Hero Tier List 2026: Complete Rankings
Last Updated: January 2026 — This tier list reflects the current meta including Generation 5 heroes. Hero effectiveness varies by server age (generation availability) and game mode.
Heroes are the backbone of Kingshot strategy. A properly invested hero dramatically outperforms even massive troop advantages. This comprehensive tier list covers every major hero with recommendations for both F2P and spending players.
Understanding Hero Generations
Before diving into rankings, understand Kingshot's generation system—hero availability depends on your server's age:
| Generation | Server Age | Power Level |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 1 | Day 0+ | Baseline stats |
| Gen 2 | Day 40+ | ~20% stat increase |
| Gen 3 | Day 110-120+ | ~40% above Gen 1 |
| Gen 4 | Day 200+ | Significant power creep |
| Gen 5 | Day 280+ | Current meta peak |
Critical Tip: Never heavily invest in early-generation heroes if your server will soon unlock stronger generations. Check your server's age before committing resources!
S-Tier Heroes: Meta-Defining Powerhouses
These heroes dominate the current meta and should be your primary investment targets.
Amadeus (Infantry) P2W
The undisputed king of Infantry tanks. Amadeus features massive HP pools, powerful offensive buffs, and exceptional defensive stats that make him the premier frontliner.
Why S-Tier:
- Highest health pool among all heroes
- Powerful team-wide attack buffs
- Exceptional HP and defense scaling
- Ideal rally leader for city fights
Best For: Frontline battles, city sieges, garrison defense
Availability: VIP 7+ purchase (heavily P2W)
A-Tier Heroes: Excellent Choices
Strong contenders that excel in specific roles or offer great value for investment.
| Hero | Class | Highlight | F2P? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jabel | Cavalry | Best SSR for F2P, login rewards | ✅ Yes |
| Eric | Infantry | Gen 3 defensive tank, garrison favorite | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Jaeger | Infantry | Gen 3 powerhouse, strong stats | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Helga | Mixed | Offensive rally lethality buffs | ❌ P2W |
| Alcar | Infantry | Gen 4 premier defensive tank | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Margot | Cavalry | Gen 4 AoE nukes, anti-archer | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Saul | Cavalry | Early-game DPS, construction bonus | ✅ Yes |
Spotlight: Jabel (Cavalry)
F2P MVP: Jabel is often called the best SSR hero for free-to-play players. She's obtainable through login rewards, easy to max out, and performs exceptionally in most game modes. If you're F2P, prioritize Jabel immediately.
F2P Hero Priority List
If you're playing free-to-play, focus your resources on these accessible powerhouses:
Tier 1 (Must-Have):
- Zoe (Infantry) — Your main tank
- Jabel (Cavalry) — Easy to max, login rewards
- Petra (Cavalry) — Hero Roulette target
Tier 2 (Strong Options):
- Howard (Infantry) — Solid early-game tank
- Quinn (Archer) — Accessible archer DPS
- Saul (Cavalry) — Construction speed bonus
Tier 3 (Situational):
- Chenko (Cavalry) — Early-game only
- Other Gen 1 heroes — Phase out when Gen 2+ arrives
Hero Investment Strategy
The Golden Rule: A 2-star Rare hero outperforms a 1-star SSR hero. Always prioritize heroes you can actually upgrade rather than collecting units you cannot develop.
Smart Investment Tips
- Focus on 3 core heroes maximum — Spreading resources kills progression
- Stars matter more than rarity — Upgrade path availability determines power
- Check generation timing — Don't invest heavily if stronger heroes unlock soon
- Hero Roulette is mandatory — Save all gems (450,000 per 4-star hero)
- Hall of Heroes planning — Save 465+ Mythic Shards for specific upgrades
Mode-Specific Recommendations
Conquest Mode
Best Heroes: Amadeus, Petra, Helga
Focus on heroes with high single-target damage and durability. Cavalry heroes like Petra excel at quickly eliminating key targets.
Conclusion
The current Kingshot meta rewards focused investment in a small roster of high-tier heroes. For F2P players, prioritize Zoe, Jabel, and Petra through Hero Roulette. Spenders should target Amadeus as the ultimate frontliner.
- New F2P player? → Build Zoe + Jabel + Petra core
- Low spender? → Add Helga or Eric to F2P core
- Whale? → Amadeus + premium heroes dominate
- Old server (Gen 4+)? → Alcar and Margot are meta
Save this page! We update this tier list regularly as new heroes release and the meta shifts. Check back for the latest rankings.