Brave Nine’s Arena mode requires a deep understanding of formation strategy, mercenary roles, and positioning. This guide will cover the key concepts behind creating an effective team, positioning mercenaries, and optimizing your strategy for high-ranking play.

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1. Core Requirements for Arena Climbing

Before you start building a strong formation, you must ensure that: ✅ Nearly all mercenaries should be at least Skill Level +15. ✅ Mythic mercenary skills should be Rank A or higher. ✅ Most meta mercenaries receive their biggest power spikes at +15.

Examples of crucial Skill Level +15 upgrades:

• Velin → AOE range increases drastically.
• Lucius → Can tank 28 additional hits.
• Haruna → Provisional HP doubles.
• Delsa → Guard Aura increases from 75% to 99.9%.

Without these skill levels, your mercenaries will underperform and struggle to counter enemies effectively.

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2. General Rules for Building a Strong Arena Formation

When creating your team, keep these five key points in mind:

1️⃣ Build Around a Core Concept

• Decide on a primary strategy before selecting mercenaries.
• Your team should have clear synergy and direction.

2️⃣ Have a Strong Opener

• You always attack first in Arena formats—use this to your advantage.
• A powerful opener can decide the battle before the opponent even acts.

3️⃣ Don’t Neglect Defense

• A strong offense is critical, but survivability matters too.
• Ensure that your key attackers aren’t vulnerable to early counters.

4️⃣ Mercenary Positioning Matters

• Proper positioning ensures that buffs and skills work as intended.
• Placing mercenaries incorrectly leaves weaknesses in your formation.

5️⃣ Use Spell Cards to Cover Weaknesses

• Spell cards provide additional buffs or counter weaknesses.
• Choose cards that complement your team’s playstyle.

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3. Understanding Mercenary Roles

Mercenaries fall into six major categories:

1️⃣ True Slayers (Main Damage Dealers)

✅ Extreme burst damage ✅ Large AOE effects ❌ Very fragile

🔹 Examples: Iselok, Lian, Enma, Velfern

2️⃣ Utility Slayers (Damage with Support Abilities)

✅ Provides secondary utility ✅ Less powerful than True Slayers but still effective

🔹 Examples: Larus, Kim, Scrime, Melma, Haruna, Claudia

3️⃣ Roadblock Tanks (Main Defenders)

✅ Absorbs heavy damage ✅ Delays enemy turns ❌ Needs correct positioning to maximize efficiency

🔹 Examples: Lucius, Arin, Yir

4️⃣ Taunt Tanks (Distraction Units)

✅ Redirects enemy attacks ✅ Protects key Slayers from getting targeted ❌ Less overall tankiness compared to Roadblock Tanks

🔹 Examples: S. Lead, Bima

5️⃣ Bait Supports (Buff Providers & Disposables)

✅ Grants minor but unconditional buffs ✅ Can be sacrificed if necessary

🔹 Examples: Bathory, Endoline, Eio w/ Authority of Goddess, Refia

6️⃣ Core Supports (Team-Carrying Buffers)

✅ Essential for team synergy ✅ Provides the strongest buffs but requires planning ✅ Your team should revolve around them

🔹 Examples: Delsa, Eio w/ Noble Sacrifice, Indra, Mary White

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4. How to Build an Arena Team Step-by-Step

A well-balanced formation should include: ✅ 1-2 Core Supports (The foundation of your team’s strategy) ✅ 1-2 Bait Supports (Enhance damage output or provide extra utility) ✅ 3+ Slayers (Can range from True Slayers to Utility Slayers) ✅ 1-2 Roadblock Tanks or Taunt Tanks (To prevent your team from being wiped out)

Example Team Composition

1️⃣ Core Support

• Indra (Provides powerful Mage synergy buffs)

2️⃣ Bait Supports

• Eio (Authority of Goddess) (Roadblock support + Buffs)
• Refia (Counters immortality mechanics + Buffs)

3️⃣ Slayers

• Velfern (True Slayer – Massive AOE Damage)
• Anubis (True Slayer – Single-Target Nuke)
• Fra (Utility Slayer – Additional Support Damage)

4️⃣ Tanks

• Lucius (Roadblock Tank – Absorbs massive damage)
• S. Lead (Reliable taunt to protect Slayers)
• Ben Shima (Backup taunt in case S. Lead dies)

This balanced formation provides offensive firepower, strong defenses, and effective utility.

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5. Positioning & Arena Formations

A good formation isn’t just about picking the right mercenaries—how you place them matters just as much.

Basic Positioning Tips

✅ Have one dedicated DPS Lane → This is where your Slayers & Core Supports go. ✅ Have one dedicated Stall Lane → Tanks absorb incoming attacks here. ✅ Consider enemy attack patterns → Place Slayers in safe locations.

The Line Formation (Best for New Players)

• DPS Lane: All Slayers & Core Supports
• Stall Lane: All Tanks & Supports

📌 Why It Works:

• Concentrates all damage into one lane, making fights predictable.
• Roadblock Tanks soak most incoming attacks, buying time.

🔹 Advanced Adjustments:

• DPS Mid-Lane → Counters enemy top-lane formations.
• DPS Bot-Lane → Counters enemy mid-lane formations.

Positioning can feel like a game of rock-paper-scissors:

• Top Lane beats Mid Lane
• Mid Lane beats Bot Lane
• Bot Lane beats Top Lane

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6. Spell Cards: The Final Touch

Spell cards are vital for covering weaknesses and boosting power.

• Some cards amplify your strengths (e.g., more attack power).
• Some patch up weaknesses (e.g., defense buffs, crowd control).

🔹 Tip: Adjust spell cards based on your formation’s needs.

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7. How to Measure Your Team’s Performance

Check Attack Win Rate: ✅ 80%+ Win Rate → Excellent team; minor tweaks if needed. ✅ 70-79% Win Rate → Good performance; check for positioning mistakes. ✅ 60-69% Win Rate → Needs improvement; test alternative Slayers or Tanks. ✅ <59% Win Rate → Rework formation entirely.

Final Key Takeaways

✅ Build around a Core Support. ✅ Use your first move advantage wisely. ✅ Balance Offense & Defense. ✅ Position mercenaries strategically. ✅ Use spell cards to strengthen your setup.

With these tips, you’ll dominate the Arena and climb the rankings in Brave Nine! Good luck! 🚀