The Grand Archive Meta Report: Competitive Landscape 2025
Grand Archive's competitive scene has matured significantly over the past year. With multiple major events now in the books and a healthy regional circuit, we have real data to work with when evaluating the meta. This report breaks down the current landscape using tournament results, community polls, and our own playtesting.
Tier Overview
Before diving deep, here's the at-a-glance breakdown:
| Champion | Tier | Archetype | Event Representation | |----------|------|-----------|---------------------| | Lorraine (Crux Knight) | S | Aggro/Midrange | 28% | | Rai (Scholar) | S | Combo/Control | 22% | | Merlin | A | Spell Control | 16% | | Silvie | A | Midrange Ramp | 12% | | Diana | B | Tempo Aggro | 10% | | Tristan | B | Midrange | 7% | | Others | C | Varies | 5% |
S Tier Deep Dive
Lorraine, Crux Knight — The Aggro Queen
Lorraine's event representation has grown steadily since the release of her second signature card package. The core archetype remains the same: apply relentless early pressure, threaten lethal before the opponent's late game comes online.
Why she's S tier right now:
- Fastest clock in the format — can threaten lethal on turn 5 against most opponents
- Crux Knight equipment package is still the best aggro-enabling equipment set
- Flexible enough to include disruption tools without losing consistency
- Extremely well-understood at this point — the best lists are very tight
What keeps her from being oppressive: Lorraine is beatable. Her lists are known. Experienced players who have practiced the Lorraine matchup extensively can stabilise. The champion lacks true late-game reach, which means slow-roll defensive strategies can sometimes grind her out.
Rai, Radiant Scholar — The Format Definer
Rai represents everything that makes Grand Archive interesting as a competitive game. The float mechanic is unique to Grand Archive and rewards exceptional technical play. Top-tier Rai pilots make complex decisions on nearly every turn that less experienced players simply don't see.
Why he's S tier right now:
- Float turns generate resources faster than any other mechanic in the game
- "Floating Memory" deck style can dig up the perfect answer for every threat
- Extremely difficult to play from the other side of the table — hard to plan around
- Wins "draw-go" battles decisively once ahead
What keeps him honest: Rai has a weak early game before float turns are active. Aggressive starts from Lorraine can present lethal before the combo is set up. Requires extensive experience to pilot at full potential.
A Tier Deep Dive
Merlin — The Spell Count Grinder
Merlin's game plan revolves around accumulating a high count of spells per turn. Every fifth spell in a turn generates a Mage Staff token that counts as an additional spell when cast. This creates loops where a single turn might cast 8–12 spells.
Current standing: Merlin topped two regional events in the last quarter with an optimised 60-card list that maximised 0-cost setup spells. His late-game ceiling rivals Rai, but he's more linear and therefore more counterable once understood.
Silvie — The Dragon Threat
Silvie's power scaling is enormous, but her setup requirement puts her firmly in A tier rather than S. Once the Elder Dragon is active, the game often ends in 2–3 turns. However, getting there against prepared opponents is the challenge.
The advent of Dragon Bond protection cards in the DOA set has improved Silvie's consistency and she regularly makes Top 8 at events.
B Tier
Diana — Arrows in the Window
Diana's arrow timing mechanic (see our dedicated Diana guide) is genuinely one of the most skill-intensive things in Grand Archive. B tier represents her power level in the hands of an average pilot — in expert hands she's arguably A tier.
Tristan — Consistent, But Not Exciting
Tristan is a well-rounded midrange champion who always feels one set away from being S tier. His defensive tools are the best in the game, but his win conditions are slow.
What's Coming
Grand Archive's next expansion is expected to shift the meta meaningfully. The teasers shown at conventions have hinted at:
- A new champion with a unique mechanic
- Significant equipment support for Diana
- Possible nerfs to the Lorraine first-turn aggro package
We'll update this report immediately after the full spoiler season.
Tournament Play Recommendations
If you're attending an event in the near future:
- Primary pick: Lorraine Crux Knight — highest ceiling for technical players, best-tested in the format
- Counter pick: Rai — if you expect heavy Lorraine in your bracket, Rai has the tools to stabilise and win
- Underdog pick: Diana — lowest representation means opponents are under-prepared, and expert Diana play is truly powerful
The meta is healthy. No one champion is so oppressive that events lack diversity. Compete with what you know best.