Buster Brawl Stars Guide
Buster can be a great pick when the map and matchup fit. This guide combines current meta information with BrawlBetter’s match and draft data to show when to pick Buster — and when not to.
- Tier
- A
- Class
- tank
- Blind-pick safety
- 6/10
Current meta status
Buster sits in A tier in the current meta (2026-07 Balance Update) with a blind-pick safety of 6/10. See the full tier list for the surrounding context.
Best build
Gadget: Slo-Mo Replay — Slows enemies in front of you: lets your team finish freely.
Star Power: Blockbuster — More shield damage absorption makes your super the best push tool in the game.
Gears: Health + Shield — You're literally your team's wall.
Use your super to walk your team into the objective.
More builds: Best Brawl Stars builds
Strengths
As a tank, Buster is favoured into assassin, thrower, controller.
- With your shield super that swallows his projectiles you focus Barley: Barley can't shoot directly, so standing on him is free damage.
- With your shield super that swallows his projectiles you focus Bo: controllers have low burst and go down fast under focus.
- With your shield super that swallows his projectiles you focus Lou: controllers have low burst and go down fast under focus.
- With your shield super that swallows his projectiles you focus Jessie: Jessie relies on her turret and is weak herself.
Weaknesses
Buster struggles against marksman, sharpshooter, support and on maps that do not support the tank role.
Counters to watch
Strong against
Best modes
- Brawl Ball — fit 7/10
- Hot Zone — fit 7/10
- Gem Grab — fit 6/10
Best maps
Draft advice
Buster is a reasonable middle pick — check which counters are still open before locking it.
Works well alongside Berry, Belle.
Learn the pick-order logic in the drafting guide.
When not to pick
Skip Buster when the map layout works against the tank role, when an unfavourable matchup is still open on the enemy side, or when your team already has the same role covered.