Kenji Brawl Stars Guide
Kenji 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 Kenji — and when not to.
- Tier
- A
- Class
- assassin
- Blind-pick safety
- 5/10
Current meta status
Kenji sits in A tier in the current meta (2026-07 Balance Update) with a blind-pick safety of 5/10. See the full tier list for the surrounding context.
Best build
Gadget: Ramen Break — Heal during the fight: wins the 1v1 that was a coin flip.
Star Power: Sushi Bar — Heal per hit during your dash makes you incredibly hard to finish.
Gears: Health + Gadget Charge — You're a duelist who needs to stay in the fight.
Dash through multiple enemies for maximum damage and healing.
More builds: Best Brawl Stars builds
Strengths
As a assassin, Kenji is favoured into marksman, sharpshooter, thrower, artillery, support.
- With your dash super cutting through him you focus Gene: Gene has low HP and a slow attack.
- With your dash super cutting through him you focus Barley: Barley can't shoot directly, so standing on him is free damage.
- With your dash super cutting through him you focus Poco: Poco can barely defend himself.
- With your dash super cutting through him you focus Gus: Gus is fragile once his shield is gone.
Weaknesses
Kenji struggles against tank, controller, fighter and on maps that do not support the assassin role.
Counters to watch
Strong against
Best modes
- Brawl Ball — fit 7/10
- Hot Zone — fit 6/10
- Gem Grab — fit 5/10
Best maps
Draft advice
Kenji is a reasonable middle pick — check which counters are still open before locking it.
Works well alongside Kit.
Learn the pick-order logic in the drafting guide.
When not to pick
Skip Kenji when the map layout works against the assassin role, when an unfavourable matchup is still open on the enemy side, or when your team already has the same role covered.