PvP needs more than a standard five-hero list. Enemy targeting, damage type, survival, EW effects and the cost to your other squads can all change the answer. Start with a dependable model, then compare a specific alternative for a specific matchup.
Open the PvP lineup library to view the complete hero portraits, requirements and side-by-side variants. The library distinguishes baseline formations from player-reported tests; it is not an automatic best-team ranking.
Tank: the reference and the front-carry option
The conservative reference has Williams/Murphy in front, with Stetmann/Kimberly/Marshall behind. This gives you a clear comparison before moving a damage dealer forward. The diagram identifies the rows; left/right should be checked against the opponent.
The developed mono PvP alternative is Williams/Kimberly front; Murphy/Marshall/Stetmann back. Players use it to change back-row exposure while keeping five Tanks. It requires Kimberly to survive the front; copying it before defensive gear and support are ready can make the carry die sooner.
Developed Stetmann can also change which hero receives a highest-Attack support effect. Check the actual skill recipient rather than assuming every buff still goes to Kimberly.
Tank 4+1: three different decisions
- Lucius / Williams: Williams+Kimberly front; Murphy+Lucius+Marshall back. Tests a durable single-carry plan instead of keeping Stetmann.
- Lucius / Stetmann: Murphy+Kimberly front; Stetmann+Lucius+Marshall back. Retains a second damage dealer but gives up Williams.
- Scarlett / Adam: UR Scarlett+Kimberly front; Murphy+Adam+Marshall back. A reported counter/support interaction, not a generic swap for any undeveloped Adam or SSR Scarlett.
Players report using all three, with different winners. Treat the gear, EW, chip and matchup conditions as part of the model. A report against Aircraft does not establish that the same build is superior against Tank or Missile.
If Murphy is already in your Air squad, the library also includes the reported secondary-squad alternative UR Scarlett/Williams front; Kimberly/Adam/Marshall back. Judge the entire multi-squad lineup, not just the best-looking first team.
Compare Tank mono and hybrid models
Aircraft: mono versus Air+Murphy
The reference is Carlie/Lucius front; Schuyler/DVA/Morrison back. A developed mono variation moves DVA forward and Lucius back. Neither position is automatically right for a poorly protected DVA.
The commonly reported Air+Murphy formation is Lucius/DVA front; Schuyler/Murphy/Morrison back. It replaces Carlie rather than adding a sixth hero. Murphy EW10 is a frequently reported starting point for the interaction, not proof the squad is ready. Developed defensive gear on DVA and functioning support remain essential.
Some later players put Morrison beside Lucius in front, leaving Schuyler/Murphy/DVA behind. Morrison's development and DVA Awakening can change the comparison. This is an advanced positional test, not a rule that damage heroes always belong in front.
Player reports disagree on whether the hybrid beats mono at their investment. Test the actual enemy Missile squad too; borrowing Murphy does not abolish the ordinary counter relationship.
Missile: defenders-front is only the starting point
The conservative reference has McGregor/Adam front; Tesla/Fiona/Swift back. Developed players also report McGregor/Swift front; Tesla/Fiona/Adam back, or Tesla/Swift front; Adam/Fiona/McGregor back. These require appropriate protective equipment, McGregor's contribution and the actual Adam skill behavior; they are not early-game defaults.
Missile+Lucius has two different reported versions:
- Keep Adam: Tesla/Swift front; Adam/Lucius/McGregor back. Fiona is removed.
- Keep Fiona: Tesla/Swift front; McGregor/Fiona/Lucius back. Adam is removed, so Adam's counter skill is not present.
Do not describe both as the same counterattack setup. Check the damage/support lost, protect Lucius, and test against full Missile as well as energy-heavy teams. Keeping McGregor can be important even when another hero has a better damage number.
What a 4+1 really costs
Ordinary same-type bonuses are +20% with five, versus +15% with four. An off-type skill can compensate, but that must be demonstrated for your setup. A seasonal Hybrid card is a separate mechanic and must actually be available and active. The +1 does not automatically receive every type-specific Drone effect.
Murphy cannot be in Tank and Air simultaneously in one multi-squad fight. The same is true for borrowed Lucius or Adam. In 3v3, consider the vacancy and the opponent order before declaring the first-squad improvement a win.
Match the opponent and the task
For ordinary PvP, Tank counters Missile, Missile counters Aircraft, and Aircraft counters Tank. Mixed squads and different development complicate that hint; it is not a predicted winner.
Arena, field attacks and garrison/rally defense also have different risks. A saved formation does not set your troop capacity, command role, defensive cards or event rules. See PvP combat, rallies, troop counters and Battle Reports.
Early heroes, promotions and new systems
If your core is incomplete, the library includes an early Tank bridge. Do not force a weak all-UR or hybrid squad just to match a diagram. Mason is a progression/PvE option, not automatically a developed PvP replacement for Stetmann.
Promoted Sarah, Venom or Braz also needs context. Promotion alone does not prove that replacing a developed original UR improves PvP. Where complete comparable tests are insufficient, the library deliberately avoids inventing an optimal five. Awakening can change older comparisons again.