Tier List of the Strongest Supporters (Buffers/Debuffers/Healers)

Table of Contents

octopath cotc tier list support buffers debuffers healers

This is the tier list of the strongest support units for Buffers, Debuffers, and Healers in the global version of Octopath Traveler: COTC. 

Every unit on the list is assumed to be max level, Awaken 1 (except for Arena units).

Brave Fan is considered for Dancers.

Buffs and Debuffs have their individual categories because of how they stack. 

Learn more by reading the ultimate guide to buffs and debuffs.  

Ranking criteria:

  • Damage is not considered whatsoever on this list
  • AOE Buffs/Debuffs are generally superior to single Buffs/Debuffs
  • Unique Buffs/Debuffs are rated higher
Special thanks to our guest collaborator: the Head Priest of Therion Church PrimROse is my EX.

Active Buffers Tier List #

This list only considers buffs from skills and ultimates, hence “Active”.

RankUnitSpriteClassExplanation (All buffs affect front row)
1Primrose EXhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/EX_Primrose_Sprite.pngApothecarySkill gives front row 15% SPD and Ultimate Technique Gauge, regen; 15% PATK/EATK to front row while cleansing status ailments; can buff front row 15% PDEF/EDEF; can buff Axe/Lightning/Ult Gauge of a single ally; and FINALLY her ultimate gives front row regen, 20% PATK/EATK, and Ult Gauge.
1Rinyuuhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Rinyuu_Sprite.pngClericKnown for the two greatest “permanent” active skills of all time. 1: Give all units regen and 15% PDEF/EDEF and immunity to paralysis/sleep. 2: Give all units 15% PATK/EATK and 10% all DMG up and immunity to silence/terror.
2Lynettehttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Lynette2.pngDancerUlt gives 20% PATK/EATK/SPD buff; skill gives 20% PATK/EATK; give her Brave Fan or Hasumi’s Accessory. Switch row to get even more buffs. She is the best, most universal buffer, fits in any team comp.
3Millard EXhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MIllard_EX_Sprite.pngMerchantThe ultimate defensive unit in the game. HP Barrier, +15% All DMG Up, 15% PATK/EATK, Gives ally +1/4 BP if they have barriers.., and 30% PDEF/EDEF + 50% Dmg Reduction for one unit.
4Tithihttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Titi_Sprite.pngDancer1 skill gives 20% PATK/EATK/CRIT (can stack with itself to cap the buff at 30%) and 1 BP to front row. Ultimate gives 1 BP to front row.
5Alfynhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Alfyn.pngApothecaryPomegranate Panacea (BP to front row) allows for SO many boss cheese strats. He’s BFF with Therion, A2, 2B… any of the hardest DPS units. Also grants 20% Fire/Ice Res with regen.
6Primrosehttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Primrose-Sprite.pngDancerSkill gives 20% PATK/EATK/SPD buff; 20% PATK/20% PDEF; and extends duration of buff casted by her by 1 turn. Brave Fan does not stack with her passive.
7Glossomhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Glossom-Sprite.pngDancerSkill gives 20% PATK/PDEF buff; stacks additively in potency and turn duration with his 15% PATK/PDEF buff. Give Brave Fan if not using Lynette.
8Liannahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lianna-Sprite.pngClericSkill gives 15% EATK/EDEF and heals; can also give single ally 15% PATK/EATK and dodge.
9Ophiliahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Ophilia.pngClericSkill gives 15% PDEF/EDEF and heals.

Passive Buffers Tier List #

This list only considers unit passives.

RankUnitSpriteClassExplanation
1Richardhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Richard_Sprite.pngWarriorBest universal physical attack buffing unit. Raise Front Row PATK, Sword and Spear damage by 15%.
2Fredericahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Frederica_Sprite.pngScholarBest universal elemental attack buffing unit. Front row 15% Elemental DMG up and EATK up when a combusted enemy is present.
2Eltrixhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Eltrix_Sprite.pngWarriorWhen in front row and at full HP: 15% PATK/EATK of Entire Front Row and lower SP consumption by 20%.
2Sarisahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sarisa_Sprite.pngThiefWhen in back row, give front row SP recovery (5) and +15% PATK up.
3Wingatehttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Wingate2.pngThiefBest universal backpack: paired ally gets 20% DMG bonus to broken enemy. Do note his use goes down as we get more and more A4 and teamwide support passives.
3Elizahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Eliza-Sprite.pngWarriorBest backpack for your elemental DPS. Paired ally gets 20% EATK buff.
4Falcohttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Falco_Sprite.pngThiefBest supporter for Dagger DPS team. 15% dagger DMG to front row. Therion and A2 says hi.
4Hayeshttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hayes_Sprite.pngApothecaryBest supporter for Axe DPS team. 15% axe DMG to front row. A2/2B/Gertrude can benefit.
4Dorotheahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Dorothea_Sprite.pngMerchantBest supporter for Spear DPS team. 15% spear DMG to front row.
5Barradhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Barrad2.pngMerchantOften used as backpack in cheese strats. Gives paired ally 15% PATK for 3 turns.
6Nicolahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Nicola-Sprite.pngThiefFront Row 5% PATK…. LOL hey it’s useful.

Active Debuffers Tier List #

This list only considers debuffs from skills and ultimates, hence “Active”.

This list is longer than usual, because some units excel at debuffing a particular damage type.

RankUnitSpriteClassExplanation
1Violahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Viola2.pngThiefHas the strongest single-target debuff at 25% PDEF/EDEF Down; 20% PATK/EATK Down; 10% PDEF Down to all foes; all debuffs last an extra turn.
2Tithihttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Titi_Sprite.pngDancer1 skill inflicts 15% PATK/EATK/PDEF/EDEF Down for 2 turns; can lower Fan and Lightning Res.
3Sarisahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sarisa_Sprite.pngThief1 skill inflicts 15% Sword, Dagger, Fire Res Down to 1 foe; can reduce 20% PATK/EATK; can reduce 15% SPD.
3Falcohttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Falco_Sprite.pngThiefHas 20% PDEF/EDEF down to single foe; 20% PATK down to single foe.
3Zeniahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Zegna_Sprite.pngApothecary20% EDEF Down to all foes; act first and deal 4-hit randomly with 10% EDEF down; ult grants 10% EDEF down.
4Liannahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lianna-Sprite.pngCleric15% PATK/EATK Down to all foes and single foe; 15% Speed Down to all foes; 15% Ice Res Down to single foe.
5Therionhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Therion.pngThief15% PATK/PDEF Down to single foe, can be used twice at max boost
6Billyhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Billy2.pngThiefUltimate: All foes 20% PDEF/SPD Down
7Nicolahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Nicola-Sprite.pngThief15% PDEF Down to all foe; 15% EDEF down to all foes; 15% SPD down to single foe
7Kurtzhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Kurtz2.pngThief15% PATK/EATK Down to single foe; 15% Speed Down to all foes
SwordRichardhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Richard_Sprite.pngWarriorChance to inflict 15% Sword Res Down to random foes per hit, 4 hits
SpearRolandhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Roland_Sprite.pngMerchantCan actively reduce Spear Res/PDEF by 20% and 10%.
DaggerSarisahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sarisa_Sprite.pngThief1 skill inflicts 15% Sword, Dagger, Fire Res Down to 1 foe.
AxeN/AN/AN/AN/A
BowKersjeshttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Kersjes_Sprite.pngHunter15% Bow Res Down to single foe and 10% Bow Res Down to all foes; 20% EATK Down to single foe
StaffYan Longhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Yan_Long_Sprite.pngCleric20% Staff Res Down to all foes; 10% Staff Res Down to single foe.
TomeAugustehttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Auguste_Sprite.pngThief10% Tome Res Down to single foe.
FanTithihttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Titi_Sprite.pngDancer10% Fan Res Down to single foe at max boost.
FireLynettehttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Lynette2.pngDancerLower Fire Res of All Foes by 20%; 15% Fire Res Down to random foes; EDEF Down
IceAslytehttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Asylte2.pngThiefLower 20% Ice Res to All Foes for 2 turns; ultimate lowers Ice Res to random foes by 10%
LgtningOlberichttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Olberic_Sprite.pngWarrior15% Lgtning Res Down, moderate chance to inflict paralysis for 2 turns; 10% Lgtning Res Down to all foes
WindHarleyhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Harley-Sprite.pngDancer15% PATK Down to all foes; 20% Wind Res Down to all foes
LightVarkynhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Varkyn-Sprite.pngScholar20% Light Res Down to all foes; 15% Light Res Down to random foes
DarkPrimrosehttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Primrose-Sprite.pngDancer15% Dark Res Down to random foes, 15% PDEF/EDEF Down to all foes

Passive Debuffers Tier List #

There is no particular ranking assigned to this table. Passive debuffers are too rare  and all useful based on the situation.

RankUnitSpriteClassExplanation
EDEFLaurahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Laura2.pngScholarStart of battle: Inflict 15% Elem. Down to All Foes for 3 turns; very useful for one-shotting enemies for material farm.
PDEFHayeshttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hayes_Sprite.pngApothecaryWhen breaking an enemy, reduce their Phys. Def by 20% for 2 turns.
SwordSigridhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Sigrid2.pngWarriorStart of battle: 15% Sword Res Down to All Foes for 3 turns; amazing for Auguste nuts farm.
WindMennohttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Menno2.pngClericStart of battle: 15% Wind Res Down to All Foes for 3 turns; amazing for Auguste nuts farm.
IceAslytehttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Asylte2.pngThiefLower 15% Ice Res to foes you Break by 2 turns; requires Aslyte to be the one breaking.
LgtningBertrandhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Bertrand2.pngHunterStart of battle: Lower Lgtning Res by 15% to All Foes for 3 turns; useful for one-shotting normal enemies with lgtning AOE.
PATKHelgahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Helga2.pngMerchantStart of battle: 15% Phys. Atk Down to All Foes for 3 turns; might be useful to tank through certain early boss nukes.

Healer Tier List #

It’s no surprise that HP Regen > Burst healing in 99% of situations. The ranking criteria for Healer is:

  1. HP Regen + Turn Duration
  2. Burst Healing
  3. Revive
  4. Status Ailment Cure
  5. Others
RankUnitSpriteClassRegen Duration +1Regen + Burst HealBurst HealCan ReviveCure Status AilmentOther
1Rinyuuhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Rinyuu_Sprite.pngClericNo but doesn’t need itYes – All 8 AlliesYes – Front RowYesYes – Grants Immunity to certain ailments and ultimate cures themThe GOAT healer. Can heal indefinitely. Can give 15% PDEF/EDEF to all 8 allies.
2Ophiliahttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Ophilia.pngClericYesYes – Front RowYes – Front RowYes – all allies and selfNo15% PDEF/EDEF to Front Row; stats recovery
3Molrussohttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Molrusso_Sprite.pngClericYesYes – Front RowYes – Single AllyNoNo15% PDEF/EDEF to Single Ally
4Soleilhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Soleil_Sprite.pngApothecaryYesYes – Front RowYes – Front RowNoYes – Front Row, also raise Front Row status ailment res by 50%20% EATK to Single Ally; Ultimate raises 10% Light DMG of Front Row
5Agneshttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Agnes-Sprite.pngClericNoYes – Front RowYes – Front RowYesNo15% PDEF to Front Row; 15% SPD to Front Row
6Alfynhttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Alfyn.pngApothecaryYesYes – Front RowNoYesYes – Front Row at max boostGrant BP to Front Row!
7Theohttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Theo2.pngApothecaryNoYes – Front RowYes – Single AllyNoYes – Front Row and Single AllyRaise Status Ailment Res of Ally by 50%
8Hayeshttps://meowdb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hayes_Sprite.pngApothecaryNoYes – Front RowYes – Single AllyNoYes – Single Ally15% Axe DMG to Front Row; 20% PDEF Down on break