Can Wizard Monkeys Pop Camo? A Deep Dive into Bloons TD Wizardry
The short answer? Yes, Wizard Monkeys can absolutely pop Camo Bloons, but with a key upgrade. The base Wizard Monkey cannot detect or damage Camo Bloons. However, acquiring the “Monkey Sense” upgrade on the middle path (Path 2) grants the Wizard Monkey Camo Detection. Not only can they then see and target Camo Bloons, but they also gain the Camo Prioritization targeting option, allowing them to focus specifically on these stealthy threats. So, while the default Wizard is blind to Camo, a little magical tinkering solves that problem quite nicely.
Understanding the Wizard Monkey’s Capabilities
The Wizard Monkey is a cornerstone of many Bloons TD strategies, known for its versatile damage output and ability to control the battlefield. However, maximizing its potential requires a thorough understanding of its strengths, weaknesses, and upgrade paths. Before we dive into the specific FAQs, let’s recap some core aspects of the Wizard Monkey:
- Base Attack: The Wizard Monkey fires magical bolts that deal single target damage to Bloons. These bolts can pop most Bloon types, including Lead.
- Path 1 (Top): Focuses on raw damage output and line-of-sight enhancement. Upgrades like “Arcane Blast” and “Arcane Spike” significantly boost damage and add Lead-popping capability. The final tier, “Archmage,” unleashes devastating waves of magical energy.
- Path 2 (Middle): Prioritizes utility and Bloon control. “Monkey Sense” is crucial for Camo detection, while later upgrades like “Wall of Fire” and “Dragon’s Breath” add area-of-effect damage. The final tier, “Wizard Lord Phoenix,” transforms the Wizard into a powerful flying phoenix.
- Path 3 (Bottom): Emphasizes support and debuffing. “Shimmer” removes Camo properties from Bloons, making them vulnerable to other towers. “Necromancer” summons zombie Bloons to fight for you. The final tier, “Lich,” drains the life force of Bloons to empower itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wizard Monkeys and Camo
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Wizard Monkey, its interaction with Camo Bloons, and related topics:
1. Does the base Wizard Monkey see Camo?
No, the base Wizard Monkey cannot see Camo Bloons. They are completely invisible to the un-upgraded Wizard. You absolutely need the Monkey Sense upgrade.
2. What upgrade gives the Wizard Monkey Camo detection?
The “Monkey Sense” upgrade on the middle path (Path 2) is what grants Camo detection to the Wizard Monkey. This is a second-tier upgrade, making it accessible relatively early in the game.
3. Does “Monkey Sense” only provide Camo detection, or are there other benefits?
In addition to Camo detection, “Monkey Sense” also grants the Camo Prioritization targeting option, allowing the Wizard to focus fire on Camo Bloons whenever they are present.
4. If I have multiple Wizard Monkeys, do I need “Monkey Sense” on all of them to target Camo?
Yes, each individual Wizard Monkey needs the “Monkey Sense” upgrade to be able to target Camo Bloons. A single Wizard with camo detection doesn’t allow others to see them.
5. Can the Wizard Monkey’s summons (like the zombie Bloons from the Necromancer) detect Camo?
No, the zombie Bloons created by the “Necromancer” upgrade cannot detect Camo on their own. They can only target Bloons that are already visible.
6. Does the Archmage (top path tier 5) inherit the Camo detection from “Monkey Sense” even if I didn’t buy it on that specific Wizard?
No. Each path is independent. The Archmage will only have the Camo detection if you bought “Monkey Sense” beforehand on that specific Wizard. The Archmage is the pinnacle of the first path, which focuses on damage, not utility.
7. If I have a Monkey Village with Radar Scanner near a Wizard Monkey, does the Village’s Camo detection override the need for “Monkey Sense”?
Yes, if a Monkey Village with the Radar Scanner upgrade is within range of a Wizard Monkey, the Village’s Camo detection will allow the Wizard to target Camo Bloons even without the “Monkey Sense” upgrade. The village provides support to nearby towers.
8. Which Wizard Monkey upgrade path is generally best for dealing with Camo Bloons?
Path 2 (Middle) is generally considered the best for dealing with Camo Bloons, due to the early availability of “Monkey Sense” and the additional benefits of upgrades like “Wall of Fire” and the “Wizard Lord Phoenix.”
9. Can the Wizard Lord Phoenix pop Camo Lead Bloons?
Yes! The Wizard Lord Phoenix can indeed pop Camo Lead Bloons, as its attacks deal fire damage and can detect Camo.
10. How does the “Shimmer” upgrade (bottom path) interact with Camo Bloons?
The “Shimmer” upgrade (Tier 3 on the bottom path) removes the Camo property from Bloons, making them visible to all towers that can’t normally see Camo. This can be a useful strategy for supporting other towers in your defense.
11. Is “Shimmer” a good alternative to “Monkey Sense” for dealing with Camo?
While “Shimmer” can be effective, it’s not a direct replacement for “Monkey Sense.” “Shimmer” requires the Bloons to enter its range to be decamoed, while “Monkey Sense” allows the Wizard to target Camo Bloons from anywhere within its range.
12. Can the Wizard Monkey’s base attack pop Lead Bloons?
The Wizard Monkey’s base attack can pop Lead Bloons. This makes it a valuable tower for dealing with early-game Lead threats.
13. Does the “Arcane Spike” upgrade allow the Wizard Monkey to pop Frozen Bloons?
While “Arcane Spike” primarily enhances damage against MOAB-class Bloons and allows the Wizard Monkey to pop Lead Bloons, it does not directly grant the ability to pop Frozen Bloons. However, according to the information, all magic monkeys can pop frozen bloons.
14. How does the Wizard Monkey compare to the Ninja Monkey in terms of Camo detection and popping power?
The Ninja Monkey inherently has Camo detection without needing any upgrades, making it immediately useful against Camo Bloons. However, the Wizard Monkey, once upgraded with “Monkey Sense,” can offer more versatile damage options, particularly with upgrades like “Wall of Fire” and the “Wizard Lord Phoenix.” The Ninja also needs further upgrades to deal with lead.
15. Where can I learn more about game strategies and educational resources related to games like Bloons TD?
You can explore the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for insightful research, articles, and resources on game-based learning and the educational potential of games like Bloons TD. GamesLearningSociety.org is a great place to learn more about the intersection of games and education.
Mastering the Magical Arts
The Wizard Monkey is a powerful and versatile tower in the Bloons TD arsenal. Understanding its capabilities, particularly its interaction with Camo Bloons, is crucial for building effective defenses. By strategically utilizing the “Monkey Sense” upgrade and exploring the various upgrade paths, you can harness the full potential of this magical monkey and conquer even the most challenging Bloon waves. Remember to consider the specific needs of each map and game mode when deciding on your Wizard Monkey strategy. Good luck, and happy popping!