# Fastest HQ Upgrade Path: HQ1–30

The fastest route to a higher HQ isn't upgrading every building equally.

Focus on the buildings required for your next HQ level and save your major resources and speed-ups for later progression.

## Phase 1 — HQ1–18: Fast & Easy

Early progression moves quickly.

- Can be completed in **a few days**
- With bonuses, **less than 2 days may be possible**
- Resource costs remain relatively low

Keep moving through your required upgrades rather than trying to maximize every building.

## Phase 2 — HQ18–24: Reality Check

This is where construction times begin becoming much more noticeable.

Some upgrades can take **a week or more**.

Plan your resources and construction queues instead of upgrading buildings randomly.

## Phase 3 — HQ24–27: Smart Play Required

At this stage:

- Start saving speed-ups
- Upgrade buildings required for the next HQ
- Plan resources ahead
- Don't upgrade something simply because it has a blue upgrade arrow

Every unnecessary upgrade consumes resources and construction time that could have gone toward your next HQ.

## Phase 4 — HQ30: Major Milestone

HQ30 is an important late-game progression point.

It:

- Raises your hero level cap to **150**
- Opens the path toward HQ31–35
- Is required for progression toward **T10 troops**
- Marks the beginning of preparation for Steel-based HQ upgrades

If HQ31–35 isn't available to you yet, use the waiting period to prepare.

### HQ30 Preparation

Start stacking:

**Resources • Speed-ups • Construction bonuses**

You can also begin strengthening important formation buildings and Hall of Honor buildings once your immediate HQ rush is under control.

[![ChatGPT Image Sep 30, 2026, 04_40_20 PM.png](https://775intel.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/scaled-1680-/chatgpt-image-sep-30-2026-04-40-20-pm.png)](https://775intel.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-09/scaled-1680-/chatgpt-image-sep-30-2026-04-40-20-pm.png)