Start with the three rows
Infantry normally occupy the front, Cavalry the middle and Archers the back. Ordinary attacks target the front row first, but Cavalry abilities and hero skills can bypass that order. A durable front line gives the damage dealers more turns; simply maximising the number of Archers is not a universal solution.
Compare one change at a time
- Match the march to the activity: a damage-only boss, a defended Town and a garrison are different problems.
- Check whether the front line collapses early, whether a troop type is missing and whether your strongest compatible heroes are assigned.
- Read losses and skill effects alongside the listed stats. The report’s stat panel does not include every hero skill effect.
- Keep a saved formation for each regular activity, but review it after unlocking a stronger troop tier or replacing a hero.
Treat ratios as starting points
Community ratios are testable suggestions, not a combat rule. Compare otherwise similar fights before concluding that a change helped. Avoid testing through costly Town attacks when a lower-risk event gives you a useful comparison.