Strategy guide
How to Reach Wave 20 in Hero Havoc
A 20-Wave run is split into four five-wave stages, each with its own arena and monster mix, and each ending in a boss. Winning means beating Venom Bloom at wave 20.
Stage 1: Downtown Trouble (waves 1–5)
Shufflers and Runners dominate early, with Splitters joining at wave 2, Goo Throwers at wave 3 and Rust Tanks at wave 4. Use this stage to build damage — Split Shot and Power Fists — and to collect a weapon crate for the wave 5 Tentacle Professor. Clearing the stage pays a 200-coin bonus.
Stage 2: Rooftop Rush (waves 6–10)
More Runners and Goo Throwers appear. Kill Throwers first; their ranged shots add up. Start mixing in Hero Vitality. Before wave 10, take Quick Boots if offered — the Sand Colossus erupts under you if you stop moving. Stage bonus: 300 coins.
Stage 3: Reactor District (waves 11–15)
Splitters and Rust Tanks make waves tankier. Piercing attacks shine here: Warden, Titan and the Laser Rifle all cut through lines of tough monsters. Save a Freeze Ray for the wave 15 Volt Tyrant if you find one. Stage bonus: 400 coins.
Stage 4: Titan Arena (waves 16–20)
The final stage mixes Rust Tanks, Goo Throwers and Runners. Prioritise health now — Venom Bloom has 2,000 health and the fight is a marathon. Second Wind from the Hero Lab is the best insurance you can buy. Stage bonus: 600 coins.
Wave twists
From wave 3 onward, a wave may roll a twist: Swarm (many more small monsters), Elite (shiny, tougher monsters that drop more health), Treasure (double coins) or Frenzy (speedy monsters). On Swarm and Frenzy waves, play defensively and use your special early. On Treasure waves, grab everything.
The four habits that win runs
Keep moving in wide loops. Collect health drops between groups instead of during them. Carry a fresh weapon crate into every boss wave. Fire your special before your health is critical, not after. For hero picks that make wave 20 easier, see Heroes Ranked by Playstyle.