Sword Art Online: MD - Best 6* Burst Damagers Tier List (Rank SS+) Earth Element

This tier list will show you how good your Earth Element 6 star characters are when it comes to burst damages and ranking events. Refer here if you are looking for specific or elemental characters that you can use for your team.

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 [SS+] 6* Burst DPS Damagers for Ranking Events (Earth Element)

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)

(This Ranking Page (Burst DPS Rank SS+) is divided based on Element)

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
	Rain [Rose Bearing Beauty]	Earth Dual	14+ Hits 2.1sec (6.7+)	SSS	SS+	SS	AA	*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG *Stunner
		Combo Window: Passive			Decent AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Likely to Stun],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Asuna/Leafa] - Increases damage attained by 10%. Assist: ATK+ Buff. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
	Makoto [Helheim King]	Earth Lance	10 Hits 1.5sec (6.7)	SSS	SS+	SS	S	*LS:+10% Atk (Earth Element) *Nuker *Combo Gen *Crit+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive			Wide In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Auto-Heal],  [Crit+ Team Buff],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.

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
	Asuna [Divine Sword of the Guardian]	Earth Rapier	16+ Hits 2.1sec (7.6+)	SSS	SS+	SS+	A	*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG *Crit DMG+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Crit DMG+ Team Buff],  [Midair Attack],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: CRIT Link
	Leafa [Divine Spear of Prayer]	Earth Lance	16+ Hits 2.1sec (7.6+)	SSS	SS+	SS	A	*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG *Crit DMG+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Crit DMG+ Team Buff],  [Midair Attack],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: CRIT Link
	Alice [Grand Blossoming]	Earth Sword	16+ Hits 2.1sec (7.6+)	SSS	SS+	SS+	A	*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker *Combo Gen *Debuffer
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Def Down Debuff],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Kirito] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
	Alice [Beach Beauty]	Earth Lance	15+ Hits 2.1sec (7.1+)	SSS	SS+	SS	A	*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG *Crit DMG+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Charging Skill],  [Crit DMG+ Team Buff],  [Frame Lock],  [Midair Attack],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
	Alice [Together with Amayori]	Earth Sword	15+ Hits 2.1sec (7.1+)	SSS	SS+	SS+	A	*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG *Mitigator
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [Midair Attack],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
	Leafa [All-Healing]	Earth Sword	15+ Hits 2.1sec (7.1+)	SSS	SS+	SS+	A	*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG *Mitigator
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Asuna/Sinon] - Increases damage attained by 10%. Assist: ATK+ Buff. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
	Yuuki [Earth-Rupturing White Dragon]	Earth Sword	15+ Hits 2.1sec (7.1+)	SSS	SS+	SS+	A	*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Frame Lock],  [Barrier negates 2 strikes],  [Midair Attack],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
	Silica [Bashful Bunny]	Earth Dagger	14+ Hits 2.1sec (6.7+)	SSS	SS+	SS	A	*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Instant SS3 upon Switch],  [Midair Attack],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
	Alice [Breaking the Seal]	Earth Sword	27~13 Hits 1.4sec (19.3~9.3)	SSS	SS+	SS	AA	*LS:+10% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker *Combo Gen *Crit+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive			Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Crit+ Team Buff],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Skill: Tracking Circular],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
	Rain [Tiny Big Sister]	Earth Dual	15 Hits 1.2sec* (12.5)	SSS	SS+	SS+	AA	*LS:+10% Atk (Earth Element) *Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: Passive			Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Instant SS3 upon Switch],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
	Asuna [Captured Princess]	Earth Rapier	13 Hits 1.2sec (10.8)	SSS	SS+	SS	A	*LS:+10% Atk (Earth Element) *Nuker *Combo Gen *Mitigator
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Frame Lock],  [Teleports to nearby target],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
	Leafa [Baleful Magic Swordsman]	Earth Dagger	12 Hits 1.2sec (10.0)	SSS	SS+	SS	A	*LS:+10% Atk (Earth Element) *Nuker *Combo Gen *Crit+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Auto-Heal],  [Crit+ Team Buff],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
	Alice [Twilight Kiss]	Earth Lance	14 Hits 1.5sec (9.3)	SSS	SS+	SS	AA	*LS:+10% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: Passive			Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [Frame Lock],  [Skill: Charging Skill],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
	Lisbeth [Devildom Swordsmith]	Earth Rapier	11 Hits 1.2sec (9.2)	SSS	SS+	SS	AA	*LS:+10% Atk (Earth Element) *Nuker *Combo Gen *Crit+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive			Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Auto-Heal],  [Crit+ Team Buff],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
	Alice [Elegant Eternal Summer Knight]	Earth Sword	13 Hits 1.5sec (8.7)	SSS	SS+	SS+	A	*LS:+15% Atk (Earth Element; 30+ Combos) *Nuker&CG *Atk+ Zone
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Auto Heal],  [Attack+ Zone],  [Teleports to nearby target],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
	Alice [Great Fragrant Olive Tree]	Earth Sword	12 Hits 1.4sec (8.6)	SSS	SS+	SS	AA	*LS:+10% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: Passive			Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [Frame Lock],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
	Alice [Orderly Knight]	Earth Sword	12 Hits 1.4sec (8.6)	SSS	SS+	SS	A	*LS:+10% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Midair Attack],  [Frame Lock],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Assist]: Atk+ Buff
	Yuuki [Brilliant Gift]	Earth Sword	12 Hits 1.5sec (8.0)	SSS	SS+	SS	A	*LS:+10% Atk (Earth Element) *Nuker *Combo Gen *Atk+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Atk+ Team Buff],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
	Kirito [The Path You Choose]	Earth Sword	12 Hits 1.5sec (8.0)	SSS	SS+	SS	A	*LS:+10% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Instant SS3 upon switch],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.

Support Nukers

   - Characters with average or low Hits/Sec on their SS3s, or 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.

Image	Character Name	Elem. Wep.	Combo Gen	DPS Ratings vs Elements			Mob Clear	Roles (Best As)
			(Hits/Sec)	Strong	Others	Weak
	Lisbeth [Earth-Shattering Beast]	Earth Mace	15+ Hits 2.1sec (7.1+)	SSS	SS+	SS+	A	*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Frame Lock],  [Barrier negates 2 strikes],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
	Ronie [Under the Blazing Sun]	Earth Bow	15+ Hits 2.1sec (7.1+)	SSS	SS+	SS+	A	*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG *Crit DMG+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Charging Skill],  [Crit DMG+ Team Buff],  [Frame Lock],  [Midair Attack],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
	Suguha [Win Big Bunny]	Earth Bow	15+ Hits 2.1sec (7.1+)	SSS	SS+	SS+	A	*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Instant SS3 upon Switch],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
	Silica [Divine Bow of Benevolence]	Earth Bow	16+ Hits 2.1sec (7.6+)	SSS	SS+	SS+	A	*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG *Crit DMG+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Crit DMG+ Team Buff],  [Midair Attack],  [Frame Lock],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: CRIT Link
	Leafa [Christmas Shooting Star]	Earth Rifle	15 Hits 1.5sec (10.0)	SSS	SS+	SS	A	*LS:+10% Atk (Earth Element) *Nuker *Combo Gen *Atk+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Atk+ Team Buff],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
	Sinon [Long Range Archer]	Earth Bow	12 Hits 1.2sec (10.0)	SSS	SS+	SS	A	*LS:+10% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker&CG *Crit DMG+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Auto-Heal],  [Crit DMG+ Team Buff],  [Frame Lock],  [Midair Attack],  [Ends behind target a mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
	Sinon [Tomboy Cat Fairy]	Earth Mace	13 Hits 1.4sec (9.3)	SSS	SS+	SS	A	*LS:+10% Atk (Earth Element) *Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: Passive			Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Instant SS3 upon Switch],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [Frame Lock],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Earth Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.

Support Characters

   - DO NOT limit your team by only using high DPS units, also consider using Support units like Debuffers.
   - 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 (6* characters above will adapt in-game time, not real time).
   - #.#sec* =  Average Time. Dual Wielders (and some units) 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 6* 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), upgrade to 6* if available.

   - Limited Events: Free 6* or 5* (upgradeable) 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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