- Retro tower defense collab rewards come from permanent event achievements.
- Event hub contains the map list, achievement requirements, and collaboration details.
- Normal clears are the best starting point for learning routes and tower placement.
- Hard mode adds longer waves and a more demanding final boss encounter.
- Forsaken rewards include themed skins earned through Retro Tower Defense progress.
Retro Tower Defense Collab Overview
The retro tower defense collab connects Retro Tower Defense progression with Forsaken-themed rewards. The event hub is the central place to review available maps, achievements, event currency, and collaboration content before entering a match.
The event announcement includes 20 new skins, four event maps, permanent achievements, and a new Void-tier tower. On the Forsaken side, several themed skins are tied directly to Retro Tower Defense achievements rather than simple lobby claims. This makes the collaboration a two-way event: Retro Tower Defense receives Forsaken-inspired maps and content, while Forsaken players earn rewards by completing tower defense objectives.
Video Highlights:
- The event hub explains the available achievements and reward categories.
- Forsaken-themed maps recreate locations such as Cool Carnival and Pirate Bay.
- Normal and hard clears are used to progress through the main map achievements.
- Sniper placement, helper bots, and upgraded towers are important for later waves.
- The collaboration includes themed skins, custom effects, and event-related visuals.
| Event Feature | What It Provides | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Event Hub | Map details, achievements, and event information | Check requirements before queuing |
| Forsaken Maps | Collaboration-themed tower defense stages | Progress toward character skins |
| Permanent Achievements | Long-term objectives tied to map clears | Complete at your own pace |
| Event Currency | Earned through event victories | Review available event unlocks |
| Void-Tier Tower | New high-tier tower content | Build toward stronger late-game setups |
Open the event hub before playing. It identifies which maps count toward the Forsaken tab and helps prevent unnecessary runs on unrelated stages.
Normal Mode
- Best for learning routes
- Shorter commitment
- Useful for first clears
Hard Mode
- Longer wave sequence
- Stronger final pressure
- Requires better coordination
Forsaken Maps
- Themed environments
- Custom ambience
- Achievement progress
Event Rewards
- Character skins
- Custom visual effects
- Permanent achievement unlocks
Achievement Requirements and Map Progression
The main collaboration route revolves around classic mode on Forsaken-themed maps. The clearest progression target is to win three classic-mode games on any Forsaken map, then win a classic-mode game on every available Forsaken map. The achievement list also distinguishes between normal and hard difficulty, so completing only easy clears may not finish the entire reward track.
The event map names identified for the collaboration include Cool Carnival, Classic Battlegrounds, and Pirate Bay. A fourth event map is also associated with the collaboration, although its name should be confirmed in the current event hub before planning a full clear route.
| Achievement Goal | Difficulty | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Win three classic games on any Forsaken map | Normal or qualifying classic mode | Repeat the safest map with a reliable team |
| Win on every Forsaken map | Normal or hard, depending on the tab | Track each completed map separately |
| Complete the hard-mode requirement | Hard | Queue with experienced players and support towers |
| Claim Forsaken rewards | After achievement completion | Return to the reward or achievement menu |
Open the Event Hub
Enter the Retro Tower Defense lobby and open the event hub. Read the Forsaken achievement tab carefully, then note which maps and difficulty levels are required for the reward you want.
Clear a Familiar Map Three Times
Start with a map you understand, such as Cool Carnival or another available Forsaken stage. Complete three classic-mode victories while learning enemy routes, sniper positions, and upgrade timing.
Complete the Map Rotation
Move through every Forsaken map listed in the achievement menu. Mark each victory immediately so you do not repeat a stage while another map remains unfinished.
Attempt Hard Mode
Once the normal routes are comfortable, switch to hard mode if the achievement requires it. Use a coordinated party, place support towers early, and prepare for the longer final wave sequence.
Claim and Verify Rewards
Return to the event hub or achievement menu after the match. Confirm that the achievement registered and that the related Forsaken skin or event reward is available.
A victory on hard mode may not replace a normal-mode requirement if the achievement is configured for a specific difficulty. Follow the wording shown in the current event menu.
| Map | Notable Feature | Tactical Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Cool Carnival | Compact Forsaken-themed layout | Use strong sniper coverage and monitor the main route |
| Classic Battlegrounds | Familiar battlefield presentation | Build a balanced early-game defense |
| Pirate Bay | Split-path layout and distinctive ambience | Cover both paths without overspending early |
| Fourth Event Map | Listed in the event hub | Confirm route structure before selecting a loadout |
Tower Placement and Match Strategy
The collaboration maps reward flexible placement more than a single fixed loadout. Sniper-type towers are especially valuable because elevated positions and long sightlines can cover a substantial portion of the route after upgrades. On Pirate Bay, the split path makes coverage more important, even when the paths do not necessarily multiply the number of enemies.
Support towers also matter during longer matches. Helper bots reduce tower cooldowns within their area, allowing nearby damage dealers and crowd-control units to act more frequently. Place them where several high-value towers overlap instead of dropping them at the edge of the defense.
| Tactical Element | Strength | Placement Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Sniper Tower | Long-range coverage | Use elevated spots and upgrade range early |
| Helper Bot | Cooldown support | Center it near multiple important towers |
| Taser-Type Tower | Stuns or slows threats | Place near a route section with repeated enemy traffic |
| Heroic Tower | Powerful single placement | Reserve its position for a high-impact lane |
| Melee Tower | Early defense | Use it to stabilize the opening waves |
Early Waves
- Establish basic damage
- Protect the entrance
- Avoid excessive spending
Midgame
- Upgrade long-range towers
- Add cooldown support
- Watch split paths
Boss Waves
- Set targets to strongest
- Maximize range coverage
- Save space for final upgrades
For normal mode, a steady economy and early upgrades can be enough when the team has access to developed towers. Newer players should prioritize survival over collecting every possible tower type. One upgraded damage tower usually contributes more than several weak, scattered placements.
Hard mode requires more discipline. The featured hard run uses a longer sequence that reaches 40 waves, with a final boss reported at approximately 78,000 health and regeneration. Treat that encounter as a sustained damage check rather than a reason to panic-spend. Upgrade your main damage dealers before the boss arrives, then use support effects to keep their output consistent.
Before the final wave, prioritize upgraded damage, range, and cooldown support. A clean setup is more valuable than filling every available tile with low-level towers.
Forsaken Rewards and Skin Progression
The collaboration’s Forsaken rewards are among its main attractions. The event includes themed skins connected to Retro Tower Defense towers and characters, with several rewards earned through badge-style achievements. Reported examples include skins associated with Tap, Duse, Jane Doe, Chance, and 1x, although the exact reward list should be checked in the current event interface.
Some skins include custom assets rather than a simple recolor. Featured changes can include weapons, crystals, guns, chase beams, sound effects, particles, emotes, and custom minions. The 1x collaboration skin, for example, is associated with a reused classic-style chase beam and distinctive sound effects.
| Reward Type | Examples of Changes | How to Prioritize |
|---|---|---|
| Character Skin | New model or outfit | Claim after the linked achievement registers |
| Weapon Effect | Custom axe, pistol, or attack model | Inspect in a safe lobby |
| Chase Beam | Themed beam or reused classic effect | Compare visual readability before use |
| Sound Effect | Custom attack or ability audio | Equip when you want stronger feedback |
| Particle Effect | Aura, glow, or ability particles | Review effects during a full match |
The most efficient approach is to target achievement rewards first, then inspect cosmetic details afterward. This prevents time being spent on a skin that is available through a different objective. If a reward does not appear immediately, recheck the achievement tab, return to the lobby, and confirm that the correct mode and map were completed.
Collaboration Progress Checklist:
- Open the event hub and read the Forsaken achievement tab
- Win three classic-mode games on an eligible Forsaken map
- Complete a victory on every Forsaken map listed
- Finish the required hard-mode achievements
- Return to the reward menu and verify each unlocked skin
Some rewards are skins for existing towers or characters rather than standalone units. Check the loadout menu before assuming a missing tower or reward.
FAQ
Q: What is the Retro Tower Defense collab?
It is a crossover event linking Retro Tower Defense maps, achievements, towers, and event currency with Forsaken-themed skins and cosmetic rewards.
Q: Which maps count for the collaboration achievements?
The confirmed map names include Cool Carnival, Classic Battlegrounds, and Pirate Bay. A fourth event map is also listed, so check the current event hub for its name and requirements.
Q: Do I need hard mode to finish every reward?
Some achievement requirements distinguish between normal and hard mode. Read the exact wording in the Forsaken tab because a normal clear may not satisfy a hard-mode objective.
Q: How do I claim a Forsaken skin after winning?
Return to the event hub or achievement menu and verify that the objective registered. The skin should then appear in the relevant loadout or customization menu.
Use normal mode to learn every map, repeat the safest stage for the three-win objective, then assemble a coordinated party for hard mode.