Glossary

Definitions for common terms used across the calculators and wiki. When the dataset is missing a value, calculators allow manual inputs.

Key Terms

DPS

Damage per second. A simple baseline is damage ÷ SPA (not counting travel time, AoE caps, actives, or DoT models).

SPA

Seconds per attack (attack interval). Lower SPA means the unit attacks more often.

Range (RNG)

How far a unit can hit enemies. More range reduces repositioning/pathing issues and improves uptime.

Placement cost

Yen cost to place the unit. DPS/Cost is a quick efficiency heuristic for early-game tempo.

Tier (by mode)

A community/meta rank that can differ per mode (Story, Infinite, Boss Rush, PvP).

Trait

A modifier applied to a unit (damage/SPA/range/etc). Some traits have restrictions such as one-placement limits.

Relic

Gear with stats and set bonuses. Sets typically require 3 pieces; head bonuses may be conditional.

Mode Fit

A simplified check: time-to-kill vs boss HP/time limit. Use overrides when mode modifiers or ability models aren’t captured yet.

These are stored in the canonical dataset so calculators and wiki can share the same reference text.

Dps Simplified

Formula: DPS = (Base Damage × Level Multiplier × Trait Damage Bonus) × (Attack Speed × Trait Speed Bonus)

Level Multiplier: 1 + (Level - 1) × 10%

Trait Damage Bonus: 1 + Trait Damage %

Trait Speed Bonus: 1 + Trait Attack Speed %

Notes: Simplified model; actual in-game DPS may vary due to cooldowns, distance, and abilities.

Source: https://universal-tower-defense.com/calculators/dps

Summon At Least One

Formula: P(at least 1) = 1 - (1 - p)^n

Source: https://universal-tower-defense.com/calculators/summon

Trait Reroll Geometric

Expected: E = 1/p

Percentile: k = ceil(log(1-X) / log(1-p))

Source: https://universal-tower-defense.com/calculators/traits

Evolution Progress

Runs Needed: Remaining Takedowns / (Enemies per Run × Kill Rate %)

Time: Runs Needed × Average Time per Run