Building the right troop formation in Kingshot is just as important as choosing the best heroes. A strong lineup ensures your damage dealers survive long enough to do their job, while the wrong mix can cause even powerful heroes to fall quickly. In this guide, we’ll break down how battles work, the logic behind different troop ratios, and the best setups for every major event.
Kingshot Troop Setup Guide: Every Event Best Formations
On paper, expedition battles in Kingshot are described as turn-based, where both sides strike at the same time and then move on to the next round. But in reality, testing shows that troop types attack in a fixed order:
- Infantry attack first
- Cavalry attack second
- Archers attack last
This sequence has a huge impact on strategy. Infantry, with their higher HP, are meant to absorb early hits and strike first, giving your Cavalry and Archers the chance to follow up. Without enough Infantry, your damage dealers die too fast to contribute meaningfully.
For example, in the Vikings Vengeance event, low-HP Viking troops usually get wiped out by your Infantry before Cavalry or Archers even get a turn. At higher levels, Cavalry and Archers start landing kills, but it’s still the Infantry holding the front line that makes this possible.
In short: Infantry keep your formation alive, Cavalry add strong burst, and Archers scale up to deliver the highest damage overall.
The Standard Formations
If you’re unsure what to use, stick with the tried-and-true ratios:
- 50% Infantry, 20% Cavalry, 30% Archers (50:20:30) → This is the most reliable all-around formation and works in most events.
- 60% Infantry, 20% Cavalry, 20% Archers (60:20:20) → This is a stronger defensive setup, especially for garrisons.
These two formations will carry you well through most of Gen 1–3 content.
PvP and Countering Opponents
When it comes to PvP battles, there’s no one-size-fits-all ratio. Scouting your enemy is critical. Once you see what they’re bringing, adjust your formation around the counter system:
- Infantry beat Cavalry
- Cavalry beat Archers
- Archers beat Infantry
For example, if you see your opponent stacking Infantry, you should shift more of your formation into Archers since they deal bonus damage against Infantry. Always start with a balanced base like 50:20:30, then tweak it depending on the matchup.
Why You Should Always Include Every Troop Type
One common mistake is sending only one or two troop types, like going all-in on Archers. While it may seem efficient, this actually lowers your overall effectiveness. Each hero in your march buffs their own troop type with big Attack and Defense boosts. If you leave one type out entirely, you waste that hero’s contribution.
For example, in the Bear Hunt event, players who send 100% Archers often deal less damage than players who send 80% Archers plus 10% Infantry and 10% Cavalry. That small spread allows all three heroes to activate their troop-specific boosts, increasing total damage output.
Rule of thumb: Always bring at least 5–10% of each troop type so your heroes’ bonuses are never wasted.
Recommended Formations for Each Event
Here are the best troop setups for the most common situations:
- Bear Hunt: 10% Infantry, 10% Cavalry, 80% Archers
- Alliance Championship: 50% Infantry, 20% Cavalry, 30% Archers
- Swordland Showdown: 50% Infantry, 20% Cavalry, 30% Archers
- PvP Battles: Start with 50% Infantry, 20% Cavalry, 30% Archers, then adjust based on scouting
- Rallies (Terrors, Desert Trial, Cesare’s Fury): 50% Infantry, 20% Cavalry, 30% Archers
- Defense / Garrison: 60% Infantry, 20% Cavalry, 20% Archers
The 50:20:30 setup is the most reliable formation and works in nearly every event through Gen 3. However, as future generations introduce heroes with stronger troop-specific skills, these ratios may need adjusting.
The strength of your lineup in Kingshot comes down to more than just heroes. By balancing Infantry to tank, Cavalry for burst, and Archers for consistent damage, you create a formation that works across almost all situations. Stick with 50:20:30 for general use, adjust for PvP based on scouting, and always include a small percentage of every troop type to unlock your heroes’ full potential.