Ultimate Tank Squad Skills Guide: Best Upgrade Path

Today, LDShop presents an in-depth analysis of the hero skill upgrade path for the Tank Squad in Last War Survival. This article will answer two core questions in detail: What exactly is the skill upgrade path for Tank heroes? And which skills should be prioritized when resources are limited? This guide moves beyond generalities, focusing solely on the Tank Squad to provide commanders with a detailed, ready-to-implement plan.

 

 

Before delving into specific heroes, all players must understand two universal skill upgrade rules that form the foundation of all decision-making. The first rule is that you should upgrade every skill for each hero to Level 10 as soon as possible. While other opinions exist, given the extreme difficulty in acquiring Skills Medals, getting all Tank Squad hero skills to Level 10 is the most cost-effective and reliable choice. The second rule is that all skill upgrades should follow a gradual approach in increments of 10 levels (e.g., first all to Lv. 10, then all to Lv. 20, and so on). After this, the most critical phase begins: maximizing (Maxing Out) each hero's core skills according to a specific order of prioritization.

 

Kimberly - Priority NO.1: Primary Damage Dealer

Kimberly	Rarity
	Hero Vehicle Type
	Specialty
	Damage Type	Energy Damage
	Attack	23.9K
	HP	393.7K
	Defense	2.9K
	March Size	350

Kimberly is the premier damage dealer in the Tank Squad and should receive the highest upgrade priority.

Her skill upgrade sequence is very clear:

First Priority Skill (Priority 1):

	Tactics: Barrage Strike
	“Fire 8 rockets at random enemies each dealing devastating Energy Damage equal to 286.88% of the Attack.” Type:Tactics Cooldown: 10s Additional Effects: ⭐Deals 30% Extra Damage. ⭐+4 Rockets. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 70%. ⭐+4 Rockets. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 120%.

Her Tactics skill - "Barrage Strike". This skill deals massive damage, acting as your key tool for quickly defeating enemies.

Second Priority Skill (Priority 2):

	Auto Attack: Energy Assault
	“Fire a rocket at a random enemy, dealing Energy Damage equal to 472.12% of the Attack.” Type: Auto Attack Cooldown: 1.55s Damage Type: Energy Damage Additional Effects: ⭐Deals 30% Extra Damage. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 70%. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 120%. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 185%. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 270%.

Her Auto Attack - "Energy Assault". The reason for prioritizing this skill is that the auto attack triggers continuously; maximizing it significantly increases your overall damage frequency.

Third Priority Skill (Priority 3):

	Passive: Energy Boost
	“Boost this hero’s Energy Damage by +30.00% in battle.” Type: Passive Cooldown:N/A Additional Effects: ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%.

Her Passive skill - "Energy Boost". This skill substantially increases her energy damage by a significant amount. It is highly recommended to upgrade this Passive skill ahead of other tank heroes once Kimberly's other skills are dealt with.

Practical Upgrade Order:

First, max out "Barrage Strike" to Level 30+. Next, max out "Energy Assault" to Level 30+. Finally, upgrade "Energy Boost" to Level 30. After this, Kimberly can be temporarily set aside to allocate resources to other tank heroes.

In the overall squad skill priority, Kimberly's Tactics and Auto Attack are the first two skills maxed as Priority 1.

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Murphy - Priority NO.2: Frontline Tank with Exclusive Weapon Advantage

Murphy	Rarity
	Hero Vehicle Type
	Specialty
	Damage Type	Physical Damage
	Attack	13.1K
	HP	906.9K
	Defense	3.3K
	March Size	350

Murphy's priority ranks just after Kimberly, primarily because the game developers bestowed him with an Exclusive Weapon much earlier (Williams doesn't get his until Season 4). This means Murphy, boosted by the strength and versatility from his Exclusive Weapon, maintains a significant advantage for at least two or more seasons.

For defensive heroes like Murphy, the skill upgrade strategy differs from damage dealers:

First Priority Skill (Priority 1):

	Tactics: Ironclad Barrier
	“After casting the skill, boosts the Physical Damage Reduction of the front-row units by 29.00% for 5 seconds.” Type:Tactics (Physical Protection) Cooldown: 10.00s Additional Effects: ⭐Effect duration increased to 6 seconds. ⭐+5% Physical Damage Reduction. ⭐Effect duration increased to 7 seconds. ⭐Damage Reduction effect applies to the whole team. ⭐Effect duration increased to 8 seconds.

His Tactics skill - "Ironclad Barrier". This is his core defensive skill.

Second Priority Skill (Priority 2):

	Passive: Stand Firm
	“Reduce all Damage taken in battle by 17.00% for front-row units.” Type: Passive Cooldown:N/A Additional Effects: ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%.

His Passive skill - "Stand Firm". This further solidifies his survivability.

Strategic Neglect:

	Auto Attack: Cannon Fire
	“Fire a cannonball at the enemy, dealing Physical Damage equal to 490.99% of the Attack.” Type: Auto Attack Cooldown: 1.50s Damage Type:Physical Damage Additional Effects: ⭐Deals 30% Extra Damage. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 70%. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 120%. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 185%. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 270%.

His Auto Attack - "Cannon Fire" should not receive heavy investment. The core role of Murphy and Williams is to act as the frontline, absorbing damage to protect the damage dealers behind them. Dumping tens of thousands of Skills Medals into the Auto Attack starves resources for upgrading other, more important hero skills, which could make a huge difference during tight battles.

Practical Upgrade Order:

After following the general rule of bringing all skills to Lv. 20, prioritize maxing "Ironclad Barrier" to Lv. 30. Afterwards, return to upgrade "Stand Firm" from Lv. 20 to Lv. 30. Ultimately, "Cannon Fire" can be left at Lv. 20, listed as one of the very last skills to upgrade in the entire squad.

In the overall squad skill priority, Murphy's Tactics skill is the second Priority 1 skill to be maxed (after Kimberly's first two). His Passive skill is the first Priority 2 skill to be maxed.

 

Marshall - Priority NO.3: The Undisputed UR Support Core

Marshall	Rarity
	Hero Vehicle Type
	Specialty
	Damage Type	Energy Damage
	Attack	20.8K
	HP	472.5K
	Defense	3.0K
	March Size	350

Marshall is the only UR (Ultra Rare) support hero in the Tank Squad and is deeply loved by commanders in PvE. His skills revolve around boosting attack and reducing his own skill cooldown, making him common in World Boss fights or mixed squads. He is crucial from the early game until the end of Season 1, and upon receiving his Exclusive Weapon in Season 3, he becomes the undisputed top support hero in the UR class.

First Priority Skill (Priority 1):

	Tactics: Command Strategy
	“After casting the skill, increase the attack of all team members by +16.50% for 6 seconds.” Type:Tactics (Buffs) Cooldown: 12.00s Additional Effects: ⭐Effect duration increased to 7 seconds. ⭐+10% Crit Rate. ⭐+3% Attack Boost. ⭐Effect duration increased to 8 seconds. ⭐+3% Attack Boost.

His Tactics skill - "Command Strategy". This is the core skill providing key buffs.

Secondary Priority:

	Auto Attack: Triad Harmony
	“Fire the mounted machine gun, dealing total penetration damage equal to 381.47% of the Attack to enemies ahead.” Type: Auto Attack Cooldown: 1.25s Damage Type: Energy Damage Additional Effects: ⭐Deals 30% Extra Damage. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 70%. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 120%. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 185%. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 270%.

Strictly speaking, Marshall doesn't have a second skill that needs instant upgrading, but the next skill worth focusing on is his Auto Attack - "Triad Harmony". The reason for upgrading it is the same as for Kimberly: to increase sustained damage frequency.

Deferrable Upgrade:

Passive: Rapid Start

“In battle, boost skill cooldown speed by 30.00% and reduce all damage taken by the hero with the highest Attack by 12.00%.” Type: Passive Cooldown:N/A Additional Effects: ⭐Cooldown speed increases by 3%, and damage reduction increases by 1%. ⭐Cooldown speed increases by 3%, and damage reduction increases by 1%. ⭐Cooldown speed increases by 3%, and damage reduction increases by 1%. ⭐Cooldown speed increases by 3%, and damage reduction increases by 1%. ⭐Cooldown speed increases by 3%, and damage reduction increases by 1%.

Deferrable Upgrade: His Passive skill - "Rapid Start" can be upgraded later, listed among the last skills of all tank skills to be upgraded. This skill can be left at Level 11 until much later.

Practical Upgrade Order:

After reaching Level 10/20 on all skills, the primary focus is maxing "Command Strategy". "Triad Harmony" is upgraded afterwards. "Rapid Start" is deferred indefinitely.

In the overall squad skill priority, Marshall's Tactics skill is the third Priority 1 skill to be maxed. His Auto Attack is among the very last (Priority 3) skills to be upgraded in the entire Tank Squad.

 

Stetmann - Priority NO.4: Secondary Damage Dealer

Stetmann	Rarity
	Hero Vehicle Type
	Specialty
	Damage Type	Energy Damage
	Attack	25.2K
	HP	367.7K
	Defense	2.8K
	March Size	350

Stetmann is the other real damage dealer in the Tank class. He currently does not have an Exclusive Weapon but is suspected to receive one in Season 5.

Based on his damage role, the upgrade strategy is as follows:

First Priority Skill (Priority 1):

	Tactics: Lightning Rush
	“Shoot 3 electric balls at 3 random enemies, each dealing Energy Damage equal to 695.86% of the Attack.” Type:Tactics Cooldown: 10.00s Additional Effects: ⭐Deals 30% Extra Damage. ⭐Add 1 Lightning Ball. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 70%. ⭐Add 1 Lightning Ball. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 120%.

His Tactics skill - "Lightning Rush". It shoots 3 random enemies with energy damage, adhering to the philosophy that "offence is the best form of defence."

Second Priority Skill (Priority 2):

	Passive: Critical Charge
	“Boost this hero’s Crit Rate by +30.00% in battle.” Type: Passive Cooldown:N/A Additional Effects: ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%.

His Passive skill - "Critical Charge". His trait of three random attacks synergizes with the increased critical rate effect, potentially causing tons of damage to opponents.

Third Priority Skill:

	Auto Attack: Orb Lightning
	“Shoot a small electric ball, dealing Energy Damage equal to 445.48% of the Attack in its path.” Type: Auto Attack Cooldown: 1.45s Damage Type:Energy Damage Additional Effects: ⭐Deals 30% Extra Damage. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 70%. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 120%. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 185%. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 270%.

His Auto Attack - "Orb Lightning" should be considered only after Kimberly's main skills have been upgraded.

Practical Upgrade Order:

Max "Lightning Rush" first. Then, focus on maxing "Critical Charge". Only after Kimberly's skills are at Level 30+ should you consider investing heavily in "Orb Lightning".

In the overall squad skill priority, Stettman's Tactics skill is the fourth Priority 1 skill to be maxed. His Passive skill is the second Priority 2 skill to be maxed (after Murphy's Passive). His Auto Attack is the first Priority 3 skill to be maxed.

 

Williams - Priority Last: Disappointing Exclusive Weapon

Williams	Rarity
	Hero Vehicle Type
	Specialty
	Damage Type	Physical Damage
	Attack	12.9K
	HP	920.8K
	Defense	3.3K
	March Size	350

Williams serves as a defensive frontline hero, yet his upgrade priority is positioned last within the Tank Squad. This is largely attributable to the delayed acquisition of his Exclusive Weapon, which is not available until Season 4, as well as its perceived underwhelming performance as widely noted within the community. Although he remains a popular choice among many commanders, his effectiveness is predominantly confined to the pre-Season 1 phase. Once Murphy obtains his Exclusive Weapon, Williams is significantly outmatched in both strength and adaptability.

First Priority Skill (Priority 1):

	Tactics: Iron Will
	“After casting the skill, boosts the defense of the front 2 units by 50.00% for 10 seconds.” Type:Tactics Cooldown: 10.00s Additional Effects: ⭐10% Boost in Effects. ⭐Effect duration increased to 8 seconds. ⭐Effect applies to the entire squad. ⭐10% Boost in Effects. ⭐Effect duration increased to 10 seconds.

His Tactics skill - "Iron Will". This is his primary defensive skill and should be the main focus after meeting the basic upgrade thresholds.

Second Priority Skill (Priority 2):

	Passive: All-Around Armor
	“Reduce all Damage taken in battle by 30.00% for this hero.” Type: Passive Cooldown:N/A Additional Effects: ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%. ⭐Boost the effect by an additional 3%.

His Passive skill - "All Around Armor". This skill enhances his overall durability and should be upgraded following his Tactics skill.

Strategic Neglect:

	Auto Attack: Stun Bomb
	“Fire a stun bomb, dealing small-scale stun explosive damage equal to 408.11% of the Attack.” Type: Auto Attack Cooldown: 1.35 Damage Type:Physical Damage Additional Effects: ⭐Deals 30% Extra Damage. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 70%. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 120%. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 185%. ⭐Increase Additional Damage to 270%.

His Auto Attack - "Stun Bomb" should receive minimal investment. As with Murphy, Williams' primary role is damage absorption. Allocating excessive Skill Medals here diverts crucial resources from more impactful skills across your squad, potentially affecting outcomes in closely contested battles.

Practical Upgrade Order:

After adhering to the general rules (upgrading all his skills to Level 10, then to Level 20), prioritize maxing his Tactics skill "Iron Will". Subsequently, focus on maximizing his Passive skill "All Around Armor". His Auto Attack can be indefinitely deferred and is among the very last skills in the entire Tank Squad to consider upgrading.

 

Conclusion

In summary, upgrading the Tank Squad's skills requires adhering to the basic rules first, then allocating precious Skills Medals precisely according to hero priority (Kimberly > Murphy > Marshall > Stetmann > Williams) and skill type priority (typically Tactics first). Defensive heroes should have their Auto Attacks neglected, concentrating resources on survival and support capabilities. To maximize the overall combat strength of your Tank Squad, resources must be invested into the skills that yield the greatest returns.

We hope this detailed guide, which can be followed along with illustrative screenshots, assists you in allocating resources precisely to build an indestructible Tank Squad. Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comment section!

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