Read the tree before spending the points
The itch.io page currently describes around 100 upgrades, while an official screenshot shows a wide, branching interface. Before buying a node, read its visible effect and prerequisites, then write down what problem it is meant to solve. This guide uses the player’s current bottleneck—survival, production, or a future unlock—as the starting point rather than assuming the central ring is always correct.
A three-question priority check
Use these questions whenever several nodes look attractive. They keep the decision tied to the next playable test.
| Question | Choose the candidate that… | Record for the replay |
|---|---|---|
| What is stopping this wave? | Addresses the observed failure rather than a hypothetical future problem. | Wave or level, enemy pattern, and the resource spent. |
| What does it unlock? | Opens a route you can actually use with the current units and factories. | Prerequisites and the first point where the benefit is visible. |
| What is the opportunity cost? | Still leaves enough economy or frontline output to reach the next checkpoint. | The alternative node you skipped and why. |
Combat versus economy: make the trade visible
When an army is losing the frontline, a combat node may be easier to evaluate immediately. When the line holds but factory prices are slowing every purchase, an economy node may deserve a controlled comparison. The factories, interest & purge guide covers that cost pressure; this page keeps the upgrade decision attached to the same run log.
- Take a before screenshot or note the next wave’s state.
- Buy one meaningful branch, then observe the same type of pressure.
- Do not call a route “best” after a single lucky wave.
Coin upgrades and level skips
Community comments report that an early coin-focused route can be disrupted by level skips, and a developer response acknowledged the interaction. Treat that as a version-sensitive test prompt: compare the same coin purchase with and without the skip, and record how long the benefit is actually active. It is not enough evidence to recommend one route for every run.
- Note the level and the coin upgrade’s visible effect.
- Record whether the skip changes the levels or waves where the effect can pay back.
- Repeat after updates before turning the result into a guide rule.
Controls and review loop
The official itch.io controls list U for opening the upgrades interface. Use it to inspect prerequisites during a pause or transition, then close the tree and return to the battlefield. The progression guide can help separate a bad upgrade choice from a death-and-rebuild issue.