Metal Slug: Awakening is one of the most talked-about entries in the Metal Slug franchise, blending classic run-and-gun action with modern mobile hero-collector mechanics. In this game, players build teams of unique characters, each with distinct abilities and combat roles that influence strategy and playstyle. Whether you are a long-time Metal Slug fan or new to the series, understanding the character roster is essential to mastering the game. This complete guide breaks down the full metal slug awakening characters list game roster, how characters work, how to build your team, and what makes each hero unique.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Title | Metal Slug: Awakening |
| Genre | Action RPG, Side-Scrolling Shooter |
| Platform | Mobile (Android & iOS) |
| Developer | TiMi Studio Group |
| Publisher | SNK |
| Game Mode | Single-player & Co-op |
| Main Focus | Character-based Combat |
| Team Size | Three Characters per Squad |
| Progression | Character Levels & Gear |
| Play Style | Fast-Paced Action |
| Updates | Regular Content Additions |
| Best For | Fans of Classic Metal Slug & RPG Action |
What is Metal Slug: Awakening?
Metal Slug: Awakening is a licensed mobile game developed with collaboration from SNK. It takes the iconic Metal Slug series into a side-scrolling action RPG format while preserving the fast-paced combat and chaotic feel that made the franchise famous. The game combines classic gunplay with collectible characters, each offering unique skills, abilities, and combinations that influence combat and strategy. As you progress, you assemble teams of three to tackle missions, PvP battles, and difficult boss encounters.
How Characters Work in the Game
In Metal Slug: Awakening, characters are more than just faces from the franchise. Each character has a set of active abilities, passive traits, and often an ultimate skill that can turn the tide of battle. These abilities work with weapon types, character roles, and team synergy to shape how you approach each mission. Some characters deal heavy damage, others provide support or healing, and a few specialize in crowd control or buffs to the entire party.
Players usually field three characters at a time and can switch between them during combat, allowing tactical flexibility. A balanced team might include a damage dealer, a utility or debuffer, and a support or healer, depending on your strategy and the challenge you’re facing.
Core Playable Characters
The roster in Metal Slug: Awakening blends classic heroes, new faces, and crossover units from other franchises. Many characters can be unlocked through progression, events, or limited promotions. Below is a rundown of major playable characters currently known in the game’s roster:
- Marco Rossi: A well-rounded fighter and one of the originals from Metal Slug classic games. Marco typically serves as a balanced damage dealer with reliable skills.
- Tarma Roving: Known for heavy weapons expertise, Tarma excels at area damage and front-line combat.
- Eri Kasamoto: A skilled sniper who shines at long range and agile attacks.
- Fio Germi: Versatile in both close and long-range combat, often with explosive results.
- Trevor Spacey: Agile and mobile character with skills that often disrupt enemy formations.
- Nadia Cassel: Often fulfills a support-healing role with team buffs and sustain abilities.
- Lyla: A strong damage dealer with AOE and summoning potential.
- Violet: Recognized for powerful bursts and versatility across roles.
- Scarlett: Effective at crowd control and heavy damage output.
- Eva Glenn: Supports teams with debuffs and secondary damage potential.
- Gru Kang: Known for utility functions and team enhancements.
This list is a snapshot of notable units known to be available. Other characters include Kukik, Haran, Eske, Freyja, Aurora, Shadow, Joe, Lilith, Ame, Ilum, Martina, and Chi Lian among others. Some characters might be tied to events, limited promotions, or seasonal updates, giving the roster a dynamic feel over time.
Character Roles and Combat Styles
In general, characters in Metal Slug: Awakening fall into one of several broad categories:
- Damage Dealers: These characters focus on outputting as much damage as possible, often with powerful main attacks and ultimates. Marco, Lyla, and Violet are examples.
- Support Units: Characters like Nadia help sustain the team by healing or buffing allies.
- Utility or Debuff Specialists: Some characters apply crowd-control effects or weaken enemies, making them easier for your damage dealers to finish off.
Each character’s combat style influences where they fit best. For instance, a frontline bruiser might soak damage and control space, while a sniper with long-range skills stays safer but deals precise bursts. Understanding these differences helps you form balanced teams that handle varied challenges across missions.
Character Abilities and Ultimate Skills
Every character brings a distinct set of abilities. Some have passive traits that buff teammates, while others possess powerful ultimate skills that activate when their meter fills. For instance, classic Metal Slug characters often have simple but effective abilities like grenades or rapid fire, while newer units may summon devices, spawn allies, or inflict status effects.
Ultimates are typically game changers, combining multiple effects like high burst damage, team buffs, or control abilities. Learning when to unleash these in battle often separates average players from advanced ones.
Team Building Strategies
A solid team in Metal Slug: Awakening is more than just picking strongest characters. The key lies in synergy: balancing damage types, timing ultimate skills, and filling gaps in utility. A typical effective team might include a frontline damage dealer, a support healer or buffer, and a utility unit to debuff or control enemies.
Experiment with different combinations, paying attention to how abilities complement each other. Some teams excel at fast stages with quick burst damage, while others with healing and buffs are more suited for extended battles where survivability is key.
Progressing Your Characters
Characters improve through experience, weapons, and gear. Investing in upgrades enhances health, damage, and ability effects. Progression also unlocks stronger weapon classes and boosts overall team power. Players should prioritize upgrading characters that fit their playstyle while also ensuring there’s balance across roles.
Weapons, too, play a significant role. Choosing the right weapon that matches a character’s strengths can significantly amplify performance. Some weapons deal extensive area damage, others provide precision shots or elemental effects, and knowing what works best with each hero is part of optimizing your roster.
Character Unlocking and Accessibility
Not all characters are available immediately. Many unlock through campaign progress, special events, or in-game achievements. Some characters may require specific tasks or limited promotion pulls. While this can feel slow at times, it adds a sense of progression and surprise as you unlock new heroes and expand your roster.
Community and Tier Perspectives
Players often discuss character strengths through community-generated tier lists that rank heroes based on overall impact, utility, and synergy. These lists highlight that while some characters like Lyla or Violet may excel in many teams, others find niche roles or shine in specific builds. Ultimately, these lists serve as guidance rather than strict rules — your playstyle and team combinations matter just as much.
Why the Roster Matters
Understanding the metal slug awakening characters list game roster means more than knowing names. It means knowing roles, abilities, synergies, and how they shape your team. A fully optimized roster helps you tackle difficult stages more efficiently and keeps gameplay fresh as you experiment with different lineups. As the game evolves with updates, new characters will continue to redefine strategies and offer fresh challenges.
Conclusion
The character roster in Metal Slug: Awakening adds depth and variety to the beloved run-and-gun mechanics of the Metal Slug universe. By understanding each character’s strengths, roles, and how they fit together in a team, you can elevate your gameplay and enjoy the full richness of what this game offers. From classic heroes like Marco and Eri Kasamoto to newer additions like Lyla and Violet, every character contributes to a unique play experience. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, mastering the roster is the key to success.
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FAQs
How many playable characters are in Metal Slug Awakening?
The game features a growing roster of playable characters. New heroes are added through updates and special events, which means the total number continues to expand over time.
Can beginners unlock strong characters early in the game?
Yes, several solid characters are available from the early stages. With smart upgrades and team building, new players can progress smoothly without needing rare units right away.
Do all characters fit every playstyle?
Not really. Some characters suit aggressive players who prefer fast damage, while others work better for defensive or support-focused strategies. Choosing characters that match your playstyle makes the game more enjoyable.
Are new characters more powerful than older ones?
New characters often introduce fresh mechanics, but older characters remain useful when upgraded properly. Balance changes and team synergy matter more than just having the newest hero.
Is team composition more important than individual character strength?
Yes, building a balanced team is usually more effective than relying on a single strong character. Good synergy between damage, support, and control roles leads to better performance in most game modes.
