Sword Art Online: MD - Best 6-Star Characters Tier List - Rank SS - Dark Element


Here's a list of Dark Element 6-Star Characters that are currently rated under Rank SS! 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 [SS] Overall 6* Characters - Dark Element

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 6-Star Characters Tier List - Rank SS

SAO MD RANK SSS Burst Damagers
Neutral ElementFire ElementWind ElementEarth ElementWater ElementHoly ElementDark Element
(This Ranking Page (Overall 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.
   - *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
Administrator [High Pontifex] Administrator
[High Pontifex]
Dark
Rapier
14+ Hits
2.0sec
(7.0+)

SS+

S

S

AA
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Atk+ Buffer
Combo Window: Passive Wide In-line AoE
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100],  [Instant SS3 upon Switch],  [Atk+ Team Buff],  [Barrier negates 2 strikes],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [UW Characters] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link

Upgrade Character to 5* or 6*
Yuna
[Shifting Idol Singer]
Dark
Rapier
14 Hits
1.1sec
(12.7)

SS+

S

AA

AA
*LS:+10% Atk
(Dark Element)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Wide AoE Range
SS3 Notes [MP:120],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [Midair Attack],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Swords] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Assist] MP+ Buff

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
Kirito [To the World's Core] Kirito
[To the World's Core]
Dark
Dual
16+ Hits
2.1sec
(7.6+)

SS+

B

B

AA
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100], [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Leafa] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
Kirito [VR World Fool] Kirito
[VR World Fool]
Dark
Dual
16+ Hits
2.1sec
(7.6+)

SS+

A

B

AA
*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],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [P5R Characters/Asuna] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
Ronie [Plenty of Fortune] Ronie
[Plenty of Fortune]
Dark
Rapier
15+ Hits
2.1sec
(7.1+)

SS+

A

B

AA
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Atk+ Buffer
Combo Window: Passive Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100], [Atk+ Team Buff],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Asuna] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
Yuuki [Together For Eternity] Yuuki
[Together For Eternity]
Dark
Sword
14+ Hits
2.0sec
(7.0+)

SS+

A

B

AA
*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],  [Midair Attack],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Asuna] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
Tiese [Rejoice the New Year] Tiese
[Rejoice the New Year]
Dark
Rapier
14+ Hits
2.1sec
(6.7+)

SS+

A

B

AA
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker & CG
*Crit DMG+ Buffer
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100], [Crit DMG+ Team Buff],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Dark Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: CRIT Link
Yuuki [Spearhead from the Abyss] Yuuki
[Spearhead from the Abyss]
Dark
Lance
14+ Hits
2.1sec
(6.7+)

SS+

A

B

AA
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker & CG
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: [Dark Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. Assist: MP+ Buff. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
Eugeo [Wish for Happiness] Eugeo
[Wish for Happiness]
Dark
Sword
14+ Hits
2.1sec
(6.7+)

SS+

A

B

AA
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker & CG
*Crit DMG+ Buffer
Combo Window: Passive Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:100], [Crit DMG+ Team Buff],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Dark Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: CRIT Link
Kirito [Unyielding Spirit] Kirito
[Unyielding Spirit]
Dark
Sword
14+ Hits
2.1sec
(6.7+)

SS+

A

A

AA
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker & CG
Combo Window: Passive Limited AoE Range
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: [Eugeo/Dark Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
Kirito [Heart of the Sword] Kirito
[Heart of the Sword]
Dark
Sword
13+ Hits
2.0sec
(6.5+)

SS+

A

B

AA
*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: [Eugeo] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
Kirito [Gilded Hero] Kirito
[Gilded Hero]
Dark
Dual
15 Hits
1.2sec*
(12.5)

SS+

A

AA

S
*LS:+10% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited AoE Range
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Self Heal],  [Barrier negates 2 strikes],  [Midair Attack],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Dark Element] - Increases damage by 10%.
Yuuki [Mischievous Eternal Summer Warrior] Yuuki
[Mischievous Eternal Summer Warrior]
Dark
Dual
14 Hits
1.2sec*
(11.7)

SS+

A

B

AA
*LS:+15% Atk
(Dark Element;
30+ Combos)
*Nuker&CG
*Crit+ Buffer
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Instant SS3 upon switch],  [Crit+ Team Buff],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],  [Skill: Charge Skill],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Dark Element] - Increases damage by 10%.
Asuna [Robust Faith]
Upgrade Character to 5* or 6*
Asuna
[Robust Faith]
Dark
Rapier
11 Hits
1.0sec
(11.0)

SS+

A

B

AA
*Leader Skill:
+10% Attack
(Dark Element)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:120],  [Teleports to nearby target],  [Midair Attack],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Swords] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Assist] MP+ Buff

Upgrade Character to 5* or 6*
Silica
[Halloween Magic]
Dark
Dagger
13 Hits
1.4sec
(9.3)

SS+

B

B

AA
*Leader Skill:
+6% Attack
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Crit+ Buffer
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:120],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [Crit+ Team Buff],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Dark Element] - Increases damage by 5% vs Holy Element.
Asuna [Moonlit Lark] Asuna
[Moonlit Lark]
Dark
Lance
14 Hits
1.5sec
(9.3)

SS+

A

B

AA
*LS:+10% Atk
(Dark Element)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited AoE range
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Auto-aim Caster],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Dark Element] - Increases damage by 10%; [Assist]: Crit Dmg+ Buff
Kirito [Trust in Each Other] Kirito
[Trust in Each Other]
Dark
Sword
14 Hits
1.5sec
(9.3)

SS+

A

B

AA
*LS:+10% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Ends behind target],  [Frame Lock],  [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Dark Element] - Increases damage by 10%; [Assist]: Atk+ Buff
Alice [Beautiful Monster] Alice
[Beautiful Monster]
Dark
Rapier
11 Hits
1.2sec
(9.2)

SS+

A

B

AA
*LS:+10% Atk
(Dark Element)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Midair Attack],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Dark Element] - Increases damage by 10%; [Assist]: Crit Dmg+ Buff
Eiji [Ordinal Number 2nd]
Upgrade Character to 5* or 6*
Eiji
[Ordinal Number 2nd]
Dark
Sword
9 Hits
1.0sec
(9.0)

SS

A

B

AA
*Leader Skill:
+10% Attack
(Dark Element)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:120],  [Ends behind target],  [100% Frame Lock],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Rapier] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Assist] MP+ Buff
Administrator [Seductress]
Administrator
[Seductress]
Dark
Rapier
12 Hits
1.5sec
(8.0)

SS

AA

S

AA
*Leader Skill:
+6% Attack
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Decent AoE Range
SS3 Notes [MP:110],  [Self Heal],  [Barrier negates 1 strike],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground and Midair Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Dark Element] - Increases damage by 5% vs Holy Element.
Kirito [Strong Faith]
Upgrade Character to 5* or 6*
Kirito
[Strong Faith]
Dark
Sword
9 Hits
1.2sec
(7.5)

SS+

B

B

AA
*Leader Skill:
+10% Attack
(Dark Element)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Single Target
SS3 Notes [MP:120],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Rapier] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Assist] MP+ Buff
Yuuki
[Zekken With Feelings]
Dark
Sword
11 Hits
1.5sec
(7.3)

SS+

A

B

AA
*LS:+10% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Dark 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
Suguha [Swift Fox Flame] Suguha
[Swift Fox Flame]
Dark
Bow
14+ Hits
2.1sec
(6.7+)

SS+

A

B

AA
*LS:+15% Atk
(30+ Combos)
*Nuker & CG
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: [Dark Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. Assist: MP+ Buff. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: ATK Link
Eugeo [Honest Gunner in the Wild] Eugeo
[Honest Gunner in the Wild]
Dark
Rifle
12 Hits
1.4sec
(8.6)

SS+

A

B

S
*LS:+10% Atk
(Dark Element)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Skill: Charge Skill], [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Dark Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Assist] MP+ Buff
Alice [Noble Gunner in the Wild] Alice
[Noble Gunner in the Wild]
Dark
Rifle
11 Hits
1.3sec
(8.5)

SS+

AA

A

S
*LS:+10% Atk
(Dark Element)
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:100],  [Frame Lock],  [Ends behind target at mid-ranged position],  [Skill: Charge Skill], [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Dark Element] - Increases damage attained by 10%. [Assist] MP+ Buff
Suguha [Sweet Allure]
Suguha
[Sweet Allure
Dark
Mace
14+ Hits
2.1sec
(6.7+)

SS

AA

S

S
*Leader Skill:
+10% Attack
(30+ Combos)

*Nuker
*Combo Gen
Combo Window: Passive Decent In-line AoE
SS3 Notes
SAO MD Crossing Skill
[MP:110],  [Auto Heal],  [Ends behind target],   [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Dark Element] - Increases damage by 5% vs Holy Element. [Crossing Skill] Additional Attack (+Hits) with Partner. Crossing Link: MP Link
Thokk [Navigation Pixie]
Upgrade Character to 5* or 6*
Thokk
[Navigation Pixie]
Dark
Rod
10 Hits
1.5sec
(6.7)

SS+

A

A

AA
*Leader Skill:
+6% Attack
*Nuker
*Combo Gen
*Healer
Combo Window: Passive Limited In-line AoE
SS3 Notes [MP:120],  [SS1 Team Heal], [Targets: Ground Enemies]
Combo Partner: [Dark Element] - Increases damage by 5% vs Holy Element.

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


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