Ranking the 5 Most Powerful Characters in DNF Duel

DNF Duel boasts a diverse range of characters that cater to every player’s style. Whether you prefer hand-to-hand combat, wielding weapons at medium range or casting long-range projectiles, there’s a perfect match for you. Plus, the game is beginner-friendly, making it easy for newcomers to jump in. Each character holds immense potential, unlocking new strategies and skills as you master them.

Who are the Strongest Fighters in the DNF Duel?

If you’re looking to have an edge in tournaments or simply wish to dominate the playing field, consider starting with these top five characters: Ranger, Crusader, Swift Master, Dragon Knight, and Troubleshooter.

We will also use some fighting notation in games for a more comprehensive and better understanding of each character. Let’s start by diving into each individually.

1) Ranger

Let’s begin with the Ranger — who emerged as a formidable force in the DNF Duel. His proficiency in controlling the mid-range battlefield with bullet-based attacks makes him an exceptional zoner. What sets him apart is his ability to transition seamlessly from these zoning tactics into devastating combos. After initiating moves like 5B or 2B, he can fluidly connect to his 2S, and then to a spinning gun raid (214MS or 214D).

This skill set doesn’t just end with combos. The Ranger’s grenade move is a strategic masterpiece. Once deployed, it opens a plethora of options for him. If the opponent jumps, Ranger’s DP is ready for an anti-air move. When they roll, he’s primed to execute a grab. In cases where the opponent tries a counter, the grenade acts as Ranger’s safeguard, ensuring he often has the upper hand.

Moreover, when Ranger enters his awakening mode, the stakes are raised. He imposes a debuff on his opponent, which not only amplifies the damage he inflicts but also significantly complicates the opponent’s strategy to combat him. For newcomers to the game, Ranger’s zoning expertise can be overwhelming. It’s a universal trend in fighting games; Beginners grapple with zoning techniques. Given this, selecting Ranger early in the game provides a considerable advantage, capitalising on opponents still learning to counter his unique playstyle.

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2) Crusader

The second character we are going to focus on is Crusader — a prominent character in the meta noted for his bruiser style. Boasting the highest health in the game, his 30-awakening buff prevents one-hit KOs from opponents. He gets a 30-defense boost and endures less guard break damage. Crusader’s actions can cause significant damage. An appearing wall traps the opponent, giving him an offensive advantage, especially when he uses the Z Broly shield, enhancing his moves. 

These enhanced moves produce lightning, which can be looped. If opponents don’t bypass these, the Crusaders can keep attacking. However, knowledgeable opponents can counter these moves, emphasising the importance of strategy. With his superior defence and health, Crusader can afford some errors and still win, given strong fundamentals.

Despite potential roll counters from opponents against repeated moves, Crusader can adjust and retaliate. The game involves a strategy similar to Rock-Paper-Scissors, allowing players to anticipate and outmanoeuvre their rivals. Crusader’s counter is effective but vulnerable to low attacks. His Dragon Punch and wake-up moves come with armour, demanding specific counters like throws. His javelin move is especially powerful. Overall, Crusader is a powerful character with high damage potential, making him an appealing choice for players.

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3) Swift Master

At the third spot, we have Swift Master — a character known for his excellent mobility despite his low health. His strong skill conversions and strategic play with the wind orb can make opponents rethink their defensive strategies. Swift Master can not only mix up attacks but also employ safe jumps to handle in-game pressures, particularly when opponents use reversals while waking up on defence.

Moreover, Swift Master’s passive ability enhances his mobility further, letting him glide across the screen with ease. His 5B move propels him forward, the 5C move has a considerable hit range, and the 2B move is effective for low attacks. These moves allow him to easily transition to inflicting substantial damage in neutral settings. However, to fully utilise his potential, including the tap punch or his massive wind blast causing a wall bounce, players need to master the negative edge technique.

Despite these strengths, Swift Master has a critical vulnerability — his low health, which makes him quite susceptible to attacks. Players controlling him need to exercise caution to prevent quick defeats.

4) Dragon Knight

At number 4, we will discuss the Dragon Knight — an intimidating character, especially when controlled by a proficient player. She has the power to severely damage opponents without awakening, making her a significant threat.

A unique feature of the Dragon Knight is her dragon companion. When unleashed during block strings, opponents must counter the dragon to prevent the Dragon Knight from maintaining pressure. While players can roll against the dragon, they must be wary of its following fire attack after its electric assault, leading to tricky situations reminiscent of BB Tag and Carl-type gameplay.

Dragon Knight’s mastery isn’t straightforward. Without understanding her nuances, she becomes an overwhelming opponent. She has an effortless, safe jump derived from a basic conversion, where she employs her dragon hand to thrust enemies skyward. This results in an advantageous knockdown situation, allowing her to quickly capitalise on a likely ‘Jump B’ safe jump. This allows her to initiate her offence securely.

She can also strategise by sending her dragon to spin over opponents, introducing a dilemma of high-low mix-ups or throws when cornered. Moreover, her attacks can transition into stingers, letting her loop the dragon repeatedly for sustained damage.

Moreover, when Dragon Knight’s health drops to 30%, she unlocks arguably the game’s most potent buff. It regenerates her MP endlessly, enabling continuous special moves without resorting to system mechanics for MP recovery, making her especially lethal up close.

5) Troubleshooter

The last character on our list is Troubleshooter — a character boasting impressive strength with standout buttons and full-screen normals. His growth potential is promising. Troubleshooter, in particular, is straightforward for players to master. He can deploy a unique style, mainly with his 5B normals, which serve as a projectile shield. These normals, combined with moves like 5M, 5S, and 6S (Grenade), let him control the neutral, making the 5M especially crucial as it enables significant conversions. These far-reaching moves can convert into massive damage due to the simplicity of his grenade hit. When opponents are down, his pressure is relentless. He can lay traps that, when triggered by his 2A attack, make opponents vulnerable to lows or a jump B high attack, keeping them perpetually on edge.

Also, Troubleshooter has a unique move where he consumes alcohol, reducing his health but enhancing his conversions, reminiscent of Berserker. But unlike Berserker’s life reduction, Troubleshooter gains a 15% attack buff, amplifying his damage output. This drink action, being a normal move, can segue into a special move, retaining the attack buff, and causing significant damage.

In essence, Troubleshooter is an optimal choice for those wanting to grasp a powerful character quickly. 

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Final Thoughts

To recap, if you’re aiming for a tournament win, consider Swift Master, Ranger, Dragon Knight, Troubleshooter, or Crusader, with Ranger, Crusader, and Troubleshooter being the most user-friendly. Thanks for tuning in, and for more DNF Duel insights, Keep visiting Player.me.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Unique Ability Does the Troubleshooter Have in the DNF Duel?

Troubleshooter can lay traps for opponents and consume alcohol to reduce his health but gain a 15% attack buff.

How Many Characters Are in the DNF Duel?

There are 16 characters in DNF, including classes from Dungeon Fighter Online, plus one unlockable through Story Mode.

How Does Troubleshooter’s Alcohol Consumption Affect His Gameplay in the DNF Duel?

Drinking alcohol reduces Troubleshooter’s health but provides him with a 15% attack buff, enhancing his damage output.