless you put significant investment in. |
Meta/S-Tier Air/Hill
| S-Tier Air | Rankings Explained |
|---|---|
 Spade (Donut)Mythic |
• The best Air/Hill DPS unit, key for story progression and a strong choice in Infinite modes. |
 Cyborg (Fearless)Mythic |
• His buffed nuke ability makes him a valuable asset even if he’s still a notch below Spade. |
A & B-Tier Air/Hill
| A-Tier Air | Rankings Explained |
|---|---|
 PebbleLegendary |
• A great starter Hill unit with commendable base DPS. |
   Great Early Game Air/Hill Units |
• A solid package to help beginners before they earn legendaries. |
Meta/S-Tier Support
| S-Tier Support | Rankings Explained |
|---|---|
 Shunks (Conqueror)Mythic |
• Combines damage and stuns, making him invaluable across all game modes. |
 LuluQuest SecretCheck out how to unlock him> |
• An exceptional support unit that excels in stalling enemy units, giving your DPS the upper hand. |
|
Admiral (Magma)Legendary EVO |
• The best budget unit available, striking a balance with DOT and potential crowd control. |
 Miku (Super Star)Mythic |
• Buffs nearby units, becoming particularly effective with more units on the field. |
A-Tier Support
| A-Tier Support | Rankings Explained |
|---|---|
 Shakumira EVOLegendary EVO |
• Low DPS but excels in stalling, becoming a solid choice for Infinite modes. |
 ZoraLegendary |
• A reliable support option with decent crowd control for beginners. |
|
Scarlet Maid (World)Get from Virtual Shop |
• A mix of DPS and support but can struggle with crowd control due to activation methods. |
Farm
| Farm | Rankings Explained |
|---|---|
 FastcartEpic |
• The only dedicated farm unit—get the Fortunate trait for optimal gains! |
Best Relics in Universal Tower Defense
Check out the best relics below, including their set bonuses and ideal units for equipping them.
| Set & Bonus Head | Set & Bonus Body/Legs | Best Units |
|---|---|---|
| Junior NinjaHead• Increase received buffs by 10% | Junior NinjaBody/Legs• +5% Damage• +10% Wind Damage | Wind Units in tandem with Miku (Super Star) or other buffers. |
| Master NinjaHead• Every 5 attacks increases DoT damage by 20% for 10 seconds | Master NinjaBody/Legs• +5% Damage• +10% Dark/Rose/Fire Damage | Dark, Rose, or Fire units with DoT effects like Admiral (Magma). |
| Sun GodHead• Every 6 attacks grants a damage buff equal to their range for 7 seconds (1 Range = 1% Damage) | Sun GodBody/Legs• +5% Damage• +10% Light/Water/Ice Damage | Ideal for high-speed attackers like Kriatu. |
| Laughing CaptainHead• -10% Active Ability Cooldown | Laughing CaptainBody/Legs• +5% Damage• -5% Cooldown• +5% Range | Great for any DPS units with active abilities, such as Lulu. |
| Berserk ShinigamiHead• Every 5th hit, the next attack is buffed to deal 20% extra True Damage | Berserk ShinigamiBody/Legs• +5% Damage• +15% Armor Damage | Excellent for armor-shredders like Berserker. |
| Ex Captain UraharoHead• Refund 5% of Yen spent on upgrades | Ex Captain UraharoBody/Legs• +10% Critical Rate• +25% Critical Damage | Best on Mythics and Secrets with the Duelist Trait. |
Universal Tower Defense Tips
How do the Elements interact in terms of bonus damage in Universal Tower Defense?
Fire is strong against Rose and Ice. Water beats Fire and Wind. Ice counters Water and Rose. Wind does well against Ice and Fire. Rose is effective against Wind and Water. Light is strong against Dark, while Dark is effective against Light.
What are the best ways to farm Gems in Universal Tower Defense?
You can farm Gems through various routes: Achievements, the Ragna Challenge (200 gems per clear), and half-hourly gem challenges yielding between 500 to 1,000 gems. Infinite Mode caps provide substantial gem rewards as well, with Easy Mode hitting 900 gems on Wave 50.
What are the best ways to farm Trait Rerolls in UTD?
The best ways to acquire Trait Rerolls generally involve completing specific challenges or missions that reward reroll items upon completion.
What are the best ways to farm gold in UTD?
You can farm gold by summoning units and selling them, utilizing the Ragna challenge, or clearing the Hollowed Moon Act 6 Nightmare (100% Difficulty), which awards 1,140 gold each clear.
What is the best way to farm EXP and Levels in UTD?
Farming in the Virtual Realm and completing Ragna Challenges or Story mode offers the most efficient route to gain XP and level up quickly.
That’s the scoop on my Universal Tower Defense Tier List and Guide. What’s your favorite unit setup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!