Tsuruko Semba build, teams and tier

Overview

For Tsuruko, the whole gimmick is to build Twilight's Embrace to 100 stacks, which will create a huge circle on the map (Unending Twilight). Once the circle is made, you want to stand in it and do damage with primary/secondary attacks or counterattacks to build your meter until you hit 3/4 (75 Twilight's Embrace), then use your strategy skill to deliver a huge AoE attack. If that attack hits someone in the circle, it gets enhanced to deal more damage (you can activate the strategy skill at 55 Twilight's Embrace, but it's better to have a bit more). Additionally, every hit in the circle heals your team (if Passive 2 is not unlocked). If you run out of Twilight’s Embrace, the circle will disappear, and you'll have to recharge it.

Primary Attack

Series of 3 attacks, each hit granting Twilight's Embrace. Note that the 3rd stage can be animation canceled. Wait until the dark orbs are right above, then Dash to cancel the animation or Counterattack for damage and reset the cycle.

Secondary Attack

After charging up, releases a huge AoE orb that grants Twilight’s Embrace. If the circle is active and an enemy is hit, it repositions the circle under that enemy. YOU ARE ABLE TO MOVE DURING THIS ATTACK. Hold Dash, then trigger the secondary attack; the Dash momentum moves you during the attack.

Counterattack

When an enemy executes a powerful attack, a red circle (or glare) appears. Use your Counterattack button to respond. It works on both physical and non physical attacks but isn't ideal for small moves (e.g., shark bites). Counterattacks force enemies into break status and increase Twilight's Embrace.

Strategy Skill

Activatable at 55+ Twilight's Embrace. It delivers an AoE attack on the target; if the target is inside Unending Twilight, it gets enhanced for extra damage, consuming some Twilight’s Embrace.

Ultimate Skill

Usable with 3 Tension Bars. It launches an AoE attack and grants all allies Turning Tides, which recovers 50% of an ally's max HP if they drop below 50% HP. Not a great ult—better to use a DPS ult or one costing 2 Tension Bars.

Chain Skill

Can be activated when the enemy is in break, dealing AoE damage.

Combos (If Operating)

Start by building Twilight's Embrace to 100 to get the circle (Unending Twilight). Then use your strategy skill for a big AoE. Next, rebuild your meter to around ¾ (75 Twilight’s Embrace) to use the strategy skill again. Use chain skills that provide buffs afterward.

Start Up:

• Path 1: Primary 1 > 2 > 3 > Dash > Primary 1 > 2 > 3 > Dash (Repeat until the circle appears)

Recommended when the target is not attacking you.

• Path 2: Primary Attacks > Counterattack > Hold Dash > Secondary > Primary Attacks until the circle appears

Recommended when the target is focusing you and about to launch a strong attack that can be countered. This has a quicker startup time.

Keeping Up the Circle

Once Unending Twilight is up, immediately use Strategy Skill. Then balance your meter:

• If meter > 50%: Primary 1 > 2 > 3 > Dash > Primary Attack (if not at ¾) > Strategy Skill.
• If meter < 50%: Primary 1 > 2 > 3 > Hold Dash > Secondary > Primary 1 > 2 > 3 > Dash > Strategy Skill.
• If enemy is not in the circle: Hold Dash > Secondary Attack to hit the enemy and reposition the circle.

Tips

1. Hold Dash > Secondary Attack: Makes it easier to avoid enemy attacks.
2. Use Counterattack as much as possible (if operating) to ease combo execution and allow more damage.
3. Tsuruko Playstyle: Best as a SubDPS/Healer, especially if you lack another tank/healer. If you have her at Dupe 1, building her as a main DPS is an option, but not recommended if you have better DPS options (e.g., Miu/Enoki).

Potential

Hybrid Build

Best for pure healing needs.

• Max Passive 1 to boost her healing output. Extra gems should go into Support primarily, then Fighter's Instinct.

Main DPS Build

For when you want Tsuruko to melt life bars. Best for pure damage if you can pair her with a dedicated healer (e.g., Yo with Passive 2 unlocked).

• Max Passive 2 to make her field deal additional pulses of damage that scale with her support. Extra gems should go into Support primarily, then Fighter's Instinct.

Dupes

Dupe 1 offers the best bang for your buck—unlocking extra damage when units are in the circle (Twilight’s Embrace), and proccing extra healing and damage for versatility. Dupe 5 increases damage further, but is only worthwhile if you're a whale.

Operating Character

Hybrid Build

You can let AI handle her.

Main DPS Build

Manual control is recommended, as Counterattacks and Hold Dash > Secondary increase her uptime on Twilight's Embrace, allowing her to deal more damage. When left to AI, her secondary attack can cause frustration—so manual play is advised.

Conclusion

Tsuruko is a very good and versatile unit. Her ability to deal damage and/or heal opens up many team comp options. Highly recommend pulling her and you should try to get Dupe 1 to maximize her versatility.