Sword Art Online: MD - Best 5-Star Characters Tier List - Rank A


Here's a list of 5-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, RapierDual, or Sword wielder that can also generate combos, as your 1st character and main DPS unit.

Rank [A] Overall 5* 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 5-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
Yuuki [Genius Creator]
5 Stars Upgradable
Yuuki
[Genius Creator]
Wind
Mace
9 Hits
2.8sec
(3.2)

AA

AA

A

A
*LS:+3% Atk
*Earth Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Mob Clearer
*Crit+ Buffer
Combo Window: Passive Wide In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Speed+ Buff],  [Crit+ Team 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.
Combo Partner: [Wind Element] - Increases damage by 5% vs Earth Element.
Lisbeth [Bringer of Spring]
5 Stars Upgradable
Lisbeth
[Bringer of Spring]
Water
Mace
2 Hits
2.6sec
(0.8)

A

S

AA

A
*Leader Skill:
+3% Attack
*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.
Combo Partner: [Water Element] - Increases damage by 5% vs Fire Element.

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
Yuuki [Zekken]
5 Stars Upgradable
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.
Combo Partner: [Dark Element] - Increases damage by 5% vs Holy Element.
Silica [Flower Peach Baby]
5 Stars Upgradable
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.
Combo Partner: [Wind Element] - Increases damage by 5% vs Earth Element.
Eugeo [Intrepid Detective] Eugeo
[Intrepid Detective]
Water
Sword
7 Hits
2.4sec
(2.9)

AA

A

B

B
*Leader Skill:
+3% Attack
*Fire Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:120],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [100% Frame Lock],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3s are easy to spam, just position your unit and time it well.
Combo Partner: [Kirito] - Increases damage attained by 10%.

Asuna [Dancing Rose Red]
Asuna
[Dancing Rose Red]
Neutral
Rapier
6 Hits
2.2sec
(2.7)

AA

A

B

B
*Leader Skill:
+3% Attack
*Neutral Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:120],  [100% Frame Lock],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3s is pretty straight forward, best used after parry or for combination attacks.
Combo Partner: [Neutral] - Increases damage by 5% vs Neutral Element.
Eugeo [Ark Savior]
5 Stars Upgradable
Eugeo
[Ark Savior]
Water
Sword
6 Hits
2.2sec
(2.7)

AA

A

B

B
*Leader Skill:
+3% Attack
*Fire Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Speed+ Buffer
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Speed+ Team Buff], [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
- SS3s can be spammed, best with combinations.
Combo Partner: [Alice] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
Silica [Dragon Tamer]
5 Stars Upgradable
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.
Combo Partner: [Neutral Element] - Increases damage by 5% vs Neutral Element.

Support Nukers

   - Characters with average or low Hits/Sec on their SS3s, using long ranged or 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 [Smokey Blacksmith]
Upgrade Character to 5* or 6*
Lisbeth
[Smokey Blacksmith]
NeutralRifle 14 Hits
4.1sec
(3.4)

AA

A

B

A
*Leader Skill:
+6% Attack
*Neutral Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes [MP:110],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Neutral Element] - Increases damage by 5% vs Neutral Element. [Assist]: Atk+ Buff.
Asuna [Captive Princess]
5 Stars Upgradable
Asuna
[Captive Princess]
Earth
Rod
10 Hits
2.9sec
(3.4)

AA

B

A

A
*Leader Skill:
+3% Attack
*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.
Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage by 5% vs Water Element.
Leafa [Rejoicing Witch]
5 Stars Upgradable
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.
Combo Partner: [Dark Element] - Increases damage by 5% vs Holy Element.
Makoto [Time Traveler]
Upgrade Character to 5* or 6*
Makoto
[Time Traveler]
Fire
Sword
13 Hits
6.2sec
(2.1)

A

A

B

AA
*Leader Skill:
+6% Attack
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:110],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Fire Element] - Increases damage by 5% vs Wind Element.
Kirito [Skill Connect]
5 Stars Upgradable
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.
Combo Partner: [Water Element] - Increases damage by 5% vs Fire Element.
Rechka [Queen of Chef]
5 Stars Upgradable
Rechka
[Queen of Chef]
Holy
Mace
3 Hits
2.5sec
(1.2)

B

B

B

A
*Leader Skill:
+3% Attack
*Dark Nuker
*Team Heal
*Def+ Buffer
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:80],  [Team Heal],  [Def+ Team Buff],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- SS3 is pretty much on point, so use after parry or while target is stunned.
Combo Partner: [Holy Element] - Increases damage by 5% vs Dark Element.

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)
or