Formations
Front row gets punched first.
That one sentence solves a surprising number of formation problems. Durable heroes usually belong in front; fragile damage dealers and supports usually need protection in back.
The default formation
Front row: your two most durable heroes.
Back row: your main damage dealer, support and remaining useful hero.
This is a starting point—not a law. A hero's Skills can create exceptions.
Place heroes by what they do
| Hero behavior | Start here | Move only if... |
|---|---|---|
| Shields self, reduces damage, gains health or survives near death | Front | Another hero clearly protects the team better |
| Deals large damage but dies quickly | Back | A specific Skill requires another position |
| Heals or buffs allies | Back | The hero is unusually durable and testing proves front works better |
| Targets the enemy back row | Protected position | Moving changes targeting or timing favorably |
| You have no idea | Read Skills, then test | Never because its Power number is slightly higher |
The one-change test
- Choose an Arena opponent close enough to repeat.
- Record the formation and result.
- Move one hero only.
- Fight again under similar conditions.
- Compare damage dealt, damage taken, healing and survival time.
Why one change?If you swap three heroes, upgrade Gear and change troops at once, you learn nothing. You only learn that several things happened and the victory screen has confetti.
What a formation loss looks like
- Your main damage dealer dies before using enough Skills.
- One front hero collapses immediately and exposes the back row.
- Your healer survives but cannot keep the tank alive.
- A high-investment hero contributes almost nothing.
- The opponent's back row survives untouched while yours disappears.
Does left, center or right matter?
It can. Targeting, attack order and Skill behavior may make exact slots relevant. Do not guess from the portrait layout alone. Test one positional swap against the same opponent and read the report or replay.
Is there one permanent best formation?
No. New heroes, balance changes, opponent factions and different modes can change the answer. Keep a reliable default, then adjust when evidence gives you a reason.