At A Glance
- The most effective DPS crusaders to focus on at every stage of the game
- How to build and support your main DPS unit for maximum output
- Formation and gear strategies to boost overall damage
Understanding DPS in Crusaders of the Lost Idols
In Crusaders of the Lost Idols (CotLI), DPS (damage per second) determines how quickly you clear enemies and progress through areas. Every crusader contributes differently — some deal direct damage, while others offer powerful buffs that enhance your primary DPS unit.
Your goal is to choose one or two main DPS crusaders and build a formation around them that maximizes their potential. The right choice depends on your stage of progression, available gear, and unlocked event crusaders.
Top 10 DPS Crusaders to Prioritize
1. The Bush Whacker
A strong early-game DPS crusader who benefits from direct leveling. Bush Whacker’s abilities scale well in the early stages before you unlock higher-tier crusaders. Perfect for first-time players.
2. The Washed-Up Hermit
A staple early DPS choice due to his strong self-scaling and reliable performance without heavy support. His simplicity and accessibility make him one of the best starting options.
3. Natalie Dragon
A powerhouse for mid-game and late-game players. Natalie gains bonuses based on the number of female crusaders in your formation, allowing her damage to scale effectively when built correctly.
4. Karen, the Cat Teenager
Karen is a strong DPS crusader once unlocked through events. Her abilities synergize well with other cat-themed or support crusaders, making her a flexible addition to most teams.
5. The Shadow Queen
A late-game monster with incredible scaling potential. The Shadow Queen benefits from synergy buffs that enhance her damage as you add evil-aligned crusaders. She’s a favorite among experienced players aiming for deep-area progression.
6. Draco the Dragon
Draco offers excellent synergy in magic-based formations. His scaling potential and fire-based abilities make him deadly in the late game, especially when paired with other spell-focused crusaders.
7. Montana James
While not the most powerful standalone DPS, Montana excels in hybrid formations. His synergy bonuses and treasure-hunting theme make him a popular choice for balanced progression runs.
8. Alan the Archangel
A top-tier endgame DPS unit that benefits heavily from formation buffs and gear. Alan scales well into very high areas, making him ideal for long, high-idol farming runs.
9. Arachnobuddy
An event crusader with exceptional damage scaling and utility. Arachnobuddy works best when you combine him with other event or magic crusaders, enhancing team synergy and late-game potential.
10. Veronica, the Android Archer
Veronica stands out for her rapid attack scaling and compatibility with multiple support types. She becomes especially valuable when supported by crusaders that boost ranged or mechanical allies.
How to Build Around Your DPS Crusader
No matter which DPS crusader you choose, supporting them correctly is essential for maximizing performance. Here’s how to do it:
- Positioning: Place your DPS crusader in a slot where they benefit from the most adjacent support buffs — usually a back or central slot.
- Buff Stacking: Include crusaders that provide multiplicative buffs to damage, click damage, or attack speed.
- Gear Optimization: Focus on upgrading your main DPS crusader’s gear first, especially items that directly increase base DPS or skill multipliers.
- Cooldown Management: Use crusaders with abilities that shorten cooldowns or enhance burst potential for your main DPS.
Event Crusaders and Their DPS Potential
Event crusaders often outperform base crusaders once unlocked. Participating in seasonal events gives you access to rare DPS options that can completely change your progression speed. For example:
- RoboSanta excels in idle DPS formations with huge scaling potential.
- Greyskull the Pirate delivers massive single-target damage for boss waves.
- Merci, the Mad Wizard provides magic-type synergy for spell-heavy teams.
Always prioritize unlocking event crusaders when available — even if they aren’t immediately usable, they often become key pieces for future meta formations.
Gear and Enchantments for DPS Growth
Legendary gear plays a crucial role in pushing your DPS further. Always prioritize:
- Items that increase your DPS crusader’s base damage
- Gear that multiplies buffs from adjacent support crusaders
- Enchantments that enhance click-based or auto-attack bonuses
Once you have enough enchantment points, focus on your main DPS first before spreading them to supports. You can later redistribute points as your formation evolves.
Common Mistakes Players Make When Choosing a DPS Crusader
- Switching DPS too often – Constantly changing your main damage dealer slows progress. Stick with one until diminishing returns set in.
- Ignoring support synergy – A strong DPS crusader without proper buffs will underperform.
- Over-investing in undergeared units – Gear and formation buffs matter as much as base damage.
- Neglecting idle bonuses – Some DPS crusaders perform far better in idle setups; don’t overlook these effects.
Final Thoughts
Building the right DPS foundation in Crusaders of the Lost Idols is key to long-term success. Focus on one or two primary DPS crusaders — such as Natalie Dragon, The Shadow Queen, or Alan the Archangel — and surround them with supportive crusaders that amplify their power. Upgrade their gear, optimize your formation, and refine your setup as new event crusaders become available. Over time, you’ll find the perfect balance between raw damage and efficient idol farming, enabling you to push deeper into the game’s highest tiers.