The Drone is one of the most important long-term combat progression systems in Last War: Survival.

Unlike a single Hero or piece of Equipment, Drone progression improves multiple aspects of your combat performance and works together with your Heroes, Troops, Research, Equipment, and Formation.

The Drone should not be treated as a secondary system.

A strong Drone provides permanent combat value through:

• Drone Level
• Drone Skills
• Drone Components
• Combat Boost
• Skill Chips
• Chip Presets
• Drone-related progression milestones

The best results come from developing these systems together instead of spending all resources on only one part of the Drone.

1. How the Drone Works

The Drone automatically participates in combat and provides additional combat effects and stat bonuses to your Heroes.

Drone progression can improve:

• Attack
• Defense
• HP
• Drone combat performance
• Hero attributes
• Skill effects
• Skill Chip bonuses
• Squad-specific combat performance

The Drone contributes to many types of content, including:

• PvE
• PvP
• World Map battles
• Bosses
• Rallies
• Base attacks and defenses
• Alliance events

The exact value of each upgrade depends on your account stage, main squad, and the progression system you are currently investing in.

> Do not neglect the Drone. > > Drone progression compounds with your other combat systems, so keeping it underdeveloped can hold back your entire account.

2. Drone Level

Drone Level is the foundation of Drone progression.

Increasing Drone Level improves the Drone's attributes and contributes to stronger Hero and squad performance.

The two main resources used for Drone leveling are:

• Battle Data
• Drone Parts

Battle Data

Battle Data is the main experience resource used to fill the Drone's level progression bar.

Battle Data can be obtained from activities such as:

• Radar Tasks
• World Map monsters
• Doom Elite
• Events
• Campaign Store
• Daily activities
• Other Drone-related rewards

Critical Hit Mechanic

When the Drone's current level progress is below 80%, Battle Data has a chance to trigger a Critical Hit and provide double the normal experience.

Once progress reaches 80% or higher, the Critical Hit mechanic no longer applies.

This makes the early part of the progression bar more efficient for Battle Data usage.

Do not waste Battle Data by ignoring the Critical Hit mechanic.

3. Drone Parts

Drone Parts are the second major resource used for Drone progression.

They are required at important Drone Level checkpoints and become increasingly important as the Drone gets stronger.

Drone Parts can come from:

• Daily Task rewards
• Radar Tasks
• Alliance activities
• Events
• Alliance Store
• Campaign-related rewards
• Drone-related activities
• Other special rewards

After the Drone reaches the late-game level range, Parts become significantly more expensive and are required much more frequently.

Drone Parts become a major bottleneck in advanced Drone progression.

Do not spend them randomly.

4. Drone Level Milestones

Not every Drone Level provides the same type of progression.

Certain milestones unlock important improvements.

Commonly important milestones include:

Skill Milestones

Drone skill progression occurs at important level thresholds around:

Lv. 30 → Lv. 50 → Lv. 70 → Lv. 90 → Lv. 110

These milestones improve the Drone's built-in skill progression and can provide significant additional combat value.

Appearance / Stat Milestones

Additional Drone appearance and stat milestones occur at levels such as:

Lv. 50 → Lv. 100 → Lv. 150 → Lv. 200 → Lv. 250

These milestones can provide additional bonuses alongside the Drone's progression.

Important Rule

Do not look only at the next level.

Always check whether you are close to an important milestone.

A milestone can be worth more than several ordinary levels.

5. Drone Leveling Priority

A good general approach is:

1. Reach important skill milestones.
2. Maintain steady Drone Level progression.
3. Prepare resources for expensive checkpoints.
4. Continue toward the next major Combat Boost milestone.
5. Avoid draining all Drone Parts without a clear progression target.

Your exact stopping point depends on your account.

For example:

• Early game → prioritize steady Drone growth.
• Mid game → push important skill and Combat Boost milestones.
• Late game → balance Drone Level, Components, Combat Boost, and Skill Chips.

6. Drone Components

Drone Components are a separate progression system from Drone Level.

The Component system unlocks when your Headquarters reaches Lv. 15.

A Drone can equip up to 6 Components.

Components provide additional attributes to the Drone and can also improve Hero-related attributes.

The six component types are:

Defensive / Left Side

• Radar
• Turbo Engine
• External Armor

Offensive / Right Side

• Airborne Missile
• Fuel Cell
• Thermal Imager

Each component contributes different attributes.

The exact value of a component depends on its level and progression percentage.

7. Component Upgrade System

Drone Components have two different upgrade phases.

Levels 1–7

Components can be upgraded by merging:

3 identical Components of the same level → 1 higher-level Component

Example:

3 × Lv. 1 Radar → 1 × Lv. 2 Radar

The same principle continues through the lower component levels.

Level 8+

The upgrade system changes at higher levels.

Instead of simply merging three components into the next level, components are used to generate Research Points / Research Progress for the component.

Progress provides additional attributes.

Important progress milestones include:

• 20%
• 40%
• 60%
• 80%
• 100%

This makes high-level Components a long-term investment.

8. Component Upgrade Priority

There is no universal rule that every account must follow the exact same Component order.

However, Components can generally be divided into:

Defensive Components

• Radar
• Turbo Engine
• External Armor

Offensive Components

• Airborne Missile
• Fuel Cell
• Thermal Imager

For accounts focused heavily on combat performance, offensive Components are often attractive because they directly improve offensive output.

However, do not completely ignore the defensive side.

A balanced Drone is generally better than having one side heavily developed while the other remains severely behind.

Practical Strategy

Early Game

Focus on creating higher-level Components.

Mid Game

Work toward equipping and developing all 6 slots.

Late Game

Prioritize the Components that best support your main squad and current combat goals.

Do not sacrifice your entire defensive side just to chase offensive stats.

9. Component Choice Chests

Component Choice Chests are extremely valuable because they allow you to target a specific Component instead of relying entirely on random drops.

Use them strategically.

Before opening a Choice Chest, check:

• Which Component is closest to its next upgrade?
• Which side of the Drone is falling behind?
• Which Component provides the best value for your main squad?
• Are you preparing for a specific milestone?

Do not automatically select the same Component every time without checking your current progression.

Use random drops to fill naturally. Use Choice Chests to fix your bottleneck.

10. Component Sources

Drone Components can be obtained through:

• Component Chests
• Component Factory
• Alliance Duel rewards
• Secret Tasks
• Events
• Other special activities
• Purchases and packs

The Component Factory provides a steady baseline of Component Chests, while events and other activities can provide additional sources.

Collect Component Factory production consistently.

Missing passive production over a long period creates a permanent progression loss.

11. Combat Boost

Combat Boost is one of the most important advanced Drone systems.

It provides additional Drone combat progression and increases the effectiveness of the Skill Chip system.

Combat Boost progression improves:

• Drone Attack
• Drone Defense
• Drone HP
• Skill Chip bonuses
• Chip Presets

Combat Boost uses lower-value or unwanted Drone/Chip-related materials as upgrade resources.

Do not automatically discard lower-rarity Chips.

They can have value as Combat Boost material.

12. Combat Boost Milestones

Combat Boost has several important progression milestones.

| Combat Boost Level | Unlock / Bonus | |---|---| | Lv. 10 | Skill Chip system + 1st Chip Preset | | Lv. 150 | 2nd Chip Preset + Chip Skill Boost +1 | | Lv. 300 | 3rd Chip Preset + Chip Skill Boost +2 | | Lv. 450 | 4th Chip Preset + Chip Skill Boost +3 | | Lv. 600 | Chip Skill Boost +4 | | Lv. 750 | Chip Skill Boost +5 | | Lv. 900 | Major Drone HP / ATK / DEF improvement |

These milestones are extremely important because Combat Boost does more than increase the Drone's basic stats.

It also raises the ceiling of your Skill Chip progression.

Combat Boost is not just another Power source. It unlocks and strengthens the Drone's Skill Chip system.

13. Skill Chip Unlock

The Skill Chip system becomes available when the required server progression gate has been reached and Combat Boost reaches Lv. 10.

The exact server-day requirement can vary with the current game version and server progression, so always check the requirement shown in-game.

Once unlocked, the Drone gains access to four Skill Chip categories:

1. Initial Move
2. Attack
3. Interference
4. Defense

These form a complete Chip Preset.

14. Skill Chip Types

Initial Move

The Initial Move Chip provides an effect at the beginning of battle.

Its main purpose is to help your squad survive the opening phase of combat.

The Legendary version is:

Absolute Quantum Field

It provides an opening shield effect.

This can be especially valuable for formations that are vulnerable to early burst damage.

Attack

The Attack Chip improves Drone offensive performance.

The Legendary version is:

Lethal Firestorm

Its effects improve the Drone's offensive contribution.

At important Star milestones, it can also increase the number of targets affected by the Drone.

Interference

The Interference Chip provides offensive/defensive utility against the enemy.

The Legendary version is:

Memory Ultra Fission

It is available in different troop-type versions.

The chip should match the troop type of the squad using it.

Defense

The Defense Chip provides defensive bonuses during combat.

The Legendary version is:

Gravitational Resonance Armor

It provides battle-long defensive value and can also contribute broader defensive bonuses.

15. Skill Chip Troop Types

Skill Chips can be associated with different troop types:

• Tank
• Aircraft
• Missile

Always check the troop type of the Chip before equipping it.

A Chip designed for one troop type should not be assumed to provide the same value for another.

Your Chip Preset should be built around the squad using it.

For your main squad, prioritize the Chip version that matches that squad's troop type.

16. Skill Chip Priority

There is no single universal Chip order for every account.

Your priority should depend on:

• Main squad type
• Current Chip quality
• Combat content
• Enemy composition
• Star levels
• Available materials

For a general competitive setup, a strong starting priority is:

1. Interference
2. Defense
3. Initial Move
4. Attack

Why?

Interference can provide significant combat value against enemy damage.

Defense provides consistent survivability throughout the battle.

Initial Move helps protect the squad during the opening seconds.

Attack improves Drone offensive output and becomes increasingly valuable as its Star level improves.

However, this is a general priority, not a permanent rule.

A different squad composition or battle environment can change the value of individual Chips.

17. Chip Lab

The Chip Lab is the building used to create and manage Drone Skill Chips.

It can be used for:

• Crafting Chips
• Managing Chips
• Upgrading Chips
• Ascending Chips
• Managing Chip materials

The Chip Lab can progress beyond the level required to unlock the main Chip recipes, but the practical value of pushing it further should be compared against other buildings and account priorities.

General Rule

Unlock the Chip functionality you actually need before investing heavily in additional Chip Lab levels.

Do not upgrade a building simply because the next level is available.

18. Chip Rarity

Skill Chips come in different rarities.

A practical progression is:

Lower Rarity → Epic → Legendary

Lower-rarity Chips can be useful as temporary equipment and can later become upgrade material for other Drone systems.

Early Game

Use the best Chips available.

Do not leave Chip slots empty while waiting for perfect Legendary Chips.

Mid Game

Gradually replace weaker Chips with stronger versions.

Late Game

Build the Legendary Chip set that matches your main squads.

An equipped temporary Chip is better than an empty slot.

19. Chip Ascension

Skill Chips can be upgraded through Star / Ascension progression.

Higher Star levels improve the Chip's effectiveness.

The required duplicate materials increase as the Star level rises.

A typical progression is:

1★ → 2★ → 3★ → 4★ → 5★

Higher Star levels require progressively more duplicate Chips.

Because the material cost becomes very high, do not rush one Chip to maximum while leaving the rest of the set severely underdeveloped.

20. Chip Star Priority

A balanced Chip set is generally more efficient than putting all resources into one Chip.

A good general approach is:

1. Get your main Chip set established.
2. Bring the most important Chips to a useful Star level.
3. Keep the four slots reasonably balanced.
4. Continue pushing your highest-value Chip.
5. Build additional troop-type sets when your account supports multiple strong squads.

For many accounts, reaching a useful Star level across the entire set provides better overall value than having one extremely high-Star Chip and three weak Chips.

21. Chip Presets

Combat Boost progression unlocks additional Chip Presets.

This is extremely valuable for players developing multiple squads.

A single Drone can therefore support different squad configurations without forcing you to rebuild the entire Chip setup every time.

Examples:

Preset 1

Main Tank Squad

Preset 2

Aircraft Squad

Preset 3

Missile Squad

Preset 4

Additional advanced squad configuration

The exact number of useful Presets depends on your Combat Boost progression and number of developed squads.

22. Drone and Squad Types

The Drone supports all major troop types, but your Chip configuration should match the squad using it.

Tank Squad

Prioritize survivability, opening protection, and sustained combat performance.

A defensive Chip setup can be particularly valuable when your Tank formation is designed to absorb enemy damage.

Aircraft Squad

Aircraft formations often benefit heavily from offensive pressure and damage optimization.

Consider your Chip and Component setup together rather than optimizing one system independently.

Missile Squad

Missile formations can benefit strongly from offensive Drone effects.

Again, the best setup depends on your Heroes, Equipment, Research, and battle scenario.

Important

Do not build a Drone completely independently from your main squad.

Your Drone should support your strongest combat formation first.

23. Drone and Combat

Drone progression works together with:

• Heroes
• Troops
• Research
• Equipment
• Formation
• Hero Skills
• Tactical Weapon
• Other combat systems

A strong Drone increases the value of the rest of your account because these systems interact during combat.

However:

Drone progression should complement your account, not replace core Hero or Research investment.

Do not neglect your main squad just to push Drone Power.

24. Drone and Research

Research and Drone progression should be developed together.

Research can improve the efficiency of your account and your combat systems, while the Drone provides direct combat progression.

When deciding between Drone and Research investment, consider:

• Main squad strength
• Current research tree
• Drone milestones
• Available resources
• VS timing
• Unlock requirements
• Long-term progression

Do not compare only the Power number shown after an upgrade.

Compare the actual combat value and progression value.

25. Drone and Equipment

Drone and Equipment serve different purposes.

Equipment directly improves Heroes and their combat performance.

Drone progression provides additional combat bonuses and effects.

A balanced account should therefore avoid:

• Over-investing in Drone while ignoring Hero Gear
• Over-investing in Gear while ignoring Drone
• Pushing one system far ahead of every other important progression system

Your strongest squad should remain the center of your investment strategy.

26. Drone Resource Management

Drone resources should be treated as long-term progression materials.

The most important resources include:

• Battle Data
• Drone Parts
• Component Chests
• Drone Components
• Skill Chip materials
• Skill Chips
• Combat Boost materials

Do not spend everything immediately.

Before using a large amount of Drone resources, check:

1. Is there a VS opportunity?
2. Am I close to a Drone milestone?
3. Am I close to a Combat Boost milestone?
4. Can the resource complete an important Component upgrade?
5. Can it create or upgrade an important Skill Chip?
6. Does the upgrade directly benefit my main squad?

27. Drone and VS Timing

Drone progression can be combined with Alliance Duel rewards.

On the standard Alliance Duel schedule, Drone-related activities can contribute points on specific days.

Common examples include:

Drone Development Day

Use resources such as:

• Drone Parts
• Battle Data / Drone Combat Data
• Relevant Drone upgrade resources

when the corresponding VS scoring event is active.

Component Day

Save Component Chests and open them when the relevant VS scoring window is active.

This allows you to receive:

Drone Progression + VS Points

instead of spending the same resources without additional event value.

If a resource will be spent anyway, try to spend it when it also scores VS points.

Always check the current VS calendar on your server because event schedules and scoring rules can change.

28. Daily Drone Routine

A simple daily routine keeps Drone progression moving.

Daily

• [ ] Collect available Drone resources
• [ ] Complete Radar Tasks
• [ ] Hunt World Map monsters when appropriate
• [ ] Collect passive Component production
• [ ] Check Drone Parts sources
• [ ] Check relevant stores
• [ ] Check available Drone events
• [ ] Check Chip materials
• [ ] Keep progressing Battle Data
• [ ] Check for upcoming Drone milestones

Weekly

• [ ] Check Alliance Store
• [ ] Check Campaign Store
• [ ] Check VIP Store if applicable
• [ ] Save resources for relevant VS days
• [ ] Open Component Chests during the appropriate scoring window
• [ ] Review your next Drone Level milestone
• [ ] Review Combat Boost progress
• [ ] Review Skill Chip progress

29. Drone Development by Account Stage

Early Game

Focus on:

1. Unlocking the Drone
2. Continuous Drone Level progression
3. Collecting Battle Data
4. Collecting Drone Parts
5. Unlocking all Component slots
6. Building basic Components
7. Preparing for Combat Boost

Do not ignore the Drone while focusing exclusively on Heroes.

Mid Game

Focus on:

1. Important Drone Level milestones
2. Component upgrades
3. Combat Boost
4. Skill Chip unlock preparation
5. Building your first useful Chip set
6. Main squad optimization
7. VS timing

This is where the Drone starts becoming a much larger part of your combat power.

Late Game

Focus on:

1. High Drone Levels
2. Combat Boost milestones
3. Advanced Components
4. Legendary Skill Chips
5. Chip Star progression
6. Additional Chip Presets
7. Multiple squad configurations
8. Long-term Drone milestones

At this stage, Drone development becomes a major long-term resource investment.

30. What Should I Upgrade First?

There is no single upgrade that is always correct.

Use this general decision tree:

If your Drone Level is far behind:

Prioritize Drone Level

If you are close to a major Drone skill milestone:

Push the milestone

If your Components are severely underdeveloped:

Improve Components

If Combat Boost is blocking Skill Chips:

Prioritize Combat Boost

If you have unlocked Skill Chips but have weak Chips:

Build your main Chip set

If your main Chip set exists:

Improve Star levels and Combat Boost

If you have multiple strong squads:

Develop additional Chip Presets

31. Common Drone Mistakes

1. Ignoring the Drone

The Drone provides permanent combat value.

Do not leave it underdeveloped for long periods.

2. Spending Drone Resources Immediately

Resources should sometimes be saved for:

• VS
• Milestones
• Important upgrades
• Major unlocks

3. Ignoring Battle Data Efficiency

The Critical Hit mechanic makes the early part of the progression bar more efficient.

Do not blindly push past the efficient range without understanding the mechanic.

4. Wasting Component Choice Chests

Do not use Choice Chests randomly.

Use them to fix your current Component bottleneck.

5. Ignoring Components

Components are a separate source of Drone and Hero-related attributes.

Do not focus exclusively on Drone Level.

6. Ignoring Combat Boost

Combat Boost is not just another stat system.

It unlocks and strengthens the Skill Chip system.

7. Leaving Skill Chip Slots Empty

Use the best available Chip while working toward stronger Chips.

A temporary Chip is better than an empty slot.

8. Using the Wrong Troop-Type Chip

Always check whether the Chip matches the squad using it.

Do not assume that every Chip version provides the same value to every squad.

9. Over-Investing in One Chip

A single high-Star Chip does not automatically create the strongest overall setup.

Develop the complete set intelligently.

10. Ignoring VS Timing

If the same resource can provide both:

Drone Progression + VS Points

there is usually little reason to spend it outside the relevant scoring window unless you need the upgrade immediately.

11. Comparing Only Drone Power

Power is useful, but it does not tell the entire story.

Look at:

• Drone Level
• Components
• Combat Boost
• Skill Chips
• Star levels
• Squad compatibility
• Actual combat performance

32. Advanced Drone Strategy

As your account becomes stronger, stop thinking about the Drone as one single upgrade.

Think of it as several interconnected systems:

Drone Level → Base progression

Components → Additional permanent stats

Combat Boost → Advanced Drone progression + Chip bonuses

Skill Chips → Specialized combat effects

Chip Presets → Different squad configurations

This means your long-term Drone strategy should be:

Build the foundation → Reach important milestones → Unlock advanced systems → Build your main Chip set → Improve Components → Increase Combat Boost → Develop additional squad presets

33. Main Squad First

If your account is still developing, do not try to build perfect Drone setups for every squad immediately.

Prioritize your strongest squad.

For example:

Main Squad → Best Components → Best Chip set → Highest investment

Then:

Second Squad → Additional Chip Preset → Secondary Components → Secondary Chip set

Then:

Third Squad → Continue development when resources allow

This prevents your resources from being spread too thin.

34. Drone Investment vs. Other Systems

Drone progression is important, but it is not the only progression system.

When deciding where to spend limited resources, compare:

• Hero development
• Hero Skills
• Exclusive Weapons
• Equipment
• Research
• Mastery
• Tactical Weapon
• Drone
• Troops

A strong account develops these systems together.

Do not chase Drone Power at the expense of a major main-squad upgrade.

The best investment is usually the one that improves your actual combat capability the most.

35. Drone Progression Checklist

Before spending a large amount of Drone resources:

• [ ] Is there an important Drone Level milestone nearby?
• [ ] Is there a relevant VS scoring window?
• [ ] Are my Research Speed / other account buffs relevant to another upgrade instead?
• [ ] Is my main squad receiving the benefit?
• [ ] Is a Component close to a major upgrade?
• [ ] Is Combat Boost close to a major milestone?
• [ ] Do I need a better Skill Chip?
• [ ] Are my Chip Star levels reasonably balanced?
• [ ] Am I building the correct troop-type Chip?
• [ ] Am I keeping enough resources for the next major milestone?

36. Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start developing my Drone?

Immediately after unlocking it.

Drone progression is long-term and resources accumulate over time.

Delaying the Drone makes it harder to catch up later.

What are the two main resources for Drone Level?

Battle Data and Drone Parts.

Battle Data fills the level progression bar, while Drone Parts are required at important progression checkpoints and become increasingly important at higher levels.

What happens after Drone Level 150?

Drone Parts become much more important because Parts are required for every subsequent level.

This creates a major resource bottleneck.

Start saving Drone Parts before reaching this stage.

What is the most important Drone system?

There is no single answer for every account.

A good general order is:

Drone Level → Important Milestones → Components → Combat Boost → Skill Chips → Chip Stars / Advanced Presets

The exact priority depends on your account stage.

When do Skill Chips unlock?

The Skill Chip system requires the relevant server progression gate and Combat Boost Lv. 10.

Check the current in-game requirement because server-day requirements can change with game updates.

How many Skill Chip types are there?

There are four main types:

• Initial Move
• Attack
• Interference
• Defense

Should my Skill Chip match my squad?

Yes.

Always check the troop type associated with the Chip.

Your Chip setup should support the squad that is actually using it.

Should I use Epic Chips?

Yes.

Epic Chips can be very useful before you have a complete Legendary set.

Do not leave Chip slots empty while waiting for perfect end-game Chips.

What should I do with unwanted lower-rarity Chips?

They can be used as material for Drone-related progression such as Combat Boost, depending on the current game system.

Do not automatically discard them.

Should I upgrade the Chip Lab as high as possible?

Not automatically.

First unlock the Chip functionality and recipes you actually need.

After that, compare the value of further Chip Lab upgrades with other buildings and progression systems.

Should I focus only on offensive Components?

No.

Offensive Components can provide strong combat value, but defensive Components are still important.

Develop your Components according to your main squad and current bottlenecks.

Should I open Component Chests immediately?

Not always.

If Component Chest opening provides Alliance Duel points on your current server's schedule, save them for the appropriate scoring day.

Always verify the current VS rules before committing large amounts of saved resources.

Should I save Drone Parts?

Yes, when there is a reason to do so.

Good reasons include:

• Upcoming VS
• Important Drone milestone
• Combat Boost milestone
• Expensive late-game level
• Major progression target

Do not hoard indefinitely if the resources are preventing important progression.

Should I build Drone for every squad?

Start with your main squad.

Once your main squad is strong and your account has enough resources, begin developing additional Chip Presets and troop-specific setups.

37. Final Tips

• Start Drone development as soon as possible.
• Collect Battle Data every day.
• Collect Drone Parts consistently.
• Watch the Critical Hit mechanic when using Battle Data.
• Target important Drone Level milestones.
• Do not ignore Drone Components.
• Use Component Choice Chests to fix your biggest bottleneck.
• Develop all 6 Component slots over time.
• Do not ignore Combat Boost.
• Reach Combat Boost Lv. 10 as soon as your account can reasonably do so.
• Build a proper Skill Chip set for your main squad.
• Match Skill Chips to the correct troop type.
• Use temporary Epic Chips rather than leaving slots empty.
• Do not rush one Chip to maximum while the rest are severely underdeveloped.
• Use additional Chip Presets when you have multiple developed squads.
• Time Drone spending with VS whenever practical.
• Do not judge Drone progression by Power alone.
• Prioritize your main squad before spreading resources across multiple squads.
• Balance Drone progression with Heroes, Equipment, Research, Mastery, and Tactical Weapon.

The Golden Rule

DRONE LEVEL → IMPORTANT MILESTONES → COMPONENTS → COMBAT BOOST → SKILL CHIPS → CHIP STARS → ADDITIONAL PRESETS

Develop the Drone consistently, target important milestones, and spend Drone resources when they provide the most progression value.