Kingshot Gen 2 Heroes Guide: Zoe, Hilde and Marlin

Kingshot Gen 2 heroes are Zoe, Hilde, and Marlin. They introduce one Legendary hero for each troop class and create the first major hero investment decision for most developing accounts.

Zoe is an Infantry frontline hero available through Hero Roulette. Hilde is a Cavalry healer and defensive specialist obtained mainly through competitive or paid sources. Marlin is an Archer damage dealer available through Hall of Heroes.

Most free-to-play and low-spending players should not attempt to maximize all three heroes immediately. Zoe and Marlin use different acquisition resources, making them the most practical pair to develop. Hilde is powerful, but her shard sources are less accessible.

This broad Kingshot Generation 2 guide covers release timing, unlock methods, skills, widgets, investment priority, F2P planning, hero comparisons, team formations, rally order, Arena use, Conquest teams, and Bear Hunt strategy.

Who Are the Kingshot Gen 2 Heroes?

Generation 2, sometimes called Season 2 by players, adds three Legendary heroes:

When Do Gen 2 Heroes Unlock?

Generation 2 normally begins around kingdom Day 40 to Day 50. The exact timing can vary between server groups and event rotations.

The unlock depends on kingdom age, not your Town Center level. A player cannot accelerate Generation 2 by upgrading the city faster.

The three heroes may not appear on exactly the same day because they use different events:

• Zoe appears through a Generation 2 Hero Roulette.
• Marlin appears in the Hall of Heroes.
• Hilde appears through later Hall of Governors runs, Strongest Governor, Daily Deals, or Hero Rally.

Check the Monument, event calendar, Hero Roulette selection, and Hall of Heroes shop to confirm whether Generation 2 has opened in your kingdom.

What to Save Before Gen 2 Starts

Preparation determines how many Gen 2 heroes you can develop without spending heavily.

Save Gems for Zoe

Zoe is the Generation 2 Hero Roulette hero. Save enough Gems to reach useful spin milestones instead of making a few random spins.

Common stopping points are:

• 70 spins: Efficient for players with a limited Gem supply
• 120 spins: Better when you can afford the larger milestone

Roulette provides Zoe-specific shards, so Mythic General Hero Shards should not normally be used on her first.

Save Mythic General Hero Shards for Marlin

Marlin can be unlocked through Hall of Heroes, but building him entirely through that shop can become expensive.

A practical strategy is:

1. Use Marks of Valor to unlock Marlin.
2. Stop purchasing excessive Marlin shards from the shop.
3. Use saved Mythic General Hero Shards to raise his star level.
4. Aim for three stars first, then continue toward four stars.

Save Marks of Valor

Marks of Valor are used in Hall of Heroes. Do not spend all available Marks on older heroes shortly before Marlin becomes available.

Unused Marks can be saved, although generation restrictions may apply to the specific currency.

Keep Developing Existing Hero Gear

A newly unlocked Gen 2 hero with low stars, weak skills, and no Gear may perform worse than a fully developed Gen 1 hero.

Continue building transferable Hero Gear so it can be moved to Zoe, Hilde, or Marlin when they are ready for your main formation.

How to Get Each Gen 2 Hero

How to Get Zoe

Zoe’s main Generation 2 source is Hero Roulette.

Additional sources may become available after your kingdom reaches Generation 3, including Daily Deals and Hall of Heroes.

Zoe is usually the easiest Gen 2 Legendary hero for free-to-play players to develop because Roulette provides a focused supply of her personal shards.

How to Get Hilde

Hilde can appear through:

• Hall of Governors
• Strongest Governor
• Daily Deals
• Hero Rally
• Hall of Heroes after later generations unlock

Hilde is commonly featured in later Hall of Governors runs during the first two generations. Competition can be expensive because her shards are tied to rankings and paid offers.

How to Get Marlin

Marlin’s main Generation 2 source is Hall of Heroes.

Use Marks of Valor to purchase enough shards to unlock him. After that, Mythic General Hero Shards are usually the more practical way to develop his star level.

Marlin can also enter Daily Deals after Generation 3 begins.

For broader shard planning, read the Kingshot Hero Shards guide.

Zoe: Gen 2 Infantry Frontline

Zoe is a durable Infantry hero built for frontline survival, damage amplification, and defensive play.

She is the safest first Gen 2 investment for most F2P accounts because she is available through Hero Roulette and can be developed without competing for a leaderboard.

Zoe Conquest Skills

Zoe Expedition Skills

• Sundering Wound: Gives squad attacks a 20% chance to inflict 40% damage per turn for three turns.
• Charisma: Increases total Squad Attack by 25%.
• Infinite Arsenal: Gives attacks a 50% chance to increase enemy damage taken by 50%.

Charisma was called Stoic in some older community articles. The current skill name is Charisma.

Zoe Widget: The Unrighteous

Zoe’s exclusive widget provides Infantry Lethality and Health as it is upgraded.

Its exclusive skills are:

• Death or Glory: Increases Zoe’s Attack by up to 24% after Agony Rush activates.
• Dark Lady: Increases Defender Squad Attack by up to 15%.

The Expedition widget effect makes Zoe primarily a garrison and defensive hero rather than an attack-rally specialist.

Is Zoe Worth Building?

Yes. Zoe is the best first Gen 2 hero for most F2P players.

Build Zoe when:

• You need a stronger Infantry frontline.
• You can complete regular Hero Roulette milestones.
• You play Arena or Conquest frequently.
• You participate in garrison defense.
• Your Helga, Amadeus, or Howard frontline is falling behind.

Hilde: Gen 2 Cavalry Healer

Hilde is a Cavalry hero focused on healing, team sustain, and defensive Expedition effects.

She can be very strong in long battles, but her acquisition sources make her harder for F2P players to develop to a competitive star level.

Hilde Conquest Skills

Hilde Expedition Skills

• Noble Path: Increases total Squad Attack by 15% and Defense by 10%.
• Elixir of Strength: Gives squad attacks a 25% chance to deal 200% damage.
• Trial by Fire: Gives a 40% chance to reduce damage taken by 50% for all squads.

Hilde combines one guaranteed Attack and Defense bonus with two chance-based effects. This makes her useful for sustained defensive battles.

Hilde Widget: Revelation

Hilde’s widget provides Cavalry Lethality and Health.

Its exclusive skills are:

• Holy Invocation: Increases Hilde’s healing effects by up to 70%.
• Fortitude: Increases Defender Squad Health by up to 15%.

Fortitude is a defensive garrison effect. It does not improve the attack rally you initiate.

Is Hilde Worth Building?

Hilde is worth building when you can obtain enough shards to make her competitive.

She is strongest for:

• Garrison leaders
• Defensive players
• Spenders using Daily Deals
• Players ranking highly in Hall of Governors
• Teams that benefit from long fights and repeated healing

A one-star or two-star Hilde is not automatically better than a fully developed Jabel. Compare stars, skills, Gear, and Expedition bonuses before replacing an older hero.

Marlin: Gen 2 Archer Damage Hero

Marlin is the Gen 2 Archer hero. He provides area damage, control, damage amplification, and a strong attack-rally widget.

He is one of the most important Generation 2 investments for players who lead rallies or need a stronger Archer damage hero.

Marlin Conquest Skills

Marlin Expedition Skills

• Wild Card: Gives a 40% chance to increase damage dealt by 50% for all squads.
• Rumhead: Gives a 20% chance to reduce enemy Squad Lethality by 50% for two turns while attacking.

Some older articles list Dynamo as a third Marlin Expedition skill. Current hero data lists Wild Card and Rumhead as his standard Expedition skills, while Admiral of the Line comes from his exclusive widget.

Marlin Widget: Mistweaver

Marlin’s widget provides Archer Lethality and Health.

Its exclusive skills are:

• Servant of Wine: Heals the weakest friendly hero by up to 15% of Marlin’s Attack with each basic attack.
• Admiral of the Line: Increases Rally Squad Lethality by up to 15% when Marlin initiates a rally.

Admiral of the Line gives Marlin the strongest offensive widget role among the Gen 2 heroes.

Is Marlin Worth Building?

Yes. Marlin is a strong Gen 2 investment for Arena damage, attack rallies, Conquest, and general combat.

Recommended development targets are:

• Unlock: Obtain enough personal shards through Hall of Heroes.
• Three stars: First useful long-term target.
• Four stars: Stronger target for a main Archer hero.
• Five stars: Best for rally leaders and heavy investors.

Which Gen 2 Hero Should You Upgrade First?

Best F2P Priority

1. Zoe through Hero Roulette
2. Marlin through Hall of Heroes and General Shards
3. Hilde only when enough shards are available

Zoe and Marlin do not directly compete for the same primary resource. Zoe uses Gems and Roulette milestones, while Marlin uses Hall of Heroes access and Mythic General Hero Shards.

Best Low-Spender Priority

1. Zoe
2. Marlin
3. Hilde through selected Daily Deals

A low spender can build Hilde gradually, but should avoid spreading paid resources across all three widgets and star levels simultaneously.

Best Garrison-Leader Priority

1. Zoe
2. Hilde
3. Marlin

Zoe and Hilde both have defender-focused widget effects. Marlin is primarily an offensive rally hero.

Best Attack-Rally Priority

1. Marlin
2. Zoe for frontline and general march strength
3. Hilde only when she is highly developed

Zoe or Marlin: Which Is Better?

Zoe and Marlin perform different jobs, so the better choice depends on what your account lacks.

Most F2P players should build both through their separate acquisition paths rather than choosing only one.

Hilde or Zoe: Which Is Better?

Zoe is generally the better F2P investment because her personal shards are available through Hero Roulette.

Choose Zoe when:

• You need a reliable frontline.
• You have saved Gems.
• You cannot rank highly in Hall of Governors.
• You need an accessible garrison hero.

Choose Hilde when:

• You can obtain enough Hilde shards.
• You need Cavalry coverage.
• You specialize in garrison defense.
• Your team benefits from healing and long battles.

A developed Zoe is usually more valuable than a low-star Hilde.

Hilde or Marlin: Which Is Better?

Marlin is normally better for offensive players. Hilde is better for defensive sustain.

• Choose Marlin: Attack rallies, Archer damage, Arena control and general F2P progression.
• Choose Hilde: Garrison defense, healing, defensive Cavalry and high-spending lineups.

For most F2P accounts, Marlin has the higher priority because Mythic General Hero Shards can develop him after the Hall of Heroes unlock.

Zoe or Marlin Widget: Which Should You Choose?

This is one of the most important Gen 2 investment decisions.

Do not divide a small number of Gen 2 Widget chests equally across all three heroes. Complete a useful breakpoint on the hero matching your role.

Best Gen 2 Hero Teams

Best Accessible Gen 2 Core

Zoe + Jabel + Marlin

This formation covers Infantry, Cavalry, and Archer while using two accessible Gen 2 investments and a developed Gen 1 Cavalry hero.

Best Defensive Gen 2 Team

Zoe + Hilde + Marlin

Zoe provides the frontline, Hilde provides healing and mitigation, and Marlin supplies back-row damage.

For a dedicated Expedition garrison, Saul may replace Marlin when Saul’s defender widget is more developed.

Best Gen 2 Arena Formation

Use two durable heroes in the front row and keep Marlin protected in the back row.

A practical Arena setup is:

• Front row: Zoe plus Amadeus, Helga, or Howard
• Back row: Marlin, Jabel, and your strongest remaining damage or support hero

Do not place Marlin in the front row. His value comes from surviving long enough to use repeated area damage and control.

Best Three-Hero Conquest Team

Use:

• Developed account: Amadeus + Zoe + Marlin
• Accessible account: Howard + Zoe + Marlin
• Defensive option: Zoe + Hilde + Marlin

Conquest performance depends on Conquest skills, hero levels, stars, and placement. Expedition widget bonuses do not determine Conquest results.

Best Gen 2 Attack Rally

A practical attack-rally core is:

Amadeus or Zoe + Jabel or Hilde + Marlin

Marlin should be included when his widget is developed because Admiral of the Line increases Rally Squad Lethality.

Best Gen 2 Garrison

A defensive core can use:

Zoe + Hilde + Saul

Zoe and Hilde have defender-focused widgets, while Saul can provide another defensive widget effect. Use Marlin instead when raw damage and star development make him significantly stronger.

Gen 2 Hero March Order

Hero order depends on whether you are leading your own march or joining another player’s rally.

Personal March or Rally Leader

When leading your own march, all selected heroes and applicable skills contribute. Use the hero combination that provides the best troop coverage, stars, skills, and Gear.

A common order is:

1. Infantry hero, such as Zoe, for frontline durability
2. Cavalry hero, such as Jabel or Hilde
3. Archer hero, such as Marlin, for damage

The visual slot order is less important than using the correct three developed heroes and matching troop formation.

Joining an Alliance Rally

When joining another player’s rally, the first hero’s first Expedition skill is the important contribution.

Zoe and Marlin use chance-based first Expedition skills. They should not automatically replace reliable Bear Hunt joiners such as Chenko, Amane, or Yeonwoo.

Are Gen 2 Heroes Good for Bear Hunt?

Starting a Bear Hunt Rally

When starting your own rally, use your strongest three developed heroes with the best Gear and Expedition statistics.

An accessible Gen 2 host team is:

Zoe + Jabel + Marlin

A highly developed Amadeus can replace Zoe when he produces stronger rally damage.

Joining Bear Hunt Rallies

Do not use Zoe, Hilde, or Marlin as your default first-slot joiner when your alliance has stronger reliable buff heroes available.

Common first-slot joiners include:

• Chenko
• Amane
• Yeonwoo

These heroes provide reliable Attack or Lethality bonuses. Zoe and Marlin depend on chance-based effects, while Hilde’s guaranteed Attack bonus is lower than the strongest dedicated joiners.

Gen 2 Skill and Shard Priority

When Should Gen 2 Heroes Replace Gen 1 Heroes?

Do not replace a developed Gen 1 hero immediately after unlocking a one-star Gen 2 hero.

Consider replacing the older hero when the Gen 2 hero has:

• At least three useful stars
• Important skills upgraded
• Transferred or improved Hero Gear
• Higher Expedition Attack and Defense
• A role that matches your formation

Zoe Replacements

Zoe can replace Howard, Helga, or another older frontline hero when her stars and skills provide better survival.

Marlin Replacements

Marlin can replace Quinn or Diana after reaching a competitive star level and receiving strong Archer Gear.

Hilde Replacements

Hilde can replace Jabel when her stars, skills, and Gear are comparable. A low-star Hilde may still perform worse than a fully developed Jabel.

How Gen 2 Heroes Transition Into Gen 3

Generation 3 introduces Eric, Petra, and Jaeger. Do not replace Gen 2 heroes based only on generation number.

• Zoe vs Eric: Keep using Zoe until Eric has enough stars, skills, and Gear to provide a real defensive improvement.
• Marlin vs Jaeger: Marlin remains valuable for attack rallies because his widget increases Rally Lethality. Jaeger may become stronger in some solo situations through raw statistics.
• Hilde: Can remain useful in defensive teams beyond Gen 2 because healing and mitigation scale well in longer battles.

Compare heroes by role rather than assuming every new generation is an immediate replacement.

For a broader comparison across all generations, read the Kingshot Hero Tier List.

Common Gen 2 Hero Mistakes

Trying to Max All Three Heroes

Most accounts do not have enough shards, Gems, skill manuals, Gear, and Widgets to maximize Zoe, Hilde, and Marlin together.

Using General Shards on Zoe First

Zoe receives personal shards from Hero Roulette. Save Mythic General Hero Shards for Marlin unless there is a specific reason to finish Zoe immediately.

Overspending Marks of Valor on Marlin Shards

Unlock Marlin through Hall of Heroes, then compare the cost of additional shop shards with using saved Mythic General Hero Shards.

Building a Low-Star Hilde Too Early

Hilde’s kit is strong, but a low-star Hilde may not outperform a developed Jabel or another established hero.

Splitting Widget Chests Evenly

Widget materials should follow your role. Marlin supports attack rallies, Zoe supports garrisons, and Hilde supports defensive Cavalry.

Placing Marlin in the Arena Front Row

Marlin needs protection to deliver repeated area damage and crowd control. Keep him behind durable frontline heroes.

Using Zoe or Marlin as Default Bear Hunt Joiners

Their first Expedition skills are chance-based. Reliable joiner buffs from Chenko, Amane, and Yeonwoo are normally safer.

Building Marlin Around a Crit Stat

Marlin’s documented value comes from area damage, immobilization, stuns, damage amplification, and his rally widget. His kit does not list a separate Crit-focused skill.

Players joining an established kingdom may need developed Gen 2 heroes, high Widget levels, strong Hero Gear, and advanced troops immediately. Those comparing established progression options can review a verified kingshot account for sale before rebuilding every hero system from the beginning.

FAQ

Who are the Kingshot Gen 2 heroes?

The Generation 2 heroes are Zoe, an Infantry hero, Hilde, a Cavalry hero, and Marlin, an Archer hero.

When does Gen 2 start in Kingshot?

Generation 2 normally starts around kingdom Day 40 to Day 50. Exact timing varies between server groups and event schedules.

Who is the best Gen 2 hero for F2P players?

Zoe is the easiest focused F2P investment through Hero Roulette. F2P players should also unlock Marlin and develop him with Mythic General Hero Shards.

Should I choose Zoe or Marlin?

Choose Zoe when you need a frontline Infantry hero. Choose Marlin when you need Archer damage or an attack-rally hero. Most F2P players can build both through separate resources.

Which Gen 2 widget should I upgrade first?

Upgrade Marlin’s widget first for attack rallies. Choose Zoe for garrison Attack or Hilde for defensive Cavalry and garrison Health.

Is Hilde worth building?

Hilde is worth building for garrison leaders, defensive players, and players who can obtain enough shards. She is usually a lower priority for strict F2P accounts.

What is the best Gen 2 team?

Zoe, Jabel, and Marlin form the most accessible balanced core. Zoe, Hilde, and Marlin provide a more defensive full Gen 2 lineup.

Are Gen 2 heroes good for Bear Hunt?

Zoe and Marlin can improve a rally you lead when developed. However, they should not normally replace reliable first-slot joiners such as Chenko, Amane, or Yeonwoo.

Conclusion

Kingshot Gen 2 heroes introduce Zoe, Hilde, and Marlin. Each hero fills a different role and uses a different acquisition path.

Zoe is the most accessible F2P frontline hero through Hero Roulette. Marlin is the strongest general target for saved Mythic General Hero Shards after unlocking him through Hall of Heroes. Hilde provides excellent healing and defensive value, but requires more competitive or paid shard sources.

Most F2P and low-spending players should build Zoe and Marlin rather than attempting to maximize all three. Save Gems for Roulette, reserve General Shards for Marlin, and invest in Hilde only when you can reach a useful star level.

For widget selection, choose Marlin for attack rallies, Zoe for Defender Attack, and Hilde for Defender Health. Keep Marlin protected in Arena, use Zoe as a frontline anchor, and avoid replacing developed Gen 1 heroes with weak one-star Gen 2 heroes too early.

Generation 2 is not only about unlocking newer heroes. The best results come from matching each hero to the correct role, acquisition resource, widget, team, and battle mode.