Players participating in the 2026 PC playtest for Stand Out now have a clearer look at how specific stands perform across PVP and PVE modes. While individual effectiveness depends on playstyle, recent rankings categorize stands based on their mechanical utility, damage output, and defensive capabilities.

S-Tier: Top Performers

The following stands are currently identified as the most mechanically powerful options available for both PVP and PVE:

  • Star Platinum: Offers high base damage, ranged moves, and defensive utility through Time Stop and Plat Parry.
  • The World: Features high damage and ranged options with similar utility to Star Platinum.
  • King Crimson: Excels in guardbreaking and combos, with strong defensive options including time skip and erase.
  • Silver Chariot: A high-potential skirmisher capable of fast combos, an execute move, and ricochet ranged attacks.
  • Emperor: Provides significant kiting potential with massive range and damage, including the powerful Emperor Pulemet ability.
  • Star Platinum The World & The World Alternative Universe: Both are categorized as pinnacle performers with potential to scale in future patches.

Alternative and Niche Stands

Several stands offer specialized utility rather than raw power. Mandon is noted for its defensive ranged playstyle, featuring heals and an "ignore death" ability that provides a significant advantage in PVP. Beyond the Sea offers high versatility through summon utility, while Hey Ya! functions as an effective support stand that can hinder opponents in PVP.

Some stands remain highly situational. For instance, The Grateful Dead struggles with damage in PVE but is considered strong for PVP due to its stacking potential. Conversely, stands like Smoke On The Water and Super Fly are currently ranked as sub-optimal, with reports of low damage or interruptible attack patterns.

Upcoming Adjustments

The current tier list remains subject to change as the game continues through its playtest phase. Several stands are currently marked as "TBD" or undergoing reworks, including John RodHighway Star and Kraft Work. Players should note that future patches may shift the balance of stands currently in the lower tiers, such as The World Alternative Universe which may receive adjustments to increase its viability.