Universal Tower Defense Modes (UTD) – Modes Guide, Rewards, Scaling, and Team Picks

What it is

Campaign-style stages split into acts/maps with difficulty options (Easy/Hard/Nightmare).

How it unlocks

Available from the start; later acts unlock with level/story progress.

Core rules

• Waves scale per act and difficulty.
• Enemy HP/damage scale by act and chosen difficulty (Easy/Hard/Nightmare).
• Choose difficulty to balance rewards vs clear consistency.

Rewards

• Base progression (Yen/EXP)
• Map unlocks and story milestones
• Starter relics and drops

Recommended archetypes

• New player: Balanced AoE + boss killer + one economy/support.
• Advanced: Wave clear AoE, burst, slows/stuns, and early economy.

Common mistakes

• Greedy economy with no early DPS
• Ignoring flying/air coverage on certain maps
• Underestimating Nightmare scaling without trait/relic support

What it is

Infinite waves that scale enemy HP/damage; tests long-run DPS and sustain.

How it unlocks

Typically unlocked after early story progress; varies by update.

Core rules

• HP/damage ramp continuously; no fixed time limit, but scaling overtakes low DPS.

Rewards

• Long-run Yen/EXP
• Challenge achievements and leaderboard pushes

Recommended archetypes

• New player: Economy opener, cheap AoE, one boss killer
• Advanced: Scaling DPS (DoT/ticks), cooldown reduction supports, slows/stuns, economy ramp

Common mistakes

• No scaling damage leading to late-wave stall
• Ignoring supports that reduce cooldown or buff range
• Over-investing in single-target only

What it is

Boss-focused encounters that emphasize burst DPS and survivability.

How it unlocks

Varies by update; typically after mid-story progression or event unlock.

Core rules

• Boss HP and mechanics are heavier; often time-pressured DPS races.

Rewards

• Evolution materials
• Boss-specific drops
• High-tier currencies

Recommended archetypes

• New player: Single-target burst carry, one debuff/support, one economy starter
• Advanced: Burst DPS, defense break/debuff, cooldown reduction support, emergency CC

Common mistakes

• No debuffs against high-HP bosses
• Long setup units that never ramp within timer
• Ignoring boss mechanics or armor

What it is

Co-op focused mode with coordinated burst windows and shared objectives.

How it unlocks

Usually mid-to-late game; may require party or lobby.

Core rules

• Higher HP bosses with mechanics; teamwork and buff/debuff timing matter.

Rewards

• High-value drops
• Raid-exclusive materials
• Co-op rewards/bonuses

Recommended archetypes

• New player: One strong DPS, support/debuff, and utility slot (slows/shields)
• Advanced: Burst DPS, shred/debuff, cooldown/range support, sustain or crowd control

Common mistakes

• No role coverage (all DPS, no support)
• Poor timing of buffs during burn phases
• Lack of communication on placements

What it is

Endgame roguelike mode emphasizing a single super-carry with card buffs and relic synergy.

How it unlocks

Late-game; intended for experienced players.

Core rules

• Solo/limited unit emphasis; scaling via relics/cards; enemies ramp per stage.

Rewards

• Relic farming and upgrades
• Endgame progression materials

Recommended archetypes

• New player: High single-target carry with reliable sustain; basic relics
• Advanced: Trait-optimized super-carry, relic synergies, cooldown/range buffs

Common mistakes

• Bringing multi-setup teams instead of one strong carry
• Ignoring relic synergy and card choices
• No sustain or mitigation for long runs

Try the Relic Build tab to compare set bonuses for your carry.

What it is

Limited-time modes with unique rewards, cosmetics, or drops.

When it’s live

Time-limited; check in-game timer.

Rewards

• Unique event currencies or units
• Cosmetics and limited relics

Event checklist

• Read event rules and modifiers
• Check reward list and prioritize
• Set reminder for end date
• Test your DPS in Mode Fit if bosses are listed

Common mistakes

• Not reading event-specific rules
• Waiting until the last day and missing rewards
• No backup plan for special enemy types