PocketGamer updates Age of Empires Mobile heroes tier list, highlights S-tier

PocketGamer updated its Age of Empires Mobile heroes tier list, elevating Miyamoto Musashi, Lu Bu and King Arthur into an S-tier of top picks. The refreshed ranking, released as version 1.9.101 on January 15, 2026, aims to help new and returning players decide which heroes to invest in and which leaders best fit different playstyles.

The tier list presents an ordered view of heroes so players can prioritise scarce upgrade resources and leader assignments. By highlighting an S-tier, the guide signals which units are most likely to carry matches across current metas and popular strategies. It also includes practical notes on hero synergies that pair well with common builds, making it a quick reference for players planning power spikes or leader swaps.

For the competitive and casual community alike, the update has immediate implications. Players who have been hoarding upgrade materials will find clearer direction on who to level first, while teams experimenting with compositions can use the guide to identify reliable carries and utility heroes. The list serves as a snapshot of the current meta under the 1.9.101 balance state, offering context for clan leaders, solo ladder climbers and event participants who need to optimise lineups without wasting progress on lower-impact heroes.

The guide is presented as an ongoing reference that will be updated alongside balance patches and new hero releases. That approach acknowledges how quickly the mobile meta can shift when tweaks arrive or when a new hero with unique mechanics enters the pool. For readers, the practical takeaway is to treat the tier list as a living tool: use it to inform near-term upgrade decisions, then re-evaluate priorities after balance patches or when new leaders change synergies.

Community reaction is likely to focus on the S-tier picks and how they reshape popular strategies. Leaders and alliance organisers can use the list to set training goals and recruitment criteria, while solo players can streamline progression by focusing XP and upgrade materials on the most impactful heroes first. The guide also reduces guesswork for returning players who need a concise map of the current power curve.

Expect follow-up updates as the developers release patches and additional heroes. For now, verify your upgrade plans against the S-tier and adjust leader roles to match proven synergies, then keep an eye on the meta for the next round of balance changes.