Diversion Tactics

Diversion Tactics is a third-row Magic knowledge that adds 2.5 percentage points to the chance that a Ninja Monkey with Distraction sends a bloon backward. You need 4 Knowledge Points in the Magic tree and Cheaper Doubles. It costs one point, no Monkey Money, and unlocks Deadly Tranquility.

How it changes the game

Distraction (x-1-x Ninja Monkey) gives Ninja attacks a chance to knock a bloon back along the track instead of letting it continue. With Diversion Tactics, every weapon's chance goes up by the same 2.5%:

• Shurikens: 15% to 17.5%
• Caltrops: 10% to 12.5%
• Flash Bomb explosions: 30% to 32.5%
• Sticky Bomb and Master Bomber explosions: 15% to 17.5%
• All Ascended Shadow projectiles: 15% to 17.5%

In practice, that means about one extra distraction for every 40 hits. On a fast-attacking Grandmaster Ninja with Distraction as a crosspath, or a bottom-path Ninja throwing Flash Bombs, it adds up over a round. On a single slow Ninja you will hardly notice it.

It only affects Ninjas with Distraction or anything above it on the middle path, including the Ascended Shadow Paragon. Distraction does not work on MOAB-class bloons, so this is a tool against regular bloons and Ceramics.

Is it worth it?

Priority: situational. The effect is real but small and random. Most players buy Diversion Tactics because Deadly Tranquility sits below it, and Deadly Tranquility is one of the strongest Ninja knowledges. Further down, it also leads (together with Vine Rupture) to Tiny Tornadoes.

Among third-row Magic knowledge, Strike Down The False, Warm Oak and Flame Jet all lead to more broadly useful nodes. Ninja players should still take Diversion Tactics early for the route to Deadly Tranquility.

Because distraction sends a bloon backward along the track, it effectively makes your whole defense deal with that bloon a second time. That is why it is worth the most on long tracks and on Ninjas placed near the exit.

Where it works

Diversion Tactics is active wherever Monkey Knowledge is enabled, including Magic Monkeys Only, Impoppable and Boss Events, where an Ascended Shadow gets the extra chance against the bloons that come with the boss. It is disabled in CHIMPS and in challenges that switch knowledge off.

Frequently asked questions

What does Diversion Tactics do?

It increases every Distraction chance by 2.5 percentage points, for example from 15% to 17.5% on shurikens.

Does Diversion Tactics affect Ascended Shadow?

Yes. Its projectiles go from a 15% to a 17.5% distraction chance.

Can Distraction knock back MOABs?

No. Distraction only affects non-MOAB-class bloons.

What does Diversion Tactics unlock?

Deadly Tranquility.

Is Diversion Tactics worth it?

Mainly as the route to Deadly Tranquility. The direct effect is small.