Filter Table

Click on a Servant to show only their commentary.

Story-locked General

Altria Pendragon (Alter) Pros: Story-Locked

Benefits from NP Upgrades as it is her main niche

Very high base attack salvages some of her weak skills

Surely they must release her Shinjuku costume eventually? Cons: Kit does age poorly as her main competition all get upgraded

Base Intuition for at least another 2 years

Can currently be rolled on the Summoning Banner Commentary: A very solid pick for the main SR ticket, given how popular she is and her story-lock status. Yet, it seems much more ...efficient, to try and roll for her on the current banner and spend the ticket on someone else. But, the gacha can be a cruel mistress of course. Since her main use is to blast something with her amazing NP modifiers, an NP2 is an option, yet not recommended except for those who grailed/want to grail her.



A very solid pick for the main SR ticket, given how popular she is and her story-lock status. Yet, it seems much more ...efficient, to try and roll for her on the current banner and spend the ticket on someone else. But, the gacha can be a cruel mistress of course. Since her main use is to blast something with her amazing NP modifiers, an NP2 is an option, yet not recommended except for those who grailed/want to grail her.

Gawain Pros: Story-locked

Eventually receives Rank Up that fixes his kit

Buster Compatible

20% NP Charge with AoE NP Cons: Rank Up is almost 2 years away

Kit feels incomplete without Sun Field Status

Low NP Damage Commentary: The gorilla of Camelot has finally received the buff he’s been waiting for on the JP server, but his Rank Up is sadly still quite far away. Nonetheless, Gawain does offer a triple Buster deck which makes him exceedingly compatible with Merlin. Besides, Gawain was pretty great during the CCC Event Story, and who wouldn’t want a baller like him in Chaldea?



Sizzle's Comments: Considering we will get another free 4* Ticket next year (Note: Assumption), those who want to own Gawain could simply wait for next year as well.



The gorilla of Camelot has finally received the buff he’s been waiting for on the JP server, but his Rank Up is sadly still quite far away. Nonetheless, Gawain does offer a triple Buster deck which makes him exceedingly compatible with Merlin. Besides, Gawain was pretty great during the CCC Event Story, and who wouldn’t want a baller like him in Chaldea?Considering we will get another free 4* Ticket next year (Note: Assumption), those who want to own Gawain could simply wait for next year as well.

Siegfried Pros: Very strong Anti-Dragon Niche

Good all-purpose Saber after all his upgrades

Summer Costume (2 years)

Animation Updates (6-7 months) Cons: Can spook on any banner/Starter Servant

Plenty of banners to roll him on (Da Vinci Event, Apocrypha, etc.)

Often overshadowed outside Dragon niche Commentary: Siegfried is a pretty strong Servant these days, but Masters tend to give him a lot of flak due to his initial release state. While he no longer hits like a piece of cardboard, he is still one of the common Servants that will eventually spook most Masters (especially those who roll more often by employing their wallet). He also tends to share some important banners such as with Jeanne d’Arc (Alter) and Merlin.



Siegfried is a pretty strong Servant these days, but Masters tend to give him a lot of flak due to his initial release state. While he no longer hits like a piece of cardboard, he is still one of the common Servants that will eventually spook most Masters (especially those who roll more often by employing their wallet). He also tends to share some important banners such as with Jeanne d’Arc (Alter) and Merlin.

Chevalier d'Eon Pros: Excellent Taunting capability

Just got an Animation Update

Evasion/Debuff cleansing sometimes makes them the best Taunt Tank

Does not nick your Critical Stars Cons: General pool/Current Starter Servant

Weak NP

Often Georgios performs just as well or better Commentary: Given Chevalier d’Eon’s proclivity to spook, and how their role often overlaps with Georgios a tad too much, Chevalier simply isn’t a very sought after pick for this ticket. At higher NP Upgrades, Chevalier does provide a decent NP, and having extra Taunts on hand is always great to make Challenge Quests more predictable.



Given Chevalier d’Eon’s proclivity to spook, and how their role often overlaps with Georgios a tad too much, Chevalier simply isn’t a very sought after pick for this ticket. At higher NP Upgrades, Chevalier does provide a decent NP, and having extra Taunts on hand is always great to make Challenge Quests more predictable.

Suzuka Gozen Pros: Recent Addition to the roster

NP Charging

Great all-purpose Saber, covering both ST and AoE performance Cons: Can spook on any banner

NP Damage fairly weak

NP Charge over time

Demands loads of Evil Bones Commentary: Suzuka performs quite well at whatever she needs to do, neatly filling the gap for any Master who is desperately in need of a strong JK Saber for both AoE and ST purposes. Plus, even though she is a new-ish Servant in the general pool, its ever-widening roster will make it less and less likely she will randomly spook. You wouldn’t dare swipe left, would you?



Suzuka performs quite well at whatever she needs to do, neatly filling the gap for any Master who is desperately in need of a strong JK Saber for both AoE and ST purposes. Plus, even though she is a new-ish Servant in the general pool, its ever-widening roster will make it less and less likely she will randomly spook. You wouldn’t dare swipe left, would you?

Nero Claudius Pros: Story-locked

Refuses to die via Thrice Setting Sun/loads of healing

Gains 30% NP Charge after Rank Up (1.5 years)

Fits neatly in Arts comps

Recently gained new costume

Umu Cons: Low Attack Stat

Damage potential relies heavily on Imperial Privilege

Imperial Privilege’s 60% Chance often frustrating

Septem Commentary: With her Story-locked status, Nero makes for a fine pick for any Master looking to broaden their Saber roster. The amount of Arts AoE Sabers are rather limited as well, with only Shiki (Saber) as an alternative, or eventually, Jason. Plus, she makes for an excellent Last Stand Servant, as she utterly refuses to perish, much like her presence during the Septem Singularity.



With her Story-locked status, Nero makes for a fine pick for any Master looking to broaden their Saber roster. The amount of Arts AoE Sabers are rather limited as well, with only Shiki (Saber) as an alternative, or eventually, Jason. Plus, she makes for an excellent Last Stand Servant, as she utterly refuses to perish, much like her presence during the Septem Singularity.

Rama Pros: Anti-Demonic niche has fairly wide coverage

Very Merlin Compatible

Animation Updates in ~2 years Cons: General Pool/Can spook at any time

Crit steroid only a single turn

Pretty Vanilla kit Commentary: Rama’s single turn burst is a very impressive sight to behold, mainly by virtue of a very awesome Critical steroid. Still, against non-Demonic opponents, Rama has got some really crazy competition to contend with, especially with Saber of Empireo coming up in Shimosa as well (who, by the way, should be available with next year’s ticket). Plus, he may spook you eventually.



Rama’s single turn burst is a very impressive sight to behold, mainly by virtue of a very awesome Critical steroid. Still, against non-Demonic opponents, Rama has got some really crazy competition to contend with, especially with Saber of Empireo coming up in Shimosa as well (who, by the way, should be available with next year’s ticket). Plus, he may spook you eventually.

Lancelot (Saber) Pros: An absolute unit who needs no support to absolutely slaughter anything in his path

NP Charge

Very fun play style that weaves Criticals and Arts NPs together seamlessly

Makes his own Critical Stars

Functions very well at NP1 Cons: General Pool

The enemy better be dead in 3-ish turns

With no skills up, he’s just...there

Made of paper, especially with a Black Grail (which he synergizes with incredibly well) Commentary: At the end of the day, Lancelot (Saber) is simply a great self-sustained and fun to play Servant. The problem, when it comes to this ticket, is that he is in the general pool, and could potentially spook a Master. He is also included in various Knight of the Round Table banners, but those banner seem to be mainly JP-only for now (as they were tied in with the Camelot stage play).



Sizzle's Comments: I could never not recommend Lancelot (Saber), given how fun and responsive his kit is. That said, Sitting EX (Saber of Empireo) is a month away and they do compete for the spot of ST Arts Saber either through Lancelot's Critical aspect, or Saber of Empireo's steady approach.



At the end of the day, Lancelot (Saber) is simply a great self-sustained and fun to play Servant. The problem, when it comes to this ticket, is that he is in the general pool, and could potentially spook a Master. He is also included in various Knight of the Round Table banners, but those banner seem to be mainly JP-only for now (as they were tied in with the Camelot stage play).I could never not recommend Lancelot (Saber), given how fun and responsive his kit is. That said, Sitting EX (Saber of Empireo) is a month away and they do compete for the spot of ST Arts Saber either through Lancelot's Critical aspect, or Saber of Empireo's steady approach.

Atalante Pros: Teamwide 1-turn 50% Quick Support

If you thought EMIYA made a lot of Critical Stars with his NP….

Excellent Quick NP refund

Scathach=Skadi NP Looping Potential

Animation Updates (6-7 months!)

Benefits from NP Upgrades to help with farming

Saori Hayami Cons: General Pool

Available as only 4* on rate-up during Apocrypha Event

Glued to a Kaleidoscope/etc.

Horrible base NP Gain

Weak Attack Stat and general performance Commentary: With very few opportunities to directly roll her, Atalante is quite a rare Servant especially considering she has been available since the very beginning. Atalante really comes into her own next year, when she not only receives her animation updates, but Scathach=Skadi makes her a farming powerhouse very few can match. Highly recommended, but she is available in the general pool.



GamePress Author Comments: After Skadi comes out, she is quite good for neutral mob farming as well and not just Saber targets.



With very few opportunities to directly roll her, Atalante is quite a rare Servant especially considering she has been available since the very beginning. Atalante really comes into her own next year, when she not only receives her animation updates, but Scathach=Skadi makes her a farming powerhouse very few can match. Highly recommended, but she is available in the general pool.After Skadi comes out, she is quite good for neutral mob farming as well and not just Saber targets.

Emiya Pros: Excellent mix between AoE Damage and Critical Capability

NP produces a great amount of Critical Stars

Absolutely amazing Critical Damage steroids (100%!)

Unlimited Blade Works Cons: General Pool/Common Starter Servant

Shares banner with Ishtar for Christmas 2 Rerun

Outmatched by specialists Commentary: With EMIYA being one of the more common Servants in the game especially given just how often he shows up on banners, and many Masters owning a copy, EMIYA isn’t a very tempting pick by default.Yet, he’s still an amazing Archer (..but there are no bad Archers, right?), and a fan-favorite. If he hasn’t spooked you, and you like him, he will not disappoint.



With EMIYA being one of the more common Servants in the game especially given just how often he shows up on banners, and many Masters owning a copy, EMIYA isn’t a very tempting pick by default.Yet, he’s still an amazing Archer (..but there are no bad Archers, right?), and a fan-favorite. If he hasn’t spooked you, and you like him, he will not disappoint.

Emiya (Alter) Pros: Story-Locked

Fun skill set with flexible skill activation

NP Upgrade next year (~10 months)

Very Arts compatible, with NP Spam capability

At the time of writing, has the highest Archer ST NP damage on the Japanese server Cons: Immense competition, especially for Masters who own Chloe

Random Chance to NP Drain can be very frustrating during enemy NP turns

Need allied Support to survive most enemy NPs Commentary: EMIYA (Alter) is mainly a Servant who suffers from having to compete with some very insane competition. This problem is reduced quite a bit once he comes into his own a lot more next year upon receiving his NP Upgrade. As a story-locked Servant, now is a great opportunity to pick him if one needs an (Arts) Archer.



EMIYA (Alter) is mainly a Servant who suffers from having to compete with some very insane competition. This problem is reduced quite a bit once he comes into his own a lot more next year upon receiving his NP Upgrade. As a story-locked Servant, now is a great opportunity to pick him if one needs an (Arts) Archer.

Tristan Pros: Story-Locked

Teamwide 1-hit Evasion is amazing.

Enemy Buff removal and loads of utility (Def Pierce soon, Sure Hit, etc.)

50% NP Charge

NP Upgrade next month

Excellent Generation Performance

Benefits from Scathach=Skadi support Cons: No Steroids of his own, low damage

Quite Fragile

NP Charge seals his NP Commentary: Tristan is often overlooked, but he has a skill set that is just perfect for so many Challenge Quests. Coming fresh off the hardships of Nero Fest, I am sure many of you can appreciate the wonders of all the utility this flying harp...man can provide. He is story-locked, hard to get otherwise, so if you want him, now is the time!



Rath's Comments: Tristan deserves a mention for all F2P Masters who also have no Merlin Friends for having an AoE Evasion and actual good Challenge Quest utility. Tristan just has a very concise and effective skill set.



Note: Multiple GamePress writers chose Tristan as their 4* Servant on next year’s ticket on the JP server, and some will pick him now.



Tristan is often overlooked, but he has a skill set that is just perfect for so many Challenge Quests. Coming fresh off the hardships of Nero Fest, I am sure many of you can appreciate the wonders of all the utility this flying harp...man can provide. He is story-locked, hard to get otherwise, so if you want him, now is the time!Tristan deserves a mention for all F2P Masters who also have no Merlin Friends for having an AoE Evasion and actual good Challenge Quest utility. Tristan just has a very concise and effective skill set.Multiple GamePress writers chose Tristan as their 4* Servant on next year’s ticket on the JP server, and some will pick him now.

Altria Pendragon (Lancer Alter) Pros: Story-Locked

Excellent AoE Damage with NP Upgrade

Amazing ST Critical burst damage

NP Seal & Ignore Defense on NP

Very high attack stat Cons: Fairly Burst-oriented, although it can be split across 2 turns

Very Weak NP Gain performance

Can currently be rolled on the Summoning Banner Commentary: Altria (Lancer Alter) is a great example of a focused skill set that aged very nicely. It helps that her Intuition-like skill actually carries some great synergy with our favorite fluffy Buster support. And, uh, isn’t Intuition. Much like the commentary on her Saber Alter counterpart, she can be rolled on the current gacha, so ideally, roll her there. But in the case of (of course) bad luck, she is an excellent, hard to otherwise get, pick.



Altria (Lancer Alter) is a great example of a focused skill set that aged very nicely. It helps that her Intuition-like skill actually carries some great synergy with our favorite fluffy Buster support. And, uh, isn’t Intuition. Much like the commentary on her Saber Alter counterpart, she can be rolled on the current gacha, so ideally, roll her there. But in the case of (of course) bad luck, she is an excellent, hard to otherwise get, pick.

Vlad III (EXTRA) Pros: Anti-Evil trait has wide coverage

Great all-around performance

Plenty of utility (Taunt/Pierce Invincibility) Cons: General Pool

Upcoming Summon Banner

Quite low Attack

Outside of Anti-trait, often outdone offensively by pure damage Lancer Commentary: Much of what makes Vlad III (Extra) great, is a bit hidden under his base stats and his Anti-Evil coverage. With excellent Quick and Extra cards, and high base NP Gain, he can charge his NP quite rapidly, especially under an AQQ chain and defensive NP Gain under a Taunt against high hit count enemies. Still, he’s not entirely recommended, mainly due to his upcoming Halloween 2 banner.



Much of what makes Vlad III (Extra) great, is a bit hidden under his base stats and his Anti-Evil coverage. With excellent Quick and Extra cards, and high base NP Gain, he can charge his NP quite rapidly, especially under an AQQ chain and defensive NP Gain under a Taunt against high hit count enemies. Still, he’s not entirely recommended, mainly due to his upcoming Halloween 2 banner.

Elisabeth Bathory Pros: Excellent female support skill set (+60% effective attack)

Her selection of traits (Dragon, Evil, etc.) makes her easily insertable in many female compositions

Ignore Defense on NP

AOU CAST-OFF Cons: General Pool/Starter Servant

Upcoming Summon Banner (Halloween 3)

Fairly weak personal kit

Only Guts for Survival Commentary: Elisabeth Bathory has been solid performer ever since her Rank Up Quest last year. With an animation update from the CCC event under her belt as well, she makes for a great Servant to destroy a wave 1 or 2 enemy while buffing her female allies with some immense Attack Up support. Still, she is in the general pool, so she might well spook any unsuspecting Master with her cacophony.



Elisabeth Bathory has been solid performer ever since her Rank Up Quest last year. With an animation update from the CCC event under her belt as well, she makes for a great Servant to destroy a wave 1 or 2 enemy while buffing her female allies with some immense Attack Up support. Still, she is in the general pool, so she might well spook any unsuspecting Master with her cacophony.

Fionn mac Cumhaill Pros: Recipient of 3 upgrades in total

Really comes into his own once he unlocks his NP Charge (~1.5 years from now)

AoE Arts NP-looping potential after upgrade, though not easy

Benefits from NP Upgrades

Powerful teamwide NP Gain/Stargen buff

Same colour as Rare Prism Cons: General Pool/Will spook you on this banner

Fairly low base attack and single turn steroid

Needs maxed skills to avoid RNG on Evasion

Limited use until final upgrade

Poor Diarmuid

Fionn Commentary: With a writeup that has long been very unkind to Fionn, Fionn’s potential to spook banners is legendary. Luckily (for him), the addition of an NP Charge has given him much more to do and makes him a decent Servant for Arts farming, if Masters can set him up properly/have enough NP Upgrades. While Arts Lancers are thin on the ground, the recent addition of Mysterious Alter Ego Λ has stolen a bit of his AoE Arts farming thunder. Still, don’t count out Fionn as a pick for this ticket, some Masters think very long term!



Note: Rabbit's second pick, if he would have owned Tristan.



With a writeup that has long been very unkind to Fionn, Fionn’s potential to spook banners is legendary. Luckily (for him), the addition of an NP Charge has given him much more to do and makes him a decent Servant for Arts farming, if Masters can set him up properly/have enough NP Upgrades. While Arts Lancers are thin on the ground, the recent addition of Mysterious Alter Ego Λ has stolen a bit of his AoE Arts farming thunder. Still, don’t count out Fionn as a pick for this ticket, some Masters think very long term!Rabbit's second pick, if he would have owned Tristan.

Medusa (Lancer) Pros: Will receive 2 upgrades in the next 2 years

After both upgrades, deals decent NP Damage and can salvage her Quick cards

Has access to both a Charm and a Stun disable

Also quite durable

Performance improves with access to Scathach (Skadi) Cons: General Pool

Part of the upcoming popular Ereshkigal banner

Why did they murder her basic Quick Card?

Low base attack Commentary: While her current performance is sadly not very strong, Masters who look towards the future will find her a bit more useful. Masters who are interested in her should not be deterred by her current state, but do note that she can spook at any time and that her shared banner with Ereshkigal is quite a hotly anticipated banner.



While her current performance is sadly not very strong, Masters who look towards the future will find her a bit more useful. Masters who are interested in her should not be deterred by her current state, but do note that she can spook at any time and that her shared banner with Ereshkigal is quite a hotly anticipated banner.

Li Shuwen Pros: Story-Locked

One of the few (competent) Arts Lancers even now

Gains a solid NP Upgrade (~1.5 years), making him deal the highest 4* ST NP Damage among the Lancers

High burst damage

Undeterred by any and all normal Defensive buffs

Is an Event Servant quite often in the upcoming 2 years Cons: Shares a banner with Okita Souji (Alter) next year

Burst heavy, though one can spread his damage buffs over multiple turns

Sometimes utility is redundant (Putting Sure Hit and Pierce Invincibility on at once)

Single turn duration on damage buffs Commentary: With his presence firmly in the story-locked category, Li Shuwen isn’t a very common sight on the global server. Being one of the few Arts Lancers in the game right now, Masters who prefer to unleash their stable Arts (Critical) composition on anything that moves will find Li Shuwen a perfect match to their play style. Whether that is worth the effort is something that opinions are a bit divided about among the writing team.



Rabbit's Comments: Li and Fionn can be valuable picks on Arts-leaning accounts due to the general lack of Arts Lancers for the next two-ish year. (And Li has the added advantage of being story-locked).



With his presence firmly in the story-locked category, Li Shuwen isn’t a very common sight on the global server. Being one of the few Arts Lancers in the game right now, Masters who prefer to unleash their stable Arts (Critical) composition on anything that moves will find Li Shuwen a perfect match to their play style. Whether that is worth the effort is something that opinions are a bit divided about among the writing team.Li and Fionn can be valuable picks on Arts-leaning accounts due to the general lack of Arts Lancers for the next two-ish year. (And Li has the added advantage of being story-locked).

Astolfo Pros: Access to the almighty 50% NP Charge

AoE NP with decent base damage

Benefits from NP Upgrades

Gain new costume (very soon)

Scathach=Skadi compatible

Cannot refund, but 2 successive NPs not hard to pull of via Supports/CEs

QP Farmer extraordinaire Cons: General pool

Must have expensive CE/Supports to 3-turn farm with Astolfo alone

Non-farming performance still as bad as ever Commentary: NP Charging options for AoE Servants, especially very strong ones such as Astolfo’s, are exceedingly rare. Given Astolfo also does decent AoE Damage (especially once Skadi is available), his farming potential is downright superb for a 4* Servant. Still, he is available in the general pool, and there are quite a few Rider farming alternatives.



NP Charging options for AoE Servants, especially very strong ones such as Astolfo’s, are exceedingly rare. Given Astolfo also does decent AoE Damage (especially once Skadi is available), his farming potential is downright superb for a 4* Servant. Still, he is available in the general pool, and there are quite a few Rider farming alternatives.

Anne Bonny & Mary Read Pros: High burst damage, especially if set up just right

Scathach=Skadi compatible

2 Servants for the price of 1 Cons: General Pool

Heavy competition especially from Ushiwakamaru

Their (low HP) niche is not very accessible and risky Commentary: The potential burst damage these two pirates can supply is pretty impressive for Servants that were released rather close to launch, especially under the influence of additional (Quick) support buffs. That said, it begs the question when that damage is actually necessary especially given other, more quickly charging alternatives are available. Considering they are available in the general pool, this is not an option we really advise, but gameplay is not the most important factor.



The potential burst damage these two pirates can supply is pretty impressive for Servants that were released rather close to launch, especially under the influence of additional (Quick) support buffs. That said, it begs the question when that damage is actually necessary especially given other, more quickly charging alternatives are available. Considering they are available in the general pool, this is not an option we really advise, but gameplay is not the most important factor.

Marie Antoinette Pros: Indestructible

Provides some healing and cleansing support via NP

Gains NP Upgrade in 6 months with new team crit buff

Scathach=Skadi compatible

Can somewhat NP Refund with Skadi at higher NP level

Kira Kira Cons: General Pool/Starter Servant

Low NP Damage even after NP Upgrade

Better Rider alternatives available for 3-turn farming

Lacks damage and steroids in general

As a Rider, absorbs Critical Stars while not very capable of using them well Commentary: While Marie’s caster balls don’t quite pack the punch all of us would like it to, her performance with Scathach=Skadi is at least worth a mention. There are plenty of Riders who can supply 3-turn NP looping, but Marie’s capability to do the same (although it generally requires some additional copies) is quite a nice perk. Despite an NP Upgrade on the way, it’s hard to recommend except to the most devoted fans/Sanson/Mozart.



While Marie’s caster balls don’t quite pack the punch all of us would like it to, her performance with Scathach=Skadi is at least worth a mention. There are plenty of Riders who can supply 3-turn NP looping, but Marie’s capability to do the same (although it generally requires some additional copies) is quite a nice perk. Despite an NP Upgrade on the way, it’s hard to recommend except to the most devoted fans/Sanson/Mozart.

Saint Martha Pros: Instant team debuff cleanse on skill

Targetable Buff removal with 30% Defense Down

High NP Gain with 3-turn AoE Defense Down on NP

NP Upgrade in 6 months with a new pre-NP Buster buff

Animation Update in 15 months

Saori Hayami Cons: General Pool/Starter Servant

Shares banner with Ishtar for Christmas 2 Rerun

Even after her NP Upgrade, it deals only average damage

Overall deals fairly low damage

Her main use is during Challenge Quests to bypass mechanics - and the next big event for them is in a year from now

Generally, many of the special buffs and debuffs will not be cleansable/removable in the future Commentary: Saint Martha is a blessing to own during Challenge Quests, especially for content that could still have key buffs or debuffs removed such as last Nero Fest. This utility does take a beating, but instead Saint Martha will gain the punching visuals and upgrade she needs to pull her weight. As a Servant in the general pool, and a Servant with a full Martha banner (both versions!) during Christmas next year, she is not a bad choice at all to broaden one's roster.



Saint Martha is a blessing to own during Challenge Quests, especially for content that could still have key buffs or debuffs removed such as last Nero Fest. This utility does take a beating, but instead Saint Martha will gain the punching visuals and upgrade she needs to pull her weight. As a Servant in the general pool, and a Servant with a full Martha banner (both versions!) during Christmas next year, she is not a bad choice at all to broaden one's roster.

Helena Blavatsky Pros: Very rare teamwide 20% NP Gauge Boost

Additional triple Card Performance buff

Immense value to any Master without a teamwide NP Gauge boost of their own

Very compatible with NP looping strategies

Can be used with the Chaldea Combat Uniform to supply both 20% NP Gauge, triple Card Performance and an Attack buff as a direct farming upgrade over the Mage’s Association Uniform

Very high AoE upgraded NP Damage

Can charge NPs and use an offensive NP herself Cons: General Pool

Much less valuable to Masters with access to a teamwide NP Gauge Boost from top supports

Extremely high skill cooldowns

20% Chance to fail her NP Damage buff

Weak NP Gain (good Quick card though) Commentary: Helena Blavatsky stands out as one of our top recommended options, especially for any Master that hasn’t been lucky enough to get Waver, Merlin or other Servants with a teamwide NP Gauge. The quality of life improvement that Helena provides to new (F2P) Masters by helping Masters launch their NPs immediately is incredibly high. In addition, her compatibility with Arts team, to further their refund and supply NP Charging, is also worth a mention, even for Masters with better NP Charging supports. All that aside, Helena herself is no slouch either for farming, given her high NP Damage. Still, for Masters who do have someone that can charge the team’s NP Gauge, she is not as heavily recommended (and she is still in the general pool).



Meliran's Comments: Helena is best girl.



Note: Norse’s Servant of choice on the JP server, and will naturally be selected by Meliran for NP4.



Helena Blavatsky stands out as one of our top recommended options, especially for any Master that hasn’t been lucky enough to get Waver, Merlin or other Servants with a teamwide NP Gauge. The quality of life improvement that Helena provides to new (F2P) Masters by helping Masters launch their NPs immediately is incredibly high. In addition, her compatibility with Arts team, to further their refund and supply NP Charging, is also worth a mention, even for Masters with better NP Charging supports. All that aside, Helena herself is no slouch either for farming, given her high NP Damage. Still, for Masters who do have someone that can charge the team’s NP Gauge, she is not as heavily recommended (and she is still in the general pool).Helena is best girl.Norse’s Servant of choice on the JP server, and will naturally be selected by Meliran for NP4.

Gilgamesh (Caster) Pros: Powerful Arts Critical Support

Great compatibility with the Chaldea Combat Uniform

Good NP Damage due to his high steroids

Very high Star Generation buff can make any high hit attack generate immense sums of Critical Stars

Great replacement for Masters without Tamamo

Is an Event Servant for both the upcoming Christmas Event, and both Summer 3 & 4

Gains a new Costume next Summer Event

Rare Debuff Success Rate buff Cons: General Pool

Shares a Summon Banner with Ereshkigal and later Dantes

Has a large downtime between skill activations

NP Gain lower than normal during NP (low refund)

If used for offensive, lacks raw burst damage Commentary: A powerful Servant with all-around great Arts support, Gilgamesh(Caster) is a staple for many Arts Critical teams. But Gilgamesh does not need to support other per se, as his steady damage output is rather good while constantly buffing his team. In addition, he has some fun unique uses in buffing debuff success rate, such as with Medb (Saber)’s NP, or the various low-chance Stuns on NP from Servants like Waver. Still, he is in the general pool, and a presence in many popular banners.



Note: Rabbit used the ticket on him on the JP Server only to get spooked by 2 more copies soon after.



A powerful Servant with all-around great Arts support, Gilgamesh(Caster) is a staple for many Arts Critical teams. But Gilgamesh does not need to support other per se, as his steady damage output is rather good while constantly buffing his team. In addition, he has some fun unique uses in buffing debuff success rate, such as with Medb (Saber)’s NP, or the various low-chance Stuns on NP from Servants like Waver. Still, he is in the general pool, and a presence in many popular banners.Rabbit used the ticket on him on the JP Server only to get spooked by 2 more copies soon after.

Thomas Edison Pros: Story-Locked

Stalling Arts Team Powerhouse

Packs heavy utility on NP with NP/Skill Seal

Spammable NP with strong Overcharge

Unique Overcharge boost

NP Charge over time

Very, very sturdy after Skill Upgrade (~1.5 years)

Also gains targetable cooldown reduction

‘Merica Cons: He is not exactly a...fast clearing Servant

Low NP Damage

No steroids

Low usefulness during general farming/clearing Commentary: Edison is often mocked as one of the weaker Servants in the game. On release, that was certainly true. But Edison has a brand of stalling on the JP server now that few can match. While the cost of success is high (it takes so long!) the constant debuffs and sealing will in a proper Arts team eventually lead to success. Fun to mess around with, and as a story-locked Servant, he is not so easy to get.



Edison is often mocked as one of the weaker Servants in the game. On release, that was certainly true. But Edison has a brand of stalling on the JP server now that few can match. While the cost of success is high (it takes so long!) the constant debuffs and sealing will in a proper Arts team eventually lead to success. Fun to mess around with, and as a story-locked Servant, he is not so easy to get.

Nursery Rhyme Pros: Upgraded AoE Arts NP Spamming with AoE NP Drain

NP Charge

Decent Critical Capability (to spam more NPs with)

Quite sturdy Cons: General Pool

Shares banner with Ishtar for Christmas 2 Rerun

No direct damage steroids except after NP

Low NP Damage

Chance-based NP Drain can be frustrating Commentary: The little girl whose NP Spam can demolish even the toughest of enemies in a full Arts team. She’s a decent AoE farmer too, but her low damage does make her refunding and clearing a tad more difficult (less Overkill to trigger refund with). She has some big competition when it comes to AoE Casters Servants though.



The little girl whose NP Spam can demolish even the toughest of enemies in a full Arts team. She’s a decent AoE farmer too, but her low damage does make her refunding and clearing a tad more difficult (less Overkill to trigger refund with). She has some big competition when it comes to AoE Casters Servants though.

Nitocris Pros: Excellent farming Servant

Full NP Charge skill

Immense CE flexibility to make up for shortcomings

Can unleash NP instantly with all Event CEs

Or Unleash NP twice with Kscope and Supports

Reliable Instant Death capability vs susceptible (bronze, undead, etc.) mobs

Fairly sturdy with decent base Attack stat (for a Caster)

Benefits from NP Upgrades Cons: General Pool

Shares Upcoming Halloween 2 Banner

Mediocre NP Damage

No direct steroids

Needs grails, MLB CEs or NP2+ to reliably farm certain nodes without Instant Death

Instant Death Chance often not reliable

Instant Death not effective at all versus strong enemies

Weak performance outside of farming Commentary: Nitocris stands among our top recommended Servants as her ability to speed up farming is an amazing quality of life improvement. As the only AoE NP Servant with a full NP Gauge boost, Nitocris is a staple among many 3-turn farming teams, even against certain non-Assassin nodes. To truly get rid of her reliability issues does require some additional investments, but even her performance at NP1 is special.



Sizzle's Comments: I used my JP ticket to acquire a copy of Nitocris to speed up farming. She did not disappoint.



Nitocris stands among our top recommended Servants as her ability to speed up farming is an amazing quality of life improvement. As the only AoE NP Servant with a full NP Gauge boost, Nitocris is a staple among many 3-turn farming teams, even against certain non-Assassin nodes. To truly get rid of her reliability issues does require some additional investments, but even her performance at NP1 is special.I used my JP ticket to acquire a copy of Nitocris to speed up farming. She did not disappoint.

Medea (Lily) Pros: Story-Locked

Full NP Charge skill

Massive Healing capabilty

Full Team Cleanse on NP

New Animations (2 years from now)

Gain unique targetable anti-buff removal skill upgrade in ~2 years

Delicious Pancakes Cons: Death cannot be healed; high NP/Crit Damage can kill before it can be healed

Little use outside of Stalling and Challenge Quests

No offensive support

Overshadowed by more powerful defensive supports that can also supply offensive buffs Commentary: Few Servants can even compete with the sheer healing output that Medea (Lily) can provide. The problem is, healing is generally not a very strong defensive mechanic as the elements that lead to a Servant’s death cannot be healed afterwards. An NP or Critical Hit may well spell death for the undefended after all. Her team cleanse, as Nero Fest attested, is certainly still useful, but there’s little else to recommend about Medea (Lily) except as a target for those who like Medea a lot given her Story-Locked status.



Sizzle's Comments: There was some debate in the writing team whether her value was high enough (and her story-lock) to justify a minor recommendation. Ultimately, I consider her healing niche to provide so little value (especially during general use) that I cannot justify a recommendation for her in the face of so many alternative Servants to consider.



Few Servants can even compete with the sheer healing output that Medea (Lily) can provide. The problem is, healing is generally not a very strong defensive mechanic as the elements that lead to a Servant’s death cannot be healed afterwards. An NP or Critical Hit may well spell death for the undefended after all. Her team cleanse, as Nero Fest attested, is certainly still useful, but there’s little else to recommend about Medea (Lily) except as a target for those who like Medea a lot given her Story-Locked status.There was some debate in the writing team whether her value was high enough (and her story-lock) to justify a minor recommendation. Ultimately, I consider her healing niche to provide so little value (especially during general use) that I cannot justify a recommendation for her in the face of so many alternative Servants to consider.

Emiya (Assassin) Pros: Gains an NP Upgrade in 2 months

Acquires Ignore Defense on NP and already has access to a 3-turn Invincibility Pierce

Decent NP Damage (and refund) after Upgrade

Guaranteed NP Drain on NP

Targetable Taunt fun to abuse

Great Buster, Extra and Quick Card Hit Counts (Start with an Arts card)

Good Star Generation Cons: General Pool

Atrocious basic Arts cards

Fragile

Heavy competition from welfare Shiki (Assassin) who will be accessible in 5 months

NP1 performance quite weak versus NP5 3* Servants such as post-upgraded Jing Ke and Hassan of the Hundred Faces Commentary: With an NP Upgrade on the horizon, Emiya (Assassin) is going to receive a large upgrade to his overall performance, given how often he can use his NP. His kit fits quite well together, were it not for the very weak Arts cards (try to avoid them except to infuse other cards with NP Gain). The main trade-off to make on whether to pick him is arguably that other Servants can do what he does, and they are going to be accessible very soon.



With an NP Upgrade on the horizon, Emiya (Assassin) is going to receive a large upgrade to his overall performance, given how often he can use his NP. His kit fits quite well together, were it not for the very weak Arts cards (try to avoid them except to infuse other cards with NP Gain). The main trade-off to make on whether to pick him is arguably that other Servants can do what he does, and they are going to be accessible very soon.

Carmilla Pros: Gains an NP Upgrade in 6 months

Anti-Female NP Modifier massively upgraded to where it should be (50% bonus from 20%)

Very High NP Gain

Vampirism is also a 27% NP Charge

Animation Update next month Cons: General Pool / Starter Servant

Shares a banner in the upcoming Halloween 3 Event

Unwieldy card QQQAB deck

Mediocre NP Damage against non-females Commentary: Carmilla’s upcoming banner and her status as a starter Servant make her a generally less appealing option to use the free ticket on. That said, while her current performance isn’t very strong, her upcoming NP Upgrade and new animations provide plenty of incentive to snag a copy of her whether this week, or during the Halloween 3 Event (re)run.



Carmilla’s upcoming banner and her status as a starter Servant make her a generally less appealing option to use the free ticket on. That said, while her current performance isn’t very strong, her upcoming NP Upgrade and new animations provide plenty of incentive to snag a copy of her whether this week, or during the Halloween 3 Event (re)run.

Assassin of Shinjuku Pros: Great Star Generation

Skill Upgrade a year from now

Critical Star Manipulation skills

Scathach=Skadi Compatible Cons: General Pool

Shares a banner in the upcoming Halloween 3 Event

Very low damage output

Weak NP at low NP levels even after Skill Upgrade Commentary: Selecting Assassin of Shinjuku this year is a bold move, especially with an upcoming Summon Banner and his ability to spook Masters at any time. His kit doesn’t fully come together until his Skill Upgrade next year, especially given active Star Generation is not that strong compared to passive star generation from various supports. Still, some Masters always like to ice skate uphill.



Selecting Assassin of Shinjuku this year is a bold move, especially with an upcoming Summon Banner and his ability to spook Masters at any time. His kit doesn’t fully come together until his Skill Upgrade next year, especially given active Star Generation is not that strong compared to passive star generation from various supports. Still, some Masters always like to ice skate uphill.

Stheno Pros: NP Upgrade a year from now

NP Defense Down will scale with NP Upgrades and will remove buffs

Charm Lock capability

Divine Team Support

Vampirism is also a 27% NP Charge

Very high NP Gain

Smug Gawain bullying Cons: General Pool / Starter Servant

No Damaging NP

Weak Offensive Performance

Support Buster NP with QQQAB deck

Overall Support weaker than most dedicated Supports Commentary: With her limited offensive presence and being one of the more common Servants thanks to her starter status, Stheno is generally not a very popular pick for this ticket. The added scaling next year on her NP is nice, but the NP Upgrade is still minor at best.



Sizzle's Comments: Surely Stheno will not be picked this year as one of the free Servant options?



Hakurai’s Comments: I actually picked her last year on the NA server.



Sizzle's Comments: Well, with only the starter Servants to choose from, that is at least understandable.



Hakurai's Comments: I am a big invester in the meme economy.



With her limited offensive presence and being one of the more common Servants thanks to her starter status, Stheno is generally not a very popular pick for this ticket. The added scaling next year on her NP is nice, but the NP Upgrade is still minor at best.Surely Stheno will not be picked this year as one of the free Servant options?I actually picked her last year on the NA server.Well, with only the starter Servants to choose from, that is at least understandable.I am a big invester in the meme economy.

Assassin of the Nightless City Pros: One of the stronger current Quick Supports

High NP Damage even now

NP Upgrade in ~2 years from now

Incredibly high NP Damage for a 4* after NP Upgrade

Also gains buff removal on NP

Scathach=Skadi Compatible Cons: General Pool

Shares a banner in the upcoming Halloween 3 Event

Imperial Privilege’s 60% Chance often frustrating

Mediocre NP Gain

Fragile without Imperial Privilege Defense proc Commentary: Assassin of the Nightless City’s performance always walks a fine line between her Quick Support and her own rather decent damage performance (given all her steroids). Still, she is reliant on getting that Imperial Privilege to activate to truly unleash those damage numbers. She’s a very solid pick (and the best Quick-based Assassin pick for 4*'s), especially given her recent addition to the roster, but Masters will have the chance to roll for her soon (or be spooked by her at any time).



Assassin of the Nightless City’s performance always walks a fine line between her Quick Support and her own rather decent damage performance (given all her steroids). Still, she is reliant on getting that Imperial Privilege to activate to truly unleash those damage numbers. She’s a very solid pick (and the best Quick-based Assassin pick for 4*'s), especially given her recent addition to the roster, but Masters will have the chance to roll for her soon (or be spooked by her at any time).

Ibaraki-Douji Pros: Strong all-around performance especially in Challenge Quests

Buff Removal on NP

Teamwide Charisma

Good NP Damage

Sturdy especially with additional support

Bananas are a source of potassium and a healthy part of any diet Cons: General pool

Shares a banner in the upcoming Halloween 2 Event Rerun

Lack of hard survival Commentary: Surely after all the bullying the Banana Oni received, she is worthy of being selected with the free 4* ticket? Well, sort of. She is a very strong and capable alternative to Heracles, actually being quite similar in performance, yet exchanges his last stand and hard survival for better performance in a full team setting. Given just how common Heracles is (and how often heracles is advised to start any Master’s journey with), she is a great alternative pick for an all-purpose Berserker Servant.



Surely after all the bullying the Banana Oni received, she is worthy of being selected with the free 4* ticket? Well, sort of. She is a very strong and capable alternative to Heracles, actually being quite similar in performance, yet exchanges his last stand and hard survival for better performance in a full team setting. Given just how common Heracles is (and how often heracles is advised to start any Master’s journey with), she is a great alternative pick for an all-purpose Berserker Servant.

Berserker of El Dorado Pros: 60% NP Charge over 3 turns

High (NP) Damage output

Strong teamwide Buster steroids

3-turn Debuff Immunity

Good Berserker farming performance

Scales well with MLB CEs, NP2+ and grails

Hilarious damage output against Greek Male Mythology enemies Cons: General Pool

Shares a banner in the upcoming Halloween 3 Event

No survival skills at all; will die super easily against strong enemies

Sadly, very few Greek Male Mythology enemies Commentary: -

Sizzle's Comments: With multiple grailed copies across servers, any attempt at being unbiased is a bit futile. Berserker of El Dorado’s largest strength is that she can provide her mixture of fast-charging offense and strong team buffs on any (farming) node. Especially for more seasoned Masters, this makes her a superior Berserker option for many quests where safety is not a concern. Even in more difficult quests, her kill-or-be-killed approach is quite viable, as a dead enemy can’t hurt her. This is also why an NP Upgrade works wonders for her overall performance as unlike many of her Berserker peers, she can use her NP quite often.

With multiple grailed copies across servers, any attempt at being unbiased is a bit futile. Berserker of El Dorado’s largest strength is that she can provide her mixture of fast-charging offense and strong team buffs on any (farming) node. Especially for more seasoned Masters, this makes her a superior Berserker option for many quests where safety is not a concern. Even in more difficult quests, her kill-or-be-killed approach is quite viable, as a dead enemy can’t hurt her. This is also why an NP Upgrade works wonders for her overall performance as unlike many of her Berserker peers, she can use her NP quite often. Still, with an upcoming banner and her ability to spook at any time, Masters could elect to go for a more difficult to acquire Servant or an even stronger farming Servant Note:I will be selecting Berserker of El Dorado (as I have done on the JP server), because with grails, her expected performance should be higher than what she is showing at NP1.



Tamamo Cat Pros: Will receive 2 Skill Upgrades in the next 15 months

Gains a 1-time Debuff Immunity in 10 months from now

Very sturdy after all her Skill Upgrades

Decent upgraded Berserker AoE NP

Scathach=Skadi compatible

Animation Update in 15 months Cons: General Pool / Starter Servant

Low base Attack with short steroid

At NP1, 1-3* Berserkers have similar AoE Damage

What were they thinking with that NP Drain? 40-60% scaling!? Commentary: Tamamo Cat is a fine Servant given how often AoE Berserkers prove useful for farming, especially if equipped with a strong Starting NP Gauge CE. With no self-stun to worry about next year (except if another NP is launched too quickly), performing a full Brave Chain is also much easier. Thing is, she is a rather common Servant and she has some strong competition not only from Frankenstein, but also the 1-3* roster. However, that should not stop any Tamamo fan.



Tamamo Cat is a fine Servant given how often AoE Berserkers prove useful for farming, especially if equipped with a strong Starting NP Gauge CE. With no self-stun to worry about next year (except if another NP is launched too quickly), performing a full Brave Chain is also much easier. Thing is, she is a rather common Servant and she has some strong competition not only from Frankenstein, but also the 1-3* roster. However, that should not stop any Tamamo fan.

Frankenstein Pros: Great farming Servant

Very high AoE NP Damage

Scathach=Skadi compatible

Can 3-turn NP Loop with Debuff Immunity/Cleansing (BB/Nightingale/Asclepius)

Scales well with NP2/NP3 for farming Cons: General Pool

Self-Stun after NP

Quick NP with triple Buster Deck

Limited use outside of farming Commentary: Frankenstein is tailor-made for farming a final wave, yet once Skadi becomes available there are a few specific compositions with which she can also engage in 3-turn NP farming via NP Looping. She is a potent farming alternative for Masters without Lancelot, especially if Masters have the Debuff Immunity Servants required or if their Lancelot is only NP1. Not bad for team Electric Steam (and Papa).



Frankenstein is tailor-made for farming a final wave, yet once Skadi becomes available there are a few specific compositions with which she can also engage in 3-turn NP farming via NP Looping. She is a potent farming alternative for Masters without Lancelot, especially if Masters have the Debuff Immunity Servants required or if their Lancelot is only NP1. Not bad for team Electric Steam (and Papa).

Beowulf Pros: Very high upgraded ST NP Damage

Skill Upgrade in 1.5 years

Single turn Critical Burst damage impressive after Rank Up

Strong Critical Chance Down on NP Cons: General Pool

All steroids last for a single turn

Only guts for survival

Only 1% Madness Enhancement reduces overall damage output Commentary: Beowulf is often forgotten about with only his raw NP Damage to rely on compared to his competition. After his Rank Up his new Critical steroid is an enhanced version of Altria (Lancer Alter)’s Protection of World End, and will allow him to unleash some nasty burst damage. Yet, his competition is immense, and with his Skill Upgrade quite a while away, he does not make for a tempting target right now. Except if someone likes Fight Club or Jojo's.



Beowulf is often forgotten about with only his raw NP Damage to rely on compared to his competition. After his Rank Up his new Critical steroid is an enhanced version of Altria (Lancer Alter)’s Protection of World End, and will allow him to unleash some nasty burst damage. Yet, his competition is immense, and with his Skill Upgrade quite a while away, he does not make for a tempting target right now. Except if someone likes Fight Club or Jojo's.

Heracles Pros: Easy to use all-purpose Berserker

Evasion and Guts, very hard to kill

Excellent Last Stand Servant

Very newbie friendly

Amazing Bond CE

Allegedly can’t lose to anyone and is the strongest in the world Cons: General Pool / Starter Servant

Lacks the raw damage output of his peers in team settings

Early crutch character, but does typically see less use as a Master’s roster develops

Cannot be trusted to bring back the right kind of batteries Commentary: It cannot be denied that for any new Master that did not reroll for a Heracles copy, Heracles is a tempting gameplay target to lean on while a Master widens their roster. Yet, given how he might well be the most common 4* Servant in the game, the 4* ticket is an excellent opportunity to get an otherwise hard to acquire or personal favorite Servant instead. Even his Berserker competition here make for great alternate choices. That said, Heracles is a (naturally!) a popular character in his own right, and no Master should feel deterred from getting him for that reason.



It cannot be denied that for any new Master that did not reroll for a Heracles copy, Heracles is a tempting gameplay target to lean on while a Master widens their roster. Yet, given how he might well be the most common 4* Servant in the game, the 4* ticket is an excellent opportunity to get an otherwise hard to acquire or personal favorite Servant instead. Even his Berserker competition here make for great alternate choices. That said, Heracles is a (naturally!) a popular character in his own right, and no Master should feel deterred from getting him for that reason.

Lancelot Pros: Amazing Scathach=Skadi NP Looping potential

Great NP Refund

Needs NP Upgrades to fully unlock farming capability

As a Berserker, can farm almost all quests

NP creates large sum of Critical Stars

Massive 3-turn Critical Steroid

Animation Update a year from now

On duo rate-up next year (2 months after Skadi banner) to acquire additional copies Cons: General Pool

Extremely poor non-NP Base NP Gain

Glued to Starting NP Gauge CEs

Needs double Skadi

Weak NP Damage (needs NP Upgrades to reliably Overkill and refund enough)

NP1 Farming limited

NP4/5 generally unnecessary Commentary: If there is one Servant on this list that profits the most from access to Scathach=Skadi, it would be Lancelot. The sheer farming powerhouse team that is double Skadi with Lancelot is undeniable and a Master looking at the long term can start acquiring the required Lancelot copies early. Much like Nitocris and Helena, Lancelot’s potential farming capability (*If Masters acquire Skadi!) amounts to such a quality of life improvement that we can’t help but give him a top recommendation. Yet, even without Skadi, his performance with a Kaleidoscope is alright, especially as he can Critical extremely hard the turn after he launched his NP against a wave of enemies. In addition, Masters can look forward to his new animations next year as well. Note: A fair number of GamePress staff have huge plans for Lancelot in the age of Skadi and will be acquiring a copy here.



Gorgon Pros: Story-Locked

Rare Avenger Class Servant

Gains NP Upgrade in 2 months

Decent AoE NP Damage after upgrade

Teamwide NP Gauge boost on NP

Receives Skill Upgrade Rank Up 2 years from now

After Skill Upgrade, no longer as dependent on Star Gathering CEs for crits

Large snek Cons: Avengers are often a second-best solution, especially without an overload of steroids

Usually lacks class advantage, limiting damage output

Masters have to plan ahead to use her Critical Damage steroids

Only has guts and a stun for survival with very low base HP Commentary: The key question from a gameplay perspective is: Does one really need an Avenger? While many Masters would like a class advantaged option for any situation, the value of an Avenger is rather limited unless that Avenger has an extremely strong base kit (much like Rulers and Moon Cancers). It is not uncommon for Masters with a wide roster to never really use their Avengers very often. But, Gorgon is story-locked and otherwise hard to get. If a Master wants her for personal reasons, now really is the time one should get her. Thus, we can’t help but give her a minor recommendation for that reason alone. Plus, with a nice Skill Upgrade to look forward to as well, her base performance is always at least acceptable.

