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

Here's a list of 4-Star Characters that are currently rated under Rank A! 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, Rapier, Dual, or Sword wielder that can also generate combos, as your 1st character and main DPS unit.

Rank [A] Overall Characters

Other Helpful 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.
   - *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		Tank Rate	Roles (Best As)
			Hits/sec	Burst	Mob Clear		Boss
	Yui [All Aboard]	Neutral Sword	7 Hits 2.1sec (3.3)	S	S	S	B		*Nuker *Combo Gen *Mob Clearer *Debuffer
		Combo Window: While Buffed				Wide In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Atk&Def Down Debuff],  [Auto-Aim Caster],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - SS3s are easy to spam, just position your character and time it well.
	Yuuki [Genius Creator]	Wind Mace	9 Hits 2.8sec (3.2)	AA	AA	A	A		*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.
	Lisbeth [Dark Dancer]	Dark Mace	7 Hits 3.5sec (2.0)	A	S	AA	AA		*Holy Nuker *Mob Clearer
		Combo Window: While Buffed				Wide In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Speed+ Buff],  [Critical+ Buff],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - SS3 has a pretty good range, but still best to use after parry or stun for burst damages.
	Kirito [Resurgent Sword]	NeutralSword	3 Hits 2.6sec (1.2)	AA	AA	A	A		*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.
	Lisbeth [Bringer of Spring]	Water Mace	2 Hits 2.6sec (0.8)	A	S	AA	A		*Fire Nuker *Mob Clearer
		Combo Window: Passive				Wide In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:80],  [Speed+ Buff],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - SS3 is pretty much on point, so use after parry or while target is stunned.

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).
   - *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 [Attention Please]	Neutral Dagger	11 Hits 2.4sec (4.6)	AA	A	A	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)	AA	B	A	A		*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)	AA	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)	AA	A	A	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)	AA	B	B	A		*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)	AA	B	B	A		*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)	AA	A	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)	AA	A	B	B		*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.
	Silica [Dragon Tamer]	NeutralDagger	2 Hits 1.5sec (n/a)	B	B	A	A		*Neutral Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: Passive				Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:80],  [Self-Heal],  [Attack+ Buff (1.8x)],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Use SS1 to defeat enemies, mix in normal attacks for more combos.

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.
   - *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 [Captive Princess]	Earth Rod	10 Hits 2.9sec (3.4)	AA	B	A	A		*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.
	Leafa [Rejoicing Witch]	Dark Rod	5 Hits 1.7sec (2.9)	S	B	B	B		*Holy Nuker *Combo Gen *Healer
		Combo Window: None				Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:120],  [SS1 Team Heal],  [Speed+ Buff],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - SS3s are easy to spam from a ranged position, but watch out for auto-aim and dashing attacks.
	Asuna [Cheer of Love]	Holy Bow	10 Hits 4.0sec (2.5)	AA	B	B	A		*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)	AA	A	B	B		*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.
	Silica [Dragon Caster]	Dark Rod	5 Hits 2.2sec (2.3)	S	B	B	B		*Holy Nuker *Combo Gen *Healer
		Combo Window: While Buffed				Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Speed+ Buff],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Critical+ Buff],  [SS1 Team Heal],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - SS3s are easy to spam from a ranged position, but watch out for auto-aim and dashing attacks.
	Seven [Omniscient Maid]	Wind Dagger	5 Hits 2.4sec (2.1)	AA	A	A	A		*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.
	Sachi [Brave Lance]	Neutral Lance	5 Hits 2.5sec (2.0)	AA	B	B	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.
	Kirito [Skill Connect]	Water Dual	15 Hits 7.7sec* (1.9)	B	B	B	AA		*Fire Nuker
		Combo Window: Passive				Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:120],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - SS3 is pretty much on point, so use after parry or while target is stunned.
	Lisbeth [Fascinating MC Performer]	Earth Mace	4 Hits 2.3sec (1.7)	AA	A	A	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)	AA	B	B	A		*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.
	Yuuki [Fledgling Tweeny]	Wind Mace	4 Hits 3.1sec (1.3)	AA	A	A	A		*Earth Nuker
		Combo Window: While Buffed				Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Speed+ Buff],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Use SS3s after parrying or while the enemy is stunned.
	Rechka [Queen of Chef]	Holy Mace	3 Hits 2.5sec (1.2)	B	B	B	A		*Dark Nuker
		Combo Window: Passive				Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:80],  [Self Heal],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - SS3 is pretty much on point, so use after parry or while target is stunned.
	Sinon [Death Bullet]	Neutral Gun	2 Hits 2.2sec (0.9)	AA	AA	A	B		*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)	AA	B	B	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.
	Yuuki [Eccentric Riding Hood]	Fire Rod	1 Hit 2.2sec (0.4)	S	B	B	B		*Nuker *Debuffer *Healer
		Combo Window: Passive				Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:110],  [Atk&Def Down Debuff],  [SS1 Team Heal],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - SS3s are easy to spam from a ranged position, but watch out for auto-aim and dashing attacks.

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.
   - 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.

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.

Weapon Type Weaknesses (Floor Clearing Event)

   - 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.

Elemental Bonuses and Weaknesses

   - 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.

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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