Here’s a small thing most tier-list sites skip: there’s no B rarity for Acecraft pilots right now. Every pilot is A-grade (Excellent) or higher, and the 2026 update notes have added SS and SP pilots on top of S. When players say “B tier”, they mean the bottom of the performance tier lists. Right now that’s usually Ekko and Ryan, with Ironarm just below them. Take it at your own pace: here’s how to get real value out of all three.
Who Lands in B Tier
| Pilot | Class | Element | Ultimate | Usual tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ekko | Sharpshot | Solaris | Havoc Fall | B |
| Ryan | Sharpshot | Sandstorm | Breezy Rollers | B |
| Ironarm | Vanguard | Cyclone | Soaring Storm | C to B |
Ekko
Your starter, and the pilot you fly through the tutorial. His Havoc Fall Ultimate clears every projectile on screen and drops a giant bomb on everything in sight, which carries the first chapters nicely. After that his damage falls behind the curve. That’s by design: he’s there to teach you the game, and he’s really good at it. Ekko also got a premium makeover in August 2026: Blazewing Ekko, a separate SP-tier pilot, so don’t confuse the two on the recruit screen.
Ryan
Ryan rolls around in a hamster ball and fires seeds, with decent single-target damage. Breezy Rollers wipes the screen of projectiles and launches a bouncing ball that keeps clearing bullets as it ricochets, though some players find it underwhelming next to stronger Ultimates. He’s a calm, defensive pick for stages that drown you in bullets.
Ironarm
Pure close range. Soaring Storm turns him into a tornado for three seconds that shreds nearby enemies and bullets. Most tier lists put him at the bottom, but he has one fun trick: the Punch Launcher attachment (and its Lightning Punch evolution) suits his up-close style, so he’s worth a try if you like flying aggressively.
Why You Should Still Build Them (a Little)
- Support Pilot skills: once a pilot reaches 3 stars, they can unlock the Support Pilot feature, and bonded pilots share support skills with each other. Ekko and Ironarm were part of the first group to get it, so a built bench pilot can quietly power up your main.
- Bonds: Ekko pairs with Amelia (Friends at First Fight) and Asher (Double Trouble), Ryan pairs with Joey (Reckless & Listless), and Ironarm pairs with Scott (Fish and Chips). Our A-grade pilots guide lists the rest.
- Elements: Ekko is Solaris, Ryan is Sandstorm and Ironarm is Cyclone. Having a built pilot of each element gives you options in Element Trial and for element matching.
- Duplicates aren’t wasted: extra copies feed each pilot’s Amplification, and these three come up often, so they level without much effort.
- Learning the basics: dodging and Stunt timing on Ekko’s simple kit makes every pilot you pull later feel easier.
How Much to Invest
- Level Ekko early, no guilt. A built starter beats an unleveled S-grade in the first chapters.
- Get your bench pilots to 3 stars so their Support Pilot skills are available, then stop there for now.
- Save Amplification for your mains. If you fly an S-grade, it gets your amp materials first. Our Pilot Amplification guide explains why.
- Keep an eye on updates. One buff can lift a bottom-tier pilot, and Acecraft patches pilots regularly. Our patch notes page tracks the changes.
Who to Move Up To
When you’re ready to leave the bottom tier behind, Amelia and Charlie are the A-grades that hold up best, and they’re easy to pull because every 10 draws guarantees an Excellent-grade pilot or wingman. After that, our S-grade pilots guide and the full tier list show where to aim next.
Acecraft B-Tier Pilots FAQ
Is there a B grade in Acecraft?
Not for pilots today. Every pilot is A-grade (Excellent) or higher. “B tier” refers to the bottom of community tier lists, usually Ekko and Ryan.
Is Ekko good in Acecraft?
He’s great for the first chapters and for learning the game, and his Havoc Fall Ultimate clears the whole screen. His damage falls off later, so most players move to Amelia, Charlie or an S-grade as their main.
Is Ryan worth building?
Worth a few levels for the Reckless & Listless bond with Joey and as a backup Sandstorm pilot, but not worth deep investment if you have stronger pilots.
Who is the worst pilot in Acecraft?
Most tier lists rank Ironarm lowest, though he’s fun with Punch Launcher and he’s half of the Fish and Chips bond with Scott.
Take Your Time: the tier list is a guide, not a rulebook. Ekko is chapter one of your roster’s story, and a few levels on Ryan and Ironarm pay off through support skills and bonds long after they leave your main lineup.
