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


Here's a list of 4-Star Characters that are currently rated under Rank SS! 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.

Rank [SS] 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)
Sword Art Online: MD - Best 4-Star Characters Tier List - Rank A

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
--- Roles
(Best As)
Hits/sec Burst Mob Clear Boss
Alice [Fragrant Olive in June]
5 Stars Upgradable
Alice
[Fragrant Olive in June]
Holy
Sword
12 Hits
3.0sec
(4.0)

S+

S

SS

S
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Mob Clearer
*Stunner
Combo Window: Passive Wide AoE Range
SS3 Notes [MP:110],  [Self Heal],  [Likely to Stun],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3s can be spammed thanks to her frame locks, turn off auto approach to control range. Stun chance triggers after a set number of SS3s (usually 2 or 3).
Suguha
[Summer Girl]
Water
Sword
8 Hits
2.4sec
(3.3)

S+

SS

SS

S
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Mob Clearer
*Stunner
Combo Window: While Buffed Massive Wide AoE Range
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Auto-Heal],  [Likely to Stun],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
- SS3s are similar to an auto-aim caster, just position your unit and time it well. Stun chance triggers after a set number of SS3s (usually 2 or 3).
Leafa [Summer Night Shout]
5 Stars Upgradable
Leafa
[Summer Night Shout]
Wind
Rapier
3 Hits
1.6sec
(1.9)

S+

SS

SS

SS
*Nuker
*Mob Clearer
*Mitigator
Combo Window: Passive Massive In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Self-Heal],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3s can be spammed from a ranged position, but watch out for incoming 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).
   - *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
Rain [Parlor Maid] Rain
[Parlor Maid]
Wind
Sword
17 Hits
3.1sec
(5.5)

S+

B

A

S
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: While Buffed Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Auto-Aim Caster],  [Auto-Heal],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- Animation is kinda long, so be careful when spamming SS3s without parry.
Asuna [Healing Beauty] Asuna
[Healing Beauty]
Wind
Rapier
8 Hits
1.7sec
(4.7)

SS

AA

S

AA
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Decent AoE Range
SS3 Notes [MP:110],  [Self-Heal],  [Instant SS3 upon Switch],  [Auto-Aim Caster],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3s are easy to spam, just position your character and time it well.
Lisbeth
[Good Street Vendor]
Wind
Sword
12 Hits
2.6sec
(4.6)

S+

B

AA

SS
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Mitigator
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Self-Heal],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [Teleports behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3s are easy to spam, just time it well.
Premiere [Kagura Dance]
5 Stars Upgradable
Premiere
[Kagura Dance]
Wind
Lance
12 Hits
2.8sec
(4.3)

S+

A

S

SS
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Mitigator
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Self-Heal],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3s are pretty much on point, Auto Approach can be turned off to increase range.
Sinon [Knight Princess]
5 Stars Upgradable
Sinon
[Knight Princess]
NeutralLance 11 Hits
2.6sec
(4.2)

S+

A

AA

S+
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:120],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],  [Self Heal],  [Midair Attack],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3s are easy to spam, just time it well.
Asuna [Heart of Confront]
5 Stars Upgradable
Asuna
[Heart of Confront]
NeutralRapier 12 Hits
3.0sec
(4.0)

S+

A

AA

S
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:120],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Auto-Heal],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3s can be used freely thanks to her SS3's frame locks. Note that her SS3 is a Sword/Slash type not Rapier/Thrust.
Rain [Raindrops Girl]
5 Stars Upgradable
Rain
[Raindrops Girl]
Water
Dual
11 Hits
2.8sec*
(3.9)

S+

B

AA

SS
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Mitigator
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:110],  [Self-Heal],  [Temporary Damage Reduction (15sec)],  [SS3 has Invincibility],  [Ends at mid-ranged position],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- Her high damaging SS3s can be used to dodge attacks while dealing damages, but lands at mid-ranged position, making it a bit awkward to spam.
Suguha [Midsummer Babe] Suguha
[Midsummer Babe]
Dark
Lance
9 Hits
2.3sec
(3.9)

S+

A

AA

S
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes [MP:110],  [Self Heal],  [Instant SS3 upon Switch],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3s are pretty much on point, can be used from a distance but inflicts lesser hits.
Alice [Integrity Knight]
5 Stars Upgradable
Alice
[Integrity Knight]
Earth
Sword
9 Hits
2.5sec
(3.6)

S+

AA

S

S
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Decent AoE Range
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Auto-Heal],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
- SS3s are easy to spam, just position your unit and time it well.
Kirito [Hero's Return]
5 Stars Upgradable
Kirito
[Hero's Return]
Neutral
Sword
16 Hits
4.0sec
(3.6)

S+

A

AA

S
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Auto-Heal],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3 auto follows enemies, pretty much on point so best used after parry or while stunned.
Yuna [Tropical dB] Yuna
[Tropical dB]
Earth
Sword
5 Hits
1.7sec
(2.9)

S+

B

A

S
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Team Heal
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Teleports to nearby target],  [Team Heal],  [100% Frame Lock],  [SS3 has Invincibility],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
- SS3s are easy to spam with the help of her frame locks, unlock her "SS3 Enhance" to get invincibility buff to her SS3.
Silica [Sunflower Girl] Silica
[Sunflower Girl]
Holy
Dagger
4 Hits
1.7sec
(2.4)

SS

A

AA

AA
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:110],  [Self-Heal],  [Instant SS3 upon Switch],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3s can spammed, just time it well.

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
Lisbeth [Summer Sunshine]
5 Stars Upgradable
Lisbeth
[Summer Sunshine]
Fire
Mace
10 Hits
2.0sec
(5.0)

SS

B

A

SS
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:110],  [Self-Heal],  [Instant SS3 upon Switch],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3s are easy to spam, just position your character and time it well, Avoid directly top/bottom of target to avoid misses.

5 Stars Upgradable
Philia
[Spirited Chocolatier]
Water
Bow
11 Hits
2.2sec
(5.0)

SS

A

AA

S
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Healer
Combo Window: Passive Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Team Heal],  [Instant SS3 upon switch],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [100% Frame Lock],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
- SS3s must be spammed from a ranged position (in-line with target), to sink all hits.
Sakuya [Indoor Gamer]
5 Stars Upgradable
Sakuya
[Indoor Gamer]
Water
Bow
9 Hits
1.9sec
(4.7)

SS

B

AA

S+
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Mitigator
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Self-Heal],  [Temporary Damage Reduction (15sec)],  [Auto-Aim Caster],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
- SS3s can be spammed from a ranged position, but watch out for incoming attacks.

5 Stars Upgradable
Yuuki
[Bouquet Toss]
Holy
Mace
11 Hits
2.6sec
(4.2)

S+

AA

S

S
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Stunner
Combo Window: Passive Decent AoE Range
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Speed+ Buff],  [Likely to Stun],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3s are easy to spam, just position your unit and time it well. Stun chance triggers after a set number of SS3s (usually 2 or 3).
Sinon [Progressive Gunner] Sinon
[Progressive Gunner]
Neutral
Gun
7 Hits
2.2sec
(3.2)

SS

B

A

AA
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Attack+ Buff],  [Auto-Heal],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
- Can be spammed from a ranged position or while enemy is stunned, just time it well.
Yui [Born in Sakura Season]
5 Stars Upgradable
Yui
[Born in Sakura Season]
Earth
Mace
10 Hits
3.3sec
(3.0)

S

B

AA

S+
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Mitigator

Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:120],  [Self Heal],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
- Burst damages are great, but still kinda hard to spam without parrying.
Sinon [Mischievous Summer Chick] Sinon
[Mischievous Summer Girl]
Water
Gun
4 Hits
1.9sec
(2.1)

SS

A

AA

S
*Nuker
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:110],  [Self-Heal],  [Instant SS3 upon Switch],  [Midair Attack],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3s are easy to spam and can be used while dodging attacks. Avoid directly top/bottom of target to avoid misses though.

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


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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