Ada WongInformation and Guide

Can you give a brief summary about this unit?

Ada Wong is a buffer first DPS unit capable of enhancing the damage of mainly True DMG B3 DPS. She can also complement some other B3 units well, especially in terms of healing. Ada Wong can be seen as similar to Maxwell/Crown (able to strengthen allies from the off-burst) and Emilia + MiharaBC in gameplay. In PvP, she resembles a stronger version of Alice with her continuous True DMG DoT hitting one target every second. Overall, Ada Wong packs a lot—she has multiple attributes that allow her to fit in many roles.

Let's first start with her supporting role. As a support, Ada is capable of buffing ‘ATK’ and ‘True Damage’ of the B3 who uses her Burst Skill in a specific rotation. This can be useful for amplifying non-instantaneous burst damage from Burst Skills, such as that from SW, Alice, RH, MiharaBC, or anyone whose damage spikes dramatically during their Burst. It can also be useful for switching the target of MirandaTr's Crit Rate (which targets the highest ATK) from one unit to another in real time. Compared to Maxwell, each has their pros and cons. While Ada Wong's buff complements burst damage-type Burst Skills better, Maxwell's benefits stable DPS more since she is able to buff the other B3’s off-burst rotation as well. That said, we need to take their personal damage and the identity of the other B3 (if applicable) into account. Variations can be seen from boss to boss.

Ada Wong also packs damage despite it not being mind-blowing. Her kit is not designed for Campaign, but versus Electric-weak bosses and against single targets that have high DEF, and especially in PvP, Ada Wong is a notable unit. This is because she can deal continuous True Damage via S2 both in the in-burst and off-burst positions. She also acquires a powerful one-shot attack when using Burst Skill that is useful for bursting a target down (esp. if it has core) or benefitting from short buffs like Liter's/Volume's.

If you like interesting strategies, try MirandaTr. You can, like with MiharaBC, control Ada Wong to "not shoot" or "hold her special attack longer" to extend Miranda's Crit Rate as long as possible. Remember to shoot her high charge shot while Miranda’s buffs are active to enhance her damage during burst. This way, all her attacks from S2 will always crit no matter what. And you can do this with Ein and MiharaBC too, although for Ein, spamming basic attacks might be better, especially if there is a core.

Where can I expect her to be used?

Depending on the type of content, she can be a DPS or a support. For mobbing, she is strictly a support—she possesses no AoE damage and would struggle with controlling multiple spawns. For bossing, she can be a support or a DPS, depending on the team and boss configuration. Be prepared to slot her in varying comps to abuse either her buff or her damage. For the specifics, visit our Tier List section below.

TL;DR — In Electric-weak bossing, likely a support and DPS at the same time. Outside Electric-weak, a support (either in-burst or off-burst) but only worth using alongside a "high affinity" unit like MiharaBC (who benefits well from her S1) or LaplaceTr/VestiTU. Despite that, Ada can still be used as a flex support if you lack better units. She can also help your Snow White get Miranda’s Crit rate buff if your Helm and Maxwell keep stealing it away from her.

In PvP, Ada Wong is like XMaiden but with two uses:

1. As a DPS, she has an S2 that deals continuous True Damage to one target, but this only triggers during Full Burst. If she is the one Bursting, she can trigger this once per second, dealing massive DMG to one target at a time, making her similar to XMaiden/RH/Alice. However, this damage is so massive that she can one-shot the enemy before they can trigger Biscuit's immune, which is the counter to single-target DPS.

2. As a Support, she is not Bursting, When this is the case, the other B3 will be the carry, while Ada delivers some chip damage on the side. As Ada's buff is a start-of-FB buff, pair her with units that deal overtime damage in Burst, not instantaneous. She wouldn't suit someone like Rei Ayanami, but she would complement Ein & TVesti (who deal True DMG and therefore highly benefit from her buffs), SBS, SAnis, Emilia, or any other B3 with non-instantaneous damage. She may not be common in Rookie or Special Arena Defense, but her niches are very strong. Just make sure the burst gen for the team is enough for the team to be considered good.

In conclusion, we expect her to have high general usage, but she is fickle—her usability, usage pattern, and resulting ratings may change unpredictably. This is due to her nature as a support/supportive DPS.

Should I pull her?

Given her limited status, YES. There is no excuse for not getting her. This is a good unit with a unique skillset that won't return likely forever. Even if she ends up not living long (get powercrept by, who knows, the anniversary units like Rem did), she is still worth collecting. I mean, look at her—she's gorgeous.

Ok, let's be serious. If you are a competitive player, you should definitely get at least 1 copy. She will be used in Electric-weak SR for a while, given her high affinity with Ein (and maybe in Iron-weak SR too with SW or maybe LaplaceTr [cope] or MiharaBC in Fire-weak). She might also be the best support for future True DMG DPS too. If you don't want to miss out, you can also get 2★ LB (two duplicates) for the extra stat & bond. The stat will be useful for herself and her buff. Remember, you cannot get copies after her banner ends, but make sure you have enough gems for the next few event(s): Anniversary, Winter, and New Year.

If you are a F2P, a casual, or a non-waifu player, just get 1 copy. This is enough, and you don't need that extra minor stat to rank. In fact, you can reach T100. Save your gems for Jill + Anniv's Pilgrim/OS units + Winter's seasonal units + New Year's Pilgrim/OS units + possible step-up banner.

Should I mileage her? Good question. She is limited and decent. For some people, the limited itself is enough to warrant the use of Gold Mileage(s). But, is using them for a 2% worth it? No. They are ideally used for 1% Pilgrims/OS-es, which should be next month. So, just use gems. Squeeze out as many gems as possible from activities. If you still can't get enough, then we'll leave the call to you. If you have to choose between Ada Wong & Jill, choose Ada. There is also a rerun banner for RH at the end of October.

Kit Analysis

Skill 1

The most complicated yet simple part of Ada's kit because it can be used in multiple strategies, Ada's S1 is capable of dynamically enhancing the damage of the Bursting B3. Whichever B3 is Bursting in a particular rotation, Ada Wong will buff them, giving 60% ATK▲ (of caster's ATK, which is good since she is an Attacker) and True DMG▲ 50%. She also gives them lifesteal.

Tip: This includes Rapi: Red Hood (special exception). Even when she's used as a B1, the ATK buff still applies to her if she Bursts. That means you can have the buffs apply to 2 units at the same time. Note that this doesn’t apply to Red Hood.

• Even without the True DMG part considered, the ATK buff alone is strong enough. She can be used to buff any B3, despite the buff being more optimal with those whose Burst Skill is non-instantaneous. It also harmonizes better with units whose damage spikes dramatically during their Burst (e.g., SW's, Ein's, Emilia's, etc). Non-instantaneous is defined as damage that is not immediately calculated on Burst Skill use, therefore benefitting from Full Burst multiplier (+0.5x).

• Ada can also be in the off-burst and be used to buff two other B3s instead. This would make her similar to Crown, with stronger ATK buff but no reload speed.

• With True DMG considered, this is one of the best buffs to exist on the planet. It's just too strong, and nothing can beat it, as long as it's not overly diluted on the receiving end. LaplaceTr, Ein, and other True DMG units would love it and any future units also.

• If you pair Ada with MirandaTr, you can use Ada's targeted ATK buff to redirect her buff and ensure it is given to the right unit, which is usually the one Bursting. This is a problem that some endgame players face with certain comps (like HelmTr + MiharaBC). Note that unit positioning has no impact because we have tested out that Crown’s S1 and Ada’s S1 buffs are prioritized.

• This skill also gives Lifesteal, which is good against bosses in general, especially since they often target highest-ATK Nikkes (Ada's S1 makes them targeted but also heals them, so they can tank).

• Scales with base ATK stat; derives benefit from leveling doll, cube, bond, console, and equipment, as well as obtaining dupes. Since the ATK is 60%▲, ensure Ada has a high base ATK stat.

Skill 2

The second most complicated part of Ada's kit because we will talk about it in two different perspectives—in Burst and off burst. That said, both share the same one characteristic—its small range makes it bad for PvE mobbing, but for PvP, it's fine.

When using Ada as a Bursting B3, you are basically establishing her as a DPS or as an in-burst support.

• You usually do this when fighting against an Electric-weak Boss or when playing her as an in-burst support for a funnel DPS (because playing her off-burst might create slot pressure).

• As long as Ada is Bursting, her damage is important because she will take her own S1's buff every other rotation and unleashes S2 twice more often. This means investments, especially ELE and ATK lines on OL gear if against Electric-weak, will matter.

• Outside Electric-weak, however, she is most likely used as a support to another character (like MiharaBC). In this case, damage investments will have less return.

• You can maximize S2's damage by pairing her with MirandaTr. Control her and, as soon as she uses Burst Skill, avoid releasing the special shot until toward the end of her Full Burst to extend her guaranteed Crit Rate as long as possible. This ensures her S2 will all crit.

• In PvP, let’s assume S2 is a single target. At some angle it can hit 2 Nikkes, other angles she can’t.

• Leveling S2 becomes mandatory if you're using her Burst as a DPS.

When using Ada as an off-burst B3, this skill becomes a sub-skill, dealing fair damage. This is because it only triggers once per 2s (totals 2,100% over 10s) but still contributes to Ada's damage.

• Ada is limited to being a support.

• Self-investments outside inflating base ATK stat will be less important and S2 level will not be needed that much because she won't deal substantial damage.

• In PvP, while the damage is small, Ada can help finish targets wounded by the Bursting B3.

Burst Skill

Ada buffs herself immensely (also takes S1's buffs at the same time) and acquires a special shot with higher Charge Damage and lower Charge Speed (longer Charge Time).

• The Charge Time becomes 3s longer.

• With no external Charge DMG buff, the special shot deals 1500% * 61.3% = 919.5%. This can core-hit, crit, and benefit from Full Burst multiplier.

• This, by itself, is not a lot because it's not True DMG, but it still matters (especially if you pair her with MirandaTr).

• She will deal 4200% True DMG within 10 seconds. With S1 & Burst buffs, this becomes 8064%, excluding the ATK buff. This is quite a lot, especially since we haven't taken Full Burst multiplier (+0.5x) into account, but it's nothing mind-blowing (outside PvP & when compared to meta units).

• Moderate dependence on buffs. Scaling via regular buffs has limited effectiveness.

Tier List

Campaign (LD): A | Campaign (HD): A

We explained this before that she is strictly a support when it comes to mobbing, but she deserves A+ just in that regard. She offers a lot of ATK buff for the Bursting B3, and since most of the Campaign BiS DPS are continuous damage dealers, that makes Ada one of the best supports alongside Maxwell. The problem is Maxwell can buff two units at the same time, whereas Ada can only buff one. Maxwell also has a strong Burst that can one-shot Elites/Bosses. That said, Ada gives True Damage, which may fare better if she is paired with Ein, TVesti, or LaplaceTr, the first two being powerful Campaign pushers. She can also be used to support RH, Asuka, Alice, RRH, Modernia, etc.

Bossing: S

Ada is very similar to SAnis & XMaiden in that she probably has some neutral presence (we have sketched out some comps outside Electric where she might be used, like the SRos Ada MiharaBC MirandaTr DWife we mentioned earlier). She definitely has presence in Electric-weak SR and is one of the better units to have for it. She might also become an essential unit if ShiftUp releases a broken True DMG carry in the future. Because of these and her potential future value, we are giving her the rating S. She cannot carry the team because she is a buffer first, and our units in SS tier are more impactful and valuable to have compared to Ada.

Note that the analysis above mainly applies to competitive SR players (Top 100). If you lack other units like SAnis & XMaiden, or even HelmTr/MastM, Ada can help you a lot as an alternative buffer. For example, let's say you don't have Ein, SAnis, and XMaiden, you can run Cindy Rouge Ada Crown MastM against Mirror Container. Or, if you don't have MastM, Maxwell, HelmTr, and SHelm, then Siren Crown RRH RH Ada can be a good team against Ultra.

PvP: SS

Ada has normal RL burst gen and normal RL splash (similar to Noise/Rapunzel). Therefore, she doesn't feed and generates a good amount of burst energy. This is good given her potential as an overtime damage buffer, True DMG buffer, and XMaiden-like DPS.

Let's first start with her supportive side: Ada's S1 massively buffs the B3 who is Bursting. This can make continuous damage units like SBS/SAnis; delayed AoE units like Emilia; or True DMG units like TVesti, Ein, or LaplaceTr deal significantly more damage. As a buffer with better burst gen than RH and without the feeding issue of Crown, she reserves a special place in PvP. Unlike RH, though, she cannot buff instantaneous wipes like Scarlet's. This stifles her, but she still can fill in some teams.

Her DPS side is what surprises us. Now, we know that her S2 only hits one target at a time. That is bad, but let's not overlook its damage. It hits so hard (hits harder than most single-target DPS in PvP) that it can one-shot enemy Defenders, barring them from utilizing Biscuit's immune. This is what separates her from units like Alice & RH, whose damage can match in some situations, but since they rely on RoF, they will trigger Biscuit inevitably. Biscuit is the nemesis of single-target DPS, and Ada nullifies her. This "unique expertise", alongside her potential as a support, earns her the SS rank. Bypassing Biscuit is no easy feat. You just have to make a team that can help her survive for 7-8 seconds. The easiest way to do it is to make a team that forces Blanc’s indomitability on her. For more teams, check out Ada’s ‘Teams’ section.

Investments

Gear Investments

Depending on how Ada is used, she wants different lines:

• As an off-burst support, Ada doesn't need investments, but ATK & ELE (if element is correct) give raw bonus damage. This is because she doesn't give herself any buffs, but 2100% from S2 every Burst is quite a lot.

• As an in-burst DPS (correct element), she wants ELE > ATK. She is more likely to be used in Electric-weak, and since the next raid is Electric-weak, prioritizing ELE is recommended. If in the future she gets used in other elements as a DPS, you can consider ATK. Note that ATK still boosts damage in Electric-weak but not as much as ELE does.

• As an in-burst support (off element), ELE is useless, and investments in other lines will be the determiner, but they're probably less worth it than investments in the other B3.

• For PVP, just take ATK + Charge Speed and move on. She deals too much damage that everyone looks equal before her S2.

If you are using her with MirandaTr, the value of Crit DMG increases tremendously. Note that MirandaTr dilutes Crit DMG. ATK is still better but Crit DMG becomes worthwhile. Optionally, get 1-2× Max Ammo for burst gen (quick-shotting between Full Bursts). Depending on the comp, this Max Ammo might be mandatory, e.g. SRos Ada MiharaBC MirandaTr DWife.

In PvP, Charge Speed can help reach sooner RL breakpoints, but it doesn’t elevate her damage because S2 is on a fixed one-second tick. A couple of ammo lines can also allow her to win some critical matchups since you do not want her to reload during her burst.

• Essential: -

• Ideal: 4× ELE, 1~2× Max Ammo, 4× ATK

• Passable: 4× Crit DMG, 4× Charge Speed

• Priority: High

• Note: Depending on whether you use her as a DPS or a support, investments may not be required. Focus on ELE if DPS. Crit DMG is only with MirandaTr. Charge Speed is only for PvP RL breakpoints. 1~2× Max Ammo for burst gen may be strictly required by some comps in PvE.

Skill Investments

If you use Ada as a DPS, investments in all skills are required. If you use her as an off-burst support, only S1 matters. S2 can be upgraded but is not significant. If you use her as an in-burst support (off element), investments in all skills are required, but S2 & Burst Skill will be less significant (relative to investments in the other B3).

• Skill 1: 10

  • Literally what makes Ada, Ada.

  • Insane buffs, especially for True DMG DPS, but still strong even without one.

  • Can buff herself.

• Skill 2: 4~10

  • If DPS, 10 is mandatory because it's her main source of damage, especially with MirandaTr.

  • Must be 10 if DPS-ing in PvP.

  • Otherwise, leave at 4/7 for bonus damage as an off-burst support.

• Burst Skill: 7~10

  • If DPS, 10 is highly recommended, and 7 can be considered if materials are scarce.

  • As an off-burst support, she won't Burst, so this skill is useless.

Cube Investments

For now, there aren't really any perfect cube for Ada (and Raven). This is because, as a DPS, Ada relies on faux Sustained DMG. Her damage is from skills and not basic attack, and even her special shot damage can barely be enhanced. Prioritize the highest level cube for ELE DMG if against Iron and ATK stat for better team/self buff. Until there are more fitting cubes (Iike True DMG cube), use Resilience/Bastion to help with burst gen/basic attack damage albeit minor.

In PvP, if needed, use Tempering to absorb damage/Adjutant for RL breakpoints.

Doll Investments

SR 15 is highly recommended seeing her reliance on base ATK stat, both as a full support and a DPS. Try to do this before the next Electric-weak Raid because future usage cannot be fully confirmed. Note that she cannot "not" be a semi-support because, regardless of whether she Bursts or not, she will always buff at least one other unit.

SR 5 if you bargain. R 15 can set up a good leap if you lack the SR doll. Always avoid using SR 0 immediately unless you are totally out of materials.