Sword Art Online: MD – Best 4-Star Characters Tier List – Rank S

Here’s a list of 4-Star Characters that are currently rated under Rank S! This section is the summary of all ranks and ratings given to all characters in the game, in terms of Speed Rankings, Floor Clearing capabilities or Tankiness.

   – For beginners with limited number of characters, aim for a high ranked Dagger, Lance, RapierDual, or Sword wielder that can also generate combos, as your 1st character and main DPS unit.

   – 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)


   – 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.
   – *Ratings are mostly based under “NO Elemental Advantage”, so DPS ranks below can go higher when used against their counter element.

Image
Thumb
Character
Name
Elem.
Wep.
Combo
Gen
Ranking
Event DPS
Floor Clear
Event
Roles
(Best As)
Hits/sec Burst Mob Clear Boss

Asuna
[Promise at that Time]
Holy
Rapier
9 Hits 1.6sec

(5.6)

S+ AA S AA *Nuker *Combo Gen *Mob Clearer

*Stunner

Combo Window: Passive Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:110],  [Self Heal],  [Likely to Stun],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, turn off auto-approach to control range. Stun chance triggers after a set number of SS3s (usually 2 or 3).

Alice
[Golden Knight]
Earth
Sword
12 Hits 2.9sec

(4.1)

S+ S AA AA *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Mob Clearer

Combo Window: Passive Wide In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Critical+ Buff],  [Speed+ Buff],  [Ends behind target],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, and can also damage enemies behind her.
Eugeo
[Born Genius]
Water
Sword
8 Hits 3.5sec

(2.3)

AA S SS 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)

AA S SS 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.

Heathcliff
[Holy Sword]
Holy Shield

Blade

3 Hits 2.1sec

(1.4)

S+ SS SS AA *Nuker
*Mob Clearer
Combo Window: Passive Massive In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Auto-aim Caster],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, just position your character and time it well.


   – 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).
   – *Ratings are mostly based under “NO Elemental Advantage”, so DPS ranks below can go higher when used against their counter element.

Image
Thumb
Character
Name
Elem.
Wep.
Combo
Gen
Ranking
Event DPS
Floor Clear
Event
Roles
(Best As)
Hits/sec Burst Mob Clear Boss
Silica
[Starlight Prayer]
Dark
Rapier
14 Hits 2.4sec

(5.8)

S+ A AA AA *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Atk+ Buffer

Combo Window: While Buffed Single Target
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Attack+ Team Buff],  [Self Heal],  [Ends behind target],  [100% Frame Lock]   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, just time it well.

Rain
[Blossom Shower]
Earth
Dual
10 Hits 1.8sec*

(5.6)

SS A B A *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Stunner

Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Likely to Stun],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3 is pretty much on point, so use after parry or while target is stunned.

Yuuki
[Gemini]
Fire
Rapier
7 Hits 1.5sec

(4.7)

SS AA A A *Nuker *Combo Gen *Stunner

*Crit+ Buffer

Combo Window: Passive Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:105],  [Crit+ Team Buff],  [Likely to Stun],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam but can also be easily interrupted by enemy attacks, so time it well. Stun chance triggers after a set number of SS3s (usually 2 or 3).

Premier
[Shamisen Rock]
Fire
Rapier
9 Hits 2.0sec

(4.5)

S+ A AA AA *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Attack+ Zone

Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:120],  [Attack+ Zone],  [Self Heal],  [Teleports behind target at mid-ranged position],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s can be easily spammed, just time it well.
Rain
[Personal Santa]
Holy
Dual Blade
8 Hits 1.8sec*

(4.4)

SS A B AA *Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:120],  [Likely to Stun],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, just position your character and time it well. Stun chance triggers after a set number of SS3s (usually 2 or 3).
Asuna
[Gorgeous Quartermaster]
Water
Rapier
8 Hits 1.8sec

(4.4)

SS A B AA *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Debuffer

*Atk+ Buffer

Combo Window: While Buffed Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Attack+ Team Buff],  [Def Down Debuff],  [100% Frame Lock],  [Teleports to nearby target],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, just position your unit and time it well.
Leafa
[Rainy Season Enjoyment]
Water
Sword
10 Hits 2.3sec

(4.3)

S A S SS *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Mitigator

Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Self-Heal],  [Temporary Damage Reduction (15sec)],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s can be spammed, just time it well to avoid attacks.

Yuuki
[Celestial Dancer]
Dark
Dual
11 Hits 2.6sec*

(4.2)

S+ B A AA *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Atk+ Buffer

Combo Window: While Buffed Single Target
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Attack+ Team Buff],  [Self Heal],  [SS3 has Invincibility],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, just time it well.

Silica
[Augmented Tamer]
Neutral
Dagger
12 Hits 3.0sec

(4.0)

S A AA AA *Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Auto-Heal],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– Great burst damages, but hard to spam, so use after parrying or while the enemy is stunned.

Premier
[Pudding Rather Than Praise]
Wind
Rapier
8 Hits 2.0sec

(4.0)

S+ A B AA *Nuker
*Combo gen
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Teleports behind target],  [Speed+ Buff],  [100% Frame Lock],  [Instant SS3 upon switch],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s has been upgraded heavily, and can now easily spammed.

Asuna
[Lightning Dance]
Holy
Sword
12 Hits 3.0sec

(4.0)

SS AA AA AA *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Debuffer

Combo Window: Passive Decent AoE Range
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Atk&Def Down Debuff],  [100% Frame Lock],  [Auto-Aim Caster],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, just position your unit and time it well.
Philia
[Promise of Reunion]
Dark
Dagger
7 Hits 1.8sec

(3.9)

S AA S AA *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Atk+ Buffer

Combo Window: While Buffed Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Attack+ Team Buff],  [Self Heal],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, just time it well.
Yui
[True Heart]
NeutralSword 9 Hits 2.3sec

(3.9)

SS A A AA *Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [100% Frame Lock],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are pretty much on point, but still spammable with frame locks and barrier.
Kirito
[Lofty Captain]
Water
Dual
8 Hits 2.1sec

(3.8)

SS B B AA *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Debuffer

*Atk+ Buffer

Combo Window: While Buffed Single Target
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Attack+ Team Buff],  [Def Down Debuff],  [100% Frame Lock],  [Auto-aim Caster],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, just position your unit and time it well.

Yuuki
[Tied Together]
Dark
Sword
11 Hits 2.9sec

(3.8)

S+ B B AA *Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes – [MP:120],  [Ends behind target],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are somewhat easy to spam, but watch out for incoming attacks.
Asuna
[Libra]
Fire
Lance
7 Hits 2.0sec

(3.5)

S+ AA A AA *Nuker *Combo Gen *Stunner

*Crit+ Buffer

Combo Window: Passive Decent AoE Range
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Crit+ Team Buff],  [Likely to Stun],  [100% Frame Lock],  [Stacks vs Clustered Mobs],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
– SS3s can be spammed with the help of her frame locking SS3s, just time it well to avoid interruptions. Stun chance triggers after a set number of SS3s (usually 2 or 3).
Silica
[Blessed Breath]
Holy
Dagger
8 Hits 2.5sec

(3.2)

S B AA S *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Stunner

Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes – [MP:110],  [Self Heal],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [Likely to Stun],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are pretty much on point, gets a damage reduction barrier during SS3 (1.5 seconds). Stun chance triggers after a set number of SS3s (usually 2 or 3).

Asuna
[Stars and Stripes]
NeutralRapier 8 Hits 2.6sec

(3.1)

S+ A AA AA *Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:120],  [Self Heal],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are easy spam, turn off auto-approach to control range if needed.
Asuna
[Illuminating Weeping Willow]
Earth
Rapier
8 Hits 2.7sec

(3.0)

SS A B AA *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Stunner

Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Likely to Stun],  [100% Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, just time it well.

Suguha
[Caught My Eye]
Water
Sword
6 Hits 2.7sec

(3.0)

S+ AA A AA *Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:120],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, best with combinations.
Yuuki
[Intuitive Navigator]
Water
Dagger
5 Hits 1.8sec

(2.8)

S+ AA A AA *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Debuffer

*Atk+ Buffer

Combo Window: While Buffed Decent AoE Range
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Attack+ Team Buff],  [Def Down Debuff],  [100% Frame Lock],  [Auto-aim Caster],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, just position your unit and time it well.

Kirito
[Haiku Composer]
Dark
Sword
5 Hits 2.1sec

(2.4)

S+ A AA AA *Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:120],  [Self Heal],  [SS3 has Invincibility],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s can be spammed easily, just time it well.

Leafa
[Splash in Dirndl]
Water
Sword
5 Hits 2.1sec

(2.4)

S+ B A AA *Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes – [MP:120],  [Self Heal],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam just time it well.

Silica
[Girl in Chinese Dress]
Fire
Dagger
5 Hits 2.2sec

(2.3)

S A AA AA *Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes – [MP:120],  [Self Heal],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s can be spammed while relying on her frame locks.


   – 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.
   – *Ratings are mostly based under “NO Elemental Advantage”, so DPS ranks below can go higher when used against their counter element.

Image
Thumb
Character
Name
Elem.
Wep.
Combo
Gen
Ranking
Event DPS
Floor Clear
Event
Roles
(Best As)
Hits/sec Burst Mob Clear Boss
Sinon
[Fiery Morning Glory]
Earth
Gun
8 Hits 2.0sec

(4.0)

SS B B AA *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Stunner

Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Likely to Stun],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
– SS3s can be spammed from any location, but watch out for incoming attacks.
Sinon
[Great Sniper on the Lookout]
Water
Gun
9 Hits 2.4sec

(3.8)

SS B B AA *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Debuffer

*Atk+ Buffer

Combo Window: While Buffed Single Target
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Attack+ Team Buff],  [Def Down Debuff],  [100% Frame Lock],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [Ends at mid-ranged position],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, just position your unit and time it well.

Sinon
[Korean Dress in Breeze]
Wind
Bow
7 Hits 1.9sec

(3.7)

S+ A AA AA *Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:120],  [Self Heal],  [Auto-aim Caster],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
– SS3s are are easy to spam, just watch out for incoming attacks.
Sinon
[Novice Police]
Neutral
Gun
7 Hits 2.2sec

(3.2)

SS B B A *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Debuffer

Combo Window: While Buffed Single Target
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Atk&Def Down Debuff],  [Auto-Aim Caster],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s can be spammed from a ranged position, but watch out for incoming attacks.

Lisbeth
[Efficient Smith]
NeutralMace 8 Hits 2.8sec

(2.9)

S A AA S *Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:100],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Auto-Heal],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– High burst damage, ideal as support nuker after parrying or while enemy is stunned.
Sinon
[Stiletto heel Bride]
Holy
Bow
5 Hits 1.7sec

(2.9)

S+ B A AA *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Stunner

Combo Window: Passive Wide In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:110],  [Self Heal],  [Likely to Stun],  [Auto-aim Caster],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
– SS3s can be spammed from a ranged position, but best vs single targets. Stun chance triggers after a set number of SS3s (usually 2 or 3).
Phillia
[Blossom of Youth]
Earth
Bow
7 Hits 2.5sec

(2.8)

AA B AA S *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.

Yui
[The Oracle Prophet]
NeutralMace 7 Hits 2.5sec

(2.8)

S+ B B AA *Nuker *Combo Gen

*Debuffer

Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes – [MP:120],  [Def Down Debuff],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [Midair Attack],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, just time it well.

Strea
[Abounding Spring Water]
Wind
Mace
7 Hits 2.5sec

(2.8)

S+ A B AA *Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: While Buffed Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes – [MP:120],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, just time it well.
Leafa
[Radiant First Mate]
Water
Sword
4 Hits 2.1sec

(1.9)

S+ AA A AA *Nuker
*Debuffer
*Atk+ Buffer
Combo Window: While Buffed Decent AoE Range
SS3 Notes – [MP:110],  [Attack+ Team Buff],  [Def Down Debuff],  [100% Frame Lock],  [Auto-aim Caster],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
– SS3s are easy to spam, just position your unit and time it well.


   – 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. 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.    – Combo Generation and “how easy” SS3s can be spammed will affect DPS Ratings.    – Note: DPS rating may increase if used against their counter element.

Ranking Event – Mob Clearing:

   – Heavily based on their AoE Range (considering all skills) and Speed.

Floor Clearing Event – Mob Clearing

   – Heavily based on their AoE Range (considering all skills) + Survival Capabilities without relying on Healers. Basically, units without any survivability skills, should be paired with Healers to increase/maintain their effectiveness.    – Based on Floor 60 onwards mob difficulty.    – Note: Rating may increase if used against their counter element.

Floor Clearing Event – vs Boss

   – Heavily based on their Damage Output (DPS will not be used here), Tankiness and Survival Capabilities. So, units with very high Damage Output with limited durability can still find their way to a decent rank, since we can still defeat Bosses by dodging attacks.    – Based on Floor 60 onwards Boss difficulty.    – Note: Rating may increase if used against their counter element. Units without any survivability skills, should be paired with Healers to increase/maintain their effectiveness.

Overall Rankings

   – Heavily based on DPS rating (Ranking Events) and Floor Clearing vs Boss (Damage Output and Survivability). So units without Self Healing or Auto-Heal are in a big disadvantage.    – We will not consider Mob Clearing as ranking basis for now because it would be unfair for other limited ranged units.

   – NOTE: 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.

   – 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.    – To find which characters are effective to a certain floor, refer below.
   – Slash – Swords and Dual Blades    – Effective against soft-bodied enemies such as Mantises, Slimes and Gerberas (plant monsters).    – Not effective against tough-skinned enemies such as Lizardmen.

   – Strike – Mace and Guns

   – Effective against hard-bodied enemies such as Elementals and Skeletons.    – Not effective against soft-bodied enemies such as Mantises, Slimes and Gerberas (plant monsters).

   – Thrust/Pierce – Rapiers, Lances, Daggers, and Bows.

   – Effective against tough-skinned enemies such as Lizardmen.    – Not effective against hard-bodied enemies such as Elementals and Skeletons.

   – Magic – Rods

   – Deals more damage to a certain element than the usual elemental affinity bonus damage.    – Fire > Wind > Earth > Water > Fire (Holy < > Dark)
   – Note that some selected characters have a Battle Skill or Skill Slot that increases their damages against Neutral element enemies.    – Element that is in disadvantage can only deal 75% damage, so also consider that unit’s current DPS rank to go down.
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) or