AFK Arena Tier List: Cha Hae-in and Sung Jinwoo Shake Up the Meta (September 2025)

The world of Esperia has been irrevocably changed with the arrival of two new Dimensional Heroes: Sung Jinwoo, the Shadow Monarch, and Cha Hae-in, the Dancer. As part of a highly-anticipated crossover with the popular manhwa and anime series Solo Leveling, these two heroes have not only brought their unique lore but also an incredible amount of power to the battlefield. Their introduction in July 2025 has created a ripple effect across all game modes, forcing players to re-evaluate their hero priorities, team compositions, and overall strategies. In this comprehensive September 2025 tier list, we analyze where these new heroes stand and how they have impacted the competitive landscape of AFK Arena.

As veteran players know, a meta shift is a common occurrence in gacha games like this. Lilith Games consistently introduces new heroes, mechanics, and game modes to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. The arrival of Sung Jinwoo and Cha Hae-in, who were made available as free Dimensional Heroes during a limited-time event, marks one of the most significant changes in recent memory. Their synergistic abilities have created powerful new team archetypes that are dominating both PvP and PvE content, from the Nightmare Corridor and Cursed Realm to the new Gold Rush War event.

This tier list reflects the current state of the game in September 2025, taking into account recent balance changes, hero synergies, and community feedback from top players. The rankings are based on a hero’s performance across multiple game modes, with a strong emphasis on their versatility and overall impact on a team. We will break down the strengths and weaknesses of both Sung Jinwoo and Cha Hae-in and provide insights into their optimal team compositions.

The New Dimensional Heroes: A Breakdown of Power

Cha Hae-in: The PvP and Bossing Queen

Cha Hae-in, a formidable Agility-based hero, has quickly risen to the top of the meta. Her abilities revolve around high-impact, burst damage, particularly in tandem with critical hits. She excels in scenarios where she can quickly eliminate a single, high-priority target or deal massive damage to bosses. Her primary strength lies in her signature skill, a stunning homage to her “Sword Dance” from the source material, which allows her to deal divine damage and bypass certain defenses.

• Strengths:
• High Burst Damage: She has some of the highest single-target damage potential in the game.
• Bossing Potential: Her crit-based mechanics make her a top-tier choice for Cursed Realm and Nightmare Corridor boss fights.
• PvP Dominance: With the right team, she can quickly dismantle a key enemy hero at the start of a battle, making her a staple in the current PvP meta.

• Weaknesses:
• Crit-Dependent: Her effectiveness drops significantly without the proper support heroes to boost her critical hit rate.
• Single-Target Focus: While she excels at killing one enemy, her AoE damage is less impactful compared to other top-tier heroes.

Conclusion: Cha Hae-in is a phenomenal hero, an absolute must-have for anyone looking to excel in boss-focused game modes and PvP. She is a prime example of a hero who benefits immensely from proper team synergy.

Sung Jinwoo: The Versatile Shadow Monarch

Sung Jinwoo is a hero unlike any other, bringing a unique summoning mechanic to AFK Arena. His power grows as he “levels up” during a battle, and his main utility comes from his ability to summon powerful Shadow Soldiers from defeated enemies. His kit offers a blend of sustained AoE damage, crowd control, and disruption, making him a flexible and valuable addition to a wide range of teams.

• Strengths:
• Team Synergy: He works incredibly well with Cha Hae-in, as his abilities can buff her.
• Crowd Control: His summoned Shadows can disrupt enemy formations and draw aggro, protecting your main damage dealers.
• Sustained Damage: While not a burst hero, he can deal consistent damage over the course of a long fight, making him excellent for campaign progression.
• Versatility: He can be used in both PvE and PvP, offering a great return on investment.

• Weaknesses:
• Slow Buildup: His full potential is only reached after he has had time to level up and summon multiple Shadows. This can make him vulnerable in quick-match scenarios.
• Investment Heavy: To be truly effective, he requires significant investment in his signature item and engravings.

Conclusion: Sung Jinwoo is a fantastic hero who brings a unique and powerful dynamic to the game. He is a great investment for players who want a hero that can perform well in various game modes, particularly in long-form content.

September 2025 Tier List: Where They Stand

Here is a simplified look at where Sung Jinwoo and Cha Hae-in fit into the current AFK Arena tier list:

S+ Tier (Overpowered):

These heroes are the absolute best in the game, dominating multiple game modes with their overwhelming power. They are often the core of top-tier teams.

• Cha Hae-in: Her exceptional burst damage and bossing utility place her firmly in this tier. She is now considered a must-have for serious players.
• Awakened Athalia: Remains a PvP and Nightmare Corridor monster.
• Awakened Belinda: Unrivaled damage dealer in most PvE content.
• Awakened Shemira: The queen of PvP and Temporal Rift.

S Tier (Top Tier):

These heroes are incredibly strong and form the backbone of many meta teams. They are highly versatile and a great investment for any account.

• Sung Jinwoo: His unique summoning mechanic and versatility make him a strong contender in many team compositions. He is a perfect hero to build around.
• Awakened Solise: Remains a top-tier healer and support.
• Awakened Lyca: An essential hero for her speed and energy support.
• Haelus: The ever-present support hero who fits into countless teams.

A Tier (Strong):

These heroes are still very good and can be the core of powerful teams, but they may be more situational or require more specific team compositions to shine.

• Awakened Thane: Still a solid damage dealer in Nightmare Corridor.
• Awakened Baden: Excellent in Cursed Realm and specific PvP scenarios.
• Grezhul: A classic hero who still holds his own in many game modes, especially with his Alna partner.

In conclusion, the addition of Cha Hae-in and Sung Jinwoo has significantly revitalized the AFK Arena meta. Their arrival has not only introduced powerful new heroes but has also encouraged players to experiment with new team synergies. For players looking to climb the ranks, both of these heroes are worth the investment, with Cha Hae-in being the top priority for those focused on bossing and PvP, and Sung Jinwoo being a fantastic long-term investment for a well-rounded roster.