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


This tier list will show you how good your Water 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 (Water 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)
Sword Art Online: MD - Best 6* Burst Damagers and Overall Tier List

SAO MD RANK SSS Burst DamagersSAO MD RANK SS+ Burst DamagersSAO MD RANK SS Burst Damagers
Neutral ElementFire ElementWind ElementEarth ElementWater ElementHoly ElementDark Element
(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
Sinon [All-Piercing] Sinon
[All-Piercing]
Water
Bow
15+ Hits
2.1sec
(7.1+)

SSS

SS+

SS

S
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Mitigator


Combo Window: Passive Wide AoE Range
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [Frame Lock],  [Midair Attack],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Asuna/Leafa] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
Sinon [Comrades in Arms] Sinon
[Comrades in Arms]
Water
Gun
15+ Hits
2.1sec
(7.1+)

SSS

SS+

SS+

S
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen


Combo Window: Passive Wide In-line AoE
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:90],  [Frame Lock],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Water Element/Kirito] - Increases damage attained by 10%. Assist: MP+ Buff. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack+ (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
Asuna [Innocent Mermaid] Asuna
[Innocent Mermaid]
Water
Lance
14+ Hits
2.1sec
(6.7+)

SSS

SS+

SS

S
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Stunner


Combo Window: Passive Wide AoE Range
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100],  [Likely to Stun],  [Frame Lock],  [Midair Attack],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Leafa/Rain] - Increases damage attained by 10%. Assist: ATK+ Buff. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
Suguha
[Moonlight Maiden]
Water
Lance
13 Hits
1.5sec
(8.7)

SSS

SS+

SS

S
*LS:+10% Atk
(Water Elem)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Stunner


Combo Window: Passive Wide AoE Range
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Likely to Stun], [Auto-aim Attack],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- Combo Partner: [Water 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
Sortiliena [Thinking of You] Sortiliena [Thinking of You] Water
Sword
16+ Hits
2.0sec
(8.0+)

SSS

SS+

SS+

A
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen


Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100],  [Auto Heal],  [Instant SS3 upon Switch],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Swords] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
Alice [Prayers for Good Health] Alice
[Prayers for Good Health]
Water
Dagger
16+ Hits
2.1sec
(7.6+)

SSS

SS+

SS+

A
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Atk+ Buffer


Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100],  [Atk+ Team Buff],  [Frame Lock],  [Midair Attack],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Ronie] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
Yuna [Captivating Songstress] Yuna
[Captivating Songstress]
Water
Rapier
16+ Hits
2.1sec
(7.6+)

SSS

SS+

SS+

AA
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen


Combo Window: Passive Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Midair Attack],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Water Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
Eugeo [Blooming Blue Rose Glacier] Eugeo
[Blooming Blue Rose Glacier]
Water
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
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Def Down Debuff],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Alice] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
Silica [Treading a New Path] Silica
[Treading a New Path]
Water
Dagger
15+ Hits
2.1sec
(7.1+)

SSS

SS+

SS+

A
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen


Combo Window: Passive Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100],  [Frame Lock],  [Midair Attack],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Lisbeth] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
Yuuki [Resort Life] Yuuki
[Resort Life]
Water
Dagger
15+ Hits
2.1sec
(7.1+)

SSS

SS+

SS+

B
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Atk+ Buffer


Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100],  [Atk+ Team Buff],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],  [Midair Attack],  [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
Asuna [Tropical Time] Asuna
[Tropical Time]
Water
Rapier
15+ Hits
2.1sec
(7.1+)

SSS

SS+

SS+

AA
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Atk+ Buffer


Combo Window: Passive Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100],  [Atk+ Team Buff],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],  [Midair Attack],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Yuuki/Leafa] - Increases damage attained by 10%. Assist: ATK+ Buff. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
Leafa [Beach Vibes] Leafa
[Beach Vibes]
Water
Lance
15+ Hits
2.1sec
(7.1+)

SSS

SS+

SS

AA
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Atk+ Buffer


Combo Window: Passive Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100], [Atk+ Team Buff],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],  [Midair Attack],  [Frame Lock],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Asuna/Yuuki] - Increases damage attained by 10%. Assist: ATK+ Buff. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
Asuna [Heir to the Sword] Asuna
[Heir to the Sword]
Water
Rapier
14+ Hits
2.0sec
(7.0+)

SSS

SS+

SS+

A
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen


Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Yuuki] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
Alice [VR World Emperor] Alice
[VR World Emperor]
Water
Sword
14+ Hits
2.1sec
(6.7+)

SSS

SS+

SS+

A
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen


Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100],  [Atk+ Team Buff],  [All-Out-Attack!],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [P5R Characters/Sinon] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
Eiji [Hero Hunting Blade] Eiji
[Hero Hunting Blade]
Water
Sword
14+ Hits
2.1sec
(6.7+)

SSS

SS+

SS+

A
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen


Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Midair Attack],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],  [Frame Lock],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Water Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
Eugeo [Unyielding Oath] Eugeo
[Unyielding Oath]
Water
Sword
14+ Hits
2.1sec
(6.7+)

SSS

SS+

SS+

A
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen


Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100],  [Instant SS3 upon Switch],  [Barrier negates 2 strikes],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Kirito/Water Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
Eugeo [Oath of Sword] Eugeo
[Oath of Sword]
Water
Sword
13+ Hits
2.0sec
(6.5+)

SSS

SS+

SS+

A
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen


Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Kirito] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
Tiese [Midsummer's Innocence] Tiese
[Midsummer's Innocence]
Water
Sword
27~13 Hits
1.5sec
(18.0~8.7)

SSS

SS+

SS+

AA
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos; Water Element)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen


Combo Window: Passive Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],  [Teleports behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Frame Lock],  [Skill: Tracking Circular],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner[Water Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
Yuuki [Ice Magic Blade] Yuuki
[Ice Magic Blade]
Water
Dagger
14 Hits
1.1sec
(12.7)

SSS

SS+

SS+

B
*LS:+10% Atk
(Water Element)
*Nuker &CG
*Crit DMG+ Buffer


Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Crit Dmg+ Team Buff],  [Midair Attack],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Skill: Charging Skill],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
- Combo Partner: [Water Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
Asuna [Hot Spring Angel] Asuna
[Hot Spring Angel]
Water
Dagger
13 Hits
1.2sec
(10.8)

SSS

SS+

SS

AA
*LS:+10% Atk
(Water Elem)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Stunner


Combo Window: Passive Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Likely to Stun], [Midair Attack],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- Combo Partner: [Water Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
Eugeo
[Unwavering Commitment]
Water
Sword
16 Hits
1.5sec
(10.7)

SSS

SS+

SS

A
*LS:+10% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen


Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Frame Lock],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- Combo Partner: [Water Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Assist]: Atk+ Buff
Asuna [Aquarius Grace] Asuna
[Swordsman of Water]
Water
Rapier
12 Hits
1.2sec
(10.0)

SSS

SS+

SS

A
*LS:+10% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen


Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- Combo Partner: [Water Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
Tiese
[Devoted Apprentice Swordsman]
Water
Sword
14 Hits
1.4sec
(10.0)

SSS

SS+

SS

A
*LS:+10% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Mitigator


Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [Self Heal],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- Combo Partner: [Water Element] - Increases damage by 10%.
Eugeo
[Blue Rose in Full Glory]
Water
Sword
13 Hits
1.4sec
(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 (not too far)],  [Frame Lock],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- Combo Partner: [Water Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
Yuuki [Susanoo] Yuuki
[Susanoo]
Water
Dual
12 Hits
1.3sec*
(9.2)

SSS

SS+

SS+

A
*LS:+10% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen


Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Barrier negates 2 strikes],  [Teleports behind target],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
- Combo Partner: [Water Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
Kirito [Guide in Snow] Kirito
[Guide in Snow]
Water
Dual
8 Hits
0.9sec*
(8.9)

SSS

SS+

SS

B
*Leader Skill:
+6% Attack
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Upgrade Character to 5* or 6* Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes

[MP:110],  [Instant SS3 upon switch],  [Self Heal],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner[Water Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
Sachi [Snow Blessings] Sachi
[Snow Blessings]
Water
Lance
8 Hits
1.1sec
(7.3)

SSS

SS+

SS

AA
*Leader Skill:
+6% Attack
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Upgrade Character to 5* or 6* Combo Window: Passive Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes

[MP:110],  [Instant SS3 upon switch],  [Self Heal],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner[Water Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
Sortiliena [Serlut-Style Inheritor] Sortiliena
[Serlut-Style Inheritor]
Water
Sword
11 Hits
1.5sec
(7.3)

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], [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
- Combo Partner: [Water 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
Asuna [Freezing Magic Bow] Asuna
[Freezing Magic Bow]
Water
Bow
13 Hits
1.2sec
(10.8)

SSS

SS+

SS+

AA
*LS:+10% Atk
(Water Element)
*Nuker &CG
*Crit DMG+ Buffer


Combo Window: Passive Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Crit Dmg+ Team Buff],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [Frame Lock],  [Skill: Charging Skill],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
- Combo Partner: [Water Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
Sinon [The World Linking Arrow] Sinon
[The World Linking Arrow]
Water
Bow
11 Hits
1.3sec
(8.5)

SSS

SS+

SS

A
*LS:+10% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen


Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Teleports to nearby target],  [Ends at mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
- Combo Partner: [Water 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

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) or