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
- What is the best early game Sub upgrade?
- The 2-0-3 configuration offers excellent value and popping power
- When should I get First Strike Capability?
- Aim to have it by round 80 for the BAD bloon
- Is Sub Commander worth the investment?
- Yes, especially when using multiple submarines
- Which path is best for MOAB damage?
- Middle path for single-target damage
- Bottom path for consistent MOAB damage
- 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.