In this run we're looking to complete the Gallo Tower map by reaching level 80. 80 as a level requirement can be tricky, but if you've been remembering to allocate upgrades along the way, and you are careful around some of the more challenging enemies here, you'll be okay! We'll look at the details of how I completed this below, starting with...
Character: Imelda
Default Weapon: Magic Wand
Bonus Stat: 10% XP gain every 5 levels, capped at +30%
Default: Magic Wand
1: Axe
2: King Bible
3: Rune Tracer
4: Pentagram
5: Santa Water
1: Attractorb (Santa Water Upgrader)
2: Crown (Pentagram Upgrader)
3: Spellbinder (King Bible Upgrader)
4: Armor (Rune Tracer Upgrader)
5: Spinach
6: Candelabrador (Axe Upgrader)
7: [Map Pickup] Bracers
Gallo Tower can be a pretty tricky map. As we've seen in prior maps, the frequency of large packs is increased and we see even more ranged attacks, which while not super damaging, can slow us down enough that we get trapped in a bad spot and die. Managing high-health packs of enemies and ranged attacks is going to be important on this map. Another thing to look out for is the Red Skeletons that break apart when initially hit, only to re-form a second later for another go at you. It's extremely easy to accidentally step right into the middle of a pack of these turds, so expect to take a hit or two. Armor can definitely help on this map.
I personally really like to get Duplicator on this map when I can, though I didn't manage it this run. Another great option is Song of Mana, as the map is a vertical tower, and you'll be able to really effectively use the vertical nature of SoM here. I don't think we had her unlocked at this point though, so if you also don't have her unlocked, the character with Rune Tracer would probably be my best suggestion as a brand-new player. Imelda is good, but not great on this map.
Because this map does spit out plenty of enemies, this is definitely one of the first maps I'd suggest giving Pentagram a try on - but I'd recommend getting Crown first, since without it... you're going to struggle to level fast enough to keep your damage high enough to down the larger packs that spawn.
Additionally, there are a lot of candles on this level. Most of the traps end up being candles, and usually if you can destroy them without the trap-candles exploding, you'll get some gold or one of the regular drops (floor chicken, time stop, fire breath, etc). It's worth spawning them in, as they are stationary and not really a threat.
You'll also be introduced to long-tailed dragon-like creatures on this map that will span the width of the level which can be problematic, as they will box you into a smaller area while a large pack advances. High damage or damage mitigation can help a lot as getting through their block or killing them is sometimes going to be the difference between a successful run and a total wipe.
As you try this map, keep in mind that as a general rule, having an AOE of some kind (Garlic, King Bible, Song of Mana, or Santa Water) can be super useful.
If you can get Duplicator, focus on a ton of projectiles - things like axe, rune tracer, fire wand, magic wand, the birds, or the guns... and then get yourself weapon cooldown and projectile speed. You'll MELT the enemies on this map with a ton of projectiles bouncing around, and it's pretty easy to gate them in certain hallways that will maximize your damage output.
Until next time friends, Happy Gaming!
