Surge — Brawl Stars draft guide
Where Surge sits in the current ranked meta, the build to run, and how to use them in a draft.
Draft verdict
Playable. Usually picked to answer a specific enemy composition.
Matchup note: practically no direct counter; fixed damage at any range, not burst
Draft role: Anti-tank. Pick Surge when the draft needs that slot filled.
Kit
Juice of Justice
A ranged attack that gets stronger as Surge levels up through combat stages.
Party Tricks
Advances Surge to the next evolution stage, unlocking stronger attacks and mobility.
Build
Gadgets
Power Shield (recommended, ~74% pick rate — absorbs 50% of incoming damage and converts it into ammo), Power Surge (instantly jumps to stage 3).
Star powers
To The Max! (wall-bouncing focus) and Serve Ice Cold (respawn recovery focus) — nearly equal in value depending on playstyle.
Gears
Shield and Health Gear (most modes); swap in Damage Gear for more aggressive play.
Recommended build
Power Shield gadget + To The Max!/Serve Ice Cold star power + Shield/Health gears.
How to play Surge
- Widely considered one of the strongest brawlers in the game — high win rate and use rate across competitive play.
- Activate the Super early to reach stage 2 quickly, then use Power Surge to jump straight to stage 3.
- Use split shots against clustered enemies to charge the Super faster with overlapping damage.