You’ve seen the tier lists. Every month, some "expert" drops a spreadsheet claiming a specific hero is the undisputed king of the Land of Dawn. But if you’ve actually spent time grinding in Mythical Glory lately, you know that mobile legend bang bang characters are much more than just a win-rate percentage. The game has changed.
The meta in early 2026 is messy. Honestly, it’s beautiful.
We aren't in that old era where you just pick Gusion and solo-carry the entire lobby. With the recent Project Reforge updates and the introduction of heroes like Sora and Obsidia, the way we think about roles has been completely flipped. If you’re still playing like it’s 2023, you’re basically donating stars to the enemy team.
The Myth of the "S-Tier" Carry
The biggest lie in the community is that there’s a perfect hero. There isn't. Take Sora, for instance. As of January 2026, she's rocking a ban rate that hovers around 70% in high ranks. People are terrified of her. She’s an Assassin/Fighter hybrid with mobility that makes Fanny look like she’s walking through mud. But here’s the kicker: if you don’t end the game in 12 minutes, Sora falls off a cliff.
Compare that to a "B-Tier" pick like Cecilion. Most players ignore him because he’s slow. Yet, in coordinated play, his win rate is spiking. Why? Because the map changes in the Project NEXT 2025 update—specifically the "Flying Cloud" platforms near the base—allow slow-scaling mages to defend and reposition faster than ever.
It’s not about who is strongest on paper. It’s about how the character interacts with the new terrain.
Why Some "Classic" Heroes are Trash Now
I’m gonna be blunt. Layla and Miya are still traps. I don't care about the "revamped" items or the new skins; if you pick an immobile marksman in a meta where Hayabusa and Lancelot are seeing 80% win rates in the M7 Wildcard, you’re asking for a bad time.
The current environment rewards flexibility. Yi Sun-shin is the perfect example of this. After his latest rework, his ultimate, Mountain Shocker, isn’t just for vision anymore. He literally pilots a ship into the fray. He provides the crowd control he was missing for years. He’s a jungle-main’s dream because he can switch between melee and ranged, adapting to the fight mid-combo. If you aren't using characters that can play at least two roles, you’re limiting your draft potential.
The Support Renaissance
People used to troll if you picked a healer. Now? You're throwing if you don't.
- Rafaela is currently a monster because of her new resurrection passive. Yes, she can actually bring a teammate back.
- Diggie remains the ultimate middle finger to CC-heavy teams like Tigreal or Atlas.
- Floryn is basically a global cheat code, swinging fights from the other side of the map.
The "Obsidia" Factor
The newest marksman, Obsidia, has shifted the Gold Lane dynamic. She’s the Sovereign of Dark's End, and she doesn't play like a traditional ADC. She stacks "Bone Shards" to amplify her basic attacks, meaning she wants long, drawn-out skirmishes.
Most people play her like Bruno, trying to burst. That’s why her average win rate looks mediocre. But in the hands of someone who understands spacing, she’s untouchable. She is the direct counter to the "Tank Meta" that dominated late 2025.
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Stop Following the Pro Scene Blindly
It’s tempting to watch the M7 World Championship and copy whatever ONIC PH or AP.Bren is doing. Don't. Pro players have a level of communication you will never find in solo queue.
In a pro match, a Chou roamer is a surgical tool. In your Rank match? He’s probably just someone who likes to spam recall and miss his kicks. Honestly, for most players, the "boring" heroes are the best way to climb. Gloo and Fredrinn might not be flashy, but their ability to soak up damage while your team figures out how to press their buttons is invaluable.
Actionable Strategy for Your Next Match
If you want to actually win consistently with mobile legend bang bang characters in the current season, stop looking at "top 10" lists and start looking at counters.
- Check the Ban List: If Sora or Lukas are open, someone on your team needs to grab them immediately. They are objectively overtuned.
- Respect the Terrain: Use the "Dangerous Grass" areas to your advantage. If you're playing a burst hero like Eudora or Saber, the high-ground bushes are your best friend.
- Draft for Synergy, Not Comfort: If your team has no frontline, picking another Assassin is a death sentence. Pick Minotaur or Grock. They have high impact with low mechanical requirements.
- Master the "Reforge" Items: The new equipment adjustments in 2026 have made hybrid builds more viable. Don't be afraid to put a defensive item on a Marksman if the enemy Hayabusa is 5-0.
The game is faster, the map is more complex, and the characters are more specialized than they’ve ever been. Stop chasing the "best" hero and start playing the one that makes the enemy's life miserable. Success in MLBB isn't about the hero you pick; it's about the mistakes you force the other team to make.
Keep an eye on the Patch 2.1.48 notes as they roll out. Moonton is currently tweaking Hanzo and Kimmy, and those changes could shift the jungle priority overnight. Focus on mastering two heroes in every lane. That’s how you stay meta-proof.