Case File #adler
B TierAdler Build Guide
Adler is a defensive Incantation unit who provides strong DEF-scaled shields and Incantation DoT. He’s primarily run as a support/shielding unit (B-tier) — his raw DPS lags behind top DPS characters, so he’s usually picked for survivability rather than raw damage.
Strengths
- Generates DEF-scaling shields that improve team survivability.
- Applies reliable Incantation DoT to contribute passive team damage.
- Good fit for Scorch (Chaos) teams and can also enable Hexed (Anima) comps.
- Strong utility when built with DEF% and Kingdom's Guard set.
Weaknesses
- Overall damage is below many dedicated DPS units — best used as support.
- Relies on Skill/Ultimate usage and swapping; Basic Attacks are weak.
- Needs DEF investment (modules/cartridge) to maximize shield value.
Best Arcs
Rainman — +10% HP and strengthens shields by 10% while wearer's HP is above 50%.
Bittercake — Increases DEF by 26% for 10s when taking damage (trigger once every 20s).
Tidal Ascension — Grants wearer +10% ATK, +10% DEF, +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%
- DEF% is the optimal main stat because it increases shield strength and overall team survivability.
- If focusing on DoT damage, Incantation DMG or CRIT stats are viable alternatives.
Module Layout
Required Modules
Bonus: Type III (+12% DEF)
Total Bonus: +72% DEF
Substat Priority
- Use the full 4-piece Type III layout to activate Kingdom's Guard 4-piece effect and to maximize the bonus module DEF.
- Prioritize modules with DEF% and DMG substats to improve shield power and Incantation output.
Best Teams
Standard Scorch team: Adler provides shields and Incantation DoT while Baicang and Daffodill handle main/sub DPS. Sakiri is the buffer; swapping Haniel in creates a Discord variant.
Baicang
Main DPS
Daffodill
Sub-DPS
Sakiri
Buffer
Primary buffer in the example.
Haniel
Buffer (alt) (Flex)
Swap in for Sakiri to run a Discord variant.
Start with Adler to cast Skill and apply the shield before the DPS cycle.
Adler’s DoT supports Scorch teams by contributing Incantation damage over time.
Swap off Adler after shield application to let DPS units trigger Esper cycles.
- Take Haniel instead of Sakiri to shift into a Discord team; Adler remains the shield/support anchor.
Hexed-oriented team: Adler provides shielding and Incantation DoT alongside high Anima and Incantation presence to proc Hexed frequently.
Use Adler early to secure shields, then run Nanally/Jiuyuan to capitalize on Hexed procs and follow-up attacks.
Hexed teams benefit from Adler’s Incantation presence and defensive utility.
- Hexed comps require strong Anima/Incantation presence to trigger their follow-up benefits; Adler contributes defensively and with DoT.
Skill Priority
Evil's Bane (Skill)
Primary ability — provides Adler's DoT and DEF-scaling shield. Level first to maximize continuous Incantation damage and shield strength.
Tranquility (Ultimate)
Ultimate burst that applies additional Incantation DoT; stronger vs lone enemies (bosses) because it performs a second strike.
Pristine Reflection (Support Skill)
Gives bonus Incantation damage; useful but secondary to Skill/Ultimate and shields.
Deliverance (Basic Attack)
Least important — Adler mostly uses Skill/Ultimate, so basic attacks are leveled last or ignored.
Awakening Priority
All Forms Are Void
Extends Adler's shield duration from 8s to 12s — highest priority because it significantly improves his core utility.
Perception
Increases shield strength — second priority to boost survivability.
Formation
Absorbs extra damage when the shield breaks, effectively increasing shield value — take third.
Discernment
Refunds part of Ultimate cost on cast — useful quality-of-life improvement.
Form
Boosts Skill damage after using Ultimate — useful later when shields and damage are already upgraded.
Sensation
Small damage increase; lowest priority since Adler's primary role is shielding and sustained Incantation DoT.
How to Play
Start Adler first to cast his Skill and provide a DEF-scaled shield, swap to buffers/DPS to run cycles, and use his Ultimate primarily on lone enemies for extra DoT and an additional strike.
Rotations
- 1 Adler Skill → Swap to Buffer → Swap to Sub-DPS → Swap to DPS → Adler Ultimate if enemy is alone
- 2 General loop: use Skill to spawn shield, swap off to deal damage, return/use Ultimate situationally vs lone targets.
Tips
- Always try to have Adler go first (or right before your DPS) so his shield is active for the incoming damage.
- Build DEF% main stat and modules to maximize shield strength; Kingdom's Guard + Type III set is ideal.
- Use Ultimate when facing a single enemy (boss) — it delivers an extra strike and applies stronger DoT.
- Pair Adler in Scorch (Chaos) teams for DoT synergy; he also works in Hexed (Anima) comps where follow-ups are common.