As you seem to have realized it's better not to unlock them until you need them. When you unlock them, they will be whatever level your highest level survivor is. So you'll save time and XP by not having to level them the later you unlock them.
I disagree a bit with @Danski_46. Those are the essential heroes, but Eugene is not that good until you reroll his traits, and his leader skill needs levels, so I wouldn't recommend to unlock and use him early on. Morgan on the other hand has good traits and is very useful in raids to charge up your survivors, and in general. His leader trait is similar to RGG, but it's easier to level. I would also unlock Tara and Abraham. Tara's leader trait is a bit of a crutch that will help a lot early on. Abraham is just a very good assault, and you'll want that on some missions.
And btw he means scout Rick and Daryl, not "normal" shooter Rick and hunter Daryl.
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@Paste agree. Rerolled Eugene long term is the go to bruiser. But until then, Morgan got me through some tough times for sure. Then High RSL, he just can’t quite hang imo. Eugenes LT is just too clutch when needed.
Only thing I disagree with...Rufus>Abe for assault imo. Rufus is the undisputed hillbilly king rerolled.
If I can add to this list. Jesus is a go to for me. He’s rerolled with stabby rick traits, but I’ve actually been grabbing him lately, even in the mid 40s, He’s a beast and can hang (with dragon tongue)
Answers
I disagree a bit with @Danski_46. Those are the essential heroes, but Eugene is not that good until you reroll his traits, and his leader skill needs levels, so I wouldn't recommend to unlock and use him early on. Morgan on the other hand has good traits and is very useful in raids to charge up your survivors, and in general. His leader trait is similar to RGG, but it's easier to level. I would also unlock Tara and Abraham. Tara's leader trait is a bit of a crutch that will help a lot early on. Abraham is just a very good assault, and you'll want that on some missions.
And btw he means scout Rick and Daryl, not "normal" shooter Rick and hunter Daryl.
Only thing I disagree with...Rufus>Abe for assault imo. Rufus is the undisputed hillbilly king rerolled.
If I can add to this list. Jesus is a go to for me. He’s rerolled with stabby rick traits, but I’ve actually been grabbing him lately, even in the mid 40s, He’s a beast and can hang (with dragon tongue)