KMS core comparison · About these guides
A new sixth-job Skill Node gives each Korean class another upgrade decision. The useful question is how much that node improves the character, not simply whether the class appears high on a ranking.
The source compares the added node at level 30. It does not provide a reproducible benchmark protocol or a current GMS test. Treat the placements as the source's reference snapshot of that one upgrade, not a class-power ranking or a universal next-level priority.
The source's KMS comparison
| Tier | Classes |
|---|---|
| S | Kain, Lethe, Demon Avenger |
| A | Cadena, Kaiser, Corsair, Luminous, Paladin, Wild Hunter, Hero, Lara, Ren |
| B | Adele, Shade, Dual Blade, Wind Archer, Demon Slayer, Khali, Marksman, Hoyoung, Xenon, Evan, Mechanic, Aran, Arch Mage (Ice, Lightning) |
| C |
Arch Mage (Fire, Poison), Zero, Dawn Warrior, Angelic Buster, Bowmaster, Night Walker, Bishop, Blaster, Illium, Night Lord, Dark Knight, Shadower, Battle Mage, Pathfinder, Mihile, Phantom |
| D | Thunder Breaker, Kinesis, Ark, Blaze Wizard, Cannoneer, Buccaneer |
S-tier entries in the source
Kain
Kain is the source's highest-rated example for the new core's level-30 gain.
The source contrasts it with many classes it places in a roughly 2–3% improvement range. Those are reported comparison claims, not independently measured gains here. For a Kain main, compare the new node with the next upgrades on the existing HEXA board before committing resources.
Lethe
The Korean comparison places Lethe alongside Kain in S tier.
The source notes that the newer class had fewer comparable live-character samples and relies on a simulation assessment. That limitation matters when reading the placement. Lethe here identifies the KMS class in the comparison.
Demon Avenger
Demon Avenger is the third S-tier entry.
The source attributes the gain to how the new core fits the damage structure. If other main nodes are developed, it can be a candidate for the next investment; compare the actual level costs and current character rather than assuming level 30 must come first.
A-tier entries
Cadena, Kaiser, and Corsair
These appear near the top of the source's A tier.
It describes Cadena as close to its S-tier range, with Kaiser and Corsair also above its average. Those are assessments within this snapshot, not guaranteed live boss improvements.
Luminous and Paladin
Both also appear relatively high in A tier.
The source considers their new cores compatible with their existing damage flow. Compare them with other next-step upgrades once the main attacks are developed.
Wild Hunter, Hero, Lara, and Ren
These complete A tier in the source.
The reported gains are less pronounced than its S group but still above its reference average. Practical value depends on using the new attack consistently in the target fight.
B-tier entries
The source places these classes in B tier:
- Adele
- Shade
- Dual Blade
- Wind Archer
- Demon Slayer
- Khali
- Marksman
- Hoyoung
- Xenon
- Evan
- Mechanic
- Aran
- Arch Mage (Ice, Lightning)
This is the source's middle efficiency group for the added core.
It places Adele, Shade, Dual Blade, and Wind Archer toward the upper part. Compare the improvement per resource for your next level when costs are similar across candidate nodes.
A lower B placement does not mean the new core is unusable. If existing Mastery or Boost Nodes are still low, however, those may offer a better next step.
C-tier entries
The source places these classes in C tier:
- Arch Mage (Fire, Poison)
- Zero
- Dawn Warrior
- Angelic Buster
- Bowmaster
- Night Walker
- Bishop
- Blaster
- Illium
- Night Lord
- Dark Knight
- Shadower
- Battle Mage
- Pathfinder
- Mihile
- Phantom
This is the source's lower-middle group for the measured upgrade, not for overall class strength.
It describes Fire/Poison, Zero, and Dawn Warrior as relatively close to its B range. If another core gives more improvement at the current level, postponing this one can be reasonable.
Damage alone also misses utility and party contribution. A Bishop node's place in a damage comparison cannot describe the class's whole role.
D-tier entries
Thunder Breaker, Kinesis, and Ark
The source reports relatively small gains from this specific core for these classes.
If established main nodes are unfinished, compare those upgrades before prioritizing the added node.
Blaze Wizard, Cannoneer, and Buccaneer
These complete the source's D group, with Buccaneer lowest in its comparison.
That does not prove the skill feels bad in practice. Range, inputs, concentrated damage, and responses to boss mechanics can add value that a total-damage estimate does not capture.
Why one core's efficiency differs between classes
Its share of the rotation
An attack contributing a large share of output can produce a larger total change when enhanced.
An infrequently used attack or one with a small contribution may produce a smaller overall change even at maximum level.
How it fits the class
Cooldowns that align with the character's burst can make an attack easier to use consistently.
A skill that disrupts the rotation or misses moving targets can deliver less practical improvement than its calculation suggests.
The individual setup
Boss Damage, Ignore Enemy Defense, Attack Power or Magic ATT, cooldown reduction, and rings affect the result even within one class.
Use the table to understand the source's comparison, then calculate your own next upgrade. Later Korean balance changes can alter a summer-era assessment too.
Choosing the next HEXA upgrade
Check these before spending:
- Current main Mastery Node levels
- The next level's value on existing Boost Nodes
- The new skill's actual contribution in your boss logs
- Sol Erda and Fragment cost
- Alignment with your burst and the boss's attack windows
The source suggests considering the new core earlier for its S/A groups, comparing closely for B, and developing existing main cores first for many C/D cases. This is a starting question to test, not an automatic order for every character.
How to use the comparison
The source's S entries are Kain, Lethe, and Demon Avenger; its A group includes Cadena, Kaiser, Corsair, Luminous, and Paladin, among others.
Its D group reports a smaller gain from this particular maximum-level upgrade for Thunder Breaker, Kinesis, Ark, Blaze Wizard, Cannoneer, and Buccaneer.
The table compares one new node at level 30. Your next-level cost, existing HEXA progress, and actual boss contribution determine what to upgrade next. It should not decide which class you play.