Case File #adler
B Tier TierAdler Build Guide
Adler is a support character who provides DEF-scaling shields and Incantation DoT damage. He is placed in B-tier because his damage output is lower than dedicated DPS units, but his shielding makes him a valuable defensive option.
Strengths
- Provides strong shields that scale with DEF, improving team survivability.
- Deals Incantation DoT damage, contributing to team damage over time.
- Effective in Scorch and Hexed teams, especially with Chaos or Anima characters.
- Low field time: uses Skill and swaps out, fitting into quick-swap rotations.
Weaknesses
- Damage output is lacking compared to dedicated DPS units, placing him in B-tier.
- Mostly sought for his shielding; his DoT is secondary.
- Requires investment in DEF% to maximize shield strength, limiting build flexibility.
Best Arcs
Increases HP by 10%. Strengthens shields by 10% while the wearer's HP is above 50%.
Increases wearer's DEF by 26% for 10s when taking damage. Triggers at most once every 20s.
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% to improve shields and team survivability.
- Incantation DMG Bonus and CRIT stats are options for DoT damage but are less optimal for his primary shielding role.
Module Layout
Required Modules
Bonus: Type III (+12% DEF)
Total Bonus: +72% DEF
Substat Priority
- This layout activates Kingdom's Guard's 4-piece effect while maximizing bonus Module bonuses.
- Prioritize sub stats that increase DEF% to further boost Adler's shields.
Best Teams
Adler serves as a 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. Replacing Sakiri with Haniel turns it into a Discord team.
Baicang
Main DPS
Primary damage dealer.
Daffodill
Sub-DPS
Provides additional damage and Incantation synergy.
Sakiri
Buffer
Buffs team damage.
Adler
Support
Provides shields and DoT.
Alternatives
Start with Adler's Skill to apply shields.
Swap to Sakiri (or Haniel) to apply buffs.
Swap to Daffodill for Sub-DPS damage.
Swap to Baicang for Main DPS damage.
Use Adler's Ultimate if the enemy is alone to apply extra DoT.
- Haniel instead of Sakiri creates a Discord team, which may be preferable depending on enemy weaknesses.
Adler can also function in Hexed teams with Nanally and Jiuyuan due to the team's high Anima and Incantation presence, allowing for frequent procs of Hexed.
Nanally
Main DPS
Primary damage dealer.
Jiuyuan
Sub-DPS
Provides Anima damage and Hexed synergy.
Sakiri
Buffer
Buffs team damage.
Adler
Support
Provides shields and Incantation DoT.
Start with Adler's Skill to apply shields.
Swap to Sakiri to apply buffs.
Swap to Jiuyuan for Sub-DPS damage.
Swap to Nanally for Main DPS damage.
Use Adler's Ultimate if the enemy is alone to apply extra DoT.
- Adler's skillset is better suited for Scorch teams, but Hexed works if team composition requires it.
Skill Priority
Pristine Reflection (Support Skill)
Provides bonus Incantation damage, but offers not much else.
Deliverance (Basic Attack)
Basic Attacks are leveled last or outright ignored since Adler will normally be using their Skill and Ultimate more often.
Tranquility (Ultimate)
Adler's Ultimate is leveled next for its burst damage, which is amplified when against lone enemies, such as bosses.
Evil's Bane (Skill)
Adler's DoT and shielding are based around this ability, so level this first to max out on both his continuous damage and protective shielding.
Awakening Priority
All Forms Are Void
Extends Adler's shield duration to 12s from 8s, which is amazingly good for him since this is his primary use case. Get this first as it improves his Quality-of-Life.
Perception
Increases the strength of Adler's shield, which makes it the second-priority Awakening to get.
Formation
Absorbs extra damage when the shield breaks, giving it deceptively more strength than it usually does. Get this third.
Discernment
Refunds a portion of Adler's Ultimate cost when casting his Ultimate. Useful Quality-of-Life.
Form
Gives Adler slightly more damage on his Skill after using his Ultimate, which is useful later on when his shields and damage are already formidable.
Sensation
Provides Adler with slightly more damage output, but is usually saved for last since he is mainly used for shielding and maintaining Incantation DMG.
How to Play
Adler is a shield support who uses his Skill to protect the team and his Ultimate to apply Incantation DoT. He is best used as the first unit in the rotation, applying shields before swapping to buffers and DPS characters.
Rotations
- 1Adler Skill → Swap to Buffer → Swap to Sub-DPS → Swap to DPS → Adler Ultimate if enemy is alone
Tips
- Use Adler's Skill at the start of the fight to shield your team.
- Swap off Adler immediately after using his Skill to maximize uptime on other characters.
- Against lone enemies, use Adler's Ultimate to deal extra DoT damage.
- Pair Adler with Chaos characters for Scorch or Anima characters for Hexed, but Scorch is preferred.
- Stack DEF% on modules to increase shield strength.