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===============================================================================
Game Title: PixelJunk Monsters
Platform: PlayStation 3
FAQ Version: 1.00 (2008-02-08)
Author: Paul Wolfenden (PsiPab)
===============================================================================
Hello and welcome to my FAQ/Walkthrough for PixelJunk Monsters on the
PlayStation 3. I created this guide because a) I like the game a lot and b)
there was nothing else on GameFAQs at the time of making it. It's my first, and
quite possibly last, attempt at making a FAQ so I hope you'll find it a useful
aid to this great little game!
===============================================================================
Contents
===============================================================================
1. About the Game
1a. Controls
1b. Unlockables
2. Levels
2a. Wave Breakdown
2b. Tutorial
2c. Easy 1
2d. Easy 2
2e. Easy 3
2f. Easy 4
2g. Special 1
2h. Medium 1
2i. Medium 2
2j. Medium 3
2k. Medium 4
2l. Medium 5
2m. Medium 6
2n. Medium 7
2o. Special 2
2p. Hard 1
2q. Hard 2
2r. Hard 3
2s. Hard 4
2t. Hard 5
2u. Hard 6
2v. Special 3
3. Towers
3a. Upgrading
3b. Arrow Tower
3c. Cannon Tower
3d. Anti-Air Gun Tower
3e. Ice Tower
3f. Laser Tower
3g. Tesla Tower
3h. Fire Tower
3i. Mortar Tower
3j. Hive Tower
3k. Lightning Tower
4. Monsters
4a. Shields
4b. Ant
4c. Spider
4d. Heli
4e. Golem
4f. Bat
4g. Bee
4h. Boss (Easy)
4i. Boss (Medium)
4j. Boss (Hard)
5. FAQACAS
5a. The Game
5b. This FAQ
5c. Miscellany
6. Boring Stuff
6a. Credits
6b. Contact Information
6c. Version History
6d. Distribution
===============================================================================
1. About the Game
===============================================================================
PixelJunk Monsters is a PlayStation 3 game developed by Q-Games and available
exclusively through the PlayStation Store. It falls into the "tower defense"
genre, in which you try to defend your base by building towers to defeat waves
of monsters. The game features 20 levels, nice hi-res graphics, a well executed
co-op mode and online high score tables.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1a. Controls
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Left Stick: Move Character
D-Pad: Move character
Cross: Action / Confirm
Circle: Cancel
Square: Remote mine (unlocked after beating Special 2)
L1 (Hold): Show upgrade status of all towers
R1 (Hold): Show current player (co-op only)
Start: Menu / Pause
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1b. Unlockables
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are 3 unlockables in the game. Finish these levels to receive them:
Special 1 - Run ability (hold down Circle to run)
Special 2 - Remote mines (press Square to place/detonate)
Special 3 - Lightning towers
===============================================================================
2. Levels
===============================================================================
The game features 21 levels, playable in both solo and co-op play. They consist
of 1 tutorial, 4 easy, 7 medium, 6 hard and 3 special levels.
Screenshots of the levels are available on my PixelJunk Monsters page:
http://psipab.googlepages.com/pixeljunkmonsters
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2a. Wave Breakdown
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The level guide features a breakdown of every wave of monsters on each level.
Special conventions used are detailed below.
Wave:
- A star next to the wave number means there is something special about the
wave. Check below the table for details.
Monster Type:
- A letter in brackets indicates a shield (G = green, B = blue, R = red).
Pattern:
- On levels with more than one, spawn points are indicated in brackets, with
horizontal (L = left, M = middle, R = right) followed by vertical (B =
bottom, M = middle, T = top).
- On levels with only one spawn point but two clear pathways, the direction of
monsters is indicated in square brackets (L = left, R = Right).
- A plus denotes multiple sets of monsters in the wave at the same time.
- A comma denotes multiple sets of monsters in the wave seperated by a gap.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2b. Tutorial "Learn how to play."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just a nice simple introduction to the game and how it's played. You can't
really go wrong. Included here just for the sake of completeness!
Coins: 100 (solo), 100/100 (co-op)
Spawn: Left bottom (all)
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 01
2 | Ant | 02
3 | Ant | 03
4 | Spider | 02
5 | Heli | 04
6 | Heli | 06
7 | Heli | 07
8 | Ant | 07
9 | Spider | 07
10 | Golem | 01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2c. Easy 1 "The waves begin."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looks easy and well defensible but beware the high number of monsters you'll be
facing, especially considering it's the first proper level. A good place to get
a feel for the different tower types and how upgrades effect them.
Coins: 340 (solo), 250/250 (co-op)
Spawn: Left top (all)
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 10
2 | Spider | 14
3 | Ant | 23
4 | Golem | 04
5 | Heli | 12
6 | Spider | 22
7 | Heli | 15
8 | Ant | 30
9 | Golem | 15
10 | Boss(Easy) | 01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2d. Easy 2 "Power play."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your first taste of multiple pathways. Hit them as fast and as hard as possible
on the parts the monsters are forced to pass before you build defenses where
they may or may not travel.
Coins: 340 (solo), 250/250 (co-op)
Spawn: Left middle (all)
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 09
2 | Spider | 11
3 | Ant | 16
4 | Golem | 04
5 | Spider | 16
6 | Heli | 10
7 | Heli | 15
8 | Ant | 30
9 | Golem | 10
10 | Boss(Easy) | 01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2e. Easy 3 "Prudence is key."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Monsters have no coins here! Do what you can with your initial funds!"
Like the game says, monsters don't drop coins on this level, so you've got to
spend wisely. The map is one long path to your base, with monsters going off
the screen before reappearing on the other side. Don't neglect air defenses
here, as you'll be facing 3 waves of helis.
Coins: 2000 (solo), 1000/1000 (co-op)
Spawn: Right middle (all)
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Heli | 10
2 | Ant | 15
3 | Golem | 05,05
4 | Spider | 15
5 | Heli | 14
6 | Golem | 15
7 | Heli | 15
8 | Ant | 19
9 | Spider | 10,10
10 | Boss(Easy) | 01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2f. Easy 4 "Hold the line."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another map with split paths, this one forms a large "X" pattern. For most
levels I wouldn't recommend concentrating on base defense, but here it can
really work, as the area leading up to the base is the only one that the
monsters always pass through.
Coins: 340 (solo), 250/250 (co-op)
Spawn: Left top, left bottom
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 11(LT)
2 | Spider | 11(LB)
3 | Ant | 16(LT)+06(LB)
4 | Golem | 04(LB)
5 | Spider | 04(LT)+15(LB)
6 | Heli | 10(LT)
7 | Ant | 12(LT)+17(LB)
8 | Heli | 10(LT)+06(LB)
9 | Golem | 05(LT)+06(LB)
10 | Boss(Easy) | 01(LB)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2g. Special 1 "From all sides."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"They're all the same! This stage is filled with all the same type of monster."
Monsters pour in from just about every opening you can see at some point on
this map! However, it's not as hard as it looks, because with the exception of
the boss all 20 waves are just spiders. This means you can get away with
nothing but arrow towers. Start building close to your base as and work
outwards, with a focus towards the bottom half as that's where your flock is
and most spawns are from. For finishing the level you get the run ability.
Coins: 500 (solo), 370/370 (co-op)
Spawn: All around!
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Spider | 09(LM)
2 | Spider | 10(RB)
3 | Spider | 13(LB)
4 | Spider | 12(RB)
5 | Spider | 15(LB)
6 | Spider | 05(LB),11(LB)
7 | Spider | 12(RB),06(RB)
8 | Spider | 05(LT),04(LT),09(LT)
9 | Spider | 18(RB)
10 | Spider | 21(LB)
11 | Spider | 07(RB)+05(MT),02(MT)+08(RB)
12 | Spider | 03(LT),10(LB)+04(LT)
13 | Spider | 21(RB)
14 | Spider | 11(LB),07(RT),03(RB)
15 | Spider | 12(RB),03(RM),05(RB),03(RB)
16 | Spider | 20(RB)
17 | Spider | 19(MB),04(RB)
18 | Spider | 05(LT),15(LB),05(LT)
19 | Spider | 25(All)
20 | Boss(Easy) | 01(LM)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2h. Medium 1 "Short cut."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This map has a painful, if obvious, twist. From wave 13 onwards, some of the
monsters in each wave will take the short route to your base. For this reason,
make sure you defend the downward path well in the later waves. This level also
introduces you to a green shielded ant for the first time, so consider saving
up gems to unlock fire towers which can take them down with ease.
Coins: 500 (solo), 370/370 (co-op)
Spawn: Left middle (all)
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 10
2 | Spider | 10
3 | Golem | 06
4 | Spider | 14
5 | Heli | 10
6 | Spider | 20
7 | Heli | 15
8 | Ant | 20
9 | Golem | 07,03
10 | Bat | 10
11 | Ant | 25
12 | Ant(G) | 06
13*| Spider | 20
14*| Bat | 15
15*| Heli | 20
16*| Ant(G) | 10
17*| Bat | 20
18*| Golem | 16,04
19*| Ant(G) | 15
20*| Boss(Medium) | 01
* Some monsters from these waves will take the short path downwards.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2i. Medium 2 "Smile."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are fewer trees and a wider corridor here than you might have become
accustomed to. Because of this, be sure need to utilise both the trees nearest
to the pathway and the ones behind them, with say a cannon tower in front and
arrow tower behind. It's also worth building your towers mostly in the top set
of trees, as the few at the bottom don't have as much proximity to the
monsters' path.
Coins: 500 (solo), 370/370 (co-op)
Spawn: Left top (all)
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 10
2 | Spider | 11
3 | Ant | 11
4 | Golem | 05
5 | Heli | 10
6 | Spider | 16
7 | Heli | 14
8 | Spider | 02,15
9 | Golem | 08
10 | Heli | 12
11 | Ant | 17
12 | Ant(B) | 05,03
13 | Spider | 20
14 | Golem | 04,01,03,05
15 | Heli | 16
16 | Spider | 20
17 | Ant(B) | 20
18 | Spider | 25
19 | Ant(B) | 04,15
20 | Boss(Medium) | 01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2j. Medium 3 "Bridge out!"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Much like Medium 1, this level lulls you into a false sense of security before
unleashing your worst nightmare, which in this case is an army of bees crossing
the river at the top. There are a lot of flying beasties on this map, so you'll
want to build laser towers as soon as possible to take care of them. Don't
forget to place them where they will hit an entire line at once, and watch out
for those crossing bees towards the end!
Coins: 500 (solo), 370/370 (co-op)
Spawn: Left bottom (all)
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 11
2 | Spider | 11
3 | Ant | 21
4 | Spider | 22
5 | Heli | 10
6 | Spider | 22
7 | Heli | 13
8 | Ant | 25
9 | Golem | 09
10*| Heli | 10,10
11 | Ant(R) | 17
12*| Bee | 10
13 | Spider | 25
14*| Heli | 24
15 | Golem(R) | 20
16*| Bee | 16
17*| Heli | 24
18 | Spider(R) | 29
19*| Bee | 30
20 | Boss(Medium) | 01
* Some monsters from these waves will fly accross the river at the top path.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2k. Medium 4 "Treeless forest."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"There are just four trees! Choose the right tower for the job and switch types
in time!"
With only 4 trees available, you're going to be replacing your towers a lot on
this level. Arrow towers are useful here, as two fully upgraded ones on the
outer trees can help through most of the waves, with the two inner trees being
used depending on what you're facing. A final word of advice; the only way to
take down the boss is with 4 fully upgraded mortar towers.
Coins: 500 (solo), 370/370 (co-op)
Spawn: Left middle (all)
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 09
2 | Spider | 09
3 | Ant | 09
4 | Heli | 06
5 | Ant | 12
6 | Spider | 09
7 | Ant | 07
8 | Heli | 09
9 | Ant(G) | 09
10 | Spider(G) | 10
11 | Ant(G) | 07,07
12 | Bat | 06
13 | Ant(R) | 09
14 | Spider(R) | 11
15 | Ant(R) | 11
16 | Bee | 06
17 | Ant(R) | 11
18 | Spider(R) | 10
19 | Golem | 10
20 | Boss(Medium) | 01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2l. Medium 5 "Monster mishmash."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It's a monster free-for-all! All different varieties of monsters will attack
in just one long wave!"
This level is surprisingly easy considering how far into the game it is.
There's only one proper wave of monsters and you are given a huge amount of
funds and all tower types with which to deal with them. Plus if you do make a
mistake it's easy to just start again with different tactics because the level
is so short. For these reasons, I don't have any specific tips to give here, so
just enjoy finding out what works!
Coins: 4000 (solo), 2000/2000 (co-op)
Spawn: Left top (all)
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 04
" | Heli | 06
" | Golem | 04
" | Bee | 05
" | Spider | 02
" | Bat | 05
" | Ant(R) | 04
" | Ant(G) | 04
" | Golem(R) | 05
" | Golem(G) | 05
" | Spider(R) | 04
" | Spider(G) | 04
2 | Boss(Easy) | 01
3 | Boss(Medium) | 01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2m. Medium 6 "Heart."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a tricky one. You've got monsters entering from the top and then
splitting into the left and right paths that lead to your base. With only a
limited number of trees in range of the key points, you're going to have to
cover each side as well. It's worth noting that all flying monsters take the
left path, so only build air defenses to cover that side.
Coins: 500 (solo), 370/370 (co-op)
Spawn: Middle top (all)
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 12[L]
2 | Spider | 10[L]
3 | Ant | 14[R]
4 | Spider | 10[R],05[R]
5 | Heli | 12[L]
6 | Spider | 07[R]+04[R]+06[R]
7 | Heli | 14[L]
8 | Ant | 20[R]
9 | Golem | 08[R]
10 | Bat | 08[L]
11 | Ant | 06[R],06[R]+06[L]
12 | Ant(G) | 04[R]
13 | Ant | 06[L],08[R],11[L]
14 | Bat | 13[L]
15 | Ant(G) | 05[R],02[L],03[R]
16 | Golem | 10[R],03[L]
17 | Spider | 03[L]+07[R],07[L]+03[R]
18 | Golem | 12[L]+08[R]
19 | Ant(G) | 11[R]+07[L]
20 | Boss(Medium) | 01[R]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2n. Medium 7 "Roundabout."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Despite how it looks, there's only two spawn points on this level; the bottom
right and the bottom left. The 2x4 trees that stick out from the lower middle
part of the map can be useful, as monsters from both spawn points will usually
pass by them. Beyond that a typical base defense is needed to finish off those
that get through. Be aware that fire isn't that effective on this level as
there are 4 waves of red shielded monsters. Consider mortars as an unlock
instead.
Coins: 500 (solo), 370/370 (co-op)
Spawn: Right bottom, left bottom
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 10(RB)
2 | Spider | 11(RB)
3 | Ant | 16(RB)
4 | Spider | 12(RB)+03(RB)
5 | Golem | 06(RB)
6 | Spider | 14(RB),03(RB)
7 | Heli | 14(RB)
8 | Ant | 10(RB)+10(LB)
9 | Golem | 08(RB)+03(LB)
10 | Bat | 07(RB),05(RB)
11 | Ant(R) | 05(RB),05(LB)
12 | Golem | 04(RB)+07(LB),04(RB)
13 | Ant | 10(LB)+10(RB)
14 | Ant(R) | 20(RB)
15 | Bat | 10(RB)+05(LB),04(RB)+03(RB)
16 | Spider | 12(LB)+13(RB)
17 | Ant(R) | 18(RB)+03(LB)
18 | Spider | 05(RB)+07(LB),10(RB)
19 | Golem(R) | 15(RB)
20 | Boss(Medium) | 01(RB)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2o. Special 2 "Lines of attack."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's all about the flying monsters here. Build plenty of anti-air guns to
defeat the initial waves, then supplement them with lasers as soon as you have
enough gems. Arrow towers can deal with the few waves of spiders but you'll
need something stronger in the later stages to deal with a single wave of
golems. For beating this level you receive remote mines.
Coins: 500 (solo), 370/370 (co-op)
Spawn: Left top (all)
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Heli | 08
2 | Bat | 08
3 | Heli | 12
4 | Bee | 07
5 | Spider | 10
6 | Bee | 09
7 | Heli | 15
8 | Bat | 15
9 | Bee | 12
10 | Spider | 10,05
11 | Bat | 18
12 | Heli | 18
13 | Heli | 20
14 | Bee | 15
15 | Golem | 15
16 | Bat | 25
17 | Heli | 24
18 | Bee | 18
19 | Bee | 23
20 | Boss(Medium) | 01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2p. Hard 1 "So many monsters."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They weren't kidding with the title of this level. Research lasers at the first
opportunity and place them where they will be most effective, perhaps in the
middle of the t-junction so they can hit all sides. Go for fire towers next to
mow down ground enemies but don't forget to keep your air defenses up too. By
the end, you're going to need all the fire towers you can afford to deal with a
wave of 60(!) green shielded spiders. The boss is still the medium type so no
worries there.
Coins: 500 (solo), 370/370 (co-op)
Spawn: Left top, right middle
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 20(LT)
2 | Ant | 18(LT)
3 | Ant | 12(LT)
4 | Ant | 15(LT)+05(RM)
5 | Heli | 18(LT)+06(RM)
6 | Bat | 10(LT)
7 | Spider | 12(LT)
8 | Ant | 32(LT)
9 | Bat | 30(RM)
10 | Golem | 02(LT)+02(RM)
11 | Bee | 04(LT)+04(RM)
12 | Ant | 64(LT)+16(RM)
13 | Spider | 32(LT)
14 | Bee | 08(LT)+08(RM)
15 | Ant(G) | 16(LT)+16(RM)
16 | Spider(G) | 10(LT)+10(RM)
17 | Bat | 24(LT)+12(RM)
18 | Bee | 10(LT)+20(RM)
19 | Spider(G) | 40(LT)+20(RM)
20 | Boss(Medium) | 01(LT)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2q. Hard 2 "Double team."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This level is one of the hardest in the game, thanks to the dual-sided design
and short pathways from spawn to base. Unlock lasers first but follow it up
with fire as soon as possible because the monster numbers really ramp up after
the halfway point. If you make it to the end, you'll get your first experience
of the hard boss, who is both fast and tough. Build as many mortars as you can
to deal with it, selling useless towers such as anti-air and lasers if
necessary.
Coins: 500 (solo), 370/370 (co-op)
Spawn: Left middle, right top
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 05[L]+05[R]
2 | Ant | 12[L]+06[R]
3 | Ant | 06[L]+06[R]
4 | Ant | 14[L]+05[R]
5 | Heli | 04[L]+04[R]
6 | Bat | 08[L]
7 | Spider | 12[L]
8 | Ant | 32[L]
9 | Bat | 18[R]
10 | Golem | 02[L]+02[R]
11 | Bee | 04[L]+04[R]
12 | Ant | 64[L]+16[R]
13 | Spider | 33[L]
14 | Bee | 08[L]+08[R]
15 | Ant(G) | 16[L]+19[R]
16 | Spider(G) | 10[L]+10[R]
17 | Bat | 22[L]+12[R]
18 | Bee | 11[L]+20[R]
19 | Spider(G) | 34[L]+20[R]
20 | Boss(Hard) | 01[L]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2r. Hard 3 "Pond patrol."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These snowy levels are, in my opinion, the nicest looking in the game. This one
has you facing off against flying creatures crossing the pond and ground
beasties taking the long winding path around it. Do just enough to deal with
the ground monsters first then put most of your effort into dealing with the
many waves of fliers. Lasers are of course essential, with fire of little use
until after the red shielded waves have passed, at which point you'll need it
for lots of green shielded golems.
Coins: 500 (solo), 370/370 (co-op)
Spawn: Left middle (all)
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 17
2 | Heli | 03
3 | Ant | 04,10,08
4 | Heli | 12
5 | Spider | 14
6 | Bat | 12
7 | Ant | 50
8 | Heli | 40
9 | Golem | 06
10 | Bee | 12
11 | Ant(R) | 20
12 | Bee | 30
13 | Spider(R) | 25
14 | Bee | 12
15 | Ant(G) | 20
16 | Bat | 12
17 | Golem(G) | 20
18 | Heli | 50
19 | Golem(G) | 20
20 | Boss(Hard) | 01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2s. Hard 4 "Swirling paths."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"So lonely! Protect the last of your flock!"
Oh cruel level designers, forcing us to get a rainbow or nothing. The key line
of trees here is the one that starts at the bottom right of the screen, as it
covers both spawn points well. Build up what you need from here and surround
your base with arrows to pick off survivors. A few fire towers go down a treat
on this level. If you've not been using remote mines as a last resort yet,
consider doing so here if needed to avoid great frustration.
Coins: 340 (solo), 250/250 (co-op)
Spawn: Left top, right bottom
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 09(LT)
2 | Spider | 10(LT)
3 | Ant | 12(RB)
4 | Golem | 05(LT)
5 | Heli | 05(RB)
6 | Spider | 12(LT)
7 | Heli | 08(RB)+02(LT)
8 | Golem | 10(RB)
9 | Spider | 06(LT)+08(RB)
10 | Golem | 03(LT),04(LT),03(LT)
11 | Ant | 14(RB)+05(LT)
12 | Spider | 13(LT)+12(RB)
13 | Heli | 09(LT)+06(RB)
14 | Golem | 05(LT)+10(RB)
15 | Ant | 19(LT)+06(RB)
16 | Spider | 18(LT)+12(RB)
17 | Heli | 08(LT)+12(RB)
18 | Golem | 20(LT)+10(RB)
19 | Spider | 15(LT)+15(RB)
20 | Boss(Easy) | 01(LT)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2t. Hard 5 "Semicircle assaults."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Monsters have no gems, here! All the monsters will need to be taken down with
just the basics!"
This level sounds fun. That is, until you are shown just how essential towers
like fire and laser have become by now. Monsters are sent down both paths in
equal numbers for the most part, so build to defend both sides. You need lots,
no, loads of all 3 default tower types to survive this one. Then as if it
wasn't bad enough already, they send not one but two hard bosses for the
finale. Paint their way with cannons, selling everything else as you go.
Coins: 500 (solo), 370/370 (co-op)
Spawn: Middle top (all)
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 05[L]+04[R]
2 | Ant | 12[L]+12[R]
3 | Heli | 03[L]+03[R]
4 | Heli | 06[L]+06[R]
5 | Bat | 08[L]+08[R]
6 | Spider | 08[L]+08[R]
7 | Spider | 10[L]+10[R]
8 | Ant | 11[L]+11[R]
9 | Bat | 20[L]+10[R]
10 | Golem | 04[L]+04[R]
11 | Bee | 03[L]+06[R]
12 | Ant | 32[L]+32[R]
13 | Spider | 24[L]+24[R]
14 | Ant | 32[L]+32[R]
15 | Bee | 06[L]+06[R]
16 | Golem | 05[L]+05[R]
17 | Bat | 16[L]+16[R]
18 | Bee | 07[L]+07[R]
19 | Spider | 12[L]+12[R]
20 | Boss(Hard) | 01[L]+01[R]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2u. Hard 6 "The Final Stage."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Considering it's "The Final Stage" there isn't much special about it. Just
monsters entering from the top and splitting into left and right paths again.
As such no special tactics are needed here. Base your defense on, well, base
defense! There's lots of trees with which to do so and nice long pathways to
keep the monsters occupied. You will face all 3 types of boss at the end but
thanks to the aforementioned long pathways and the fact they all go left
they're surprisingly easy to deal with. For finishing this level you receive a
congratulatory message, followed by the game's credits.
Coins: 500 (solo), 370/370 (co-op)
Spawn: Middle top (all)
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Spider | 06[L]
2 | Spider | 06[R]
3 | Spider | 06[R]
4 | Ant | 15[L]+15[R]
5 | Ant | 15[L]+15[R]
6 | Spider | 10[L]+10[R]
7 | Heli | 10[L]+10[R]
8 | Bat | 05[L],05[R]
9 | Spider | 10[L]+10[R]
10 | Golem | 03[L]+02[R]
11 | Ant(G) | 02[L]+06[R]
12 | Ant(G) | 08[L]+08[R]
13 | Spider(G) | 16[R]
14 | Golem(G) | 10[L]+10[R]
15 | Ant(G) | 40[R]
16 | Bee | 05[L]+07[R]
17 | Ant(G) | 50[R]+10[L]
18 | Golem(G) | 10[L]+10[R]
19 | Golem | 09[L]+15[R]
20 | Boss(All) | 03[L]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2v. Special 3 "Eruption Destruction."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Volcanoes ruin everything! In between waves, a tower will be destroyed by
volcanic rocks!"
This is the true final level in my opinion. Thankfully it's nice and
interesting! Like the game says, at the start of every wave a random tower will
be destroyed. For this reason, you might not want to upgrade your towers too
far because you never know how long they will last. The 5 trees in the middle
are your friends, as most monsters will circle them before heading to your
base. Build whatever works against the current wave on them. For finishing this
level you unlock lightning towers.
Coins: 500 (solo), 370/370 (co-op)
Spawn: Left top, left middle, left bottom
Wave | Monster Type | Pattern
----------------------------------------------------
1 | Ant | 10(LT)
2 | Golem | 08(LM)
3 | Spider | 11(LB)
4 | Heli | 04(LT)+03(LM)+03(LB)
5 | Ant(R) | 10(LT)
6 | Ant(B) | 03(LT)+03(LM)+03(LB)
7 | Golem | 10(LT),05(LT)
8 | Ant(R) | 10(LM)
9 | Golem(R) | 10(LT)
10 | Spider(R) | 15(LB)
11 | Bat | 04(LT)+04(LM)+04(LB)
12 | Ant(G) | 10(LB)
13 | Spider(B) | 04(LT)+04(LM)+04(LB)
14 | Golem(R) | 10(LM),05(LB)
15 | Ant(G) | 10(LB)
16 | Golem(G) | 10(LM)
17 | Spider(G) | 15(LB)
18 | Bee | 04(LM)+03(LB)+04(LT)
19 | Golem | 11(LM)+08(LT)+11(LB)
20 | Boss(Hard) | 01(LM)
===============================================================================
3. Towers
===============================================================================
There are 9 regular types of tower available, along with a 10th that becomes
available after beating Special 3. At the start of most levels only the cannon,
arrow and anti-air gun towers are available, with the rest unlocked at your
base by spending the required amount of gems.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3a. Upgrading
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Towers can be upgraded to improve their stats. A tower will upgrade slowly by
itself but the process can be speeded up by standing in it and dancing, or the
upgrade can be bought instantly with gems. Upgrade levels are detailed below.
Level | Gems | Flag Colour
---------------------------
1 | 0 | Green
2 | 1 | Yellow
3 | 1 | Red
4 | 2 | Purple
5 | 3 | Black
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3b. Arrow Tower
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"An all-round tower which can attack ground and air monsters."
Arrows have a reasonable range and can hit both ground and air targets but are
weak and slow. They are best used against spiders and bats but can also be
useful as a final base defense to kill monsters that have already been weakened
by other towers such as cannons. Upgrade to improve their range only as
necessary. The final upgrade is power but it is rarely worth it.
Unlock: Free
Power: *
Speed: *
Range: **
Spread: -
Cost: 100
Type: All
Upgrade: Range > Range > Range > Power
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3c. Cannon Tower
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Fires a cannonball which affects all monsters near point of impact."
Cannons pack a decent punch and have splash damage but they fire slowly and
with very limited range. For this reason they must be placed close to the path
of monsters or they won't fire at all. Very effective against ants and
effective against golems. All upgrades improve power so focus on the ones that
are doing the most damage to the most enemies.
Unlock: Free
Power: **
Speed: *
Range: *
Spread: **
Cost: 120 Coins
Type: Ground
Upgrade: Power > Power > Power > Power
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3d. Anti-Air Gun Tower
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"A rapid-fire tower which targets only flying monsters."
Anti-air guns have a good range but don't do much damage. Best against helis
and bats, they are ineffective against bees. Upgrades improve speed and finally
power. A lot of the time they're all you've got against flying monsters so
upgrade as far as you can.
Unlock: Free
Power: *
Speed: ***
Range: ***
Spread: -
Cost: 150 Coins
Type: Air
Upgrade: Speed > Speed > Speed > Power
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3e. Ice Tower
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"A burst of freezing air is fired to slow down monsters."
Ice slows down ground monsters but not enough to make it truly useful, meaning
this tower is of little use in the game as there are better towers to research
and build. Personally I didn't use this one at all other than to test it.
Unlock: 9 Gems
Power: *
Speed: *
Range: **
Spread: *
Cost: 200 Coins
Type: Ground
Upgrade: Power > Power > Spread > Spread
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3f. Laser Tower
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Shoots at airborne monsters with powerful laser beams."
Lasers are powerful and have good range but slow speed. They are the only tower
that can effectively deal with bees so you're going to need a lot of them
through the course of the game. Their fire is a long straight line so place
them where they can damage an entire row of monsters at once for maximum
effect. All their upgrades are useful.
Unlock: 11 Gems
Power: **
Speed: *
Range: ***
Spread: -
Cost: 300 Coins
Type: Air
Upgrade: Speed > Speed > Range > Power
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3g. Tesla Tower
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Releases a high-power electrical attack on all nearby monsters."
Tesla fire has good power but limited range and speed. Another tower that I
personally didn't use other than for testing purposes. The gems and coins are
better spent on fire towers, which are a lot more powerful.
Unlock: 12 Gems
Power: ****
Speed: *
Range: *
Spread: -
Cost: 300 Coins
Type: Ground
Upgrade: Range > Range > Range > Range
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3h. Fire Tower
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Fires a powerful flaming stream to hurt multiple monsters."
Fire is very powerful, has a good spread and a reasonable range but takes a
while to recharge between firing. They are highly effective at mowing down
ground forces, especially slow moving ones like ants, golems and those with
green shields. Upgrades are helpful.
Unlock: 13 Gems
Power: ****
Speed: *
Range: **
Spread: ***
Cost: 350 Coins
Type: Ground
Upgrade: Range > Power > Spread > Range
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3i. Mortar Tower
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"One powerful hit affects many monsters with a wide spread."
Mortars are powerful hitters with a good range and area of effect. They are
basically an improved canon so they do best against ants and golems. Thanks to
their range, they are also useful for taking down the stronger bosses in the
game. Upgrades improve the spread of their splash damage.
Unlock: 15 Gems
Power: ****
Speed: *
Range: ***
Spread: ****
Cost: 400 Coins
Type: Ground
Upgrade: Spread > Spread > Spread > Speed
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3j. Hive Tower
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Creatures launch from the hive, targeting monsters from the air."
Hive towers shoot out bees towards the player's position that attack anything
that gets in their way, be it ground or air based. You can only build one on a
level. For these reasons I didn't find them to be any use in the game, but I'm
aware that some players do find them useful so you might do too.
Unlock: 14 Gems
Power: *
Speed: **
Range: *****
Spread: -
Cost: 450 Coins
Type: All
Upgrade: Speed > Speed > Power > Power
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3k. Lightning Tower
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Supremely powerful, this weapon attacks all monsters on the stage."
Note: This is a special tower that is only unlocked after you beat Special 3.
Lightning attacks all monsters on the level but is very weak and slow. As such
there aren't really any situations where the high gem and coin costs are worth
it. Coupled with the fact you don't even unlock it until finishing what is
usually the last level in the game, it's not a whole lot of use.
Unlock: 13 Gems
Power: *
Speed: *
Range: *****
Spread: ***
Cost: 500 Coins
Type: All
Upgrade: Power > Power > Power > Power
===============================================================================
4. Monsters
===============================================================================
You'll face 9 different critters in this game, made up of 6 regular monsters
and 3 special boss monsters, one for each difficulty level.
Note: Regular monster stats are relative only to each other and boss monster
stats are relative only to other bosses.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4a. Shields
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some of the regular monsters in the game are shielded with a green, blue or red
shield. These increase a monsters defense against certain attacks and weaken
them against others.
Type | Strengths | Weaknesses
----------------------------------------------
Green | Cannon, Mortar | Fire, Tesla
Blue | Ice, Cannon, Mortar | Fire
Red | Fire, Tesla | Cannon, Mortar
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4b. Ant
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ants are slow and weak but can still cause problems in high numbers. Take them
down with cannons at first and later with fire. Arrows don't bother them much.
Type: Ground
Speed: **
Vitality: *
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4c. Spider
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spiders are going to catch you out throughout the game thanks to their very
high speed. Initially weak only to arrows, they can be taken down quickly later
on by fire. Good at avoiding canons.
Type: Ground
Speed: *****
Vitality: **
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4d. Heli
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Helis are the ant of the airborne world, i.e. slow and weak. Anti-air guns will
deal with them best early on, followed by lasers when available.
Type: Air
Speed: **
Vitality: *
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4e. Golem
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Golems are big, strong and slow. Canons are the only option at the beggining of
a level, followed by mortars and ground monsters' worst nightmare, fire. They
shrug off arrows.
Type: Ground
Speed: *
Vitality: *****
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4f. Bat
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bats are the spiders of the skies, i.e. blink and they're killing your flock.
Deal with them like helis, with anti-air guns and lasers when available.
Type: Air
Speed: ****
Vitality: **
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4g. Bee
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bees are the golems of the flying monsters, i.e. strong but slow. Lasers are
the only way to deal enough damage to swarms of these, with anti-air guns only
useful for picking off the weakened ones.
Type: Air
Speed: *
Vitality: *****
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4h. Boss (Easy)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The easy boss is large, golden, statuesque and has many eyes. About the only
option you'll usually have against him in the easy levels is the faithful
cannon tower. Make sure your cannons are actually in range of his path and
upgrade them all as far as you can.
Type: Ground
Speed: *
Vitality: *
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4i. Boss (Medium)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The medium boss appears to be an upside-down triangle of rock with dangly arms.
Whatever he is, he's a step up from the easy boss in terms of speed and
resilience. Hit him hard with upgraded cannons and, where possible, mortars.
Type: Ground
Speed: ***
Vitality: ***
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4j. Boss (Hard)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The hard boss is a highly evolved snail with barnacles. With his high speed and
staying power, he's also your very worst enemy at the end of hard levels. Pelt
him with projectiles from many fully upgraded mortars to stop him spoiling your
party.
Type: Ground
Speed: *****
Vitality: *****
===============================================================================
5. FAQACAS
===============================================================================
Or "Frequently asked questions and comments and stuff" in full.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5a. The Game
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Why do some levels on the world map have a rainbow over them?
A. A rainbow indicates that you've completed that level perfectly.
Q. Why do some levels on the world map have dots around them?
A. Dots indicate there is something special about the level. For instance, on
Easy 3 the monsters don't drop any coins.
Q. Why do some levels on the world map have trees on them?
A. Trees indicate that you've completed that level.
Q. How much does this game cost?
A. The game costs USD 7.99 in the US and GBP 3.49 in the UK. It's nice that us
Brits get the lower price for once. Either way, it's a bargain.
Q. Can the game be played online?
A. No. The co-op mode is offline only. The only online feature is the high
score leaderboards.
Q. Can the game be played through remote play on a PSP?
A. Yes. Remote play is fully supported. Naturally the graphics aren't as crisp
and you may experience some lag but it's pretty neat nonetheless.
Q. Who made the music in this game?
A. The music and sound is original work by Japanese ambient techno group
Otograph.
Q. What's with all the exclamation marks in the game?
A. You've noticed too? The game is full of them, especially in the messages
that appear before levels. I suspect it may be a translation thing, as I
believe the game was made in Japanese and later translated to English.
Q. What does the "1-2" mean above the PixelJunk logo?
A. It's the game's number in the PixelJunk series. PixeJunk Racers was 1-1,
PixelJunk Monsters is 1-2, the next game will be 1-3 and so on.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5b. This FAQ
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Are your monster names correct?
A. I haven't been able to find any official names for the different monsters so
I made them up, sticking with an insect theme for the most part. If you know
better, please let me know and I'll change them!
Q. Are you going to add a detailed walkthrough for the levels?
A. No. This guide is intended as an aid to help you improve at the game so you
can find your own way through. Trust me, this game is worth the effort. If you
are really, completely stuck, there's some video walkthroughs on YouTube.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5c. Miscellany
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. Are there more games like this?
A. Yes. The game is based on the well-established tower defense genre. Search
Google for "tower defense" and you'll find other examples, most of which are
free to play in your web browser.
Q. Are you actually any good at this game?
A. I created this guide because I love the game, not because I'm particularly
good at it! Though it would be fair to say that in the course of completing it
I've certainly improved a lot so now I might be tempted to answer "quite good"!
===============================================================================
6. Boring Stuff
===============================================================================
All the things that nobody cares about but are nonetheless important.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6a. Credits
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This guide was written by Paul Wolfenden (PsiPab). A large amount of the credit
for the level breakdowns goes to my wife Donna (Teews), who played the game
with me for dozens of hours to get everything written down. Not always an easy
task, especially when you're counting up to 60 monsters in one go, so a huge
thanks to her for all the help!
Thanks also to Aitrus for various suggestions and Arkanna for the lightning
tower details. ASCII logo created with ASCII Generator dotNET.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6b. Contact Information
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to contact me with suggestions, corrections or comments on the
guide, send an email to pab [at] pabuk [dot] com.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6c. Version History
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The latest version of this guide can always be found at:
http://psipab.googlepages.com/pixeljunkmonsters
1.00 (2008-02-08):
- Hard 5-6 and Special 3 detailed. Unnecessary ASCII logo added. FAQACAS split
into subheadings. Added leading zeroes to single digit monster numbers.
0.90 (2008-02-06):
- Hard 1-4 detailed. Added monsters section. Improved tower intro and
upgrading. Added wave breakdown. Fixed number of levels.
0.70 (2008-02-04):
- Medium 5-7 and Special 2 detailed. Added R1 and Square controls. Added
unlockables.
0.50 (2008-02-02):
- Medium 2-4 detailed. Added shield colours to levels. Renamed Bee to Heli.
Rewrote intro to tower types, added lightning tower and upgrade progressions.
Added controls. Tidied up guide-related section into one heading.
0.35 (2008-01-31):
- First release completed. All levels up to Medium 1 detailed, all tower types
listed, FAQACAS started.
0.00 (2008-01-29):
- Started writing guide.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6d. Distribution
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are permitted to distribute this guide on your website as long as it is
provided complete and unchanged. Once again, to make it absolutely clear; you
can post this guide to your website without asking me for permission. Just
don't change it in any way or I'll set the bees on you and steal your laser
towers.
Copyright 2008 Paul Wolfenden
