# Why HQ Level Matters

Your **Headquarters (HQ)** is the backbone of your progression in Last Z. Increasing your HQ level opens the path to stronger heroes, buildings, troops, research, and late-game content.

## Hero Level Cap

Every HQ level adds **+5 to your hero level cap**.

<table id="bkmrk-hq-levelhero-level-c"><colgroup><col></col><col></col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th>HQ Level</th><th>Hero Level Cap</th></tr><tr><td>HQ 1

</td><td>5

</td></tr><tr><td>HQ 20

</td><td>100

</td></tr><tr><td>HQ 30

</td><td>150

</td></tr><tr><td>HQ 35

</td><td>175

</td></tr></tbody></table>

This makes HQ progression directly connected to the strength of your heroes.

## Sophia — The Queen of Construction

Sophia is especially valuable for players planning long-term HQ progression.

Her **3rd skill** provides construction benefits including:

- Extra free construction duration
- Faster construction speed
- **4 Stars:** Resource cost -5%
- **5 Stars:** Resource cost -10%

### The Goal

**Try to have Sophia at 5 stars before making the expensive HQ30+ push.**

Her bonuses apply across your building upgrades. Since HQ progression forces you to upgrade prerequisite buildings along the way, those savings can add up.

## When a Second Builder Helps

A second builder allows you to upgrade **two buildings at the same time**.

It is most useful when prerequisite buildings are holding up your next HQ upgrade and you have enough resources to keep both construction queues working.

A second builder **does not**:

- Shorten an individual construction timer
- Remove building prerequisites
- Reduce the resources required

Use the additional queue strategically rather than upgrading unnecessary buildings simply to keep it occupied.

### Secretary of Construction

The **Secretary of Construction** Capital position provides:

**+15% Construction Speed**  
**+1 hour Free Construction Duration**

When available, this can provide another useful boost before beginning major construction.

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