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Best Upgrade Path for Sub in BTD6: Complete Strategy Guide

February 16, 2025 by
Best Upgrade Path for Sub in BTD6: Complete Strategy Guide
seohira50

Introduction

In Bloons TD 6 (BTD6), the Monkey Sub is one of the most versatile water-based towers available. Understanding the best upgrade path for Sub in BTD6 can significantly enhance your gameplay strategy and help you tackle challenging maps and game modes.

Base Submarine Stats and Capabilities

Before diving into upgrade paths, let's understand the basic Monkey Sub:

  • Starting Cost: $325 (Easy), $380 (Medium), $410 (Hard), $455 (Impoppable)
  • Attack Type: Piercing darts that can pop up to 2 bloons
  • Range: Moderate circular area in water
  • Attack Speed: 1.1 seconds per shot
  • Special Ability: Can detect camo bloons when upgraded

Top Path: Advanced Intel and First Strike

The top upgrade path focuses on enhanced targeting and devastating single-target damage:

Tier 1 - Longer Range

  • Cost: $175 (Medium)
  • Increases attack range significantly
  • Recommended for early game positioning

Tier 2 - Advanced Intel

  • Cost: $450 (Medium)
  • Allows targeting anywhere in range of other towers
  • Essential for maps with limited water placement

Tier 3 - Submerge and Support

  • Cost: $1,275 (Medium)
  • Reveals camo bloons within range
  • Crucial for camo detection support

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Tier 4 - Bloontonium Reactor

  • Cost: $2,800 (Medium)
  • Emits radiation that pops bloons automatically
  • Excellent for cleaning up weaker bloons

Tier 5 - Energizer

  • Cost: $32,000 (Medium)
  • Dramatically increases radiation damage
  • Reduces ability cooldowns of all water towers

Middle Path: Ballistic Missile Supremacy

The middle path transforms your Sub into a powerful crowd control unit:

Tier 1 - Twin Guns

  • Cost: $400 (Medium)
  • Doubles attack speed
  • Great early game upgrade

Tier 2 - Airburst Darts

  • Cost: $525 (Medium)
  • Darts split into three after hitting bloons
  • Excellent grouped bloon popping power

Tier 3 - Ballistic Missile

  • Cost: $1,500 (Medium)
  • Launches seeking missiles at bloons
  • Strong against both grouped and MOABs

Tier 4 - First Strike Capability

  • Cost: $13,600 (Medium)
  • Adds powerful ability that can one-shot ZOMGs
  • Essential for late-game MOAB-class bloons

Tier 5 - Pre-emptive Strike

  • Cost: $32,000 (Medium)
  • Automatically launches missiles at MOAB-class bloons
  • Incredible late-game potential

Bottom Path: Barbed Darts Enhancement

The bottom path focuses on improving the Sub's basic attack:

Tier 1 - Barbed Darts

  • Cost: $300 (Medium)
  • Increases pierce to 4
  • Solid early game upgrade

Tier 2 - Heat-tipped Darts

  • Cost: $450 (Medium)
  • Allows popping of Lead bloons
  • Important for round 28 and beyond

Tier 3 - Triple Guns

  • Cost: $900 (Medium)
  • Adds two additional gun barrels
  • Significant DPS increase

Tier 4 - Armor Piercing Darts

  • Cost: $2,800 (Medium)
  • Greatly increases MOAB damage
  • Strong mid-game upgrade

Tier 5 - Sub Commander

  • Cost: $25,000 (Medium)
  • Dramatically boosts all nearby subs
  • Essential for sub-focused strategies

Best Upgrade Path for Sub in BTD6: Recommended Combinations

Early Game (Rounds 1-40)

  • 2-0-3 (Advanced Intel + Triple Guns)
  • 2-0-1 (Advanced Intel + Barbed Darts)
  • 0-2-3 (Airburst + Triple Guns)

Mid Game (Rounds 41-80)

  • 2-0-4 (Advanced Intel + Armor Piercing)
  • 2-4-0 (Advanced Intel + First Strike)
  • 4-0-2 (Bloontonium + Heat-tipped)

Late Game (Rounds 81+)

  • 0-5-0 (Pre-emptive Strike)
  • 5-0-2 (Energizer + Heat-tipped)
  • 2-0-5 (Advanced Intel + Sub Commander)

Advanced Strategy Tips

Here are some key strategies when using the best upgrade path for Sub in BTD6:

  • Place subs near track bends for maximum coverage
  • Combine with other water towers for synergy
  • Use multiple 2-0-3 subs for early game economy
  • Save up for First Strike by round 80
  • Position Sub Commander centrally for maximum effect

Map-Specific Recommendations

Maps with Limited Water

  • Focus on 2-0-3 or 2-0-4 paths
  • Utilize Advanced Intel for full map coverage
  • Consider Portable Lakes for strategic placement

Maps with Abundant Water

  • Implement Sub Commander strategies
  • Use multiple Ballistic Missile subs
  • Consider Energizer for ability-based strategies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When choosing the best upgrade path for Sub in BTD6, avoid these pitfalls:

  • Upgrading too many paths simultaneously
  • Neglecting camo detection
  • Overlooking Advanced Intel's potential
  • Rushing Tier 5 upgrades before securing mid-game
  • Forgetting about lead popping power

Cost-Efficiency Analysis

Understanding cost-efficiency helps optimize your strategy:

Most Cost-Effective Early Game

  • 2-0-3 configuration
  • Total cost: approximately $2,900 (Medium)
  • Excellent grouped bloon popping power

Best Mid-Game Investment

  • 2-0-4 configuration
  • Total cost: approximately $5,700 (Medium)
  • Strong against MOAB-class bloons

Ultimate Late-Game Setup

  • 2-0-5 configuration
  • Total cost: approximately $30,700 (Medium)
  • Maximum DPS potential with proper positioning

Conclusion

The best upgrade path for Sub in BTD6 varies depending on your game stage and strategy. Early game favors 2-0-3 configurations, mid-game benefits from 2-0-4 or 2-4-0 setups, and late-game dominated by tier 5 upgrades like Pre-emptive Strike or Sub Commander. Remember to adapt your strategy based on map layout, game mode, and team composition.

FAQs

  1. What is the best early game Sub upgrade?
  • The 2-0-3 configuration offers excellent value and popping power
  1. When should I get First Strike Capability?
  • Aim to have it by round 80 for the BAD bloon
  1. Is Sub Commander worth the investment?
  • Yes, especially when using multiple submarines
  1. Which path is best for MOAB damage?
  • Middle path for single-target damage
  • Bottom path for consistent MOAB damage
  1. How many subs should I use in a typical game?
  • 3-4 support subs (2-0-3)
  • 1 main damage sub (2-0-5 or 0-5-0)
  • 1 utility sub (5-0-2)

Remember to experiment with different combinations and find what works best for your playstyle while considering the specific challenges each map and game mode presents.