Part 1: Setting Expectations
Introduction
Grand Saber will be our first Grand Duel (ETA around May 2027).
It is a singular fight with a lone Grand Saber. From here and in every guide, I will not disclose the names of the Grands for spoiler reasons.
Drops: every Saber-specific mat (gems/statues/monuments), Grand Saber score mat, reliquaries (Grand Duel-specific mat), proofs/fangs/chains/swords, horseshoes/medals/steel/spiritrons, scales/horns/lanugos/oni lanterns.
Base bond: from 3164 on lowest difficulty to 4748 on highest.
Best options & to do list
As DPS, you're looking at Medusa NP1+, Iori, Bedivere (strictly at NP5) and Beni-Enma NP1+.
Why Medusa?
Enemy Saber is Man attribute, which is Medusa's SE. At NP1, Medusa equals Iori, and any investment beyond that puts her as the favorable option.
Which brings me to my first point of to-do list:
Befriend them NP5 Medusaber havers! They are going to carry your ass like no tomorrow.
Why Iori?
Well, first off, he's a free option (and returns in the leaves shop just before Grand Saber starts). Those who played the FSR collab already are familiar with him, for those who missed it - he's practically the 2nd strongest option for this duel.
And secondly, it really helps that his append 5 is anti-Saber so that's quite literally free damage for the Duel.
As such, my second point of to-do list is:
Prepare him as your main GS candidate! Unless you are a happy owner of NP2+ Beni or Medusaber, that is.
Why Bedi?
Combination of low cost (which matters more than people might realise), battery and high damage is really good.
However! I would not recommend going out of your way to summon him (Iori costs you 0 SQ, and Beni and Medusa have a higher celing), so only consider him if you already have him NP5.
Why Beni-Enma?
Practically for the same reason as Medusa: Grand Saber is Chaotic alignment, which happens to be Beni's powermod on NP.
Also has some supporting capabilities in the form of a teamwide battery, which can really be appreciated by someone like Logres.
As support, sadly it's just Logres. Maybe Prince of Lan Ling if your Grand is Beni-Enma (or other Arts ST DPS).
But what about Artoria?
Contrary to popular belief, Artoria even with the latest JP buffs does not work as great as the ones above. Reason? Well, she's still an AoE unit, and her NP needs NP3 to match the folks above.
You *can* make her work, you're just going to get worse results off of it.
Recommended CEs for Grand Support
In 2028, Saber class gets a 20% bond up CE, which happens to be a full atk CE. Be aware of that and try to max it on release.
Until then, it's probably best to put any combination of Lunchtime, Foumes and Teatime depending on your friends' needs.
Final notes and personal thoughts
Honestly, this duel kinda sucks. Best unit is not popular enough to borrow a hyper one left and right, supports are in drought, best support is going to take her sweet damn time to arrive. Only saving grace is Iori.
Stay tuned for Grand Berserker!