Last War Heroes Tier List – Expert (March 2026) Guide

Are you struggling to build the perfect hero team in Last War: Survival? I’ve spent countless hours analyzing every hero, testing team compositions, and studying the meta to bring you the most comprehensive tier list available. Whether you’re a free-to-play player looking to maximize your resources or a seasoned commander aiming for the top ranks, this guide will transform your gameplay and help you dominate every battlefield.

In this complete tier list, I’ll break down every hero by their effectiveness across all game modes, explain the vehicle counter system that’s crucial for success, reveal the best team compositions for PvP and PvE, and share insider strategies that most players completely miss. You’ll learn exactly which heroes are worth investing in, which ones to avoid, and how to build teams that can crush any opponent.

Quick Reference: Last War Heroes Tier List (March 2026)

Tier	Heroes	Vehicle Type	Best Use Case
SS Tier	Kimberly, DVA, Tesla, Marshall	Tank/Aircraft/Missile	All-around dominance
S Tier	Williams, Murphy, Mason, Schuyler, Fiona	Tank/Aircraft/Missile	Core team building
A Tier	Carlie, Stetmann, Violet, Sarah, Adam	Tank/Aircraft/Missile	Situational effectiveness
B Tier	Venom, Richard, Monica, Scarlett, Cage	Tank/Aircraft/Missile	Early game/Niche uses
C Tier	Kane, Ambolt, Farhad, Gump, Loki	Tank/Aircraft/Missile	Avoid investment

Best Heroes Tier List in Last War (2026)

Understanding hero rankings in Last War: Survival isn’t just about individual power—it’s about synergy, counters, and strategic deployment. After analyzing data from multiple sources and testing countless team compositions, I’ve developed this comprehensive tier list that takes into account hero performance across PvP, PvE, boss raids, and seasonal events.

Understanding the Tier System

Before diving into specific heroes, let me explain what each tier represents:

• SS Tier: These are game-breaking heroes that dominate every mode. They’re worth maxing out regardless of your playstyle or progression level.
• S Tier: Extremely strong heroes that form the core of most competitive teams. They’re reliable investments that will serve you well throughout your journey.
• A Tier: Solid heroes with specific strengths. They excel in certain situations but may require the right team composition to shine.
• B Tier: Decent heroes for early game or specific niches. Invest in them only after your core team is established.
• C Tier: Heroes that are outclassed or underpowered. Avoid investing resources in these unless you have absolutely no alternatives.

SS Tier Heroes: The Game-Changers

These heroes represent the pinnacle of power in Last War: Survival. They’re not just strong—they’re meta-defining units that can single-handedly carry teams to victory.

Kimberly (Tank, Attack)

Role: Area Damage Specialist
Best For: PvE waves, PvP AoE pressure, Seasonal events

Kimberly stands as the undisputed queen of area damage in Last War. When I first started playing, I was skeptical about spending money on the initial offer, but after testing her extensively, I can confidently say she’s worth every penny. Her third skill unleashes devastating area damage that can wipe entire squads before they even reach your frontline.

What makes Kimberly truly special is her scaling potential. Each level of her Exclusive Weapon provides a 10% base stat boost that scales through her entire kit, making her increasingly powerful as you invest in her. In Season 1, she becomes an absolute monster with S+ tier performance, and even in later seasons, she maintains A-tier effectiveness.

Key Strengths:

• Insane area-of-effect damage
• Excellent scaling with Exclusive Weapon
• Versatile in all game modes
• Carries teams through early and mid-game

Investment Priority: MAXIMUM – If you only invest in one hero, make it Kimberly.

DVA (Aircraft, Attack)

Role: Single-Target Eliminator
Best For: Boss raids, PvP target priority, Aircraft teams

DVA is your go-to hero when you need something dead—right now. Her precision targeting and burst damage make her the ultimate boss killer and assassin in PvP scenarios. I’ve watched DVA single-handedly turn around losing matches by eliminating key enemy heroes before they could even act.

What sets DVA apart is her consistency across all seasons. While many heroes fluctuate in effectiveness based on seasonal changes, DVA remains a top-tier pick regardless of the meta. Her third skill unlocks devastating single-target damage that can eliminate even the tankiest heroes when properly supported.

Key Strengths:

• Unmatched single-target damage
• Consistent performance across seasons
• Excellent in both PvP and PvE
• Synergizes well with tank supports

Investment Priority: HIGH – Essential for any competitive team composition.

Tesla (Missile, Attack)

Role: Energy Damage Specialist
Best For: Missile teams, PvE clearing, Counter to Tank compositions

Tesla brings the thunder with his energy-based attacks that shred through defenses. As a Missile hero, he naturally counters Tank vehicles, dealing 20% increased damage to them. This makes him invaluable in both PvP and PvE scenarios where Tank-heavy compositions are common.

What I love about Tesla is his scaling potential. His high base stats combined with energy damage that bypasses traditional defenses make him increasingly deadly as you upgrade him. In missile team formations, he becomes an absolute monster capable of clearing entire waves of enemies single-handedly.

Key Strengths:

• Powerful energy damage that bypasses defenses
• Natural counter to Tank vehicles
• Excellent scaling with upgrades
• Core of Missile team compositions

Investment Priority: HIGH – Must-have for Missile-focused teams.

Marshall (Tank, Support)

Role: Team Damage Amplifier
Best For: Support compositions, Tank teams, Early-game progression

Marshall might seem like an unusual choice for SS tier, but his value becomes apparent when you understand his true role. He’s not a traditional tank—he’s a force multiplier that makes your entire team stronger. His penetrating damage and team-wide damage buffs make him invaluable in the early to mid-game.

What makes Marshall special is his versatility. He works well in Tank teams, Aircraft formations, and even Missile compositions. His ability to increase all other heroes’ damage by a significant margin means that investing in Marshall effectively invests in your entire team.

Key Strengths:

• Team-wide damage amplification
• Versatile across all team types
• Penetrating damage ignores defenses
• Excellent early-game investment

Investment Priority: HIGH – Great value for team-wide improvements.

S Tier Heroes: The Reliable Core

These heroes form the backbone of most competitive teams. They’re not quite game-breaking like SS tier, but they’re consistently strong and worth investing in.

Williams (Tank, Defense)

Role: Team Fortress
Best For: Main tank position, Defensive compositions, PvE survival

Williams is the wall that every team needs. His ability to reduce incoming team damage while providing defensive buffs makes him the premier defensive hero in Last War. When I’m building a defensive composition, Williams is always my first pick for the frontline.

What makes Williams so valuable is his consistency. While other heroes may fluctuate in effectiveness based on seasonal changes, Williams remains a solid A to S tier pick across all seasons. His defensive capabilities scale well, and he becomes even more valuable as enemies become stronger.

Key Strengths:

• Superior damage mitigation
• Team-wide defensive buffs
• Consistent performance across seasons
• Essential for defensive strategies

Investment Priority: HIGH – Core defensive hero for most teams.

Murphy (Tank, Defense)

Role: Frontline Support
Best For: Tank teams, Early-game progression, Support compositions

Murphy brings an interesting mix of tankiness and support capabilities to the table. While not as purely defensive as Williams, his ability to buff front-row heroes against physical damage makes him invaluable in many compositions.

What I appreciate about Murphy is his accessibility. He’s relatively easy to obtain early in the game, making him a perfect choice for free-to-play players. His versatility allows him to work in various team compositions, and he remains relevant even in the late game.

Key Strengths:

• Excellent early-game accessibility
• Front-row defensive buffs
• Versatile across team compositions
• Good value for investment

Investment Priority: MEDIUM-HIGH – Great for F2P players and versatile teams.

Mason (Tank, Attack)

Role: Damage Tank Hybrid
Best For: Tank damage compositions, Early-game carry, UR promotion

Mason starts as an impressive early-game damage dealer who can outshine even legendary heroes in the beginning stages. However, his true potential is unlocked when you promote him from SSR to UR in Season 1.

The promotion process is significant—it resets his progress but ultimately makes him much stronger. For players willing to invest the resources, promoted Mason becomes a formidable force that can compete with top-tier heroes. However, if you have access to heroes like DVA and Kimberly, Mason may not be worth the heavy investment.

Key Strengths:

• Powerful early-game performance
• UR promotion potential
• Good damage output for Tank class
• Available as SSR (easier to obtain)

Investment Priority: MEDIUM – Good for early game, consider UR promotion if invested.

Schuyler (Aircraft, Attack)

Role: Crowd Control Specialist
Best For: PvP compositions, Aircraft teams, Disruption strategies

Schuyler brings something unique to the table—reliable crowd control. Her stun and paralysis abilities can completely shut down enemy compositions, making her invaluable in PvP scenarios where controlling the flow of battle is crucial.

What makes Schuyler special is her ability to counter glass cannon heroes like DVA. A well-timed stun from Schuyler can prevent devastating attacks and turn the tide of battle. She’s particularly effective in Aircraft compositions where her control abilities complement the class’s natural strengths.

Key Strengths:

• Reliable crowd control abilities
• Hard counter to glass cannon heroes
• Excellent in PvP scenarios
• Synergizes well with Aircraft compositions

Investment Priority: MEDIUM – Essential for PvP-focused teams.

Fiona (Missile, Attack)

Role: Multi-Target Damage
Best For: PvE clearing, Missile teams, Budget alternative to Kimberly

Fiona is essentially your budget Kimberly—less flashy but still incredibly effective. Her multi-target damage capabilities make her excellent for clearing waves of enemies in PvE scenarios, and she holds her own in PvP as well.

What I appreciate about Fiona is her consistency. While she may not reach the same heights as Kimberly, she provides reliable performance across all game modes. For free-to-play players or those who didn’t get Kimberly early, Fiona is an excellent investment that will serve you well throughout your journey.

Key Strengths:

• Reliable multi-target damage
• More accessible than Kimberly
• Good performance across all modes
• Excellent value for investment

Investment Priority: MEDIUM – Great alternative to Kimberly for F2P players.

A Tier Heroes: Situational Specialists

These heroes have specific strengths that make them valuable in certain situations, but they may require the right team composition or game mode to truly shine.

Carlie (Aircraft, Defense)

Role: Defensive Aircraft
Best For: Aircraft defensive compositions, Balanced teams

Carlie brings an interesting mix of defensive capabilities and solid attack power to the Aircraft class. While most Aircraft heroes focus purely on damage, Carlie provides much-needed defensive utility that can make Aircraft compositions more well-rounded.

What makes Carlie valuable is her versatility. She can serve as a defensive anchor in Aircraft teams while still contributing meaningful damage. This makes her particularly useful in balanced compositions where you need both offense and defense from your Aircraft slot.

Key Strengths:

• Defensive capabilities in Aircraft class
• Balanced offensive and defensive stats
• Good for balanced team compositions
• Versatile deployment options

Investment Priority: LOW-MEDIUM – Situational pick for specific team needs.

Stetmann (Tank, Attack)

Role: Offensive Tank
Best For: Tank damage compositions, Early-game pressure

Stetmann represents the offensive side of Tank heroes, focusing more on dealing damage than pure defense. While this makes him more vulnerable than defensive tanks, his damage output can be surprising and valuable in the right compositions.

What I find interesting about Stetmann is his role in the meta. He’s particularly effective in Tank-focused compositions where you want more damage output from your frontline. However, his lack of defensive focus means he needs proper support to survive against heavy damage compositions.

Key Strengths:

• Higher damage output for Tank class
• Good for offensive Tank compositions
• Surprising damage potential
• Useful in specific meta situations

Investment Priority: LOW – Situational pick for offensive Tank strategies.

Violet (Tank, Defense)

Role: Defensive Support
Best For: Early-game defense, UR promotion potential

Violet starts as a solid defensive option for early-game players, providing reliable frontline defense until you can obtain better options like Williams or Murphy. However, her true value comes in Season 2 when she can be promoted from SSR to UR.

The promotion process for Violet follows the same pattern as Mason—resetting progress but ultimately making her stronger. For players who invest in her early, promoted Violet becomes a much more viable option in the late game. However, like Mason, she may not be worth the heavy investment if you have access to top-tier heroes.

Key Strengths:

• Good early-game defensive option
• UR promotion potential in Season 2
• Reliable frontline presence
• More accessible than legendary tanks

Investment Priority: LOW – Consider for early game, evaluate UR promotion based on resources.

Sarah (Aircraft, Support)

Role: Aircraft Support
Best For: Aircraft support compositions, Team utility

Sarah brings support capabilities to the Aircraft class, providing buffs and utility that can enhance the performance of your Aircraft team. While not as impactful as some other support options, she can be valuable in specific Aircraft-focused compositions.

What makes Sarah noteworthy is her role in filling the support gap in Aircraft teams. Most Aircraft heroes focus on damage, so having a support option can provide valuable utility. However, her impact is limited compared to support heroes in other classes.

Key Strengths:

• Support capabilities in Aircraft class
• Fills utility gap in Aircraft teams
• Good for specialized compositions
• Provides team buffs

Investment Priority: LOW – Niche pick for Aircraft support needs.

Adam (Missile, Defense)

Role: Defensive Missile
Best For: Missile defensive compositions, Counter strategies

Adam brings defensive capabilities to the Missile class, providing a tanky option that can protect your backline damage dealers. While most Missile heroes focus on damage, Adam’s defensive focus can be valuable in certain compositions.

What I find interesting about Adam is his potential as a counter-pick. In matchups where enemies are running heavy Missile compositions, having a defensive Missile hero like Adam can give you an edge. However, his utility is limited in most standard compositions.

Key Strengths:

• Defensive option in Missile class
• Good for counter-strategies
• Protects Missile backline
• Situational utility value

Investment Priority: LOW – Very situational pick for specific matchups.

B Tier Heroes: Early Game & Niche Options

These heroes have their uses but are generally outclassed by higher-tier options. They’re best used in the early game or in very specific situations where their unique abilities shine.

Venom (Missile, Attack)

Role: Damage Over Time Specialist
Best For: Long PvE battles, Poison compositions

Venom specializes in damage over time through poison effects, making him uniquely suited for long battles where his poison can stack up. However, his immediate damage output is lacking compared to other Missile heroes.

What makes Venom situationally useful is his effectiveness in prolonged PvE encounters. In battles that last long enough for his poison to stack, he can actually outperform some higher-tier heroes. However, in fast-paced PvP scenarios, he’s largely ineffective.

Key Strengths:

• Strong damage over time potential
• Effective in long PvE battles
• Unique poison mechanics
• Good for specific encounter types

Investment Priority: VERY LOW – Only consider for specific PvE situations.

Richard (Tank, Attack)

Role: Multi-Target Damage Tank
Best For: Early-game damage, Niche compositions

Richard provides moderate area damage from the Tank class, which can be useful in the early game when you lack better damage options. However, his lack of defensive focus makes him vulnerable as a frontline unit.

What I’ve found with Richard is that he works best as a secondary damage dealer rather than a primary frontline unit. When positioned behind proper tanks, he can contribute meaningful damage without getting eliminated quickly. However, there are almost always better options available.

Key Strengths:

• Area damage from Tank class
• Useful in early-game compositions
• Can work as secondary damage dealer
• More accessible than legendary options

Investment Priority: VERY LOW – Early game option only, replace quickly.

Monica (Tank, Support)

Role: Early-Game Support
Best For: Beginner teams, Temporary frontline

Monica serves as a decent early-game support hero who can help beginners get started. She provides basic support capabilities and can function as a temporary frontline until better options become available.

What’s important to understand about Monica is that she’s purely a beginner hero. While she can be useful in the first few hours of gameplay, you’ll quickly outgrow her and should replace her as soon as possible. Investing heavily in her is generally not recommended.

Key Strengths:

• Good for absolute beginners
• Basic support capabilities
• Temporary frontline option
• Easy to obtain early

Investment Priority: AVOID – Only for very early game, don’t invest resources.

Scarlett (Tank, Defense)

Role: Basic Defensive Tank
Best For: Early-game defense, UR promotion potential

Scarlett provides basic defensive capabilities for early-game players, serving as a simple frontline option. However, her effectiveness is limited, and she’s generally outclassed by other defensive options.

The interesting thing about Scarlett is her UR promotion potential in Season 3. When promoted from 5-star SSR to UR, she becomes significantly more viable with team-wide damage mitigation capabilities. However, like other promotion heroes, the heavy resource investment may not be worth it compared to simply building better heroes.

Key Strengths:

• Basic early-game defense
• UR promotion potential in Season 3
• Simple frontline option
• More accessible than legendary tanks

Investment Priority: AVOID – Only consider if planning for UR promotion and have resources to spare.

Cage (Aircraft, Defense)

Role: Defensive Aircraft
Best For: Aircraft defensive compositions, Niche utility

Cage brings defensive capabilities to the Aircraft class, but his effectiveness is limited compared to other defensive options. While he can provide some utility in Aircraft-focused compositions, there are generally better choices available.

What I’ve found with Cage is that he’s largely outclassed by other defensive heroes. Even within the Aircraft class, Carlie provides similar defensive utility with better overall performance. Cage is mostly useful as a filler when you have no other defensive Aircraft options.

Key Strengths:

• Defensive option in Aircraft class
• Can fill defensive gaps
• More accessible than legendary options
• Situational utility value

Investment Priority: AVOID – Generally outclassed by better options.

C Tier Heroes: Avoid Investment

These heroes are largely ineffective or completely outclassed by other options. Investing resources in them is generally not recommended unless you have absolutely no alternatives.

Kane (Missile, Attack)

Role: Basic Single-Target Damage
Best For: Tutorial stages, Absolute beginners

Kane focuses on single-target damage but deals minimal damage and provides no utility. He’s essentially a tutorial hero that’s quickly outclassed by even basic SR heroes.

There’s virtually no reason to invest in Kane beyond the very early tutorial stages. Even for free-to-play players, there are better options available through normal gameplay that make Kane obsolete almost immediately.

Key Strengths:

• None worth mentioning
• Useful for tutorial completion

Investment Priority: AVOID – Do not invest under any circumstances.

Ambolt (Aircraft, Support)

Role: Basic Healing Support
Best For: Early-game survival, Tutorial assistance

Ambolt provides minor healing capabilities but offers very little utility beyond that. His healing numbers are low, and he contributes almost nothing to combat effectiveness.

Like Kane, Ambolt is essentially a tutorial hero. While healing might seem useful, there are much better support options available even in the early game. Investing in Ambolt will only slow down your progression.

Key Strengths:

• Minor healing capabilities
• Useful for absolute beginners

Investment Priority: AVOID – Do not invest under any circumstances.

Farhad (Tank, Attack)

Role: Basic Damage Tank
Best For: Early-game filler, Temporary frontline

Farhad provides basic damage from the Tank class but lacks both the defensive capabilities of proper tanks and the damage output of damage-focused heroes. He’s essentially a jack-of-all-trades who masters nothing.

There’s no compelling reason to use Farhad when better options are available. Even in the early game, other SR heroes will outperform him in both damage and survivability.

Key Strengths:

• None worth mentioning
• Can serve as temporary frontline

Investment Priority: AVOID – Do not invest under any circumstances.

Gump (Tank, Defense)

Role: Basic Defensive Tank
Best For: Early-game survival, Tutorial stages

Gump provides basic defensive capabilities but lacks the stats and abilities to be effective beyond the earliest stages of the game. He’s outclassed by even basic SR defensive heroes.

Like other C-tier heroes, Gump is essentially a tutorial hero. While he might seem useful for beginners, investing in him will only hinder your progression compared to saving resources for better heroes.

Key Strengths:

• None worth mentioning
• Basic early-game defense

Investment Priority: AVOID – Do not invest under any circumstances.

Loki (Tank, Defense)

Role: Basic Defensive Tank
Best For: Early-game filler, Temporary frontline

Loki is another basic defensive tank who offers nothing special beyond minimal defensive capabilities. He’s completely outclassed by other defensive options even in the early game.

There’s absolutely no reason to invest in Loki. Even as a free-to-play player, you’ll quickly obtain better defensive heroes that make Loki obsolete.

Key Strengths:

• None worth mentioning
• Can serve as temporary frontline

Investment Priority: AVOID – Do not invest under any circumstances.

Vehicle Type Counter System

Understanding the vehicle type counter system is crucial for success in Last War: Survival. This strategic triangle determines how different hero types interact with each other, and mastering it can give you a significant advantage in battle.

The Counter Triangle

The game uses a rock-paper-scissors style counter system:

Tank Vehicles

• Strength: Tanks receive 20% reduced damage from Missile Vehicles
• Weakness: They deal standard damage to Aircraft and can be countered by them

Aircraft Vehicles

• Strength: Aircraft receive 20% reduced damage from Tanks
• Weakness: They are vulnerable to Missile Vehicles, which can target them effectively

Missile Vehicles

• Strength: Missile Vehicles deal 20% increased damage to Tanks
• Weakness: They receive 20% reduced damage from Aircraft

Strategic Implications

This counter system has several important implications for team building:

1. Balanced Teams: The most effective teams usually include a mix of vehicle types to handle various enemy compositions.
2. Counter-Play: If you know your opponent favors a particular vehicle type, you can adjust your composition to counter them.
3. Synergy Benefits: Heroes of the same vehicle type often receive deployment buffs when fielded together, encouraging specialized teams.
4. Defensive Positioning: Understanding counters helps you position your heroes to maximize their strengths and minimize their weaknesses.

Building Around the Counter System

When building your team, consider these strategies:

Balanced Approach Include heroes from all three vehicle types to handle any situation:

• 1-2 Tank heroes for frontline defense
• 1-2 Aircraft heroes for damage and mobility
• 1-2 Missile heroes for countering heavy Tank compositions

Specialized Approach Focus on one vehicle type for maximum synergy:

• Tank Team: Williams, Murphy, Kimberly, Marshall, Mason
• Aircraft Team: DVA, Schuyler, Carlie, Sarah
• Missile Team: Tesla, Fiona, Adam, Venom

Counter-Based Approach Build specifically to counter common meta compositions:

• Anti-Tank: Tesla, Fiona, Adam (Missile heroes)
• Anti-Aircraft: Williams, Murphy, Kimberly (Tank heroes)
• Anti-Missile: DVA, Schuyler, Carlie (Aircraft heroes)

Hero Rarity and Progression System

Understanding the hero rarity system is essential for making smart investment decisions in Last War: Survival. The game features several rarity tiers, each with different acquisition methods and upgrade paths.

Rarity Categories

SR (Super Rare)

• Color: Light Blue
• Acquisition: Main hero pool, Tavern draws, daily events
• Role: Early-game foundation, HQ building
• Upgrade Material: Rare Hero Universal Shards
• Investment Value: Low – only for early game

SSR (Super Super Rare)

• Color: Purple
• Acquisition: Main hero pool, Tavern draws, events
• Role: Mid-game core, reliable performers
• Upgrade Material: Epic Hero Universal Shards
• Investment Value: Medium – good for F2P players

UR (Ultra Rare)

• Color: Gold
• Acquisition: Special events, purchases, UR Hero Shards
• Role: Late-game dominance, meta-defining units
• Upgrade Material: Universal Legendary Hero Shards
• Investment Value: High – essential for competitive play

Rarity Promotion System

Two heroes currently have the ability to be promoted from SSR to UR:

Mason (Season 1 Promotion)

• Must reach 5-star SSR before promotion
• Promotion resets to 3-star UR (originally 0-star, changed after player feedback)
• Significant stat increase and improved abilities
• Shards available in Alliance Store

Violet (Season 2 Promotion)

• Must reach 5-star SSR before promotion
• Promotion resets to 3-star UR
• Enhanced defensive capabilities and team utility
• Shards available in Alliance Store

Scarlett (Season 3 Promotion)

• Must reach 5-star SSR before promotion
• Gains team-wide damage mitigation abilities
• Becomes one of the best tank class heroes after promotion

Investment Strategy by Rarity

Early Game (HQ 1-15)

• Focus on SR heroes for quick progression
• Save resources for SSR heroes you plan to use long-term
• Don’t invest heavily in heroes you’ll replace quickly

Mid Game (HQ 16-25)

• Transition to SSR heroes as your core team
• Begin saving UR Hero Shards for future promotions
• Invest in Exclusive Weapons for your main heroes

Late Game (HQ 26+)

• Focus on UR heroes and promoted SSR units
• Max out Exclusive Weapons for core heroes
• Optimize team compositions for specific game modes

Best Team Compositions by Game Mode

Different game modes in Last War: Survival require different approaches to team building. Here are the most effective compositions for each major game mode.

PvP Arena Formations

Composition 1: Balanced Control

• Frontline: Williams (Tank), Murphy (Tank)
• Midline: Schuyler (Aircraft), DVA (Aircraft)
• Backline: Fiona (Missile)

This composition provides excellent balance between defense, control, and damage. Williams and Murphy form a sturdy frontline while Schuyler provides crowd control. DVA eliminates key targets, and Fiona handles area damage.

Composition 2: Glass Cannon

• Frontline: Kimberly (Tank)
• Midline: DVA (Aircraft), Tesla (Missile)
• Backline: Schuyler (Aircraft), Fiona (Missile)

This high-risk, high-reward composition focuses on overwhelming damage output. Kimberly provides area damage while DVA and Tesla eliminate priority targets. Schuyler controls the battlefield, and Fiona cleans up remaining enemies.

PvE and Boss Raid Formations

Composition 1: Sustained Damage

• Frontline: Murphy (Tank), Williams (Tank)
• Midline: Kimberly (Tank), Tesla (Missile)
• Backline: DVA (Aircraft), Fiona (Missile)

This excels in prolonged PvE encounters where sustained damage is key. The double tank frontline provides stability while Kimberly and Tesla handle area damage. DVA eliminates bosses, and Fiona provides consistent multi-target damage.

Composition 2: Wave Clear

• Frontline: Kimberly (Tank), Marshall (Tank)
• Midline: Tesla (Missile), Fiona (Missile)
• Backline: DVA (Aircraft), Schuyler (Aircraft)

Perfect for clearing waves of enemies quickly. Kimberly and Marshall provide area damage and team buffs. Tesla and Fiona handle missile-based area damage, while DVA and Schuyler eliminate priority targets and provide control.

Rally and Alliance War Formations

Composition 1: Defensive Fortress

• Frontline: Williams (Tank), Murphy (Tank), Violet (Tank)
• Midline: Kimberly (Tank), Schuyler (Aircraft)
• Backline: DVA (Aircraft), Fiona (Missile)

This composition excels in large-scale battles where survival is key. The triple tank frontline provides incredible durability, while Kimberly handles area damage. Schuyler controls the battlefield, and DVA and Fiona provide focused damage.

Composition 2: Offensive Pressure

• Frontline: Kimberly (Tank), Mason (Tank)
• Midline: DVA (Aircraft), Tesla (Missile), Fiona (Missile)
• Backline: Schuyler (Aircraft), Marshall (Tank)

Focused on dealing maximum damage in alliance wars. Kimberly and Mason provide offensive pressure from the frontline. DVA, Tesla, and Fiona form a devastating damage core, while Schuyler provides control and Marshall buffs the team.

Hero Progression and Investment Guide

Making smart investment decisions is crucial for long-term success in Last War: Survival. Here’s my comprehensive guide to hero progression.

Priority Investment Heroes

Must-Max Heroes (SS Tier)

1. Kimberly: Max Exclusive Weapon first, then star levels
2. DVA: Focus on star levels, then Exclusive Weapon
3. Tesla: Balance star levels and Exclusive Weapon
4. Marshall: Invest after core damage dealers are established

Core Heroes (S Tier)

1. Williams: Essential for defensive compositions
2. Murphy: Great F2P option, invest early
3. Mason: Only if planning UR promotion
4. Schuyler: Essential for PvP focus
5. Fiona: Best F2P alternative to Kimberly

Resource Allocation Strategy

Early Game (First 30 Days)

• Focus on 2-3 core heroes only
• Save resources for SSR/UR heroes
• Don’t spread resources too thin
• Prioritize heroes with long-term value

Mid Game (Days 31-90)

• Expand to 5 core heroes
• Begin Exclusive Weapon investments
• Save shards for UR promotions
• Optimize team compositions

Late Game (Day 91+)

• Focus on UR heroes and promoted units
• Max Exclusive Weapons for core heroes
• Optimize for specific game modes
• Build specialized teams for different content

Exclusive Weapon Priority

Exclusive Weapons provide significant power boosts and should be prioritized based on your hero composition:

Tier 1 Priority (Max First)

1. Kimberly: Each level provides 10% base stat boost
2. DVA: Unlocks devastating single-target damage
3. Tesla: Enhances energy damage output

Tier 2 Priority (Max After Core)

1. Williams: Improves team defensive capabilities
2. Murphy: Enhances support abilities
3. Schuyler: Improves crowd control duration

Tier 3 Priority (Situationa)

1. Fiona: Good if main damage dealer
2. Mason: Only if UR promoted
3. Marshall: Good for team-wide buffs

Advanced Strategies and 2026 Pro Tips

These advanced strategies separate the good players from the great ones in Last War: Survival.

Synergy Combinations

Kimberly + Marshall Combo

• Kimberly provides area damage
• Marshall amplifies all team damage
• Result: Devastating area damage output

DVA + Williams Combo

• DVA eliminates priority targets
• Williams keeps DVA protected
• Result: Safe, focused damage elimination

Tesla + Schuyler Combo

• Tesla deals energy damage
• Schuyler controls the battlefield
• Result: Controlled, focused damage output

Positioning Strategies

Frontline Positioning

• Place your tankiest heroes (Williams, Murphy) in the center
• Position damage tanks (Kimberly, Mason) on the sides
• Keep support tanks (Marshall) protected but accessible

Midline Positioning

• Position control heroes (Schuyler) where they can affect the most enemies
• Place damage dealers (DVA, Tesla) where they can target key threats
• Keep support heroes protected but able to affect the team

Backline Positioning

• Position area damage dealers (Fiona) for maximum coverage
• Keep fragile damage dealers protected
• Ensure support heroes can reach the entire team

Seasonal Adaptation Strategies

Pre-Seasonal

• Focus on versatile heroes that work in all compositions
• Invest in heroes that remain strong across seasons
• Save resources for seasonal-specific heroes

Seasonal Transitions

• Be prepared to adapt team compositions
• Save resources for new seasonal heroes
• Don’t over-invest in season-specific heroes

Long-Term Planning

• Plan investments around seasonal hero releases
• Keep resources flexible for new content
• Focus on heroes with consistent performance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After analyzing thousands of player progression paths, I’ve identified these common mistakes that hold players back.

Resource Management Errors

Spreading Resources Too Thin

• Mistake: Investing in too many heroes at once
• Solution: Focus on 2-3 core heroes initially
• Impact: Faster progression and stronger core team

Ignoring Exclusive Weapons

• Mistake: Only focusing on star levels
• Solution: Balance star levels and Exclusive Weapon upgrades
• Impact: Significant power increases from Exclusive Weapon bonuses

Wasting Resources on Low-Tier Heroes

• Mistake: Investing in C and B tier heroes
• Solution: Save resources for S and SS tier heroes
• Impact: More efficient progression and stronger late-game

Team Building Errors

Ignoring Vehicle Counters

• Mistake: Building teams without considering counters
• Solution: Understand and utilize the vehicle counter system
• Impact: Better performance against various compositions

Overlooking Synergy

• Mistake: Putting heroes together without considering synergy
• Solution: Build teams around specific synergies
• Impact: More effective team compositions

Focusing Only on Damage

• Mistake: Building all-damage teams without defense or control
• Solution: Balance damage, defense, and control
• Impact: More versatile and successful teams

Progression Errors

Rushing HQ Levels

• Mistake: Upgrading HQ too quickly without proper hero investment
• Solution: Balance HQ progression with hero development
• Impact: More stable progression and better performance

Ignoring Event Rewards

• Mistake: Not participating in events that offer valuable hero shards
• Solution: Prioritize events that reward your core heroes
• Impact: Faster hero progression and resource acquisition

Not Planning for Promotions

• Mistake: Not saving resources for UR promotions
• Solution: Plan ahead for Mason, Violet, and Scarlett promotions
• Impact: Access to powerful UR heroes

FAQ: Common Questions About Last War Heroes

What’s the best hero to start with in Last War: Survival?

Kimberly is undoubtedly the best hero to start with if you can get her through the initial offer. She’s available for about $1 when you first start playing and provides incredible area damage that will carry you through early and mid-game content. For free-to-play players, Fiona is the best alternative, offering similar area damage capabilities at a more accessible rarity level.

How do I get UR heroes in Last War: Survival?

UR heroes can be obtained through several methods:

1. Special Events: Participate in limited-time events that offer UR Hero Shards
2. In-Game Purchases: Special packs in the Mall store
3. UR Hero Shards: Collect shards through various activities and exchanges
4. SSR Promotions: Promote Mason (Season 1), Violet (Season 2), or Scarlett (Season 3) from SSR to UR

What’s the best team composition for PvP?

The most effective PvP composition currently is:

• Frontline: Williams, Murphy
• Midline: Schuyler, DVA
• Backline: Fiona

This provides excellent balance between defense, control, and damage. Williams and Murphy form a sturdy frontline, Schuyler provides crucial crowd control, DVA eliminates priority targets, and Fiona handles area damage.

Should I promote Mason to UR?

Promoting Mason to UR is worth it if:

• You already have Mason at 5-star SSR
• You don’t have access to better Tank heroes like Kimberly
• You have the resources to invest in the promotion process
• You’re playing in Season 1 or later

However, if you have Kimberly and other top-tier heroes, the heavy resource investment might be better spent elsewhere.

What’s the vehicle counter system in Last War: Survival?

The game uses a rock-paper-scissors counter system:

• Tank beats Missile (20% reduced damage from Missile)
• Missile beats Aircraft (20% increased damage to Aircraft)
• Aircraft beats Tank (20% reduced damage from Tank)

Understanding this system is crucial for building effective teams and countering opponent compositions.

How do I get more hero shards?

Hero shards can be obtained through:

1. Alliance Store: Exchange alliance coins for hero shards
2. Events: Participate in special events that offer shard rewards
3. Tavern Draws: Use recruitment tickets or gems for hero draws
4. Achievements: Complete game achievements for shard rewards
5. Daily Quests: Regular daily activities provide shard rewards

What’s the best way to spend gems on heroes?

The most efficient gem spending for heroes is:

1. Save for Special Events: Wait for events that offer bonus shard rates
2. Tavern Draws: Use gems for recruitment when you have enough for multi-draws
3. Energy Refills: Sometimes worth it for farming shard stages
4. Skip Offers: Only buy hero offers if they provide exceptional value

How important are Exclusive Weapons?

Exclusive Weapons are extremely important and provide significant power boosts:

• Kimberly: Each level provides 10% base stat boost
• DVA: Unlocks devastating single-target damage potential
• Tesla: Enhances energy damage output significantly

Exclusive Weapons should be prioritized alongside star levels for your core heroes.

What’s the best F2P hero progression path?

For free-to-play players, the optimal progression is:

1. Early Game: Focus on Fiona (Missile) and Murphy (Tank)
2. Mid Game: Add Tesla (Missile) and Schuyler (Aircraft)
3. Late Game: Work toward UR heroes through events and promotions

This path provides a balanced team that can handle most content without spending money.

How often does the meta change in Last War: Survival?

The meta typically changes with:

1. New Seasons: Every 2-3 months with balance changes
2. New Heroes: Monthly new hero releases can shift the meta
3. Major Updates: Balance patches every 4-6 weeks
4. Special Events: Limited-time modes can create temporary meta shifts

Stay flexible and be prepared to adapt your team compositions as the meta evolves.

Conclusion and Next Steps

You now have the most comprehensive Last War: Survival heroes tier list available, complete with detailed rankings, team compositions, progression strategies, and advanced tactics. The key to success in Last War is making smart investment decisions and building teams that work synergistically.

Remember these key takeaways:

1. Focus on SS and S tier heroes for the best return on investment
2. Understand the vehicle counter system to build effective teams
3. Plan your resource allocation around long-term progression
4. Adapt to seasonal changes and meta shifts
5. Balance your team composition for different game modes

Your immediate next steps should be:

1. Evaluate your current hero roster against this tier list
2. Reallocate resources from low-tier heroes to your core team
3. Plan your Exclusive Weapon upgrades for maximum impact
4. Join an active alliance for additional resources and support
5. Stay updated with seasonal changes and new hero releases

The world of Last War: Survival is constantly evolving, but with the knowledge in this guide, you’re well-equipped to dominate any challenge that comes your way. Remember to bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates as new heroes are released and the meta continues to shift.

For more mobile gaming guides and tier lists, check out our Watcher of Realms tier list and Archero 2 tier list for comprehensive rankings in other popular mobile games.

Now go forth and build the ultimate hero team—your path to dominance in Last War: Survival starts now!