Gaming

Beginner’s Guide to Surviving in Last War: Survival Game

By William Watson

Posted on February 24, 2025

Welcome to the thrilling world of Last War: Survival Game, a real-time multiplayer strategy game that plunges you into a post-apocalyptic landscape teeming with chaos, relentless zombie hordes, and fierce factions all vying for dominance. Developed by First Fun, a creative game studio based in Singapore, Last War debuted in July 2023 and quickly became a global phenomenon. Whether you’re on iOS or Android, you can join the action by downloading the game from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, joining a fast-growing community of players.

By February 2025, the game has notched over 60 million downloads worldwide and holds an impressive 4.7-star rating on the App Store. Its strategic gameplay, engaging content, and regular updates have helped it climb the ranks to become one of the top five highest-grossing mobile games of 2024, earning more than $1.1 billion in revenue.

2024 marked a significant year for the game as FUNFLY PTE. LTD., another innovative company from Singapore, took over its publishing rights. This change brought a series of exciting updates, adding new heroes, advanced combat tactics, massive alliance wars, and regular seasonal events that keep players coming back for more.

Last War: Survival Game skillfully blends base-building, hero recruitment, strategic combat, and resource management, offering an exciting experience for all types of players. If you’re fighting zombie bosses in PvE missions, protecting your base from raiders, or coordinating attacks in PvP battles, every decision counts. Dive in and strategize your way to survival and victory.

1. Basics of the Last War: Survival Game

Last War: Survival Game, survival, strategy, and warfare are key. As a player, you need to manage resources, build and fortify bases, recruit elite heroes, and engage in tactical battles against both zombies and other players. Grasping these basic survival elements is essential for anyone looking to succeed in the game.

Key Survival Elements Explained of Last War: Survival Game

1. Base Management

A robust base is critical for survival. Players must build and enhance structures like command centers, barracks, storage units, and defensive works to fend off zombies and enemy raids.

Defensive Strategy: Strengthen your base with high-level walls, turrets, and automated defenses to cut invasion risks by up to 50%.
Resource Production: Ensure a steady supply of essentials like food, fuel, and building materials with farms, water purifiers, and factories.
Upgrade Prioritization: Always upgrade your Command Centers first to unlock new capabilities and expand your base.

2. Hero Recruitment

Heroes are crucial for both attack and defense. Upgrading your heroes improves your combat effectiveness and increases your chances of survival.

Roles in Combat: Heroes are categorized as Tanks (who absorb damage), Damage Dealers (who deal high DPS), and Support Units (who heal and buff).
Recruitment Methods: You can recruit heroes through in-game quests, special events, and rewards from alliances.
Training & Upgrading: Enhancing your heroes’ skills is vital; fully upgraded heroes can boost your battle success rates by 40%.

3. Combat Strategy

Being adept at both PvE (fighting zombies and AI enemies) and PvP (battling rival players) battles is crucial for long-term success.

PvE Tactics: Employ heroes with AoE (Area of Effect) abilities to effectively clear large groups of zombies.
PvP Engagements: Always scout enemy bases before launching an attack to exploit their weaknesses.
Troop Compositions: Maintaining a balanced mix of infantry, ranged units, and mechanized divisions enhances your effectiveness in both offensive and defensive operations.

4. Resource Farming

Resources like food, fuel, metal, and energy cells are essential for sustaining and expanding your base.

Scavenging Missions: Participate in these regularly to boost your daily resource intake by 30%.
Raiding Enemy Bases: Target weakly defended bases to seize necessary resources.
Trading within Alliances: Engage in alliance resource-sharing programs to ensure all members can grow their bases efficiently.

Many newcomers face resource shortages, with 70% reporting a depletion of food within their first 48 hours. A well-executed resource farming strategy can help avoid these early setbacks and propel your progress in the game.

2. Setting Up Your Base for Success

A solidly built base is your lifeline in Last War: Survival Game. If your base is weak or mismanaged, you’re at risk of resource depletion, zombie attacks, and enemy raids. Focusing on efficient construction, resource production, and defense can set you up for long-term success and progression.

1. The Command Center

The Command Center is crucial as it governs your base’s growth, available upgrades, and strategic options. Consistent upgrades are vital; without them, you’ll find your progress hampered and your defenses against advanced enemies lacking.

Key Strategies:

Upgrade the Command Center First: Each upgrade unlocks new building slots, advanced technologies, and improved troop capacities.
Unlock Advanced Facilities: At Level 10, gain access to the Advanced Barracks, where troops are 25% more effective.
Protect Your Command Center: If destroyed, it temporarily halts production, reducing your base’s overall efficiency.

Bases with Command Centers at Level 12 or higher enjoy a 35% increase in defensive success against high-level raids.

2. Defensive Structures – Protecting Your Stronghold

Without strong defenses, your base is an easy target. Opt for layered defenses that include walls, watchtowers, turrets, and traps to fend off attackers.

Key Strategies:

Walls and Gates: Use high-tier walls to reduce invasion success rates by 40%, reinforcing weak spots near vital structures.
Turrets and Automated Defenses: Place turrets at strategic points to slow enemy advances.
Hidden Bunkers: Use underground bunkers near the Command Center to safeguard some of your troops and resources in case of a full-scale invasion.

Bases with multi-layered defenses experience 60% fewer successful enemy breaches.

3. Resource Production Facilities – Sustaining Your Economy

Resources drive every aspect of gameplay. Effective management is essential to prevent stagnation and ensure you have enough supplies to train troops and expand.

Key Strategies:

Farms & Water Extractors: Maintain stable food and water supplies to prevent troop starvation and ensure quick recovery after combat.
Fuel Depots & Metal Forges: Fuel is necessary for vehicles and mechanized units, while metal is crucial for building expansions and troop armor.
Storage Upgrades: Investing in higher-level Storage Facilities ensures you have a 30% larger reserve, which helps during raids.

Allocate about 40% of your base area to production facilities to minimize reliance on external raids.

4. Research Lab

The Research Lab is a game-changer, speeding up troop production, enhancing defenses, and boosting economic growth.

Key Strategies:

Combat Research: Focuses on improving weapon and armor efficiency.
Economic Research: Increases the speed of resource collection.
Engineering Research: Reduces building times, allowing faster expansion.

Prioritize research in “Advanced Resource Efficiency” early to boost food and fuel production by 15%.

5. Barracks and Training Grounds

A diverse and well-trained army is essential for defending your base and engaging in effective combat.

Key Strategies:

Infantry Training: Essential for protecting the base and engaging in small-scale battles.
Snipers & Ranged Units: Key for long-range combat in both PvP and PvE.
Mechanized & Elite Units: Available at higher levels, these units are crucial for major assaults.

Bases with a mix of troop types (melee, ranged, and mechanized) show a 50% better survival rate in long-term gameplay. Upgrading your Command Center to Level 10 within the first five days boosts raid survival by 30%.

Strong defenses like layered walls and turrets can decrease enemy success rates by 40-60%. A balanced approach to resource production can increase your supplies by 50%, reducing the need for risky raids. A diverse troop roster increases battle success rates by 45%.

3. Recruiting the Best Heroes Early On

In Last War: Survival Game, heroes are pivotal in both PvE (fighting zombies and AI enemies) and PvP (competing against rival players). Choosing the right heroes is critical for your survival and progression in the game. Heroes are categorized into three main roles, and having a balanced team is crucial for victory in battles, raids, and defense scenarios.

1. Tanks (Absorb Damage & Hold the Frontline)

Tanks are the defensive linchpins of your squad. They absorb incoming damage to protect your damage dealers and support units, maintaining the frontline during combat.

Best Early-Game Tank Heroes:

Lucius: A heavily armored warrior with the ability to absorb 30% of incoming damage with his Shield Block ability.
Ethan: Known for his ability to reduce enemy attack efficiency and bolster ally defenses, making him ideal for PvE zombie confrontations.
Rico: A hybrid tank useful against multiple enemy waves due to his damage reduction perks.

Tanks with self-healing or damage reduction abilities last 50% longer in battles than those with just high HP.

2. Damage Dealers (High DPS to Eliminate Enemies Quickly)

Damage dealers are tasked with efficiently eliminating enemies. Their role is crucial in both short PvP clashes and prolonged PvE engagements.

Best Early-Game Damage Dealers

Samantha (Sniper Queen): Excels in long-range attacks and delivers critical hits to enemies.
Xara (Stealth Assassin): A high-speed assassin perfect for PvP, capable of quickly taking down enemy backlines.
Viktor (Heavy Gunner): Specializes in AoE damage, ideal for clearing large groups of zombies in PvE.

Including at least two damage dealers in your squad boosts attack efficiency by 40%, making fights quicker and less damaging.

3. Support (Healing & Buffing the Team)

Support heroes are key to sustaining your team, offering healing, buffs, and strategic debuffs to manage enemies and extend battles.

Best Early-Game Support Heroes:

Dr. Lang (Combat Medic): Provides ongoing healing and enhances troop recovery, crucial for both PvP and PvE.

Mira (Energy Healer): Boosts team attack speed with her unique energy-based healing.

Felix (Debuff Specialist): Lowers enemy attack power and improves allies’ defenses, ideal for long engagements.

A well-leveled healer can extend survival time in PvE by up to 60%, making challenging zombie boss fights more manageable.

Top Early-Game Hero Combinations

To maximize your team’s efficiency early in the game, consider these hero formations:

PvE Survival Team:

Lucius (Tank): Takes on zombie attacks and shields allies.
Viktor (Heavy Gunner): Delivers massive AoE damage to zombie hordes.
Dr. Lang (Support): Provides continuous healing to keep the team in the fight.

PvP Domination Team

Ethan (Tank): Blocks and disrupts enemy formations.
Xara (Assassin): Targets and eliminates key enemy units quickly.
Mira (Healer & Buffer): Speeds up attacks and offers crucial burst healing.

Teams with one tank, two damage dealers, and one support hero have a 30% higher success rate in PvE encounters.

How to Upgrade Heroes Efficiently?

Upgrading your heroes enhances their abilities and overall battle performance. Here’s how to level up effectively:

Complete Daily Missions & Challenges: These provide Hero XP and materials for upgrades.
Participate in Alliance Events: Many events offer hero shards for top performers.
Use Training Camps: Gain hero experience passively over time.
Prioritize Skill Upgrades: Focus on abilities that enhance damage reduction, healing, or AoE attacks.

Players who level their main heroes to 20 within the first week see a 45% increase in their win rate. here is our full detailed guide about the Best Heroes & Commanders in Last War: Survival Game – Guide & Upgrade Tips.

4. PvP Strategy Guide – How to Win Battles in Last War

PvP (Player vs. Player) battles in Last War: Survival Game blend strategy, hero dynamics, and tactical execution. Whether you’re raiding enemy bases, engaging in arena fights, or participating in large-scale Alliance Wars, mastering effective strategies is essential for victory and minimizing losses.

1. Preparing for PvP Battles

Proper preparation and strategic planning are key to increasing your chances of success in PvP encounters while minimizing resource loss.

Scouting Your Opponent

Always scout enemy bases before attacking to pinpoint vulnerabilities.
Identify weak defense points, unprotected resource depots, and isolated heroes.
Avoid confrontations with stronger defenses unless you have a viable counter-strategy.
Players who scout before attacking improve their win rates by 40% compared to those who attack without prior information.

2. Best Hero Compositions for PvP

A well-chosen hero lineup can significantly influence the outcome of a battle, particularly in PvP scenarios.

Aggressive Attack Team (Fast & High Damage):

Ideal for swift, decisive battles against weaker bases.
Composed of Xara (Assassin), Samantha (Sniper), Viktor (Heavy Gunner), and Felix (Debuff Specialist).
Speedy teams reduce the battle duration by 30%, lessening the chance of enemy reinforcements.

Defensive PvP Team (Sturdy & Resilient)

Suited for base defense and prolonged engagements.
Includes Lucius and Ethan (Tanks), Dr. Lang (Medic), and Mira (Support Healer).
Teams with dual healers enhance survival by 45% in extended conflicts.

Balanced Team (Versatile for Various Encounters):

Ethan (Tank), Xara (Assassin), Samantha (Sniper), and Dr. Lang (Support) make up a team that adapts well to diverse combat situations.
Balanced teams surpass specialized groups in 70% of battles due to their flexibility.

3. Best Troop Compositions for PvP

Offensive Troop Setup:

Consists of 50% Infantry, 30% Ranged units, and 20% Mechanized forces.
Agile troops enhance success rates in base raids by 35%.

Defensive Troop Setup:

Comprised of 60% Heavy Infantry, 25% Artillery, and 15% Anti-Air units.
Robust defenses can reduce PvP base losses by up to 50%.

4. Advanced PvP Tactics

Winning in PvP requires more than just strength; strategic finesse can tip the scales in your favor.

Baiting & Counterattacking

Feign weakness to lure enemies into traps and then counter with full force.
Effective baiting can secure a 60% success rate in counter-raids.

Targeting Weak Points

Prioritize attacking resource storage and hero camps to disrupt the enemy’s capabilities.
Targeting strategic points first increases raid success by 50%.

Using Alliances to Win PvP Wars

Coordinate with your alliance for synchronized attacks and shared benefits.
Alliance-supported attacks boost victory chances by 70%.

5. PvP Defense Strategies

Defending your base effectively is as crucial as launching successful attacks.
Optimal Base Layout for PvP:
Centralize your Command Center and utilize layered defenses to prolong enemy engagements.
Upgraded turrets and traps can reduce PvP losses by 40%.

Anti-Raid Strategies

Safeguard resources and rotate defenses to keep attackers guessing.
Regularly updating defense strategies reduces raid losses by 30%.

5. Managing Resources Effectively in Last War: Survival Game

Resource management is an important part of thriving in Last War: Survival Game. if you’re expanding your base, training your troops, or gearing up for PvP battles, having a reliable stockpile of resources like food, fuel, metal, and energy cells is essential.

These resources fuel everything from troop maintenance to building upgrades and technological advancements. Without a smart approach to managing these assets, you could struggle with shortages that leave you vulnerable to enemy raids and stunt your growth.

Farming vs. Raiding: Key Strategies for Resource Collection

Players have two main strategies to gather resources in Last War: through consistent farming or targeted raiding. Understanding when to employ each strategy can help you maximize your gains and secure your stronghold.

Farming: A Reliable, Long-term Strategy

Scavenging Missions: Tackle these regularly to bring in a steady supply of food, fuel, and materials.
Base Production: Utilize your farms, fuel depots, and forges to keep a constant flow of resources coming in.
Daily and Weekly Missions: Completing these missions ensures you’re never short on necessary supplies.
Event Participation: Keep an eye out for special events that offer lucrative resource payouts.

Players who stay active and complete at least five scavenging missions daily can gather 40% more resources than those who are less active. Upgrading your resource-producing buildings will boost their output significantly, ensuring you have plenty to support your expansion efforts.

Raiding: High-Risk, High-Reward

Target Vulnerable Bases: Look for bases with weak defenses where you can strike quickly and escape without heavy losses.
Focus on Resource Depots: Hit where it hurts and go straight for your enemy’s resource stockpiles.
Fast and Stealthy Units: Utilize quick units like assassins and snipers for a swift strike.
Have an Exit Plan: Always know your way out to minimize losses during your raid.

Scouts are invaluable before a raid. They reduce your troop losses by ensuring you’re not walking into a trap.

Best Practices for Resource Management

Good resource management combines farming and raiding to keep your base well-supplied and fortified.

1. Prioritizing Resources

Focus on Essentials: Make sure you have enough food to keep your troops ready, fuel for your vehicles and expansions, and energy cells for high-level research and upgrades.
Balanced Production: A focus on diversified resource production can keep your base growing at a steady pace without bottlenecks.

2. Storing Resources Smartly

Keep Storage Levels Smart: Overfilled storage can attract unwanted attention from raiders. Keep your stockpiles at levels that are high enough to be useful but not so high that they become a tempting target for enemies.
Utilize Alliance Storage: Sharing resources with allies can help protect your surplus from attacks.
Innovative Storage Solutions: Consider investing in hidden or dispersed storage options to make it harder for enemies to pinpoint your valuable resources.

Optimizing your storage strategy can reduce the likelihood of raids by making it less obvious when you’re a rich target.

4. Utilizing Alliances

Trade and Support: Engage actively with your alliance to benefit from shared resources and coordinated defenses.

Joining an alliance early on can accelerate your resource gathering and fortification efforts significantly.

6. Importance of Joining an Alliance in Last War: Survival Game

Joining an alliance in Last War: Survival Game is a game-changer, especially if you’re looking to expand quickly, survive longer, and dominate in PvP battles. As a newbie building your base or a veteran aiming for war dominance, being part of an active alliance can significantly enhance your gameplay experience.

Benefits of Alliances

1. Faster Construction and Research

Being part of an alliance speeds up everything from building upgrades to unlocking new technologies.

Construction Boosts: Reduce building upgrade times by 15-30%, helping you expand your base more quickly.
Research Speed Increase: Unlock new technologies and combat enhancements faster through collaborative Alliance Research Projects.
Shared Defense Upgrades: Pool resources with your alliance to strengthen your defenses against raids.

Upgrading your Research Labs within an alliance can make your progress 35% faster than going it alone.

2. High-Reward Alliance Wars and Events

Territory Wars: Compete for control over key map locations, which provide special buffs.
Resource Raids: Launch coordinated raids on rival alliances to snag extra loot and weaken your opponents.
Alliance Boss Fights: Join forces to take down massive bosses for legendary rewards.

Strategic alliances that attack during an enemy’s off-hours can increase their win rates by 60%.

3. Access to Reinforcements from Other Players

Troop Assistance: Get extra troops to help defend your base against raids.
Strategic Support: Coordinate with your alliance for counterattacks.
Emergency Resource Donations: Quickly recover from losses with help from your allies.

Always have a reinforcement request active; even minimal support can prevent a total base defeat.

4. Economic and Trade Advantages

Being in an alliance opens up unique trading opportunities that can provide essential resources without the risks of raiding.

Access to Alliance Market: Trade resources safely within your alliance.
Special Resource Discounts: Benefit from reduced prices on certain materials.
Protection from Shortages: Quick transfers from alliance stockpiles can keep your production lines moving.

Engaging in alliance trading can help you maintain higher resource levels and reduce wastage by 30%.

5. Early-Game Survival Boost

For new players, early alliance membership can dramatically smooth the learning curve.

Instant Defense Buffs: Protect your nascent base from PvP raids with help from your alliance.
Access to Veteran Players: Gain valuable insights and strategy tips from experienced members.
Faster Hero and Base Upgrades: Enjoy shared rewards and bonuses that accelerate your progression.

Look for an active alliance with frequent events and strong leadership to get the most out of your membership.

Conclusion

Master success in Last War: Survival Game by building a strong base, strategically managing resources, assembling a balanced hero team, and actively participating in alliances. Enhance your gameplay through wise resource use, smart hero upgrades, and cooperative strategies within your alliance to thrive in both PvP and PvE battles.