Wanted Code Boss is a damage challenge, not ordinary survival PvE and not Crystal. Its low incoming damage permits offensive front rows that can fail badly against a player or a dangerous monster.
Open the boss lineup library for portraits, exact rows, alternative builds and comparisons. These are player-reported models to test, not universal maximum-damage results.
Match the boss code
- Code87: Tank heroes receive +50% damage.
- Code39: Aircraft heroes receive +50% damage.
- Code64: Missile heroes receive +50% damage.
The favored-type bonus applies to those heroes, not automatically to the whole mixed team. A heavily developed off-type hero can still earn a slot, but a larger Power number does not settle it.
Code87: rear-row Tank core
Front: Marshall/Tesla. Back: Stetmann/Kimberly/UR Mason.
Players also use DVA instead of Tesla when her investment performs better. Keep Mason's supported Tank attackers in the rear: his monster-support scope is not a buff to every troop type. This promoted-Mason model requires the actual UR promotion; the portrait is an identification image, not proof your hero is promoted.
Compare: Tesla versus DVA using the same rear core and a consistent gear policy. Do not build an otherwise unused hero solely to complete the example.
Code39: Kimberly versus Sarah
Front: Marshall/Kimberly. Back: Schuyler/DVA/Morrison.
This is 3 Aircraft + 2 Tank, not a 4+1 formation. The alternative Marshall/UR Sarah front keeps the three Aircraft attackers behind and becomes four Aircraft plus one Tank. Sarah's promotion and relevant skills must actually be available and developed.
Compare: the same rear attackers with Kimberly or Sarah in front. Do not assume an underdeveloped Sarah beats an invested Kimberly or that a Wanted result transfers to PvP.
Code64: Adam support behind offensive heroes
Front: Tesla/Swift. Back: Adam/Fiona/Marshall.
Read Adam's Counter Defense and its actual targets. His role here is not just to fill a Missile slot; the skill interaction is part of the formation. Marshall supports from behind. Later EW development can change which support earns a place, so also compare your developed five-Missile squad.
UR Venom is not automatically a damage upgrade. Players report both gains and disappointments after replacing a developed hero with him; the conditions are too inconsistent to call it the new best build.
Gear and Drone: inspect what is actually equipped
Use damage reports to decide which deployed heroes earn the offensive gear. Equipment data chips and Drone Skill Chips are different systems. Moving heroes into your first squad does not automatically prove that the relevant type/row effects match them.
Presets may need equipment from another squad; bring the required resources home and inspect the result after applying. See gear, Drone and hero skills.
A useful test, not a lucky screenshot
- Save a reference with the boss code in its name.
- Record the target, gear, Drone, EW/skills and applicable effects.
- Swap one hero or position. Repeat comparable attempts where available; crit variation can distort one hit.
- Check hero damage contributions, then choose the variant that performs on your account.
Do not scout or drop protection just to chase a temporary buff without understanding the PvP consequences. Never assume those effects work in Crystal.
For a boss that actually threatens your squad, start with the separate PvE fighting guide, not this offense-only arrangement.