Types of Defences
An effective defence requires the use of all types of facilities, as well as their correct placement so that they can perform their function. Here is how and when we recommend placing each type of turret.
Ground Defences
- Bamboo Bombs: In the path of the monsters, typically one at the beginning of the map, one somewhere along the path, and one right in front of the door to wear out the life of the blue monsters that reach it.
- Dragonbait: This only works on red monsters. Do not place it directly in front of the gate unless you intend to attract all the red monsters and eliminate them along with the blue monsters. A better plan is to place it between your auto defenders, within range of the cannons, or in front of a Dragonator, so that it activates when blue monsters pass by.
- Kamura Citizens: You can only summon them once each during a Rampage, and for a limited time — sometimes very short. Their powers vary. We advise you to keep them for an emergency, or the end boss. Fugen and Futsuhi trigger an attack on all the monsters in the area before disappearing, which allows you to clear the area if you are overwhelmed. The twins will tank and attack the monsters in range. Yomogi is on board a turret that will shoot from a distance for a long time, which makes it a good asset when fighting the boss.
Automatic urrets
- Defender Ballistae: Not very powerful, these defences have the merit of being numerous. It's better to concentrate them at the entrance of the map, by placing them in distant positions where you don't want to go. This way, they will attract certain monsters while saving you from going back and forth. The monsters you're going to knock out and push back to the entrance will also get a kick out of all these turrets.
- Defender Cannons: If you have room, you can place them at the entrance, but they shine more brightly in a position near the final door. This way they can decimate the groups of blue monsters, the top monster, and the red monsters that are chasing you while you try to defend it.
- Wyvernfire Artillery: Like the cannons, it is better to place them directly next to the door, at the end of a corridor, or directly in front of the entrance so that they can shoot at the monsters that will pass by. Their range is small, so it is best to position them as close to the threat as possible.
Manual Turrets
This is the most important category, as they will play the biggest role. You need to find a good compromise between a clear line of sight, their range, and proximity to the levers of super weapons. It is best to place these turrets in central and accessible areas, which you can easily reach, or which allow you to intervene quickly when there is a problem at the door for example. Don't hesitate to install manual turrets in all locations where you don't have automatic turrets available. This will still attract some attention from the monsters, and they can be useful if your favorite turret is destroyed by a monster.
- Ballistae: This basic turret can stun a monster if you manage to hit its head with the anti-armor shot. The retreat shot is ideal for buying time and repelling a whole group of blue monsters that are trying to run towards the door. This shot is also great against flying monsters since it will make them fall to the ground. In the end, the only flaw of the Ballistae is the lack of damage. As the fortress gains levels, they will also gain DPS.
- Cannon: Much more formidable than the Ballistae, it has the advantage of inflicting area damage. What interests us most here is its charged electric shot. The area affected by this shot will then become larger and larger, as will its damage. It takes several seconds, but you can inflict a Lightning Bolt on a whole bunch of monsters at once and then go on to do normal shots. It's a great shot to prepare for a wave of monsters. Finally, the piercing shot is great against groups of monsters, but it's hard to place well.
- Machine Cannons: The most formidable turret on single targets and bosses. Start shooting before the monsters arrive to speed up their rate of fire, then aim at sensitive areas. When the enemies are close, use fragmentation shots to inflict very heavy damage on one or more targets. If your fortress is high level, you'll also unlock the option of the wire shot which will shoot the monster at you. This is a good option when a blue monster is running towards the door. It's a great turret to have around once you unlock it, but it doesn't come until relatively late in the game.
