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)

(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]	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	- [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]	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	- [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]	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	- [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]	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	- [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]	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	- [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]	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	- [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]	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	- [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]	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	- [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]	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	- [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]	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	- [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]	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	- [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]	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	- [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]	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	- [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]	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	- [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]	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	- [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]	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	- [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]	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]	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]	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 [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]	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]	Water Dual	8 Hits 0.9sec* (8.9)	SSS	SS+	SS	B	*Leader Skill: +6% Attack *Nuker *Combo Gen
		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]	Water Lance	8 Hits 1.1sec (7.3)	SSS	SS+	SS	AA	*Leader Skill: +6% Attack *Nuker *Combo Gen
		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]	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]	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]	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

   - 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) or

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