VC1 Tier List (Busard)

Assuming level 20 with best equipment:
Scouts: Alicia, Wavy, Nancy, Musaad, Aika
Troopers: Rosie, Lynn, Generics (with Fearless Will and Ultimate Damage), Nina, Jane
Lancers: Audrey, Elysse/Jann, Generic (with Tank Destroyer and 70 accuracy), Largo
Engineers: Knute, Nadine, Claudia (without her hidden potential), Dallas
Snipers: Generic (with Backup Sniping and Critical Shot), Emile, Marina

Note: to get generics, you need to kill half your squad so you may want not to do this on your first playthrough.


Of course, depending on your level and thus your stats and potentials unlocked, the good characters will vary.

The battle potentials you should look out for on your way to level 20:
Scouts: Power Scout level 6 (Wavy, Nancy), Resist Crossfire level 14 (Alicia, Aika)
Troopers: Fearless Will level 7 (Nina, Jane)
Lancers: IMO, Rosina (Anti-Armor Boost and Stand Ready at level 4 and a good natural accuracy) is your best lancer until you unlock the Ultimate Anti-Armor potential at level 20.
Engineers: honestly? They all unlock their best potential at level 20, just try to avoid the (very) negative personal potentials this class is plagued with. Nadine is a good choice.
Snipers: Backup Sniping level 8 (Cezary, not listed above.It's the easiest accuracy potential to trigger early game and accuracy is what you will want early game. Middle/late game, the sniper rifles will be accurate enough that you won't miss so it won't matter anymore)

Also, Alicia, Rosie, Largo, Lynn, Nancy, Musaad and Audrey are good units no matter their level either because of their stats, personal potentials or something else.

Special mention: Susie. Don't use her until you get to level 4 (to unlock sighting) then use her until she unlocks Humanitarian. She is actually good early game (sighting gives her Alicia like accuracy and she has Good Buddy) but is quickly ruined by her hidden potential.