Faster Reload

Faster Reload reduces the Mortar's attack cooldown from 2 seconds to 1.5 seconds, which is about a third more shots. Faster shells mean fewer bloons slip between blasts, though a plain Mortar is still not fully reliable on its own.

When to buy it

It is the first step toward Rapid Reload, Heavy Shells, Artillery Battery and Pop and Awe, so every middle-path Mortar takes it.

As a crosspath:

• x-1-x on Shattering Shells: if you only want the Mortar to defortify blimps, Faster Reload alone is usually fast enough to catch them all.
• Increased Accuracy plus Faster Reload (0-1-1): a cheap, more reliable long-range early-game option.
• Top-path builds: most players go further to Rapid Reload when they choose the middle crosspath.

Is it worth it?

At $400, it is a reasonable early upgrade if you are building the middle path. For top or bottom paths, take it when you need a bit more consistency, but consider going to Rapid Reload for a bigger boost.