Here's a comprehensive strategy guide for Hero in Dominion:

Hero Strategy Guide

Overview

Hero is part of the Traveller line of cards from Adventures, specifically the upgrade path that goes Page → Treasure Hunter → Warrior → Hero → Champion. As a $5* cost card that's not available in the Supply, you can only obtain it by upgrading from a Warrior.

The key features of Hero are: - Provides +$2 - Gains a Treasure card - Can be upgraded to Champion when discarded from play - Non-terminal (doesn't use up an Action)

Core Strategy Considerations

1. Getting to Hero

Since Hero can only be obtained by upgrading through the Page line, your strategy must account for the full progression: - Start with Page ($2) - Upgrade to Treasure Hunter - Upgrade to Warrior - Finally reach Hero

This means committing to a long-term strategy, as it takes multiple turns to progress through the upgrade path. The entire journey from Page to Hero typically takes at least 4 turns, assuming you play the cards consistently.

2. Timing the Hero Phase

Once you have Hero, you face an important decision: when to upgrade to Champion. Consider these factors:

Reasons to Keep Hero:

• Need the +$2 and Treasure gaining for economy
• Want multiple Heroes (you can have more than one)
• Building towards a specific treasure-heavy strategy

Reasons to Upgrade to Champion:

• Need the defensive capabilities of Champion
• Want the unlimited +1 Action effect
• Have sufficient alternative economy
• Already have enough treasures

3. Treasure Gaining Aspect

The "Gain a Treasure" effect is mandatory and can be both beneficial and occasionally problematic:

Benefits:

• Guaranteed treasure acquisition each play
• Deck thickness for strategies that want it
• Potential for gaining valuable treasures
• Synergy with treasure-based strategies

Drawbacks:

• May gain unwanted Coppers in late game
• Can't choose to skip the treasure gain
• Might interfere with deck thinning efforts

Key Synergies

1. Treasure-Based Strategies

Hero excels in decks that care about treasures: - Merchant Guild: Each treasure gained triggers +1 Coffers - Bank: More treasures increase Bank's value - Vault/Secret Chamber: More treasures mean more cards to discard for effects - Trader: Can convert gained treasures into Silvers - Mine: More treasures provide more upgrading options

2. Card Draw Synergies

Since Hero is non-terminal, it works well with: - Laboratory/Smithy: Draw into your Hero without action concerns - Village variants: Provide actions to play multiple Heroes - Caravan/Haven: Draw cards while keeping Hero for next turn

3. Duration Card Synergies

Hero pairs well with duration cards: - Wharf/Fishing Village: Provide actions and draw for subsequent turns - Bridge Troll: Economic boost spans multiple turns - Gear: Can set up Hero plays for following turns

Counter Strategies

1. Against Hero-Based Decks

• Cursing attacks: Dilute deck, making it harder to play Heroes consistently
• Militia/Ghost Ship: Force discard of Heroes before they can be played
• Possession: Can force premature Champion upgrades
• Gardens: Can outpace treasure-gaining strategy with deck inflation

2. Defending Your Hero Strategy

• Moat: Protect against attacks that would disrupt Hero plays
• Royal Seal: Help manage gained treasures' position
• Warehouse/Cellar: Filter through deck to find Heroes
• Treasury: Recycle good treasures gained from Hero

Specific Kingdom Considerations

1. Strong Kingdoms for Hero

• Kingdoms with treasure-matters cards
• Boards lacking terminal draw
• Kingdoms with weak attacks (Champion upgrade valuable)
• Markets where extra treasures are beneficial

2. Weak Kingdoms for Hero

• Heavy cursing kingdoms
• Boards with strong alternate economy
• Kingdoms focused on Action chains
• Situations where deck bloat is problematic

Strategic Decision Points

1. Early Game

When to Buy Page:

• Usually a good opening buy at $2
• Consider with 3/4 or 4/3 openings if kingdom supports it
• Better in longer games where progression matters

Early Progression:

• Focus on playing Page every turn
• Build basic economy alongside progression
• Consider whether to rush upgrades or build economy

2. Mid Game

Managing Multiple Heroes:

• Decide whether to keep multiple Heroes or upgrade
• Balance Hero plays with other strategic elements
• Consider treasure composition of deck

Upgrade Timing:

• Evaluate when to transition to Champion
• Consider opponent's strategy and attack potential
• Assess economic needs versus action chains

3. Late Game

End Game Considerations:

• Determine if Hero's treasure gaining helps or hurts
• Decide whether to keep any Heroes or upgrade all
• Calculate victory point potential of gained treasures

Advanced Techniques

1. Multi-Hero Management

Running multiple Heroes requires careful deck management: - Track gained treasures - Maintain action density - Balance deck size - Consider treasure ratios

2. Treasure Selection

When possible, influence which treasure you gain: - Use Trader to convert to Silver - Consider Royal Seal to position treasures - Use Mine to upgrade gained treasures - Track Colony/Platinum availability

3. Timing Optimizations

Maximize Hero's effectiveness through careful timing: - Play Heroes before other treasure-gainers - Consider turn order with opponents - Time Champion upgrades strategically

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Rushing to Champion
2. Don't automatically upgrade to Champion
3. Consider economic needs

4. Evaluate board state carefully

5. Neglecting Economy

6. Don't rely solely on Hero for economy
7. Build supporting infrastructure

8. Balance treasure gaining with deck control

9. Over-investing

10. Avoid too many Pages early
11. Don't force Hero strategy on wrong boards

12. Know when to abandon the strategy

13. Poor Upgrade Timing

14. Don't upgrade at wrong moment
15. Consider opponent's position
16. Watch for key kingdom card interactions

Kingdom Analysis Examples

Example 1: Hero-Friendly Kingdom

Cards: Market, Merchant Guild, Bank, Village, Laboratory

Strategy: - Rush Page acquisition - Leverage treasure synergies - Maintain multiple Heroes - Build strong action chains - Delay Champion upgrade

Example 2: Hero-Hostile Kingdom

Cards: Witch, Ghost Ship, Gardens, Chapel, Militia

Strategy: - Consider skipping Page - Rush to Champion if committed - Focus on deck control - Prepare defensive measures - Minimize treasure bloat

Conclusion

Hero is a versatile card that requires careful strategic planning and execution. Success with Hero depends on: - Understanding the full Page progression - Timing upgrades appropriately - Managing treasure gaining effectively - Recognizing synergies and anti-synergies - Adapting to kingdom context

The key to mastering Hero lies in balancing its immediate benefits against the powerful upgrade potential of Champion while considering the specific kingdom context and opponent strategies.

Remember that Hero is often just a stepping stone to Champion, but don't underestimate its potential as a standalone card in the right circumstances. The flexibility to either keep Hero or upgrade to Champion provides strategic depth that rewards careful planning and tactical awareness.

When used correctly, Hero can provide steady economic growth while building toward the powerful Champion upgrade, making it a valuable component of many successful strategies. However, success requires careful evaluation of kingdom context and strategic timing of both acquisition and upgrade decisions.