The Unyielding Black Bloon: An In-Depth Guide to its Immunities
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
What makes the Black Bloon so frustratingly resilient? Quite simply, the Black Bloon is immune to explosions. This fundamental characteristic defines its existence in the Bloons TD universe, demanding players to rethink their strategies and adapt their tower placements. While your Bomb Towers might be devastating against other Bloon types, they are utterly ineffective against the impervious Black Bloon. Understanding this crucial detail is the first step towards conquering these troublesome threats.
Understanding the Black Bloon’s Explosive Weakness
The seemingly simple fact of explosion immunity has significant ramifications. It means that any attack dealing explosion damage will pass right through a Black Bloon as if it weren’t there. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Bomb Towers (all tiers)
- Mortar Monkey explosions (without specific upgrades)
- Certain abilities of the Heli Pilot and other towers that create explosions
However, it’s important to note that Black Bloons are not immune to all forms of damage. They are vulnerable to other damage types, such as:
- Sharp attacks (Dart Monkeys, Tack Shooters, Ninja Monkeys)
- Energy attacks (Super Monkeys, Wizard Monkeys)
- Ice attacks (Ice Monkeys)
- Glue attacks (Glue Gunners)
Therefore, the key to defeating Black Bloons lies in employing towers that utilize these alternative damage types. A well-rounded defense incorporating a variety of towers is crucial for successfully navigating rounds where Black Bloons make their unwelcome appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Black Bloons
1. Can Mortar Monkeys damage Black Bloons?
Initially, no. Mortar Monkeys deal explosion damage, which Black Bloons are immune to. However, the Heavy Shells upgrade (top path, Tier 3) allows the Mortar to damage Black Bloons. Furthermore, Heavy Shells provides bonus damage to Ceramic, MOAB-class, Fortified, Lead, and stunned Bloons, making it a versatile upgrade.
2. Which towers are most effective against Black Bloons?
Towers that deal non-explosive damage are your best bet. Dart Monkeys, Tack Shooters, Ninja Monkeys, Wizard Monkeys (especially with upgrades to pop Lead and Camo), Ice Monkeys, and Glue Gunners are all effective choices. Super Monkeys, with their energy attacks, are also excellent at dispatching Black Bloons.
3. Are Black Bloons the same as Lead Bloons?
No, though they often appear together and require similar strategic thinking. Black Bloons are immune to explosions, while Lead Bloons are immune to sharp attacks (without specific upgrades like the Alchemist’s Lead to Gold). Some towers can hit both with specific upgrades.
4. What happens when a Black Bloon is popped?
When popped, a Black Bloon splits into two Pink Bloons (or two Yellow Bloons in pre-BTD4 games). This further emphasizes the need for sustained damage to prevent the proliferation of weaker Bloons.
5. Can the Spike Factory damage Black Bloons?
Yes, Spike Factories can damage Black Bloons. Their spikes deal sharp damage, which bypasses the Black Bloon’s explosion immunity. Furthermore, some upgrades allow Spike Factories to detect Camo Bloons, making them a valuable all-around defense.
6. Do Black Bloons ever appear as Camo Bloons?
Yes, Black Bloons can appear as Camo Bloons, especially in later rounds. This necessitates towers with Camo detection capabilities or the use of Monkey Villages with the appropriate upgrades.
7. How early in the game do Black Bloons appear?
Typically, Black Bloons start appearing around rounds 20-25 in most Bloons TD games. Prepare your defenses accordingly as you progress through these critical rounds.
8. Is there a tower that can pop all Bloon types without upgrades?
The Dart Monkey, Tack Shooter, and Super Monkey can pop all non-frozen Bloon types in BTD1 without any upgrades. However, this refers to their default damage type. Other Bloons require specific damage types to be defeated.
9. How does the Alchemist affect Black Bloons?
The Alchemist can’t directly make towers target or ignore the Black Bloon specifically. However, his buffs can boost the damage output of towers that are already effective against Black Bloons, like the Ninja or Dart Monkey.
10. What is the best strategy for dealing with Black Bloons and Lead Bloons at the same time?
The Wizard Monkey with the appropriate upgrades (specifically Monkey Sense and Fireball or Wall of Fire) is a solid choice, as it can pop both Lead and Black Bloons. Other options include towers buffed by the Monkey Village with the “M.I.B.” upgrade. This allows all towers within its range to damage all Bloon types.
11. How does the Ice Monkey interact with Black Bloons?
Ice Monkeys can freeze Black Bloons. However, the frozen Bloon will still retain its explosion immunity once unfrozen. Ice Monkeys are effective for slowing down the advance of Black Bloons, giving other towers more time to deal damage.
12. Can the Super Monkey’s Sun Avatar upgrade pop Black Bloons?
Yes, the Super Monkey’s Sun Avatar upgrade can pop Black Bloons. Its energy attacks bypass the Black Bloon’s explosion immunity.
13. Does the “The Big One” Mortar Monkey upgrade affect Black Bloons?
Yes, although the Mortar Monkey initially deals explosive damage which Black Bloons are immune to, the secondary shockwaves that come from it, can damage Black Bloons regardless of upgrades.
14. What’s the difference between Black and White Bloons?
Black Bloons are immune to explosions, while White Bloons are immune to cold and ice attacks. Both typically appear around the same time and often in tandem, so being prepared for both immunities is important.
15. What are DDTs and how do I counter them?
DDTs (Dark Dirigible Titans) are fast, camo, lead, and black-property Bloons that appear in later rounds. Effective counters include Icicle Impale (especially with camo detection and lead-popping capabilities), Ground Zero ability, and towers buffed by a Monkey Village with the M.I.B. upgrade.
Mastering the Art of Bloon Popping
The Black Bloon’s explosion immunity is a testament to the strategic depth of the Bloons TD series. By understanding its weaknesses and strengths, players can create powerful defenses capable of withstanding even the most challenging waves. So, gear up, strategize, and get ready to pop those pesky Black Bloons!
For more information on gaming and learning, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.