Kerbal Space Program Tier List — Current Rankings

This Kerbal Space Program tier list ranks every major option by overall effectiveness. Rankings factor in damage output, survivability, versatility, gear requirements, and how well each option scales.

Tier definitions: S = best in class, always a strong pick. A = strong and competitive, minor weaknesses. B = solid but clearly outperformed in most situations. C = viable only for players who enjoy the playstyle.

Builds Rankings

Detailed Builds Analysis

Pilot (S-Tier)

Pilots provide SAS hold capabilities at various levels — Level 1 holds prograde/retrograde, Level 3 unlocks maneuver node hold, and Level 5 gives target hold. Without a pilot or probe core with SAS, you can't lock heading during burns. Essential for every crewed mission.

Best with: Command Pod, SAS Module, Reaction Wheels Stat focus: Experience Level (gained from reaching new celestial bodies)

Engineer (A-Tier)

Engineers repack parachutes, repair wheels and landing legs, and boost ISRU drill and converter efficiency. A Level 3 Engineer makes mining operations viable by increasing ore extraction rates. Essential for self-sustaining bases on other planets.

Best with: ISRU Converter, Drill, Landing Legs, Parachutes Stat focus: Experience Level for ISRU efficiency bonuses

Scientist (A-Tier)

Scientists can reset experiment modules (like Mystery Goo and Science Jr.) for reuse without returning to Kerbin. They also boost lab processing speed in the Mobile Processing Lab. A Level 5 Scientist can reset every experiment, making multi-biome missions far more efficient.

Best with: Mobile Processing Lab, Science experiments, EVA equipment Stat focus: Experience Level for experiment reset capability

Tourist (C-Tier)

Tourists are contract-generated passengers who can't perform any actions — they just need to visit specified destinations. Tourist contracts pay well but add dead weight to your craft. Useful only for income in Career mode.

Best with: Extra seats in command pods, passenger cabins Stat focus: None — tourists have no skills

Rescue Target (B-Tier)

Rescue contracts place stranded Kerbals in orbit or on surfaces that you must retrieve. Successfully rescued Kerbals join your roster permanently. These missions teach rendezvous and docking skills, and rescued Kerbals often come with experience.

Best with: Extra command seat or docking port, rendezvous-capable craft Stat focus: Pilot skill for rendezvous maneuvers

Equipment Rankings

Equipment Analysis

SRB Booster: Solid Rocket Boosters provide massive thrust at low cost but cannot be throttled or shut down once ignited. The Kickback SRB delivers 2,300 kN of thrust, making it ideal for first-stage boosters. Pair 2-4 SRBs with a liquid-fuel core stage for cheap, powerful launchers.

Mainsail Engine: The RE-M3 Mainsail is KSP's workhorse heavy lifter engine with 1,500 kN thrust and 310s vacuum Isp. It's the go-to engine for large rockets' first and second stages. While heavy at 6 tons, its thrust-to-weight ratio makes it essential for getting heavy payloads to orbit.

Nuclear Engine: The LV-N Nerv nuclear engine has only 60 kN of thrust but an exceptional 800s vacuum Isp, making it the most fuel-efficient engine for interplanetary transfers. It's heavy (3 tons) and weak in atmosphere, so use it only on upper stages. Multiple Nervs in parallel solve the low-thrust problem.

Ion Engine: The IX-6315 Dawn ion engine provides incredible 4,200s Isp but only 2 kN of thrust, requiring enormous electricity reserves (xenon gas + solar panels or RTGs). Ion drives are for lightweight probes on deep-space missions where burn time doesn't matter.

SAS Module: The Advanced Inline Stabilizer provides torque to rotate your craft without using RCS fuel. Larger craft need multiple SAS modules or reaction wheels to maintain stability during burns. SAS works with pilot skill levels to enable heading holds.

Meta Analysis

The current meta in Kerbal Space Program centers on orbital mechanics and staging. Builds that leverage both systems outperform those that focus on only one.

What's strong right now:

• Pilot with SRB Booster is the benchmark. Everything else is measured against it.
• delta-v budgets builds are gaining ground as players find new synergies.
• Scientist remains essential for learning hard content.

What's underrated:

• Engineer is consistently overlooked despite being the most flexible option.
• Nuclear Engine offers excellent performance for its investment level.

What's overhyped:

• Pure Rescue Target builds. High ceiling but the consistency isn't there for most players.

Quick Picks by Situation

For full build guides, see Kerbal Space Program builds. For progression help, check the walkthrough.