Sword Art Online: MD - Best 4* Burst Damagers Tier List (Rank AA)

This tier list will show you how good your characters are when it comes to burst damages and ranking events.

   - For best results, use vs their counter element and with teams. For beginners with limited number of characters, aim for a high ranked Dagger, Lance, Rapier, Dual, or Sword wielder that can also generate combos.

Rank [AA] 4* Burst DPS Damagers for Ranking Events

Other Useful Lists:

   - Character List (Element, Stats and Info)
   - 6* Burst DPS Tier List (Ranking Events)
   - 6* Characters Tier List (Overall)
   - 5* Burst DPS Tier List (Ranking Events)
   - 5* Characters Tier List (Overall)
   - 4* Burst DPS Tier List (Ranking Events)
   - 4* Characters Tier List (Overall)

Wide AoE Nukers and/or Combo Generators

   - Note: Units with high Hits/Sec on their SS3s are great combo builders vs mobs. The effectiveness of mob clearing units depends on how the mobs are spaced out.

Image	Character Name	Elem. Wep.	Combo Gen	DPS Ratings vs Elements			Mob Clear	Roles (Best As)
			(Hits/Sec)	Strong	Others	Weak
	Yuuki [Genius Creator]	Wind Mace	9 Hits 2.8sec (3.2)	S	A	B	AA	*Earth Nuker *Combo Gen *Mob Clearer
		Combo Window: Passive			Wide In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:120],  [Speed+ Buff],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Use SS3s after parrying or while the enemy is stunned, turning off Auto-Approach will increase range but will only deal 70% damage.
	Eugeo [Born Genius]	Water Sword	8 Hits 3.5sec (2.3)	AA	A	B	S	*Fire Nuker *Combo Gen *Mob Clearer
		Combo Window: Passive			Wide In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Auto-Heal],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - SS3s can be spammed, just position your unit and time it well.
	Strea [Sakura Romance]	Earth Sword	6 Hits 2.7sec (2.2)	S	A	C	S	*Water Nuker *Combo Gen *Mob Clearer *Mitigator
		Combo Window: None			Wide In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:120],  [Self Heal],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Her SS3 has a good range, either use from a ranged position or after parry/stun.
	Kirito [Resurgent Sword]	Neutral Sword	3 Hits 2.6sec (1.2)	S	A	--	AA	*Neutral Nuker *Mob Clearer
		Combo Window: Passive			Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:110],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Critical+ Buff],  [SS3 has Invincibility],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - SS3s are easy to spam from a ranged position, but watch out for auto-aim and dashing attacks.

Nukers and Combo Generators

   - Units with high Hits/Sec on their SS3s. Can be used anytime during battle, but more effective if used from the start to generate fast combos (against single targets like bosses).

Image	Character Name	Elem. Wep.	Combo Gen	DPS Ratings vs Elements			Mob Clear	Roles (Best As)
			(Hits/Sec)	Strong	Others	Weak
	Yuna [Sweet Idol Singer]	NeutralRapier	9 Hits 1.8sec (5.0)	S	A	--	A	*Neutral Nuker *Combo Gen *Healer
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:120],  [Team Heal] [Targets: Ground Enemies] - SS3s can be spammed but must be in-line with target. Best after parry or combinattions.
	Silica [Attention Please]	Neutral Dagger	11 Hits 2.4sec (4.6)	S	AA	--	A	*Nuker *Combo Gen *Debuffer
		Combo Window: While Buffed			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Atk&Def Down Debuff],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - SS3 is pretty much on point, so use after parry or while target is stunned.
	Yuuki [Zekken]	Dark Sword	11 Hits 2.5sec (4.4)	S	A	--	B	*Holy Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: Passive			Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:120],  [Attack+ Buff],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - A bit hard to spam, so use after parrying, while the enemy is stunned, or rely on her frame locks.
	Silica [Flower Peach Baby]	Wind Dagger	11 Hits 3.0sec (3.7)	S	A	B	A	*Earth Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Speed+ Buff],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Instant SS3 upon switch],  [Ends behind target]   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - SS3s can be spammed, just time it well.
	Yuuki [Natural Pop Star]	Wind Rapier	10 Hits 2.8sec (3.6)	S	A	B	A	*Earth Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: None			Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:120],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - A bit hard to spam, but doable vs single attacks, after parrying, or while the enemy is stunned.
	Yuuki [Umbral Flight]	Dark Dagger	10 Hits 3.3sec (3.0)	S	A	--	B	*Holy Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: While Buffed			Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Speed+ Buff],  [Critical+ Buff],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Turning off auto-approach will increase her SS3's range. Time it well and you can also spam her SS3s to attack and dodge at the same time.
	Leafa [Void Runner]	Dark Sword	9 Hits 3.0sec (3.0)	S	A	--	B	*Holy Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: While Buffed			Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Speed+ Buff],  [Critical+ Buff],  [Teleports behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Turning off auto-approach will instantly teleport her behind target after her 1st hit. Time it well and you can also spam her SS3s to attack and dodge at the same time.
	Yui [Up-and-Coming Tiny Idol]	NeutralRapier	8 Hits 3.0sec (2.7)	S	A	--	A	*Neutral Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: None			Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Barrier negates 1 strike], [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - A bit hard to spam, but doable vs single attacks, after parrying, or while the enemy is stunned.
	Eugeo [Ark Savior]	Water Sword	6 Hits 2.2sec (2.7)	S	A	C	A	*Fire Nuker *Combo Gen *Speed+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:120],  [Speed+ Team Buff], [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - SS3s can be spammed, best with combinations.
	Leafa [The Kiss]	Holy Sword	8 Hits 3.0sec (2.7)	S	A	--	A	*Dark Nuker *Combo Gen *Stunner
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:110],  [Self Heal],  [Likely to Stun],  [Teleports behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - SS3s can be spammed while dodging attacks, time it well. Stun chance triggers after a set number of SS3s (usually 2 or 3).

Support Nukers

   - Characters with average or low Hits/Sec on their SS3s, or using slow speed weapons. Still strong characters especially against their counter elements, best played with combo generators to deal stronger nukes at higher combo counts.

Image	Character Name	Elem. Wep.	Combo Gen	DPS Ratings vs Elements			Mob Clear	Roles (Best As)
			(Hits/Sec)	Strong	Others	Weak
	Asuna [Captive Princess]	Earth Rod	10 Hits 2.9sec (3.4)	S	A	B	B	*Water Nuker *Combo Gen *Healer *Def+ Buffer
		Combo Window: None			Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:90],  [Team Heal],  [Defense+ Team Buff],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Mostly used as a support unit, but a decent auto-aim caster after learning her new SS.
	Phillia [Blossom of Youth]	Earth Bow	7 Hits 2.5sec (2.8)	S	A	B	B	*Water Nuker *Combo Gen *Mitigator
		Combo Window: None			Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [Auto-Aim Caster],  [Midair Attack],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - SS3s are easy to spam especially against ground based attacks, avoid fast moving targets though.
	Lisbeth [Smile on Waterfront]	Water Mace	7 Hits 2.6sec (2.7)	S	A	B	B	*Fire Nuker *Combo Gen *Stunner
		Combo Window: While Buffed			Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Auto-Heal],  [Speed+ Buff],  [Likely to Stun],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - SS3's range can be increased by turning off auto-approach but must be used directly in-line of target to land all hits. Stun chance triggers after a set number of SS3s (usually 2 or 3).
	Asuna [Cheer of Love]	Holy Bow	10 Hits 4.0sec (2.5)	S	A	--	B	*Dark Nuker *Combo Gen *Atk+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Attack+ Team Buff],  [Speed+ Buff],  [Lands at mid-ranged position],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - SS3 burst damages are pretty good, but mostly used as Attack+ team buffer.
	Silica [Yearning Blade]	NeutralDagger	5 Hits 2.3sec (2.2)	S	A	--	A	*Neutral Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - SS3 connects well, and ends on the opposite side of target, could be useful for spamming SS3s.
	Seven [Omniscient Maid]	Wind Dagger	5 Hits 2.4sec (2.1)	S	A	B	B	*Earth Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: While Buffed			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Attack+ Buff],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Burst damages are great, but still kinda hard to execute without parrying, try to spam SS3s while the target is stunned too.
	Argo [Early Spring Dance]	Wind Sword	8 Hits 4.0sec (2.0)	S	A	B	A	*Earth Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Speed+ Buff],  [Ends behind target],  [Instant SS3 upon switch],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - SS3s can now be spammed easily, just time it well.
	Sachi [Brave Lance]	Neutral Lance	5 Hits 2.5sec (2.0)	S	A	--	B	*Neutral Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: Passive			Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Must be directly in-front or back of target to avoid misses, ends behind target, could be useful for spamming SS3s.
	Lisbeth [Fascinating MC Performer]	Earth Mace	4 Hits 2.3sec (1.7)	S	A	B	A	*Water Nuker
		Combo Window: None			Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:120],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - A bit hard to spam, but doable vs single attacks, after parrying, or while the enemy is stunned.
	Silica [Young Idol]	Dark Dagger	4 Hits 2.6sec (1.5)	S	A	--	B	*Holy Nuker
		Combo Window: None			Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],  [Teleports Behind Target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Can be spammed easily because of her teleport ability and barrier effect.
	Sinon [Death Bullet]	Neutral Gun	2 Hits 2.2sec (0.9)	S	A	--	AA	*Neutral Nuker
		Combo Window: Passive			Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - SS3s can be spammed from a ranged position, but watch out for incoming attacks. Turn off auto-approach to increase range and turn her in to an auto-aim caster.
	Leafa [Sparkling Teen Idol]	Holy Sword	2 Hits 2.5sec (0.8)	S	A	--	B	*Dark Nuker
		Combo Window: None			Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:120],  [Barrier negates 1 strike], [Teleports behind nearby target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - SS3s can be spammed vs single attacks, and if timed right, can also dodge while dealing damages.

Support Characters

   - DO NOT limit your team by only using high DPS units, also consider using Support units like Debuffers. Refer here for a list of Support Units.
   - Characters that focuses on inflicting status effects like Stuns are also effective as support/utility units, depending on your current character pool and/or battle situation.

Rankings Are Based On:

Lvl 80 Character Stats (Lvl 100 for Free Characters).
   - Note that Ranking Event limited characters will get higher stat bonuses than Gacha characters when limit breaking.

SS3 Attack Duration (Seconds):
   - SS3 Attack Duration in seconds (on-click until he/she can move again)
   - #.#sec* =  Average Time. Dual Wielders will get Max/Min speed depending on combos (10~50) but will only consider their average speed and DPS.
   - (Hits/Sec) determines how fast they can generate combos "per target".

Ranking Event - Burst DPS:
   - Overall Damage Output/Sec (including buffs, defense debuffs, non-elemental damage multipliers, crit damage, and more). Tested on a null enemy (no elemental advantage) with same armor rating, without gears. Elemental damage multipliers will be calculated according to their overall DPS rating.
   - Combo Generation and "how easy" SS3s can be spammed will affect DPS Ratings.

Ranking Event - Mob Clearing:
   - Heavily based on their AoE Range (considering all skills) and Speed.
   - We will not consider Mob Clearing as ranking basis for now because it would be unfair for other limited ranged units.

Support Units that can buff, debuff enemies, or heal your team won't affect their rankings for now, since these characters' effectiveness also depends on their teammates' strengths.

   - Please note that these Tier Lists are for reference only, ranking basis is a work in progress and will never be final. It's not 100% accurate, but we'll do our best to polish the guides.

Other Helpful Notes

Character Rankings: Order List

   - Ordered By: Category > Combo Generation (Hits/Sec) > Faster Weapon Type > Name
   - Characters under same rank are not always treated as on par, because they also have different roles, which will also require different playing styles.

Elemental Bonuses and Weaknesses

   - Fire > Wind > Earth > Water > Fire (Holy < > Dark)

   - Characters with an Element that is in a disadvantage (except Holy/Dark) can only deal 75% damage.

   - Note that OS Characters and some selected characters have a Battle Skill or Skill Slot that increases their damages against Neutral element enemies.

Recommended Guides To Read

   - Terminologies and Team Building Guide

   - How Weapon Speed Affects Your Playing Style

   - How to Unlock Skill Slots and Stats Per Lvl

How To Obtain Specific 5* and 4* Characters?

   - Mostly from Gacha Scout (check "characters and rates" option under the featured banners for more info on which characters are available).

   - Medal Scout/Ticket Scout: Limited characters that can be obtained from Ranking Events (gets a different image thumbnail).

   - Limited Events: Free 5* and 4* characters via limited events.

Final Notes: 

   - The list above isn't absolute, if we missed some info regarding their SS3's performance like range or extra effects for example, please notify us below, thanks!
   - For new characters or banners, please check the Changelog and Updates Section.
   - Enjoy! ^^

Related Sword Art Online: MD Tips & Guides:
- Sword Art Online: MD - Terminologies and Team Building Guide
- Sword Art Online: MD - How to Defeat Ranking Event Bosses (Master+1)
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