Last War Survival Cage Guide: Skills, Gear, and Best Use

Cage is an SSR Aircraft hero in Last War Survival who specializes in frontline defense. His skills help him reduce damage from monsters, improve the Defense of front-row heroes, and remain active during longer battles.

Cage is mainly useful during the early and middle stages of progression. He can temporarily fill a frontline position in an Aircraft squad while players work toward stronger UR defenders such as Carlie or Lucius.

This Last War Survival Cage guide covers his skills, skill upgrade priority, best gear, formations, strengths, weaknesses, and whether he is worth investing in.

Cage Overview

Cage is an SSR defense hero who belongs to the Aircraft hero type. He is designed to stand on the front row, absorb incoming attacks, and support the other frontline hero with a Defense buff.

Detail	Cage Information
Hero	Cage
Rarity	SSR
Vehicle Type	Aircraft
Specialty	Defense
Recommended Position	Front Row
Damage Type	Energy Damage
Main Strength	Front-row Defense support
Best Stage	Early to mid-game
Best Content	Monster battles and temporary Aircraft squads
Long-Term Priority	Low to medium
Wall of Honor Bonus	Aircraft HP

At Level 150, Cage’s listed base stats include approximately 9,000 Attack, 572,100 HP, 2,200 Defense, and 350 March Size. Exact stats may vary based on hero tiers, decorations, research, buildings, gear, and future game updates.

What Role Does Cage Play?

Cage is a frontline tank and defensive support hero. His main purpose is not to deal high damage. Instead, he helps keep the front row alive by increasing Defense and reducing his own damage taken from monsters.

This makes Cage useful when players do not yet have two developed UR Aircraft defenders. He can protect damage dealers such as DVA, Maxwell, Morrison, and Schuyler while they attack from the back row.

Cage is less effective when used as a damage dealer. Even though his normal attack deals Energy Damage, his overall kit is focused on survivability and frontline support.

Cage Skills

Cage’s skills focus on regular Energy Damage, personal protection against monsters, front-row Defense, and general stat bonuses.

Skill	Type	General Effect
Energy Bullet	Auto Attack	Deals Energy Damage based on Cage’s Attack
Z-Armor	Passive	Reduces Cage’s damage taken from monsters
Defense Boost	Tactics	Increases the Defense of front-row heroes
Special Tactics	Expertise	Increases Cage’s HP, Attack, and Defense

Exact values may change depending on skill level, star level, server progress, or future balance updates.

Energy Bullet

Energy Bullet is Cage’s normal attack. At its listed base value, it deals Energy Damage equal to 183.75% of Cage’s Attack and has a cooldown of approximately one second.

Upgrade Stage	Additional Damage
First upgrade	20%
Second upgrade	45%
Third upgrade	70%
Fourth upgrade	100%
Fifth upgrade	150%

The skill allows Cage to contribute some damage while protecting the front row. However, Cage has a defensive specialty, so Energy Bullet should not receive the same priority as the main skills of a dedicated attacker.

Upgrading Energy Bullet is most useful when Cage is already well-developed and remains part of an active Aircraft squad.

Z-Armor

Z-Armor is Cage’s monster-focused defensive passive. At its listed base value, it reduces the damage Cage takes from monsters by 37%.

Each star-based improvement increases the effect by an additional 2%.

Upgrade	Monster Damage Reduction
Base effect	37%
First upgrade	+2%
Second upgrade	+2%
Third upgrade	+2%
Fourth upgrade	+2%
Fifth upgrade	+2%

At maximum listed improvements, Z-Armor can provide approximately 47% damage reduction against monsters.

This makes Cage noticeably more durable in PvE content. He can remain on the frontline longer while back-row heroes deal damage.

The main limitation is that Z-Armor is specialized. Its monster damage reduction does not provide the same benefit when fighting other commanders in PvP.

Defense Boost

Defense Boost is Cage’s most important general-purpose support skill. When activated, it increases the Defense of front-row heroes by 40% for six seconds. The effect does not stack with another copy of the same buff.

The skill has a listed cooldown of approximately nine seconds.

Upgrade Stage	Improvement
First upgrade	Duration increases to 7 seconds
Second upgrade	Defense effect increases by 5%
Third upgrade	Duration increases to 8 seconds
Fourth upgrade	Defense effect increases by another 5%
Fifth upgrade	Duration increases to 9 seconds

At higher upgrades, Defense Boost can reach a 50% Defense increase with a nine-second duration.

This skill improves both Cage and the second hero standing beside him on the front row. It is especially useful when Cage is paired with another durable defender.

Defense Boost also provides better general value than Z-Armor because it can help in both PvE and PvP battles.

Special Tactics

Special Tactics increases Cage’s main personal stats.

Stat	Listed Bonus
HP	+10%
Attack	+10%
Defense	+10%

HP and Defense are the most important parts of this skill because they improve Cage’s ability to survive on the front row.

The Attack bonus increases the damage of Energy Bullet, but offensive performance remains a secondary part of Cage’s role.

Best Cage Skill Upgrade Priority

The best Cage skill priority depends on whether you use him for general combat or mainly against monsters.

General Skill Priority

Priority	Skill	Reason
1	Defense Boost	Improves the durability of both frontline heroes
2	Special Tactics	Increases Cage’s HP and Defense
3	Z-Armor	Provides strong protection in monster battles
4	Energy Bullet	Adds damage but does not improve his main role

Defense Boost should normally receive the highest priority because it helps the entire front row and works in more types of combat.

Special Tactics is valuable because additional HP and Defense improve Cage’s performance in every battle.

PvE and Monster Skill Priority

Players using Cage mainly for monster battles can use a different order:

1. Z-Armor
2. Defense Boost
3. Special Tactics
4. Energy Bullet

Z-Armor becomes much more important in PvE because its damage reduction can significantly increase Cage’s survival time.

Cage Skill Investment Recommendation

Cage does not need every skill fully upgraded to perform as a temporary frontline hero.

Focus on Defense Boost and the skills that improve his survivability. Avoid spending excessive Skill Medals on Energy Bullet unless Cage is highly developed and remains part of your main squad.

Skill Medals become expensive at higher levels. Players planning to replace Cage with Carlie or Lucius should stop at practical skill milestones and save resources for their long-term heroes.

Best Gear for Cage

Cage benefits most from equipment that increases HP, Defense, and damage reduction.

Gear Slot	Priority	Main Purpose
Armor	1	Increases frontline durability
Radar	2	Improves protection against skill and Energy Damage
Data Chip	3	Provides HP and additional stats
Cannon or Turret	4	Adds Attack and limited defensive value

Early-Game Gear

During the early game, Cage can use M3 equipment to fill his gear slots.

Early Gear	Recommendation
M3 Armor	Equip first for HP and Defense
M3 Data Chip	Equip for additional HP
M3 Turret	Use as a temporary stat increase
M3 Radar	Equip when available, but avoid heavy investment

M3 Armor is usually the most useful early item because Cage needs as much survivability as possible.

Avoid spending large amounts of Upgrade Ore on temporary M3 gear. These pieces are eventually replaced, and Upgrade Ore becomes increasingly valuable as better equipment becomes available.

Mid-Game Gear

Cage benefits from M4-A defensive gear that improves HP, Defense, and damage reduction.

Recommended Gear	Main Benefit
M4-A Porcupine Armor	HP, Defense, and damage reduction
M4-A Seahawk Radar	Defensive stats and damage reduction
M4-A Jackal Data Chip	Additional stats and HP support
M4-A Destroyer Cannon	Improves Attack and normal damage

The M4-A Porcupine Armor should normally be Cage’s first major defensive gear goal. It directly improves the stats he needs to remain on the frontline.

The M4-A Seahawk Radar is another useful defensive upgrade, especially when Cage faces enemies that deal significant Energy or skill damage.

Recommended Gear Upgrade Order

1. Upgrade Armor.
2. Upgrade Radar.
3. Improve the Data Chip if Cage needs more HP.
4. Upgrade the Cannon only after his defensive gear is developed.

Cage’s purpose is to survive and protect the back row. Offensive gear should therefore receive lower priority.

How Much Should You Invest in Cage’s Gear?

The correct investment level depends on how long you plan to use him.

Player Situation	Gear Recommendation
Temporary early-game defender	Basic gear with limited upgrades
Main Aircraft frontline hero	Moderate Armor and Radar investment
Secondary squad defender	Transfer older defensive equipment to him
Player with Carlie or Lucius	Move the best defensive gear to the UR hero
Late-game player	Avoid major new investment

Gear can be transferred between heroes, so equipment investment is less permanent than spending universal shards or Skill Medals. However, Cage should not take defensive gear away from a stronger main-squad defender.

Best Position and Team Formation for Cage

Cage should normally be placed on the front row.

His high HP, defensive specialty, Z-Armor passive, and Defense Boost skill are all designed to help him absorb damage before enemies reach the back row.

Recommended Formation Structure

Position	Recommended Role
Front Left	Cage or primary defender
Front Right	Second defender
Back Left	Damage dealer
Back Middle	Main damage dealer
Back Right	Support or secondary attacker

Cage should be paired with another defensive hero whenever possible. A double-frontline setup allows both defenders to benefit from Defense Boost.

Best Frontline Partners for Cage

Hero	Role with Cage
Carlie	Strong Aircraft defender and long-term replacement
Lucius	Durable Aircraft defender with stronger late-game value
Murphy	Reliable Tank defender for mixed early formations
Williams	Strong frontline protection
Violet	Accessible defensive option
Scarlett	Defensive support and frontline durability
McGregor	Missile defender for mixed formations

Using Cage with Carlie or Lucius creates a durable Aircraft frontline. However, once both UR defenders are properly developed, Cage will normally move to a secondary squad.

Early-Game Cage Formation

Position	Hero
Front Row	Cage
Front Row	Best available defender
Back Row	Maxwell
Back Row	Main damage dealer
Back Row	Support hero

This formation is suitable for players who have Cage and Maxwell but have not yet unlocked a complete UR Aircraft lineup.

The other three positions should be filled with the strongest available attackers and support heroes. Early players do not need to force a full Aircraft formation if their mixed heroes have much higher levels or star ratings.

Budget Aircraft Formation

Position	Hero
Front Row	Cage
Front Row	Carlie or another defender
Back Row	DVA
Back Row	Maxwell
Back Row	Sarah

This lineup combines Cage’s frontline Defense boost with DVA and Maxwell’s damage. Sarah provides additional support while also contributing toward Aircraft formation bonuses.

Aircraft Transition Formation

Position	Hero
Front Row	Cage
Front Row	Carlie
Back Row	DVA
Back Row	Schuyler
Back Row	Sarah or Morrison

This formation can be used while waiting to unlock or develop Lucius.

Cage protects the back row temporarily, but he should eventually be replaced when Lucius becomes strong enough to perform the frontline role more effectively.

Mixed Beginner Formation

Position	Hero Type
Front Row	Cage
Front Row	Strongest available defender
Back Row	Strongest attacker
Back Row	Second attacker
Back Row	Support hero

A mixed formation can be stronger than a full Aircraft squad during the early game. Hero level, star rating, skills, and gear often matter more than vehicle matching when the difference in hero development is large.

Best Uses for Cage

Cage performs best in content where frontline durability matters.

Game Mode	Cage Performance
Map Monsters	Good
Zombie Battles	Good
Campaign	Moderate to good
Infected or monster zones	Good
Arena	Moderate
PvP Attacks	Limited to moderate
Main Late-Game Squad	Low priority
Secondary Squad	Useful

Monster Battles

Monster battles are one of Cage’s best uses because Z-Armor directly reduces the damage he receives from monsters.

This allows him to survive longer and gives back-row attackers more time to deal damage. Cage can be particularly useful when fighting enemies that repeatedly defeat weaker frontline heroes.

Campaign Progression

Cage can help players clear early and middle campaign stages by stabilizing the front row.

Defense Boost is especially useful when both frontline heroes are taking heavy damage. However, Cage may struggle in later stages where UR defenders and stronger team-wide protection become more important.

Aircraft Squads

Cage provides an accessible frontline option for players developing an Aircraft formation.

He can help activate same-type formation bonuses while protecting Aircraft attackers. His long-term value decreases after Carlie and Lucius are unlocked and upgraded.

Secondary Squads

Cage remains useful as a defender in a second or third squad.

Older defensive gear can be transferred to him after stronger heroes receive better equipment. This allows Cage to contribute without requiring a major new investment.

PvP Battles

Cage can be used in early PvP formations because Defense Boost works against player squads.

However, Z-Armor does not provide its monster damage reduction in standard PvP. This means part of Cage’s kit loses value when fighting other commanders.

He can still perform adequately when his star level, skills, and gear are higher than the available alternatives.

Cage Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths	Weaknesses
Accessible SSR Aircraft defender	Eventually replaced by UR defenders
Strong damage reduction against monsters	Z-Armor has limited PvP value
Buffs both front-row heroes	Low personal damage
Useful in early Aircraft squads	Requires defensive gear to survive harder battles
Works well in PvE progression	Limited late-game scaling
Can move to a secondary squad	Competes for SSR shards and Skill Medals
Provides an Aircraft HP Wall of Honor bonus	Not a permanent main-squad investment for most players

Cage’s Main Strength

Cage’s main strength is his ability to stabilize the frontline during early and middle progression.

Z-Armor provides strong personal protection against monsters, while Defense Boost improves both Cage and his frontline partner. This combination makes him useful in sustained PvE battles.

Cage’s Main Weakness

Cage’s main weakness is his limited long-term value.

UR Aircraft defenders have stronger stats and more complete defensive kits. As a result, Cage usually becomes a secondary-squad hero after players develop Carlie and Lucius.

Is Cage Worth Upgrading?

Cage is worth upgrading when he is one of your best available frontline heroes or when you are building an early Aircraft squad.

He is not usually worth maximum long-term investment. Cage should be treated as a temporary frontline solution until stronger Aircraft defenders become available.

Upgrade Cage When:

• He is currently protecting your main squad.
• You are building an early Aircraft formation.
• Your frontline is being defeated too quickly.
• You frequently fight monsters or zombies.
• You have Cage-specific hero shards.
• Carlie and Lucius are not yet developed.
• You need a defender for a secondary squad.

Limit Cage Investment When:

• You already have developed UR Aircraft defenders.
• He is no longer part of your main formation.
• Your Skill Medals are limited.
• You are saving SSR universal shards for another hero.
• His only role is filling a secondary squad.
• Your main formation is not Aircraft-based.

Recommended Investment Level

Player Situation	Recommendation
New player using Cage in the main squad	Moderate investment
PvE-focused player	Prioritize Z-Armor and Defense Boost
Early Aircraft player	Use as a temporary frontline hero
Player with Carlie but no Lucius	Keep Cage as the second defender temporarily
Player with Carlie and Lucius	Move Cage to a secondary squad
Late-game player	Minimal new investment

Use Cage-specific shards whenever possible. Universal SSR shards should be spent carefully because other SSR heroes may provide more long-term value.

Should You Upgrade Cage to Five Stars?

Reaching five stars can make Cage more durable and unlock his Wall of Honor progression. However, the total shard cost is significant.

Pushing Cage to five stars makes more sense when:

• You receive many Cage-specific shards.
• Your Aircraft frontline still depends on him.
• Your main SSR priorities are already complete.
• You want to improve Aircraft HP through the Wall of Honor.

Players who are close to replacing Cage should avoid forcing five stars with universal shards.

Best Cage Tips

• Place Cage on the front row.
• Pair him with another defensive hero.
• Use him mainly in monster battles and early Aircraft squads.
• Prioritize Defense Boost for general combat.
• Prioritize Z-Armor when focusing on PvE.
• Upgrade Armor before offensive gear.
• Use the best defensive Radar available.
• Avoid heavily upgrading temporary M3 equipment.
• Spend Cage-specific shards before universal shards.
• Upgrade the Aircraft Center if Aircraft heroes form your main squad.
• Move Cage to a secondary squad after unlocking better defenders.
• Transfer his defensive gear to Carlie or Lucius when replacing him.

Mistakes to Avoid

Placing Cage on the Back Row

Cage is designed to absorb damage and support the frontline. Placing him in the back row wastes his defensive specialty and reduces the protection available to your attackers.

Treating Cage as a Damage Dealer

Energy Bullet allows Cage to attack, but he does not have the offensive kit of heroes such as DVA, Morrison, or Schuyler.

His gear and skill upgrades should focus on survivability rather than maximum damage.

Overinvesting in Energy Bullet

Energy Bullet provides additional damage, but it does not improve Cage’s main defensive role.

Players with limited Skill Medals should prioritize Defense Boost, Z-Armor, and Special Tactics.

Expecting Z-Armor to Work the Same in PvP

Z-Armor reduces damage from monsters. It does not provide the same specialized protection against other player squads.

Cage is therefore more efficient in PvE than in competitive PvP.

Spending Too Many Universal Shards

Cage-specific shards are the safest way to upgrade him. Universal SSR shards should be reserved until you are certain Cage will remain useful.

Upgrading Temporary Gear Too Far

M3 equipment is useful during early progression but is eventually replaced.

Save Upgrade Ore for better gear, especially defensive Armor and Radar pieces that can later be transferred to stronger heroes.

Ignoring Stronger Aircraft Defenders

Cage is a useful temporary hero, but players should still plan for Carlie and Lucius.

Continuing to invest heavily in Cage after both UR defenders are developed can slow down the growth of the main Aircraft squad.

Forcing a Full Aircraft Squad Too Early

A full Aircraft formation provides useful bonuses, but it may not be your strongest option if the heroes are underdeveloped.

During early progression, use your strongest available heroes while gradually building toward a complete Aircraft lineup.

FAQs

Is Cage good in Last War Survival?

Cage is a useful early-to-mid-game SSR Aircraft defender. He performs best against monsters and as a temporary frontline hero in an Aircraft squad.

What type of hero is Cage?

Cage is an SSR Aircraft hero with the Defense specialty. His recommended position is the front row.

What is Cage’s best skill?

Defense Boost is his best general-purpose skill because it increases the Defense of both front-row heroes. Z-Armor is his most valuable skill for monster battles.

What is the best skill upgrade order for Cage?

For general combat, prioritize Defense Boost, Special Tactics, Z-Armor, and then Energy Bullet. For monster-focused content, upgrade Z-Armor before the other skills.

What is the best gear for Cage?

Cage should use defensive gear that improves HP, Defense, and damage reduction. Prioritize Armor first, followed by Radar, Data Chip, and Cannon.

Should Cage be placed in the front or back row?

Cage should be placed on the front row. His defensive skills are designed to protect the squad and improve frontline durability.

Is Cage good for PvP?

Cage can be useful in early PvP, especially when Defense Boost is upgraded. However, his Z-Armor passive is designed for monsters, which reduces his overall PvP value.

Is Cage good for an Aircraft squad?

Cage is a practical early Aircraft defender. He can protect Aircraft attackers and help activate formation bonuses until Carlie and Lucius are developed.

Who should replace Cage?

Carlie or Lucius should eventually replace Cage in a long-term Aircraft formation. Both UR heroes provide stronger stats and better late-game defensive value.

Should I use universal shards on Cage?

Use universal shards cautiously. Cage-specific shards are preferable because Cage is usually replaced later in progression.

Conclusion

Cage is a dependable SSR Aircraft defender for early and middle progression in Last War Survival. His Z-Armor passive reduces damage from monsters, while Defense Boost helps both frontline heroes survive longer.

Place Cage on the front row, equip him with defensive gear, and focus on skills that improve his durability. He is worth developing while he protects an active formation, but players should avoid excessive investment once Carlie and Lucius are ready to take over the Aircraft frontline.

For more hero builds, formation advice, and progression strategies, explore our latest Last War Survival guides on Heaven Guardian.