If you’ve been diving into Kingshot, chances are you’ve come across the heated debate: Zoe or Howard? Both are popular choices in the current meta, and players on Reddit can’t seem to agree on who’s better. One side swears by Zoe’s offensive edge, while the other praises Howard’s tanky consistency.
So, who should you actually build? In this guide, we’ll dig into both heroes—strengths, weaknesses, roles, and how they fit into different strategies. By the end, you’ll know which hero deserves your resources and why.
Why the Zoe vs Howard Debate Exists
Kingshot thrives on synergy. No hero wins alone; instead, the right mix of roles—attackers, defenders, buffers—decides the outcome of battles. That’s where they clash.
- ⚔️ Zoe leans into offense, pushing damage and punishing weaker setups.
- 🛡️ Howard holds the line, protecting your forces and buying you time.
The argument comes down to playstyle. Do you want a hero that helps you hit hard and fast, or one that makes sure your army can outlast the storm?
Zoe: The Offensive Specialist
Hero Overview
Zoe is all about pressure. She brings strong offensive potential that pairs beautifully with aggressive lineups. Think of her as the spark that ignites momentum—when she’s in the mix, your army moves faster and hits harder.
🔥Her Strengths
- High damage output for quick wins.
- Great for raids and offensive pushes.
- Works well with buffer heroes.
❌ Her Weaknesses
- Fragile and can’t frontline.
- Relies on team synergy.
- Weak in defensive lineups.
👉 Best For: Players who want fast-paced battles and aggressive raid strategies.
Howard: The Reliable Tank
Hero Overview
Howard is the rock of your team. While Zoe looks flashy on offense, Howard quietly makes sure your army doesn’t collapse. He absorbs punishment, giving your squishy units time to deal damage.
🛡️ His Strengths
- Excellent durability.
- Crucial for Conquest defense.
- Easy to slot into any team.
❌ His Weaknesses
- Contributes little to damage.
- Slower pace in raids.
- Gear-heavy to maximize potential.
👉 Best For: Players who want defensive stability and consistent long-term value.
Head-to-Head: Zoe vs Howard
Here’s a side-by-side comparison you can reference at a glance:
| Attribute | ⚔️ Zoe (Offense) | 🛡️ Howard (Defense) |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Damage Dealer / Raider | Tank / Protector |
| Ease of Use | Needs team synergy | Beginner-friendly |
| Resource Cost | Moderate | High (gear reliant) |
| Strengths | Burst damage ⚡, fast raids | Durability 🧱, stability |
| Weaknesses | Fragile ❌, team dependent | Low damage ❌, slower battles |
| Best Mode | PvP, Conquest offense | Conquest defense, long fights |
| Longevity | Strong with buffs | Reliable across all levels |
Visual Breakdown: Sword vs Shield
Think of this matchup like a battlefield metaphor:
🛡️ Howard stands at the front
⬇️ absorbs enemy attacks
⚔️ Zoe strikes from behind
⬆️ deals heavy damage quickly
This synergy shows why some players use them together.
Which Hero Matches Your Playstyle?
- Choose ⚔️ Zoe if:
- You love high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
- You focus on raids and fast PvP.
- You already have solid tanks to cover her.
- Choose 🛡️ Howard if:
- You want reliable defenses in Conquest.
- You prefer long, drawn-out strategies.
- You value consistency over burst.
Quick Decision Guide
Here’s a text-based decision tree to help:
Do you prefer offense or defense?
↳ Offense → ⚔️ Zoe (burst damage, raids)
↳ Defense → 🛡️ Howard (durability, stability)
Simple, but it makes the choice crystal clear.
Hero Rating Comparison (Star Bars)
Here’s a rating breakdown for both heroes (1⭐ = weak, 5⭐ = excellent):
| Category | ⚔️ Zoe | 🛡️ Howard |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Damage Output | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Team Reliance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Meta Longevity | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Tips to Maximize Each Hero
Zoe Tips
- Pair with buffers like Yeonwoo.
- Keep her behind tanks at all costs.
- Best in quick-strike raids where speed matters.
Howard Tips
- Prioritize defense gear.
- Use him to anchor Conquest defenses.
- Pair him with ranged DPS for balance.
Community Opinions
From Reddit threads:
- Many recommend Zoe for offense-heavy lineups.
- Others insist Howard is a must-have for Conquest defense.
- Neutral players agree: It’s not Zoe vs Howard—it’s Zoe and Howard, depending on the mode.
Conclusion
When comparing Kingshot Zoe vs Howard, it’s not really about who’s better overall—it’s about who’s better for you.
- Zoe is your sword: fast, flashy, and deadly.
- Howard is your shield: steady, tanky, and dependable.
If you enjoy raiding and aggressive play, Zoe’s your pick. If you value defenses and long-term stability, Howard is the safer bet. And honestly? Many players eventually end up building both, since they complement each other beautifully.
FAQs
1. Can Zoe and Howard be used together?
Yes—they’re actually great partners. Howard tanks, Zoe dishes out damage.
2. Who should new players build first?
Howard, since he’s easier to use without perfect setups.
3. Is Zoe worth it without a strong frontline?
No, she struggles without tanks to protect her.
4. Does Howard have offensive value?
Indirectly—he keeps your damage-dealers alive, which boosts offense.
5. Which hero stays relevant longer?
Howard has more consistent meta value, while Zoe shines when supported by the right lineup.