Good placement gives the same unit more attack cycles without spending another upgrade. Prioritize corners, bends, lane overlaps, and support coverage, then adjust for each unit’s trigger. A placement copied from another map is only a starting point. Choose the lineup with the team templates, then use the DPS and support indexes to decide which unit deserves the strongest corner.
Placement index
Opening waves
Place the cheapest dependable unit where it covers a long section of path. Upgrade it only enough to survive the next breakpoint. Save for the main carry rather than filling the map with low-upgrade units.
Carry and support cluster
Put the main damage unit on the strongest corner first. Add Puppet (Telekinetic) or a buffer only after you know the carry remains inside its range. The Hero needs Physical units; Forbidden Teacher needs Magical units. Optics is useful only if added range captures another meaningful target. If an equipment change alters Range or SPA, recheck it against the equipment-by-unit guide before moving the whole defense.
Control trigger placement
Salmon Sorcerer (Grade 1)‘s Plummet triggers when an enemy enters the inner half of its range. Position that inner boundary at the point where the team begins concentrated damage. String Demon (Awakened) should keep both enemies and the intended linked unit inside useful range so Cocoon and String Sync are not wasted.
Unit-specific positioning
- Cursed Student: protect the closest-unit relationship and keep Bleed sources inside the same combat zone.
- Lady Giant: place walls where they extend time inside the Giant’s attack area rather than blocking after enemies leave it.
- Flame Emperor + Hollow: overlap their coverage so Hollow attacks enemies while Burn is active.
- Reaper: use Mirage Step to correct a poor position or follow a new lane; confirm the live ability rules first.
- 8th Sword: full AoE rewards a central location that keeps the largest number of enemies inside range.
Mode adjustments
Story favors one efficient corner and a clear upgrade order. Raids favor a compact boss cluster with buff coverage and a reserved answer for adds. Payload and other moving objectives need staggered coverage rather than one fixed front-loaded defense. Tournament modifiers may remove traits or change the value of expensive carries, so read the rules before placing.
Quick answers
Should I always place near the entrance?
No. A bend or overlap often produces more total attacks. Entrance placement is useful only when the unit still covers enough future path.
Why keep an empty placement slot?
A backline emergency unit can save a run when a fast enemy, boss ability, or split path bypasses the main cluster.