One of the first decisions you’ll make in VV: Ultimatum is choosing between Soul Reaper, Quincy, and Arrancar. After watching a lot of players prepare for release and seeing early impressions from testers, it’s clear that each race offers a very different experience.
The important thing to understand is that the “best” race depends on what you’re looking for. Some players want the strongest race available right now, while others care more about progression, customization, or simply having fun.
If you’re still undecided, here’s a breakdown of all three races and what they currently offer.
Soul Reaper
At the moment, Soul Reaper is probably the hardest race to recommend for a brand-new player.
The biggest advantage Soul Reapers have right now is that they can use their Shikai abilities while remaining in their base form. That means you don’t always need to activate Shikai just to access those skills.
Outside of that, Soul Reapers currently don’t have many of the features players are waiting for. Systems like Vizard progression and additional race-specific buffs are not available yet, which leaves the race feeling somewhat unfinished compared to the others.
Another issue is progression.
Getting through Soul Reaper progression can be difficult, especially when you reach the Shikai stage. Some players have reported spending hours attempting their Shikai fight before finally completing it.
That doesn’t mean Soul Reaper is weak. Skilled players can absolutely compete against Quincies and Arrancars. The problem is that you’ll generally have to work harder to get similar results.
Soul Reaper Pros
- Can use Shikai abilities in base form
- Multiple weapon options
- Strong potential for future updates
- Good choice for players who enjoy a challenge
Soul Reaper Cons
- Hardest progression path
- Fewer race benefits currently available
- Missing future systems like Vizard progression
- Not ideal for beginners
Who Should Pick Soul Reaper?
If you’re a dedicated Soul Reaper fan and don’t mind a tougher progression path, you’ll probably enjoy it. However, if this is your first character, there are easier options available.
Quincy
According to many early players, Quincy is currently the easiest race to play and progress.
One of the biggest advantages Quincies have is weapon selection.
Unlike Soul Reapers and Arrancars, who often have to rely on rolls for certain weapon outcomes, Quincies can directly choose their weapon early on. This gives them a huge amount of control over their build from the start.
Several weapon choices stand out, with the Gun, Rapier, and Excalibur being commonly recommended options.
The race progression is also considered much easier compared to the other races. Outside of obtaining specific progression items, most of the Quincy journey is relatively straightforward.
Another major advantage comes from Quincy Bloods.
Players can choose between different blood types that focus on either:
- Increased damage
- Increased defense
If you’re confident in your combat skills, the damage-focused option can be very rewarding. If you’re still learning the game, the defensive option provides additional survivability.
Quincy Pros
- Easiest race progression
- Can choose weapons directly
- Strong early-game performance
- Flexible Blood system
- Beginner-friendly
Quincy Cons
- Fewer progression stages than Arrancar
- Less emphasis on long-term race customization
Who Should Pick Quincy?
If you’re completely new to VV: Ultimatum and simply want the smoothest experience possible, Quincy is probably the safest choice.
Arrancar
Arrancar is arguably the most customizable race in the game right now.
The biggest reason for this is Hollow progression.
Unlike the other races, Arrancars begin as Hollows and evolve through multiple stages before reaching their final form. During that journey, they gain access to Hollow Traits.
These traits provide various bonuses that continue affecting your character later on.
An Adjuchar can have three Hollow Traits, while a Vastocar can have four. This creates a lot of room for customization and allows players to shape their character around different strengths.
Another thing that stands out is how many bonuses Arrancars receive throughout progression. Hollow Traits alone provide a wide range of stat improvements and passive benefits.
Arrancars also gain access to Hierro, which significantly improves durability and helps them withstand more damage.
The downside is that the early-game progression can feel overwhelming for new players. Going from Fishbone Hollow all the way to Vasto Lorde requires more work than simply choosing Quincy and progressing normally.
However, many players feel the payoff is worth it.
Arrancar Pros
- Hollow Traits provide powerful bonuses
- Can gain up to four traits as a Vastocar
- Access to Hierro
- Strong Resurrección abilities
- Extensive build customization
Arrancar Cons
- Longer progression path
- More complicated for new players
- Requires understanding Hollow evolution systems
Who Should Pick Arrancar?
Players who enjoy progression systems, customization, and long-term character building will probably have the most fun with Arrancar.
Which Race Is Best?
Based on current impressions, Quincy appears to be the easiest race for new players.
The progression is straightforward, weapon selection is flexible, and the race offers strong performance from the beginning.
Arrancar offers the most customization thanks to Hollow Traits and Resurrección progression, but it requires more effort to fully develop.
Soul Reaper currently feels like the most difficult race because several future systems are not available yet, making it harder to recommend as a first character.