It’s a popular challenge among Bloons TD 6 (BTD6) players to try and beat Hard Mode using only a single tower. This feat is difficult and often requires specific tower choices, strategic upgrades, and sometimes even Monkey Knowledge. Here’s a breakdown of how it’s generally approached:
Key Considerations for a 1-Tower Hard Mode Run:
- Tower Choice: The tower you choose needs to be versatile enough to handle all bloon types (including Lead, Camo, and Purple) and have sufficient damage output for later rounds, including MOAB-class bloons.
- Upgrades: Selecting the right upgrade path and specific tiers is crucial for dealing with different threats as they appear. Often, Tier 5 upgrades are necessary for the late game.
- Map Knowledge: The map layout can significantly impact which tower and strategy will be most effective due to line of sight, straightaways, and potential for stalling. Beginner maps are generally the easiest to attempt this on.
- Monkey Knowledge: While it’s possible to beat Hard Mode with one tower without Monkey Knowledge, having certain key knowledge points (like “Camo Trap” or starting with extra cash) can make the challenge significantly easier.
- Strategic Selling (for the “All for One and One for One” Achievement): There’s a specific Steam achievement (“All for One and One for One”) that requires you to beat Hard Mode using only one tower on screen at all times. This means you might need to sell your initial tower to afford a more powerful one later.
Towers Commonly Used for 1-Tower Hard Mode Runs:
Here are some towers that have been successful in soloing Hard Mode on certain maps:
- Monkey Buccaneer (0-4-2 or 0-5-2): With the “Monkey Pirates” or “Pirate Lord” upgrade, this tower can hook and one-shot MOAB-class bloons. The bottom path provides good general damage. Requires a water map.
- Monkey Ace (0-2-4 or 0-2-5): The “Spectre” upgrade deals massive AoE damage and can handle large groups of bloons. The “Flying Fortress” (5-x-x) is also a powerful contender for late-game soloing.
- Heli Pilot (5-2-0 or 5-0-2): The “Apache Prime” is a very strong all-around tower with high damage output against both regular and MOAB-class bloons. “Pursuit” mode can help with map coverage.
- Sniper Monkey (4-2-0 or 5-2-0 with good Alchemist support): With “Cripple MOAB” or “Elite Sniper,” this tower can stun powerful bloons, giving it time to deal damage. Requires good targeting and potentially Alchemist buffs for increased damage.
- Dark Champion (5-2-0): This Super Monkey upgrade has high damage, can pop all bloon types with the right Monkey Knowledge, and can “Darkshift” to reposition.
- Legend of the Night (5-0-0): The other Tier 5 Super Monkey, it has global range and can absorb a large number of hits from the BAD.
- Spirit of the Forest (5-0-2): This Druid upgrade has good AoE damage and can generate income.
General Strategy:
- Early Game: Start with a cost-effective tower that can handle early rounds. This might be a Dart Monkey, Boomerang, or Ninja Monkey, depending on your chosen main tower and the map.
- Mid Game: As stronger bloons appear, upgrade your chosen tower along a path that can deal with them effectively (e.g., MOAB damage for MOABs, faster firing speed for grouped bloons).
- Late Game: Aim for a powerful Tier 5 upgrade that can handle the tougher rounds, including Ceramics, MOABs, BFBs, DDTs, and the ZOMG. You might need to use abilities strategically.
- Camo and Lead: Ensure your chosen tower or its upgrades can handle Camo and Lead bloons. Some towers have innate camo detection, while others might need a specific upgrade or Monkey Knowledge. Lead bloons typically require explosive or energy-based attacks.
- Purple Bloons: Be mindful of Purple Bloons, which are immune to energy-based attacks (like lasers and plasma).
Tips for Success:
- Start on an easy, single-path map like Logs or Resort.
- Experiment with different tower and upgrade combinations.
- Watch videos of other players completing this challenge for inspiration.
- Utilize Monkey Knowledge that provides extra starting cash, free towers, or enhanced early-game power.
- Don’t be afraid to restart if your initial strategy isn’t working.
Beating Hard Mode with only one tower is a significant achievement in BTD6 that tests your understanding of the game’s mechanics and tower capabilities. Good luck!
