Sword Art Online: MD - Best 6-Star Characters Tier List - Rank SSS

Here's a list of 6-Star Characters that are currently rated under Rank SSS! 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, Rapier, Dual, or Sword wielder that can also generate combos, as your 1st character and main DPS unit.

Rank [SSS] Overall 6* 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)

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 [The Perfect White Dress]	Wind Rod	16+ Hits 2.1sec (7.6+)	SSS	S	SS	S+		*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker&CG *Healer/Buffer *Debuffer
		Combo Window: Passive				Wide AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [SS1 Team Heal],  [SS2 Def Down Debuff],  [SS3 Crit DMG+ Team Buff],  [Frame Lock],  [Midair Attack],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Wind Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
	Sinon [All-Piercing]	Wind Bow	15+ Hits 2.1sec (7.1+)	SS+	S	SS	S+		*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker&CG *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
	Fanatio [Vice Comdr. of the Int. Knights]	Neutral Rapier	16 Hits 1.2sec (13.3)	SS+	SS	SS	S+		*LS:+10% Atk (Neutral Elem) *Nuker&CG *Mitigator
		Combo Window: Passive				Massive In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Frame Lock],  [Temporary damage reduction],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Neutral Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
	Bercouli [Comdr. of the Integrity Knights]	Neutral Sword	15 Hits 1.5sec (10.0)	SS+	S	SS	S+		*LS:+10% Atk (Neutral Elem) *Nuker&CG *Mitigator
		Combo Window: Passive				Wide AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Frame Lock],  [Temporary damage reduction],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Neutral 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).
   - *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
	Asuna [Eternal Bond]	Neutral Rapier	16+ Hits 2.1sec (7.6+)	SS+	A	S	S+		*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker *Combo Gen *Mitigator
		Combo Window: Passive				Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Frame Lock],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Kirito] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
	Sheyta [Silent Integrity Knight]	Dark Rapier	16+ Hits 2.1sec (7.6+)	SS+	A	S	S+		*LS+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker *Combo Gen *Mitigator
		Combo Window: Passive				Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100], [Self Heal],  [Frame Lock],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [UW Characters] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
	Ronie [Starry-Eyed Maiden]	Wind Rapier	16+ Hits 2.1sec (7.6+)	SSS	AA	A	S		*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG *Buffer *Debuffer
		Combo Window: Passive				Decent AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [SS2 Def Down Debuff],  [SS3 Crit DMG+ Team Buff],  [Frame Lock],  [Midair Attack],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Wind Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
	Panther [Cat's Fierce Gaze]	Fire Dagger	15+ Hits 2.1sec (7.1+)	SS+	A	S	S+		*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker *Combo Gen *Mitigator
		Combo Window: Passive				Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [All-Out-Attack!],  [Frame Lock],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Any] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
	Asuna [All-Loving]	NeutralRapier	15+ Hits 2.1sec (7.1+)	SS+	AA	SS	S+		*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker *Combo Gen *Mitigator
		Combo Window: Passive				Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [Frame Lock],  [Midair Attack],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Leafa/Sinon] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: CRIT Link
	Alice [Together with Amayori]	Earth Sword	15+ Hits 2.1sec (7.1+)	SS+	A	S	S+		*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG *Mitigator
		Combo Window: Passive				Limited In-line AoE
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
	Joker [Figureless Identity]	Neutral Sword	15+ Hits 2.1sec (7.1+)	SS+	A	S	S+		*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker *Combo Gen *Mitigator
		Combo Window: Passive				Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [All-Out-Attack!],  [Frame Lock],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Any] - 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+)	SS+	A	S	S+		*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
	Leafa [Earth Goddess Terraria]	Holy Sword	15+ Hits 2.1sec (7.1+)	SS+	A	S	S+		*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG *Healer *Mitigator
		Combo Window: Passive				Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Team Heal],  [Frame Lock],  [Midair Attack],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Holy Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: Damage Reduction Link
	Kirito [Masked Swordsman]	Dark Dual	14 Hits 1.0sec* (14.0)	SSS	AA	S	S		*LS+10% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: Passive				Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],  [Self Heal],  [Instant SS3 upon switch],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Asuna] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
	Asuna [Vindictive Blade]	Fire Rapier	11 Hits 0.9sec (12.2)	SSS	B	A	S+		*LS:+10% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker *Combo Gen
		Combo Window: Passive				Single Target
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],  [Self Heal],  [Instant SS3 upon switch],  [Frame Lock],  [Teleports behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Kirito] - Increases damage by 10%.
	Yuuki [Summer Splash]	Water Dual	9 Hits 0.8sec* (11.3)	SSS	A	AA	S		*LS:+10% Atk (Water Element) *Nuker *Combo Gen *Atk+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive				Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Attack+ Team Buff],  [Auto-Heal],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],   [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Asuna] - Increases damage attained by 10%.
	Ronie [Kind Apprentice Swordsman]	Dark Sword	15 Hits 1.5sec (10.0)	SS+	A	S	S+		*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: [Dark Element] - Increases damage by 10%.
	Tiese [Devoted Apprentice Swordsman]	Water Sword	14 Hits 1.4sec (10.0)	SS+	A	S	S+		*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%.

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
	Sinon [Sun Goddess Solus]	Holy Bow	15+ Hits 2.1sec (7.1+)	SS+	A	AA	S+		*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker & CG
		Combo Window: Passive				Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Charging Skill],  [Self Heal],  [Frame Lock],  [Midair Attack],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Holy Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
	Skull [Lightning Emblem]	Holy Mace	15+ Hits 2.1sec (7.1+)	SS+	A	S	S+		*LS:+15% Atk (30+ Combos) *Nuker *Combo Gen *Mitigator
		Combo Window: Passive				Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [All-Out-Attack!],  [Frame Lock],  [Temporary Damage Reduction],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Any] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
	Cardinal [Another Master Priest]	Holy Rod	22 Hits 1.4sec (15.7)	SSS	AA	S	S		*LS:+15% Atk (Holy Element; 30+ Combos) *Nuker&CG *Atk+ Buffer
		Combo Window: Passive				Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes	- [MP:100],  [SS1 Team Heal],  [Self Heal],  [Atk+ Team Buff],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies] - Combo Partner: [Holy 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.
   - 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

   - 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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