If you’ve been trying to figure out which ability is actually worth using in VV: Ultimatum after the latest update, you’re definitely not alone. The recent patch introduced Iron, Praying Mantis, and Demon Light, and shortly after release several balance changes shifted the meta again.
That’s why a lot of older tier lists already feel outdated.
After looking through the latest changes and how each ability performs in actual PvP situations, some abilities clearly stand above the rest while others are heavily dependent on your build, skill level, or playstyle.
One thing worth mentioning before we start: not every ability works the same on every build. Some shine on Hakuda, some are monsters on Speed, and others are best paired with Kido. Keep that in mind while choosing your next reroll target.
S Tier Abilities
These are currently the strongest abilities in the game and can fit into most competitive PvP setups.
Superstar
Superstar remains the king of the current meta.
The combination of strong skills, revives, popularity buffs, and the infamous James mechanic makes this ability incredibly difficult to deal with.
If a Superstar user manages to keep James alive, the damage output becomes ridiculous. Many players make the mistake of focusing only on the user while ignoring James, which usually ends badly.
Why it’s S Tier:
- Strong damage output
- Revive potential
- Excellent pressure tools
- James provides massive buffs
- Effective in almost every matchup
Ice
Ice is arguably the most flexible ability in the entire game.
It works on Strength, Speed, Hakuda, and Kido builds without feeling out of place.
The first move provides an easy freeze setup that can lead directly into devastating combos. Meanwhile, the second move acts as the game’s only true evasive ability, allowing players to escape dangerous situations and immediately counterattack.
Why it’s S Tier:
- Fits every build
- Easy combo starter
- Strong defensive utility
- Excellent crowd control
Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt continues to dominate because it has virtually no bad matchup.
The stun effects, mobility, range, and combo potential make it a safe pick for nearly every Quincy build.
The rushdown move is especially strong for keeping pressure on opponents while the ranged attacks allow you to punish mistakes from a distance.
Why it’s S Tier:
- Strong on all builds
- Reliable stuns
- Great mobility
- Excellent ranged pressure
Demon Light
Demon Light has quickly become one of the strongest additions in the update.
The ability starts with Spear, which many players already struggle to fight effectively. Once you unlock Split Apart, things become even more dangerous.
The nunchuck-style moveset provides strong combo starters, combo extenders, and aggressive pressure options that can overwhelm opponents quickly.
Why it’s S Tier:
- Strong weapon transitions
- Excellent combo extensions
- Difficult to predict
- High overall damage
Praying Mantis
Praying Mantis surprised many players after release.
While it may not look flashy at first, its upgrades completely transform the ability.
The standout feature is the 360-degree parry upgrade, allowing users to punish attacks even from behind. Combined with increased M1 damage and powerful critical attacks, it becomes one of the strongest PvP choices available.
Why it’s S Tier:
- Incredible upgrades
- 360-degree parry
- Enhanced critical attacks
- Strong M1 pressure
Fury
Among Arrancar abilities, Fury remains one of the most reliable choices.
The moves flow naturally together and provide strong offensive pressure throughout fights. It works well in nearly every situation and rewards aggressive play.
Why it’s S Tier:
- High damage
- Strong combo routes
- Consistent performance
- Excellent overall toolkit
Luminosity
Luminosity becomes terrifying once properly upgraded.
The combo potential is extremely high, and experienced players can chain attacks together in ways that feel almost unfair.
It may require some practice to master, but the payoff is worth it.
Why it’s S Tier:
- Powerful upgrades
- Strong combo chains
- High skill ceiling
- Exceptional damage
A Tier Abilities
These abilities are very strong but usually require specific builds or have minor weaknesses keeping them below the absolute best.
Iron
Iron performs exceptionally well with Hakuda builds.
The Iron Arm buff increases damage significantly, while Metal Rushdown allows players to extend combos for surprising amounts of damage.
On a dedicated Hakuda setup, Iron can feel close to S Tier.
Strengths:
- Excellent Hakuda synergy
- Strong combo extensions
- Good damage boosts
Blade Master
Often referred to as the Sukuna ability, Blade Master is one of the better Quincy options.
The Heavenly variant is particularly strong due to the additional lifesteal and damage output.
Strengths:
- Great combo flow
- Strong M2 opener
- Lifesteal options
Dimensional
Dimensional rewards players who understand combo timing.
Its portal-based attacks can create powerful combo extensions, especially when paired with Kido setups.
Strengths:
- Good combo potential
- Strong M2 utility
- Great for experienced players
Heat
Heat revolves entirely around building and maintaining its meter.
Players who consistently land attacks can access stronger Burner Finger abilities that melt health bars.
However, if you struggle to land hits consistently, the ability loses much of its value.
Strengths:
- Excellent scaling
- Huge damage potential
- Strong reward for skilled players
Flame
Flame still hits hard, but its weaknesses prevent it from climbing higher.
The first move can be useful on grounded targets, but the second move is easily avoided by experienced opponents.
Strengths:
- Good damage
- Effective against grounded enemies
- Solid combo potential
Electro
Electro continues to be a dangerous option.
The electric orb creates constant pressure while the aerial slam can lead directly into follow-up combos.
Strengths:
- High damage
- Strong field control
- Excellent combo opportunities
B Tier Abilities
These abilities can still work but generally require more effort or have obvious weaknesses.
Necromancy
Necromancy’s biggest issue is that experienced players know how to deal with its summons.
While stronger Hollow summons can create problems, most opponents won’t struggle too much against them.
Reversal
Reversal can dominate inexperienced players but becomes much less effective once opponents understand the mechanics.
Most of its pressure can be avoided simply by maintaining distance and playing patiently.
Waypoint
Waypoint’s second move is incredibly dangerous and can melt health bars quickly.
Unfortunately, the first move doesn’t provide much value, making the ability feel inconsistent.
Ink
Ink recently received buffs and offers useful debuffs that lower enemy effectiveness.
The issue is that success depends heavily on consistently landing the attacks.
Frozen Haze
Disabling abilities sounds amazing on paper.
The problem is that the attacks are fairly predictable and can often be dodged before they become threatening.
Senbon Sakura (Flower)
While recent buffs helped, Senbon Sakura still struggles compared to other legendary abilities.
Most moves have noticeable startup times, making them easier to punish.
The Mini Mode is strong, but reaching it requires high mastery and significant investment.
C Tier Ability
Starrk
This placement will probably be the most controversial.
Many players hate fighting Starrk, but much of that frustration comes from unfamiliarity with its M1 patterns.
Once you learn how to deal with the attacks, the base form becomes far less threatening than many players assume.
Its strongest damage options are locked behind Resurrection, which isn’t always available during fights.
Final Tier List Ranking
S Tier
- Superstar
- Ice
- Thunderbolt
- Demon Light
- Praying Mantis
- Fury
- Luminosity
A Tier
- Iron
- Blade Master
- Dimensional
- Heat
- Flame
- Electro
B Tier
- Necromancy
- Reversal
- Waypoint
- Ink
- Frozen Haze
- Senbon Sakura
C Tier
- Starrk
If you’re aiming purely for the current meta, focus on obtaining Superstar, Ice, Thunderbolt, Demon Light, Praying Mantis, Fury, or Luminosity. These abilities offer the best combination of damage, utility, combo potential, and consistency across most PvP scenarios.
For newer players, Ice and Thunderbolt are probably the safest choices because they’re effective on almost every build and don’t require extremely advanced mechanics to perform well. Meanwhile, experienced players can get incredible results from Demon Light, Praying Mantis, and Luminosity thanks to their higher skill ceilings and stronger combo potential.