Video Guide
The PROPER WAY To Use Mortar (Tower Defense Simulator)
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When you need to turn the tide against massive incoming hordes, few weapons in the Paradoxum Games arsenal are as satisfying as the heavy artillery. The Tower Defense Simulator mortar is a powerhouse of splash damage, capable of clearing entire paths with a single well-placed shell. If you have been struggling to manage dense enemy crowds or wondering why your artillery isn't hitting hard enough, this guide is your key to unlocking the full potential of this high-impact tower.

Understanding the Tower Defense Simulator mortar requires more than just dropping it on a cliffside and forgetting about it. It is a tactical piece of equipment that rewards precise positioning and smart targeting choices. In this guide, we will break down the mechanics, the most effective upgrade paths, and the community-tested strategies that separate novice players from the absolute pros.

Why the Mortar Remains a Top-Tier Crowd Control Tower

In the current meta, the mortar is frequently cited by high-level players as an essential tool for late-game survival. Its primary function is area-of-effect (AoE) destruction. Unlike single-target towers that get overwhelmed by swarms, the mortar thrives when enemies are tightly packed together.

According to community feedback, the recent buffs to this tower have cemented its position as a go-to for clearing "Breaker" waves. Because the shell explodes and potentially leaves cluster bombs behind, it can strip away enemy health layers with surgical efficiency. If you are playing on maps with challenging paths, the mortar’s ability to "rain fire from above" is your most reliable defense against being overrun.

Statistical Breakdown: Upgrading for Maximum Impact

Before you commit your hard-earned cash, you need to know how the tower scales. The mortar is not cheap, but its value per unit of currency is excellent when utilized correctly. Below is a simplified comparison of its performance across levels to help you plan your budget.

Level Splash Damage Firerate Explosion Radius Strategic Value
1 12-15 2.75 - 3.25 5 - 5.5 Early game crowd clear
2 25-35 2.75 - 3.25 7 - 7.5 Mid-wave swarm control
3 50-65 2.75 - 3.25 8 - 8.5 Heavy support
4 100 2.75 - 3.25 8 - 8.5 Unlock cluster bombs
5 150-235 2.75 - 3.25 8.5 - 10 Maximum AoE destruction

Note: Statistics vary slightly based on specific game updates; these figures represent standard competitive usage.

Pro-Level Targeting Strategies: First vs. Random

One of the most frequent questions we see in the Official Tower Defense Simulator Lobby is about targeting logic. While "First" is the default setting for many towers, it is rarely the optimal choice for your artillery.

Why "Random" Wins the Day

Player experience in competitive matches suggests that setting your mortars to "Random" often yields better results against dense clusters. When set to "First," all your shells might converge on a single lead enemy, causing overkill while ignoring the rest of the horde. By using "Random," you force your towers to spread their fire, maximizing the number of enemies caught within the outer explosion spheres of multiple shells.

The Mix-and-Match Approach If you have multiple mortars on the map, don't set them all to the same mode. Keep two on "Random" to soften up the main bulk of the horde, and set one to "Last" or "First" to pick off any faster units that might have leaked through your main defensive line.

Step-by-Step Upgrade Path for Efficiency

Upgrading too quickly or too slowly can ruin your economy. Based on rigorous testing by experienced players, here is the most efficient way to scale your mortar power during a match:

  1. Placement: Place your base level mortar on a cliff with good map coverage.
  2. Level 1-2: Push to level 2 as quickly as possible. This jump in explosion radius is significant and allows you to cover more ground.
  3. The Level 4 Threshold: Focus on getting at least one mortar to level 4. The introduction of cluster bombs is a massive DPS buff that changes how the tower interacts with "shielded" or "breaker" type enemies.
  4. Final Push: Once your defenses are stable, upgrade to level 5 to take advantage of the massive 10-unit explosion radius.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even veteran players occasionally fall into traps when using this tower. Avoid these common pitfalls to keep your win rate high:

  • Ignoring Travel Time: Remember that shells take time to land. If you aim at a fast-moving enemy, the shell will likely land behind them. Plan your aim by observing enemy pathing patterns.
  • Neglecting Detection: The mortar cannot detect hidden enemies on its own. Always pair it with a support tower (like an Ace Pilot or a specialized tech unit) that provides detection.
  • Overcrowding Cliff Spaces: The mortar is a cliff tower. Don't waste your limited cliff real estate on low-level mortars. It is better to have two maxed-out towers than four level-1 units.
Mistake Result Solution
Targeting "First" only Overkill & missed splashes Switch to "Random" for dense waves
Lack of detection Leaking hidden enemies Pair with detection-providing towers
Rapid spamming Cash flow issues Focus on maxing one at a time

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the Tower Defense Simulator mortar damage Lead enemies? A: Yes! By default, the mortar can damage Lead enemies and ignore their defense stats, making it an excellent choice for late-game waves where high-defense units become common.

Q: Is it worth buying the mortar gamepass? A: If you are at a low level, the gamepass is a great way to skip the level 75 requirement. However, if you are patient, you can unlock it for free by simply progressing through your career and reaching the level threshold.

Q: Why does my mortar seem to deal less damage to fast enemies? A: This is due to the projectile travel time. Since the shell lands behind the target, fast enemies often move out of the high-damage "inner sphere" of the explosion. To fix this, try placing your mortars further back along the path so the shells land directly on the enemies as they move toward you.

Q: What is the best skin for the mortar? A: While stats remain the same, community favorites often include the "Fallen" or "Frost" skins due to their unique visual effects, which make it easier to track your shells during intense, screen-cluttered boss battles.

Mastering the mortar takes practice, but once you learn how to balance its raw power with smart placement and targeting, you will find it to be one of the most reliable assets in your inventory. Get out there, claim those high-ground spots, and start clearing those waves!

Sources and known gaps

  • Mortar - Tower Defense Simulator Wiki - Fandom Source accessed:
  • The PROPER WAY To Use Mortar (Tower Defense Simulator) Source accessed:
  • THE MORTAR JUST GOT A MASSIVE BUFF! | BEST CROWD CONTROL? - Tower Defense Simulator (UPDATE) Source accessed:

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