With the second half of Version 1.1 and the release of Kezhou, Duet Night Abyss has seen small but meaningful shifts in both main DPS rankings and Combat AI (support) value. While the overall meta remains stable, Kezhou introduces a new Lumino damage option that sits right at the top of the damage hierarchy, depending on content type.
This tier list separates characters based on practical performance, not theoretical maximums, and evaluates them in two roles:
- Main DPS (player-controlled damage dealers)
- Combat AI (support value when not actively played)
Tier List Criteria
Characters are ranked using the following factors:
- Consistency in real combat scenarios
- Single-target vs AoE damage balance
- Investment efficiency
- Synergy with current weapon mods
- Usefulness across boss fights and wave-based content
This list assumes mid-to-high investment and current Version 1.1 mechanics.
Main DPS Tier List (Version 1.1)
S Tier – Meta DPS Characters
These units excel in both boss encounters and multi-target content, defining the current damage meta.
Lady Knifel
The most complete Lumino DPS in the game. She combines strong single-target damage, reliable AoE, grouping utility, and enemy debuffs. Her performance remains consistent regardless of content type, making her the safest and strongest overall DPS pick.
Ninfold
Ninfold’s strength lies in her versatility. She maintains high damage in boss fights while still clearing mobs efficiently. Her additional utility, including attack reduction and control tools, keeps her firmly at the top.
A+ Tier
These characters are extremely powerful but slightly more specialized.
Kezhou (KJO)
Kezhou shines as an AoE-focused Lumino DPS. His ultimate transforms him into a sustained melee damage engine that scales directly with weapon investment, making him easier to optimize compared to fixed-weapon characters. While his boss damage is solid, his real strength is clearing dense enemy waves quickly.
He competes directly with Lisbell depending on content type.
Lisbell
Lisbell remains one of the best single-target DPS characters in the game. Her boss damage is exceptional, especially with high-end weapon setups, but she requires heavier investment. Her AoE is serviceable, though not her main strength.
A Tier
Fina
Fina operates as a hybrid DPS-support. While her damage is not as explosive as top-tier Lumino carries, her ability to deal damage while enabling AFK farming makes her valuable for specific playstyles.
Fantasio
Currently the strongest Umbro DPS available. His limitation is element exclusivity rather than damage output. Against the right enemies, he performs extremely well.
Combat AI (Support) Tier List
This section evaluates characters based on what they provide when not player-controlled.
S Tier
Fushu / Feno
These two remain the gold standard for Combat AI support. They offer massive damage amplification, trigger probability bonuses, and consistent team-wide benefits that far exceed simple attack buffs.
Margie
Margie provides some of the highest raw attack amplification available, along with grouping and AoE utility. Her impact is immediately noticeable in any team.
A Tier
Daphne
Excellent elemental damage amplification and strong scaling with investment. A staple support for Anemo-based setups.
Tabitha
A high-value buffer for skill-based DPS characters, particularly those relying on burst windows.
B Tier
These characters offer reliable but limited support value.
Kezhou (Combat AI)
As a Combat AI unit, Kezhou provides a 50% Lumino attack buff to himself and Lumino allies. While useful, this is his only major contribution when not actively played, placing him firmly in the middle tier.
Lisbell (Combat AI)
Offers a lower attack buff compared to Kezhou and lacks additional utility, making her less appealing as a passive support.
Psyche, Lynn, Fantasio (AI)
All provide similar elemental attack buffs. Functional, but easily replaceable by higher-tier supports.
C Tier
These characters require very specific team setups to justify their slot and generally fall behind modern support options.
Kezhou Guide
- As Main DPS: Yes, absolutely. One of the best AoE Lumino DPS characters in Version 1.1.
- As Combat AI: Average. The attack buff is useful, but not competitive with dedicated supports.
- Investment Value: High, especially for players who prefer aggressive, fast-paced melee gameplay.
Kezhou does not replace Lady Knifel or Ninfold, but he comfortably sits alongside Lisbell as a top-tier Lumino damage option depending on the content you prioritize.
Version 1.1 did not overturn the meta, but it expanded player choice. Kezhou gives Lumino teams a new identity focused on speed and area damage, while existing top-tier DPS characters retain their dominance in boss encounters.
