Case File #adler
B TierAdler Build Guide
Adler is a support unit who defends his team with shields that scale off DEF, while also contributing Incantation DoT damage. He sits in B-tier because his personal damage is low compared to dedicated DPS units, so he is mainly picked for his shielding and team survivability.
Strengths
- Shields scale with DEF, greatly improving team survivability.
- Provides Incantation DoT to add extra trace damage.
- Fits naturally into Scorch teams thanks to his Incantation passives.
- Low-investment support who functions well by simply using his Skill and swapping out.
Weaknesses
- Personal damage is lacking compared to other DPS units.
- Mostly sought out for his shielding rather than his offense.
- Skill-reliant kit means his Basic Attacks and Support Skill see little use.
Best Arcs
Rainman: Increases HP by 10%. Strengthens shields by 10% while the wearer's HP is above 50%.
Bittercake: Increases wearer's DEF by 26% for 10s when taking damage. Triggers at most once every 20s.
Tidal Ascension: Grants the wearer 10% ATK, 10% DEF, and 10% HP when the team has at least 3 different Esper Types.
Best Cartridge
Epic (2): DEF +15%. Legendary (4): Increases wearer's shields by 20%.
Best Main Stat: DEF%
- Stack DEF% main stats to improve Adler's shields and team survivability.
- Incantation DMG Bonus and CRIT options exist but cater to his DoT potential rather than defense.
Module Layout
Required Modules
Bonus: Type III (+12% DEF)
Total Bonus: +72% DEF
Substat Priority
- The layout activates Kingdom's Guard's 4-piece effect while maximizing the bonus Module.
- Look for Modules with the listed sub stats to boost Adler's DEF and therefore his shields.
Best Teams
Adler serves as a general shield support with DoT capabilities. As an Incantation unit, his best team is a Scorch team with Baicang as Main DPS and Daffodill as Sub-DPS. Swapping Sakiri for Haniel turns it into a Discord team.
Baicang
Main DPS
Primary damage dealer for the Scorch team.
Daffodill
Sub-DPS
Provides additional damage and Incantation pressure.
Sakiri
Buffer (Flex)
Swap for Haniel to turn the team into a Discord team.
Adler
Support
Shields the team and contributes Incantation DoT.
Alternatives
Start with Adler to apply shields before swapping to your buffer and DPS units.
Use Adler's Ultimate to apply Incantation DoT, which is amplified in Scorch teams.
Swap to the Sub-DPS or Main DPS to potentially trigger an Incantation-related Esper Cycle.
- Adler's passives make him a better fit for Scorch teams than other compositions.
Adler can also slot into Hexed teams with Nanally and Jiuyuan, taking advantage of the team's high Anima and Incantation presence to trigger Hexed frequently.
Nanally
Main DPS
Primary damage dealer for the Hexed team.
Jiuyuan
Sub-DPS
Provides Anima and Incantation coverage for Hexed procs.
Sakiri
Buffer
Buffs the team's damage output.
Adler
Support
Shields the team and maintains Incantation DMG.
Open with Adler to shield the team, then rotate through buffer and DPS.
Rely on the team's Anima and Incantation output to proc Hexed frequently.
- Adler's kit is still more suited to Scorch teams, but he works here as a defensive option.
Skill Priority
Pristine Reflection (Support Skill)
Provides bonus Incantation damage, but offers not much else.
Deliverance (Basic Attack)
Leveled last or outright ignored since Adler normally uses his Skill and Ultimate more often.
Tranquility (Ultimate)
Leveled next for its burst damage, which is amplified against lone enemies such as bosses.
Evil's Bane (Skill)
Adler's DoT and shielding are based around this ability, so level it first to maximize both his continuous damage and protective shielding.
Awakening Priority
All Forms Are Void
Extends Adler's shield duration from 8s to 12s, a major quality-of-life upgrade for his primary use case.
Perception
Increases the strength of Adler's shield, making it the second-priority Awakening.
Formation
Absorbs extra damage when the shield breaks, giving it more effective strength than it appears to have.
Discernment
Refunds a portion of Adler's Ultimate cost when casting his Ultimate, a useful quality-of-life effect.
Form
Gives Adler slightly more damage on his Skill after using his Ultimate.
Sensation
Provides slightly more damage output, but is usually saved for last since Adler is mainly used for shielding and Incantation DMG.
How to Play
Adler is usually run as the very first unit in a fight, casting his Skill to summon a shield that defends his team. He then swaps out, using his Ultimate to apply Incantation DoT, especially against lone opponents. Pair him with Chaos characters for Scorch or Anima characters for Hexed, though he fits Scorch teams best.
Rotations
- 1Adler Skill → Swap to Buffer → Swap to Sub-DPS → Swap to DPS → Adler Ultimate if enemy is alone
Tips
- Have Adler go first, or just before your DPS units, so his shield is active when damage starts.
- Use Adler's Ultimate when an enemy is alone so its summons perform a second strike.
- His skillset and passives make him a better fit for Scorch teams, where he directly contributes DoT damage.
- Chaos teammates enable Scorch, while Anima teammates enable Hexed for follow-up attack teams.