'Goddess of Victory: NIKKE' solo raid Island Eater is reaching its final stretch. Rankers are pouring resources into building Iron-code NIKKEs to squeeze out every last point, and the community is buzzing with commanders eager to learn the optimal compositions. KookminTree has compiled the essential picks from the solo raid and the Champion Arena.

Solo Raid Top 50 Ranker Squad NIKKE Pick Rate

※ Based on 250 squad data from the top 50 rankers in the Korean server 'Solo Raid Island Eater' as of July 20, 2026.
※ Please note that there may be slight discrepancies with current ranker decks.

As of July 20, here are the picks for the Island Eater solo raid. Every single one of the 50 rankers utilized the following units: Burst 1 included Anis: Sparkling Summer (hereinafter Dol-Anis) and Little Mermaid. Burst 2 featured Mint, Helm: Aquamarine, Crown, Nayuta, Mast: Romantic Maid, Anchor: Innocent Maid, and Naga. Burst 3 consisted of Privaty: Unlocked, Cinderella: Crystal Wave (hereinafter Su-Rellu), Rapi: Red Hood, and Raven, totaling 13 specific units.

With a shallow pool of main damage dealers, the Iron-code NIKKEs have been called up in full force, and the undisputed MVP is Su-Rellu. Performing exactly as you would expect from a limited Pilgrim, Su-Rellu is the engine driving these record-breaking scores. While the limited NIKKE 'Marciana: Marine Study' also boasts high pick rates, not every ranker in our sample used her. Then, there is the ever-reliable 'Snow White.' Known among veteran commanders as the quintessential 'mark of an old-timer,' she still finds her way into the top 50.

Furthermore, characters from the 'Lycoris Recoil' collaboration, Chisato and Takina, along with 'Stellar Blade' icons Eve and Raven, are making their mark. Raven, in particular, was used by all 50 top rankers to boost their scores. While they are currently unavailable, one might hope for a future return of Eve and Raven. Some have also integrated Red Hood as a Burst 3 damage dealer, while a small minority experimented with shotgun-focused decks. You can copy the exact compositions used by the top players via the in-game solo raid ranking menu.

The Island Eater features seven patterns, three of which deal 'extra damage to NIKKEs.' This is exactly as painful as it sounds. While you can intercept or dodge these attacks, cover health is not infinite. If you intend to trade blows, a healer is mandatory. While a few elite rankers manage with pure-skill, no-healer compositions, that level of mechanical mastery is, frankly, beyond the reach of most.

Pay close attention to the 'Barrage' pattern. When the lighthouse on the creature's back spins and glows red, it is about to unleash a massive assault. Taking all 2-3 hits will likely wipe your squad, so use Crown's skill to generate a barrier or hide behind cover to survive. The creature also uses a 'Heavy Particle Cannon' targeting a single unit; the projectile is slow enough to dodge manually. Conserve your cover health where possible. Good luck reaching the top 3%!

Champion Arena Top 64 Ranker Squad NIKKE Pick Rate

※ Based on 320 squad data from the top 64 rankers in 'Champion Arena Season 34'.
※ Note that the grouping criteria change every season.

Looking at the state of the Season 34 Champion Arena, Su-Rellu, despite the hype, saw zero usage, suggesting the unit struggles in the arena meta. Interestingly, the mass-produced NIKKE 'Product 23' made a surprise appearance. A few rankers are pairing the unit with Scarlet to leverage the high burst gauge charging speed of 'clip shotguns' to force a rapid full-burst state.

Beyond Product 23, we saw a few nostalgic faces like Kiri and the 'NieR: Automata' collaboration character A2. Their pick rates were marginal, but it was nice to see them back. Notably, the 2026 swimsuit NIKKEs were entirely absent from the arena.

Let's examine the composition of K, a former Season 27 champion who reached the round of 16 this season after a disappointing exit in the round of 64 last time. K utilized the aforementioned Product 23 setup.

The composition featuring 'Label'—composed of Mukden, Neon: Blue Ocean, Snow White: Innocent Days, Bay, and Label—lost every fight in the round of 16. In the round of 64, it fell to a Dol-Anis + Anis: Sparkling Summer electric team. Label, much like Scarlet, hits hard but struggles in prolonged engagements. Keep that in mind if you plan to use the unit. With the round of 16 battles ongoing as of July 21, it will be interesting to see if K can push through to the finals.

Arena Meta Analysis

Arena Performance of Two New NIKKEs

Following the summer event, two new NIKKEs arriving on July 23 and 30 have captured everyone's attention: 'Laplace: Ultimate Hero' and 'Maxwell: Ordinary Mechanic.' Preliminary info suggests both are Wind-code units, with Laplace as an Attacker and Maxwell as a Supporter, utilizing the same Launcher and Sniper Rifle types as their original counterparts.

Laplace is described as having enhanced attack power and high area-of-effect damage, while Maxwell provides buffs to both self and allies during a burst skill. It is highly likely Laplace will be a Burst 3, and Maxwell a Burst 1 or 2. Further details will be released via the official lounge. One can only hope to see the entire Metis Squad in the arena, just like the Absolute Squad.

NIKKE Issues

Full Voice Story Event: PROJECT MATIS

Alongside the new units, the story event 'PROJECT MATIS' kicks off on July 23. This event will delve into the past of the game's infamous antagonist and fan-favorite, Syuen, alongside Laplace and Maxwell. Much like the summer event, it will feature full voice acting. Commanders can finally witness the history of the Metis Squad and Syuen after the update on July 23.