The Mimic Lantern Tier List
S-Tier Lanterns
S-tier lanterns combine high brightness, stable beams without flicker, and Nightmare viability. Nightmare-exclusive lanterns often land here when active — practical prestige, not pure cosmetic.
S-tier picks excel in Jealousy exteriors, Control attic, and Jigoku visibility filters. Cost may be Spirits-heavy or Robux — budget via codes first.
Avoid assuming year-old S-tier still holds — check patch notes.
A-Tier & Budget Picks
A-tier lanterns clear all standard content comfortably — best value for most players. Stable mid-brightness beats flashy particle lanterns that obscure edges.
Free or cheap A-tier options exist for Control through mid-Jealousy — upgrade before Chapter 3 Grin Demon if beam feels tight.
Details: lanterns guide.
B-Tier & Niche Lanterns
B-tier: cosmetic-first lanterns with moderate brightness — fine for Control early, struggle in Jealousy night exterior without map memorization.
C-tier: heavy flicker or dim beams — meme flex only, avoid Nightmare.
Event lanterns may sit B until buffed — watch CTStudio notes.
Mode-Specific Rankings
Nightmare: brightness stat dominates — particle effects downgrade tiers. Jigoku: same, stricter.
Standard speedruns: stable A-tier sufficient — S-tier optional unless badge routing in dark wings.
Game passes may bundle lanterns — compare pass price vs direct buy on passes page.