Mastering the Monkey Ace: Which Supply Drop Crosspath Reigns Supreme?
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The age-old question plagues Bloons TD 6 players everywhere: for the Monkey Ace’s Supply Drop, which crosspath truly delivers the superior performance – 2-4-0 (Faster Firing) or 0-4-2 (Increased Range)? The answer, as with many things in the Bloons world, is nuanced. However, for pure damage dealing, especially against dense mid-game rounds, the 2-4-0 crosspath usually takes the crown. The shrapnel deals 2 damage instead of 1, which significantly boosts the tower’s overall damage per second (DPS). But, let’s delve deeper into the specifics.
Decoding the Supply Drop: 2-4-0 vs. 0-4-2
The Supply Drop Monkey Ace is a valuable asset, primarily due to its income generation and decent popping power. However, relying solely on the plane to pop bloons won’t get you far in the harder difficulty settings. That’s where the crosspath comes in.
2-4-0: The DPS Powerhouse
This crosspath prioritizes fire rate. The Faster Firing upgrade allows the Ace to drop its bombs more frequently, resulting in a higher overall damage output. The increased shrapnel damage also contributes significantly to its effectiveness against grouped bloons and tougher ceramics. This extra damage is particularly noticeable in rounds with large clusters of bloons.
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Pros:
- Higher overall DPS: The faster attack speed and improved shrapnel damage combine to make this a powerful offensive option.
- Stronger against dense rounds: Shrapnel damage is most effective when enemies are tightly packed.
- More reliable income generation: A higher attack speed means more frequent Supply Drops, resulting in a more consistent income stream.
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Cons:
- Limited range: The shorter range can be a drawback on larger maps or in situations requiring global coverage.
- Less effective against single, beefy targets: While the DPS is higher, the individual bombs don’t pack as much punch as they could with the 0-4-2 crosspath in terms of AoE radius per bomb.
0-4-2: The Ranged Support
The 0-4-2 crosspath focuses on range and camo detection. The Increased Range upgrade significantly expands the Ace’s coverage area, allowing it to target bloons further away. The addition of camo detection, while situational, can be valuable if you lack other camo-stripping solutions.
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Pros:
- Greater range: The increased range allows the Ace to cover more of the track and hit bloons earlier.
- Camo detection: This is a valuable asset if you don’t have other camo-stripping options available.
- Better for maps with long tracks: The extra range helps the Ace cover more ground on maps with extended pathways.
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Cons:
- Lower DPS: The slower attack speed results in a lower overall damage output compared to the 2-4-0 crosspath.
- Less effective against dense rounds: The shrapnel damage remains unchanged, making it less effective against tightly packed bloons.
- Income generation can be inconsistent: Slower attack speed means less frequent Supply Drops.
Situational Awareness is Key
Ultimately, the “better” crosspath depends on the specific map, your overall strategy, and the challenges you’re facing. If you’re struggling with dense mid-game rounds and need a reliable source of income, the 2-4-0 crosspath is generally the superior choice. If you require greater range and camo detection, the 0-4-2 crosspath may be more suitable. Always consider the context of your game before making a final decision.
Supply Drop Monkey Ace FAQs
1. Does the Supply Drop crosspath affect the amount of money generated?
No, the crosspath does not affect the amount of money generated by the Supply Drop. The money generated is determined by the base upgrade and any relevant Monkey Knowledge perks. However, 2-4-0 increases drop frequency which results in more overall money sooner.
2. Does Monkey Knowledge affect the optimal Supply Drop crosspath?
Yes, some Monkey Knowledge perks can influence your crosspath choice. The “More Valuable Bananas” Monkey Knowledge impacts the Central Market and Monkey Wall Street, but it doesn’t directly affect the Supply Drop itself.
3. Is the Supply Drop Monkey Ace viable on CHIMPS mode?
The Supply Drop is viable in CHIMPS mode, due to the income generation. Its popping power alone isn’t enough to carry you through late game without other towers.
4. Can the Supply Drop Monkey Ace solo rounds?
No, the Supply Drop Monkey Ace cannot typically solo rounds, especially in the later game. It requires support from other towers to deal with tougher bloon waves.
5. How does the Supply Drop interact with buffs?
Buffs such as Overclock from an Engineer Monkey or Primary Training from a Village can significantly enhance the Supply Drop’s performance, regardless of the chosen crosspath.
6. Is it worth using multiple Supply Drop Monkey Aces?
Yes, stacking multiple Supply Drop Monkey Aces can be an effective strategy for generating a substantial income stream. However, be mindful of the number of towers you need to support your defense.
7. Does the Supply Drop Monkey Ace pop lead bloons?
No, the Supply Drop Monkey Ace itself cannot pop lead bloons unless crosspathed with an upgrade that grants lead-popping capability to the main weapon.
8. How does the Supply Drop compare to other income-generating towers?
The Supply Drop is generally considered a mid-tier income generator. While it can provide a steady income stream, it’s not as powerful as the Banana Farm or Monkeyopolis.
9. Can the Supply Drop Monkey Ace be used effectively against MOABs?
The Supply Drop’s MOAB damage is limited without support. The shrapnel can help clear out the ceramics that spawn from broken MOABs, especially with the 2-4-0 crosspath.
10. What are some good support towers to pair with the Supply Drop?
Good support towers for the Supply Drop include:
- Village: For buffs like camo detection (if using 2-4-0) and attack speed.
- Engineer Monkey: For Overclock and cleansing.
- Ice Monkey: For slowing down bloons.
11. Is the Supply Drop Monkey Ace good for boss events?
The Supply Drop’s damage output is generally insufficient for boss events without significant investment and support. It’s more valuable for the income it provides.
12. How can I maximize the effectiveness of the Supply Drop?
To maximize the effectiveness of the Supply Drop, consider:
- Positioning it strategically to cover as much of the track as possible.
- Buffing it with support towers.
- Upgrading it as quickly as possible.
13. What is the best map for using the Supply Drop Monkey Ace?
The best maps for the Supply Drop are typically those with long, winding tracks that allow the Ace to cover a large area.
14. What is the most cost-effective way to use the Supply Drop?
The most cost-effective way to use the Supply Drop is to upgrade it to the 4th tier as soon as possible to start generating income. From there, prioritize other towers needed for popping power before upgrading the Ace further.
15. Where can I learn more about Bloons TD 6 strategies?
There are many online resources available for learning more about Bloons TD 6 strategies, including the Games Learning Society, various Bloons TD 6 communities, and YouTube channels. These resources offer tips, tricks, and in-depth analyses of different towers and strategies. GamesLearningSociety.org offers a unique perspective on the educational aspects of gaming, including problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.
By carefully considering these factors and experimenting with different crosspaths and strategies, you can master the Monkey Ace’s Supply Drop and use it to its full potential. Good luck, and happy popping!