Extra Dart Pops

Extra Dart Pops is a first-row knowledge in the Primary tree that gives every Dart Monkey attack +1 pierce. A plain 0-0-0 Dart Monkey goes from 2 pierce to 3, so each dart can pop one more bloon before it disappears. It has no prerequisite, costs one Knowledge Point and no Monkey Money, and it opens Crossbow Reach.

On a basic Dart Monkey, that is a 50% pierce increase for free, which is why this is one of the most common first purchases on any account.

How it changes the game

The +1 applies to all Dart Monkey attacks, not just the base dart:

• Rounds 1 to 20: a 0-0-0 Dart Monkey with 3 pierce behaves almost like one with Sharp Shots, without paying for the upgrade. That lets you save money toward farms or your first real defense.
• Triple Shot line: each of the three darts gets +1, so the bonus is worth three pierce per volley.
• Crossbow line: Crossbow, Sharp Shooter and Crossbow Master shots all get the extra pierce.
• Spike-o-pult and Juggernaut: the big balls get +1 as well, although at their pierce levels it is a small percentage.

It pairs especially well with Bonus Monkey!: the free starting Dart Monkey with 3 pierce handles the opening rounds much better.

What it does not do: it does not affect the Desperado (an old bug that gave Desperado the bonus was fixed in version 54), it adds no damage, and it cannot pop Lead, Camo or Frozen bloons that the dart could not already pop.

Is it worth it?

Priority: must-have. It is one point, it requires nothing, and it helps the cheapest tower in the game at exactly the moment you are shortest on cash. Most of the value comes in the early game, which is where many Hard and Half Cash runs are won or lost.

Take it first or second in the Primary tree. Compared with Fast Tack Attacks and Increased Lifespan, the effect is far more noticeable. It is also the start of the path to 4 And 4, Master Double Cross, Come On Everybody!, Bonus Monkey! and More Cash, so you want it early regardless.

Where it works

Extra Dart Pops is active wherever Monkey Knowledge is allowed. It is off in CHIMPS, which is why a starting Dart Monkey feels weaker there than in normal games. Challenges can also disable knowledge through their rules.

It is especially useful in Races, Primary Only and Half Cash, where the first few Dart Monkeys carry a big share of the early defense.

Frequently asked questions

What does Extra Dart Pops do in BTD6?

It gives all Dart Monkey attacks +1 pierce. A basic dart pops 3 bloons instead of 2.

Is Extra Dart Pops the same as Sharp Shots?

On a 0-0-0 Dart Monkey the pierce result is the same, 3 per dart. On upgraded Dart Monkeys it stacks on top of Sharp Shots and other pierce upgrades.

Does Extra Dart Pops work in CHIMPS?

No. All Monkey Knowledge is disabled in CHIMPS.

Does it affect the Desperado?

No. It only affects the Dart Monkey.