![[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery III - Molten Citadel (5 Stars) @Hellwolf36](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XO6iRbcnqWc/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded January 2018 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Game: Dungeon Defenders II
Port: PC
Mastery Diff: M3
Map: Molten Citadel
The map itself is quite possibly the biggest challenge of Mastery III as you are down Blockades and are put into a 30 second Build Phase. Starting up will be rigorous but once you get past that hurtle and keep your health up, the map is very doable.
5 STAR REQUIREMENTS
====================
- Survive all 5 waves
- You must complete all build phases within 30 seconds or less
- You cannot build any Blockade type Defenses
- You cannot have any hero deaths
- Do all the above in 1 run
PLAN
=====
Due to lack of blockades, your only hope for walls is to use Totem equipped Frostbite Towers, Obelisk(s) or Volcano(es). You must build all your walls and at least 1 offensive tower in each lane before the first Build Phase expires. Your first 4 heroes should be your "Blockade" builder and then 3 combat capable builders. The Abyss Lord can instantly setup Ramsters on the fly, so I recommend having him on the card. Afterwards, keep the Apprentice who built the Frostbites on the card to replace them should they fall.
Once the first Battle Phase begins, slaughter the dogpiles as you construct other defenses. Incorporate Barrier piercing Towers (Obelisk, Flamethrower, Serpent's Coil, Ramster, Earthshatters) with Auras, Traps and Nodes to effectively dispatch the enemies.
Be careful when moving around the map and facing enemies. A series of Kobolds, deflected projectiles (especially if you are using Blaze Balloon's Phoenix shard) or even just jumping into the lava can cost you a 5 Star.
Because of the way the enemies spawn after the first few waves, it is easy to defend the Crystal Core from ground forces. Once the larger threats are dispatched (Shield Goblins, Geodes, Kobolds and Witherbeasts), move on to the next group.
For your main hero, pick something that can move around the map well and can dispatch enemies swiftly. A hero with a Stun ability or Overwhelm shard is recommended for disabling bosses and Geodes. Dispatch Witherbeasts, Kobolds, Geodes and bosses as top priority as these do the most damage to defenses. A Serpent's Coil is recommended for healing purposes, especially if you play as a Mystic or Dryad. Place the Coil in an area you can easily access the Orbs. Make sure your Blockade builders are also on the card if necessary.
HYPER SHARD RECOMMENDATION
=============================
Hyper Destruction - Any tower that is either facing bosses or handling multiple lanes or a specific one that is in most or all lanes.
Vicious Strikes - Anything that benefits from the increased range.
Radiant Critical Power - The hero you will be most active with. Fight near your traps and nodes or use ranged near your towers to take full effect of this.
CHARACTERS
============
Lezard Valeth - Apprentice (AP DPS, Frostbite Tower)
Jenocres - Abyss Lord (AP DPS, Ramster)
Shilf - Huntress (AP DPS, Blaze Balloons, Poison Dart Towers)
Etanaru - Monk (AP DPS, Skyguard Tower, Lightning Strikes Aura, Flame Aura)
Arohongui - Lavamancer (Hero DPS, Oil Geyser)
Game: Dungeon Defenders II
Port: PC
Mastery Diff: M3
Map: Molten Citadel
The map itself is quite possibly the biggest challenge of Mastery III as you are down Blockades and are put into a 30 second Build Phase. Starting up will be rigorous but once you get past that hurtle and keep your health up, the map is very doable.
5 STAR REQUIREMENTS
====================
- Survive all 5 waves
- You must complete all build phases within 30 seconds or less
- You cannot build any Blockade type Defenses
- You cannot have any hero deaths
- Do all the above in 1 run
PLAN
=====
Due to lack of blockades, your only hope for walls is to use Totem equipped Frostbite Towers, Obelisk(s) or Volcano(es). You must build all your walls and at least 1 offensive tower in each lane before the first Build Phase expires. Your first 4 heroes should be your "Blockade" builder and then 3 combat capable builders. The Abyss Lord can instantly setup Ramsters on the fly, so I recommend having him on the card. Afterwards, keep the Apprentice who built the Frostbites on the card to replace them should they fall.
Once the first Battle Phase begins, slaughter the dogpiles as you construct other defenses. Incorporate Barrier piercing Towers (Obelisk, Flamethrower, Serpent's Coil, Ramster, Earthshatters) with Auras, Traps and Nodes to effectively dispatch the enemies.
Be careful when moving around the map and facing enemies. A series of Kobolds, deflected projectiles (especially if you are using Blaze Balloon's Phoenix shard) or even just jumping into the lava can cost you a 5 Star.
Because of the way the enemies spawn after the first few waves, it is easy to defend the Crystal Core from ground forces. Once the larger threats are dispatched (Shield Goblins, Geodes, Kobolds and Witherbeasts), move on to the next group.
For your main hero, pick something that can move around the map well and can dispatch enemies swiftly. A hero with a Stun ability or Overwhelm shard is recommended for disabling bosses and Geodes. Dispatch Witherbeasts, Kobolds, Geodes and bosses as top priority as these do the most damage to defenses. A Serpent's Coil is recommended for healing purposes, especially if you play as a Mystic or Dryad. Place the Coil in an area you can easily access the Orbs. Make sure your Blockade builders are also on the card if necessary.
HYPER SHARD RECOMMENDATION
=============================
Hyper Destruction - Any tower that is either facing bosses or handling multiple lanes or a specific one that is in most or all lanes.
Vicious Strikes - Anything that benefits from the increased range.
Radiant Critical Power - The hero you will be most active with. Fight near your traps and nodes or use ranged near your towers to take full effect of this.
CHARACTERS
============
Lezard Valeth - Apprentice (AP DPS, Frostbite Tower)
Jenocres - Abyss Lord (AP DPS, Ramster)
Shilf - Huntress (AP DPS, Blaze Balloons, Poison Dart Towers)
Etanaru - Monk (AP DPS, Skyguard Tower, Lightning Strikes Aura, Flame Aura)
Arohongui - Lavamancer (Hero DPS, Oil Geyser)
![[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery III - Molten Citadel (5 Stars)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XO6iRbcnqWc/mqdefault.jpg "[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery III - Molten Citadel (5 Stars)
Game: Dungeon Defenders II
Port: PC
Mastery Diff: M3
Map: Molten Citadel
The map itself is quite possibly the biggest challenge of Mastery III as you are down Blockades and are put into a 30 second Build Phase. Starting up will be rigorous but once you get past that hurtle and keep your health up, the map is very doable.
5 STAR REQUIREMENTS
- Survive all 5 waves
- You must complete all build phases within 30 seconds or less
- You cannot build any Blockade type Defenses
- You cannot have any hero deaths
- Do all the above in 1 run
PLAN
Due to lack of blockades, your only hope for walls is to use Totem equipped Frostbite Towers, Obelisk(s) or Volcano(es). You must build all your walls and at least 1 offensive tower in each lane before the first Build Phase expires. Your first 4 heroes should be your Blockade builder and then 3 combat capable builders. The Abyss Lord can instantly setup Ramsters on the fly, so I recommend having him on the card. Afterwards, keep the Apprentice who built the Frostbites on the card to replace them should they fall.
Once the first Battle Phase begins, slaughter the dogpiles as you construct other defenses. Incorporate Barrier piercing Towers (Obelisk, Flamethrower, Serpents Coil, Ramster, Earthshatters) with Auras, Traps and Nodes to effectively dispatch the enemies.
Be careful when moving around the map and facing enemies. A series of Kobolds, deflected projectiles (especially if you are using Blaze Balloons Phoenix shard) or even just jumping into the lava can cost you a 5 Star.
Because of the way the enemies spawn after the first few waves, it is easy to defend the Crystal Core from ground forces. Once the larger threats are dispatched (Shield Goblins, Geodes, Kobolds and Witherbeasts), move on to the next group.
For your main hero, pick something that can move around the map well and can dispatch enemies swiftly. A hero with a Stun ability or Overwhelm shard is recommended for disabling bosses and Geodes. Dispatch Witherbeasts, Kobolds, Geodes and bosses as top priority as these do the most damage to defenses. A Serpents Coil is recommended for healing purposes, especially if you play as a Mystic or Dryad. Place the Coil in an area you can easily access the Orbs. Make sure your Blockade builders are also on the card if necessary.
HYPER SHARD RECOMMENDATION
Hyper Destruction - Any tower that is either facing bosses or handling multiple lanes or a specific one that is in most or all lanes.
Vicious Strikes - Anything that benefits from the increased range.
Radiant Critical Power - The hero you will be most active with. Fight near your traps and nodes or use ranged near your towers to take full effect of this.
CHARACTERS
Lezard Valeth - Apprentice (AP DPS, Frostbite Tower)
Jenocres - Abyss Lord (AP DPS, Ramster)
Shilf - Huntress (AP DPS, Blaze Balloons, Poison Dart Towers)
Etanaru - Monk (AP DPS, Skyguard Tower, Lightning Strikes Aura, Flame Aura)
Arohongui - Lavamancer (Hero DPS, Oil Geyser)")
![[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery III - Crumbled Bulwark (5 Stars)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XlLsNQjf9BE/mqdefault.jpg "[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery III - Crumbled Bulwark (5 Stars)
Game: Dungeon Defenders II
Port: PC
Mastery Diff: M3
Map: Crumbled Bulwark
I had to redo the video since I saved and uploaded a failed run, which is why I have 5 Stars doing this.
Although this is a Tower Only map. it isnt as bad as it looks if you have 2 Mystics and a Lavamancer in your Deck. You will still need to be swift and deadly to win this.
5 STAR REQUIREMENTS
- Survive all 5 waves
- You cannot have any Hero Deaths
- You can only build Tower-type Defenses
- You cannot upgrade any Defenses
- Do all the above in 1 run
PLAN
Because this is a Tower Only map, your only source of Blockades is by using Obelisk(s) and Volcano(es) to impede the advances. Geodes can stop Volcano projectiles dead (but they still still damage Shield Goblins if splashed or hit not at the shield) but the Obelisk also gets access to a Flamethrower style attack at max Appeasement. If you dont have enough characters, you will have to build Totem Frostbite or Flamethrower Towers in the lanes. You should still use Frostbites anyways to slow down enemies.
Once the blockade problem is resolved, you must combine Barrier piercing defenses (Flamethrowers, Earthshatters, Obelisks, Ramsters, Sand Vipers, Serpents Coils) to ensure that all angles are covered.
If you are using projectile-based defenses, you will need to direct assault or stun Geodes and angle them for Shield Goblins. The Poison Darts is probably the safest projectile defense as they do minimal damage when reflected and still Poison Shield Goblins.
Make sure you maintain walls and defenses. If you see any air units slip through anti-air defenses, you must dispatch them yourself. If your hero has Construction, this helps immensely.
Be careful how you attack and especially how you move. All it takes for you to fail the 5 Star is getting a bunch of Kobolds exploding in your face, getting stuck or falling off the map.
For your main hero, choose something that can annihilate enemies swiftly and is able to travel across the map quickly. If you are playing as a Dryad or a Mystic, you will need at least a Serpents Coil to make Orbs and you can easily access the Orbs when needed.
HYPER SHARD RECOMMENDATION
Hyper Destruction - Any tower that is either facing bosses or handling multiple lanes or a specific one that is in most or all lanes. The Obelisk can do well with this.
Vicious Strikes - Anything that benefits from the increased range. The Volcano can reach the high ground with this equipped.
Radiant Critical Power - The hero you will be most active with. Fight near your traps and nodes or use ranged near your towers to take full effect of this.
CHARACTERS
Arohongui - Lavamancer (Hero DPS, Volcano)
Kasuti - Mystic (AP DPS, Obelisk, Serpents Coil, Sand Viper)
Apophis - Mystic (AP DPS, Obelisk, Serpents Coil)
Lezard Valeth - Apprentice (Frostbite Tower)
Etanaru - Monk (AP DPS, Skyguard Tower)
Mishera - Adept (AP DPS, Earthshatter Tower, Flamethrower Tower)
Shilf - Huntress (AP DPS, Poison Dart Tower)")
![[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery VI - Greystone Plaza (5 Stars)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XywCwchRdQI/mqdefault.jpg "[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery VI - Greystone Plaza (5 Stars)
Game: Dungeon Defenders II
Port: PC
Mastery Diff: M6
Map: Greystone Plaza
A relatively straight forward Core and Defense perfection with Diversity Quota. Making sure your defenses can take punishment and dish it back will be the only worry here.
5 STAR REQUIREMENTS
- Survive all 5 waves
- All Gate Locks must stay above 90% health at all times
- No defenses can be sold or destroyed
- You must maintain 10 or more different defense types during all Combat Phases
- You complete all the above in the same run
PLAN
By diversifying your Blockades, you can cover half or more of your Diversity Quota. Once this is done, you can use the rest on multiple defenses. Obelisks, Volcanos, Weapon Manufacturers, some Auras, Earthshatters and Dryad Defenses can be placed in various locations to handle multiple lanes. This helps with DU Splitting. Reflect Beams can be used to deflect Hex Thrower attacks and adds 1 to the Diversity Quota.
When placing defenses, do not place anything close to the Gate Locks. All it takes to fail the 5 star is have 1 knick on them caused by splash damage. The Left lane also has to worry about air units in the middle flying towards your defense line and either start attacking your defenses or commit to a suicide divebomb.
The lanes are relatively small, so make sure you stay on the move and keep things at high health when needed. If you arent using Reflect Beams, you will need to make sure your Blockades have Protective Downgrades, Hardened Servos and there are no strong defenses near the curse fields, especially if there are nodes.
If you have any Stun or Slow abilities, use them as an opener when attacking Hex Throwers and especially Kobolds directly. A Tier 3 Kobold can deal up to 100k damage to a fully specced Squire and Hex Throwers can spell your doom while you fight dogpiles, Snookis, bosses and other tough enemies.
On wave 3 and onwards, you will be harassed by Dark Assassins. If you have any abilities to break yourself free, then use them. Otherwise, pull them near defenses that can kill them quickly or break their lock fast. A Skyguard Tower in range will be very helpful.
Alongside Hex Throwers, you must keep Kobolds, Witherbeasts and Snooki from doing excessive damage to your defenses as they will also be threats. If you are assaulting Hex Throwers directly, try to pull a few of these enemies into the crossfire to save time. As stated above, be aware of what you are attacking, especially if it is Kobolds.
HYPER SHARD RECOMMENDATION
Hyper Destruction - Any tower that is either facing bosses or handling multiple lanes or a specific one that is in most or all lanes.
Vicious Strikes - Anything that benefits from the increased range.
Radiant Critical Power - The hero you will be most active with. Fight near your auras, traps and nodes or use ranged near your towers to take full effect of this.
Explosive Shielding Guard - Whichever Blockade will benefit from the Shielding and Explosive effects. Preferably one that is in multiple lanes.
Thunderstruck - Your most active hero, preferably one with high offensive power. This is a useful shard when trying to keep Dark Assassins pacified long enough to kill them before they disappear.
Destructive Pylon - Give this to 1 of the towers in your Diversity Quota and try to incorporate it with your other defenses.
CHARACTERS
Etanaru (Monk, AP DPS) - Skyguard Tower, Lightning Strikes Aura, Flame Aura
Apophis (Mystic, Hero DPS) - Vipers Fangs, Serpents Coil
KAsuti (Mystic, AP DPS) - Serpents Coil, Sand Viper
Yojimbo (Squire, Hero DPS) - Spike Blockade
Lenneth (Dryad, Hero DPS) - World Tree, Angry Nimbus, Moss Hornet Nest
Mishera (Adept, AP DPS) - Hailstorm Tower, EArthshatter Tower
Cinnamon (Series EV2, AP DPS) - Reflect Beam, Weapon Manufacturer, Proton Beam
Jenocres (Abyss Lord, AP DPS) - Ramster")
![[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery I - Unholy Catacombs (5 Stars)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Y9Cvf3mooq8/mqdefault.jpg "[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery I - Unholy Catacombs (5 Stars)
Game: Dungeon Defenders II
Port: PC
Mastery Diff: M1
Map: Unholy Catacombs
Although this map isnt too rough, I was about to leave for Raw at Scotiabank and needed to gt this done fast, so I decided to build closer to the spawnpoints. Factoring in that, this map becomes being fast with containment.
5 STAR REQUIREMENTS
- Survive all 5 waves
- You cannot have Hero Deaths
- You cannot have a Defense get destroyed
- You cannot build more than 1 of a specific type of Defense
- Do all the above in 1 run
PLAN
Because of the Unique defense requirement, you will need to ensure that you diversify your Blockades and attack options so there is a balance. Anything that cant be made up for will have to be done with your hero choice.
If you are going to build the way I did, you will need to keep tabs on everythings health and ensure nothing gets destroyed. Make sure when you place Towers behind the wall that they arent hit by the Javelins piercing effect. All it takes to fail the 5 Star is 1 tower getting blown to bits.
The Obelisk can be useful as its Smite can decimate most enemies at this point in the game and a fully appeased Mystic can turn it into a Flamethrower to repel attackers. The Volcano can also be useful given the size of the map. The Volcano can still do damage to Shield Goblins. Both can also be moved around when necessary.
Spread out your anti-Shield Goblin choices across the lanes. Any projectile towers will need Piercer Servos or placed at an angle that will shoot the back or sides without the defense itself being targeted by other enemies.
While you arent dealing with the more dangerous foes yet, you will need be aware of Kobolds, Javelin Throwers, Drakin and your defenses wasting time on Shield Goblins. Make sure you dispatch the more difficult targets first before you go for the small fry. Also keep an eye out on your Life so you dont get slain.
HYPER SHARD RECOMMENDATION
Hyper Destruction - Any tower that is either facing bosses or handling multiple lanes or a specific one that is in most or all lanes.
CHARACTERS
Apophis (Mystic, Hero DPS) - Vipers Fangs, Serpents Coil
Yojimbo (Squire, Hero DPS) - Spiked Blockade
Ngamahu (Lavamancer, AP DPS) - Fissures of Embermount, Maw of the Earth Drake
Jenocres (Abyss Lord, AP DPS) - Skeletal Orc, Colossus, Ramster
Lenneth (Dryad, Hero DPS) - All Defenses
Shilf (Huntress, AP DPS) - Poison Dart Tower, Explosive Trap
Tsumiko Kuri (Initiate, AP DPS) - Skyguard Tower, Flame Aura, Lightning Strikes Aura
Mishera (Adept, AP DPS) - Hailstorm Tower, Earthshatter Tower")
![[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery IV - Liferoot Forest (5 Stars)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZWX3DXoCZHw/mqdefault.jpg "[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery IV - Liferoot Forest (5 Stars)
Game: Dungeon Defenders II
Port: PC
Mastery Diff: M4
Map: Liferoot Forest
This map looks bad from the affixes. However, this map goes from difficult to easy with the answer to one question: Do you have Mystics and Lavamancers? If the answer is Yes, you have just found the easiest map in the Tracking the Wyvern chapter for Mastery IV (and the most fun too).
5 STAR REQUIREMENTS
- Survive all 5 waves
- You cannot have any Hero Deaths
- You cannot build any Blockades
- You cannot repair any Defenses
- Do all the above in 1 run
PLAN
Because of the lack of Blockades, your best hope of impeding the advance of your enemies is to use Obelisks on the side lanes and a Volcano in the middle (you will have to let the Quab fall) and back them up with Proton Beams and Frostbite Towers to slow down the non-Snooki. Make sure enemies cannot slip through your psuedo-blockades. The Volcanos projectiles cannot pierce Geode barriers, so you must destroy them first if you want it to assist you on offense. The Obelisks have map wide range, apply helpful ailments with Smite and a max appeasement Mystic will turn ALL Obelisks into devastating Flamethrowers. If you dont got enough Obelisks or Volcanos, you will need to Totem a barrier piercing defense or hold that line yourself.
Like in Mastery III, a combination of barrier piercing towers (Flamethrower, Serpents Coil, Sand Viper, Ramsters) mixed in with auras, nodes and traps can handle most to all opposition. You will need some extra elbow grease for the Snooki.
If you are playing a Mystic, you get the added bonus of moving an Obelisk around to double up the Flamethrowers. Just make sure the lane that the Obelisk was in is clear and if enemies come, put it back quickly.
Because of the Quab being sacrificed, you will need some Anti-Air Defenses for the middle. You might not need Anti-Air defense for the Eastern Lane as they merge with the Ground forces, but the Geodes might give them protection from Anti-Air defenses. You may want to consider a barrier piercing tower for Anti-Air on this lane.
Although Snooki are Slowproof, they arent Stunproof or Freezeproof. Various Stun shards and skills can pacify them long enough for you or other defenses to dispatch them. The Mystics Call to Madness and petrifying other enemies can cause them to hack at each other.
If a Defense is in the Red zone, immediately get involved and upgrade it. If the defense is max tier and is in red again, sell and replace it. You will need every defense you can muster to survive this ordeal.
When traversing the map, watch your step and watch what you fight! All it takes for you to be in a bad situation is to fall off the map or a bunch of Kobolds exploding in your face.
On Wave 3, one of the lanes will have 20 Kobolds rushing alongside them. On Wave 4, one of the lanes will have 3 Witherbeasts travel alongside other units. Wave 5 will have a large amount of Snooki, a Witherbeast and possibly Gnash the Flame Lance (a boss Snooki who can ignite defenses on hit). Your hero(es) must slay Snooki, Kobolds, Witherbeasts and Geodes as top priority by any means necessary. Crowd Control will be essential to slow down and contain Snooki and their assistance.
HYPER SHARD RECOMMENDATION
Hyper Destruction - Any tower that is either facing bosses or handling multiple lanes or a specific one that is in most or all lanes.
Vicious Strikes - Anything that benefits from the increased range. Auras, Traps or Weapon Manufacturer benefit from this. You can also attach this to your Frostbite Towers to have more reach with your slowing effects.
Radiant Critical Power - The hero you will be most active with. Fight near your auras, traps and nodes or use ranged near your towers to take full effect of this.
Explosive Shielding Guard - Whichever Blockade will benefit from the Shielding and Explosive effects. Preferably one that is in multiple lanes. Mine would have been Spike Blockades or World Trees.
CHARACTERS
Kasuti - Mystic (AP DPS, Obelisk)
Apophis - Mystic (AP DPS, Obelisk, Serpents Coil)
Arohongui - Lavamancer (Hero DPS, Volcano)
Etanaru - Monk (AP DPS, Skyguard Tower)
Lezard Valeth - Apprentice (AP DPS, Frostbite Tower)
Cinnamon - Series EV2 (AP DPS, Proton Beam, Weapon Manufacturer)
Mishera - Adept (AP DPS, Earthshatter Tower)
Jenocres - Abyss Lord (AP DPS, Ramsters)")
![[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery VII - Forest Crossroads (5 Stars)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Zw3RB_qdbKE/mqdefault.jpg "[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery VII - Forest Crossroads (5 Stars)
Game: Dungeon Defenders II
Port: PC
Mastery Diff: M7
Map: Forest Crossroads
I am starting to believe there is a masochist at Trendy Entertainment who designed Masteries as you are once again put into a rough round once again in Forest Crossroads. With 3 defense types disabled, you must make do with what you have.
5 STAR REQUIREMENTS
- Survive all 5 waves
- You cannot build Blockades
- You cannot build Auras
- You cannot build Nodes
- Do all the above in 1 run
PLAN
Because of the lack of the aforementioned defense types, you will have to make do with just Towers and Traps. In lieu of Blockades, you can use Frostbite Towers with Totems, Obelisks and Volcanos to repel attackers. Make sure that if you are using Frostbite Towers, you pack them together so Snooki dont slip through. If you have totems with Hardened and Protective Downgrade, they will help immensely. Skyguards can also be used to shred Kobolts before they venture close to your setups.
Each lane should be equipped with an Earthshatter and the Earth Toss shard. This will help not only damage heartier foes, but send them flying so they can be gunned by Skyguards.
The Mystic is once again extremely effective on this map. She can stall enemies with Call to Madness (this can also be enhanced with shards) and can turn Obelisks into Flamethrowers at Max Appeasement. Just make sure you put aside 20 DU for a Serpent Coil as she cannot heal herself without Ancient Power aid.
Keep tabs on the Radar, Kobolts are easy to spot (orange air unit) and should be downed as soon as possible to avoid shut down of your other defenses. On Wave 5, there is a chance that Zapper will spawn and his explosion is not only larger, but his stun duration is longer as well. This guy must be destroyed as soon as possible. DO NOT PROVOKE OR CONFUSE IT! You can also use low cost defenses to bait them into divebombing them to protect your main line. Skyguard and Hailstorm Towers can be deployed effectively to shoot down Kobolts, but having Tenacity on them helps immensely.
On wave 3 and onwards, you will be harassed by Dark Assassins. If you have any abilities to break yourself free, then use them. Otherwise, pull them near defenses that can kill them quickly or break their lock fast. On Wave 4 and 5, Hex Throwers will be added to the mix and must be slain as to avoid getting your defenses Cursed.
Aside from Kobolts, you will have to be vigilant against Hex Throwers, Snooki and Kobolds as they can still do considerable damage to your defenses. Witherbeasts can also pose a problem if you got a meat wall in front of your defenses. These things can also be a problem when a Cannon Ogre or a boss spawns alongside them.
HYPER SHARD RECOMMENDATION
Hyper Destruction - Any tower that is either facing bosses or handling multiple lanes or a specific one that is in most or all lanes.
Vicious Strikes - Anything that benefits from the increased range.
Radiant Critical Power - The hero you will be most active with. Fight near your auras, traps and nodes or use ranged near your towers to take full effect of this.
Explosive Shielding Guard - Whichever Blockade will benefit from the Shielding and Explosive effects. Preferably one that is in multiple lanes.
Thunderstruck - Your most active hero, preferably one with high offensive power. This is a useful shard when trying to keep Dark Assassins pacified long enough to kill them before they disappear.
Destructive Pylon - Give this to 1 of the towers in your Diversity Quota and try to incorporate it with your Earthshatters for maximum effectiveness.
Automation - Any of the psuedo-Blockades you are using.
CHARACTERS
Kasuti (Mystic) - AP DPS (Obelisk, Serpents Coil, Sand Viper)
Apophis (Mystic) - AP DPS (Obelisk)
Lezard Valeth (Apprentice) - AP DPS (Frostbite Tower)
Tsumiko Kuri (Initiate) - AP DPS (Skyguard Tower)
Mishera (Adept) - AP DPS (Earthshatter Tower)")
![[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery IV - Nimbus Reach (5 Stars, No Cores Lost)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/a8hibyqIoAI/mqdefault.jpg "[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery IV - Nimbus Reach (5 Stars, No Cores Lost)
Game: Dungeon Defenders II
Port: PC
Mastery Diff: M4
Map: Nimbus Reach
Another relatively straightforward map in Mastery IV, but there is some things that can go wrong if you are not careful. You will also be down one of your more effective slowing effects and an Anti-Shield Goblin/Geode countermeasure.
5 STAR REQUIREMENTS
- Survive all 5 waves
- You cannot build any Node-Type Defenses
- All Combat Phases must be finished within 3 minutes or less
- No defenses can be destroyed
- Do all the above in 1 run
PLAN
Like in Mastery III, a combination of barrier piercing towers (Flamethrower, Serpents Coil, Sand Viper, Ramsters) mixed in with auras and traps can handle most to all opposition. You will need some extra elbow grease for the Snooki.
Because of the lack of Proton Beams and you must ensure all defenses survive, you are better off using Traps or Auras to inflict Crowd Control.
Pay attention to the Air Lanes. A large swarm of Beetles or Kobold Gliders can cost you the 5 Star as they are destructive towards your Defenses and especially your Skyguards. If there is an Anti-Air defense near your ground lanes, consider using Vipers Fangs.
To be safe, it would be recommended to protect the Seal Stone as you not only have 1 less lane to defend, but you will be building your defenses closer to resolve the Timed Combat Phase. Just be warned, sometimes an enemy in the Northwest gets stuck in the spawner, so you may need a Hero with a spawn piercing attack (Apprentice secondary fire, Squire with Betsys Empowereds Beam, Obelisk, etc.) to strike at them.
Although Snooki are Slowproof, they arent Stunproof or Freezeproof. Various Stun shards and skills can pacify them long enough for you or other defenses to dispatch them. The Mystics Call to Madness and petrifying other enemies can cause them to hack at each other.
If a Defense is in the Red zone, immediately get involved and upgrade it. Make sure that you also dont have defenses directly behind your blockades or a Javelin Thrower might be what costs you the 5 Star.
When traversing the map, watch your step and watch what you fight! All it takes for you to be in a bad situation is to fall off the map or a bunch of Kobolds exploding in your face.
On Wave 3, one of the lanes will have 20 Kobolds rushing alongside them. On Wave 4, one of the lanes will have 3 Witherbeasts travel alongside other units. Wave 5 will have a large amount of Snooki, a Witherbeast and possibly Gnash the Flame Lance (a boss Snooki who can ignite defenses on hit). Your hero(es) must slay Snooki, Kobolds, Witherbeasts and Geodes as top priority by any means necessary. Crowd Control will be essential to slow down and contain Snooki and their assistance.
HYPER SHARD RECOMMENDATION
Hyper Destruction - Any tower that is either facing bosses or handling multiple lanes or a specific one that is in most or all lanes.
Vicious Strikes - Anything that benefits from the increased range. Auras, Traps or Weapon Manufacturer benefit from this. You can also attach this to your Frostbite Towers to have more reach with your slowing effects.
Radiant Critical Power - The hero you will be most active with. Fight near your auras, traps and nodes or use ranged near your towers to take full effect of this.
Explosive Shielding Guard - Whichever Blockade will benefit from the Shielding and Explosive effects. Preferably one that is in multiple lanes. Mine would have been Spike Blockades or World Trees.
CHARACTERS
Apophis - Mystic (Hero DPS, Vipers Fangs, Serpents Coil)
Yojimbo - Squire (Hero DPS, Spike Blockade)
Jenocres - Abyss Lord (AP DPS, Ramster)
Etanaru - Monk (AP DPS, Skyguard Tower, Flame Aura, Lightning Strikes Aura)
Mishera - Adept (AP DPS, Earthshatter Tower)
Shilf - Huntress (AP DPS, Geyser Trap, Poison Dart Tower)
Kasuti - Mystic (AP DPS, Sand Viper, Obelisk)")
![[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery III - Ramparts Siege (5 Stars, No Cores Lost)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aPC2VmUT8XM/mqdefault.jpg "[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery III - Ramparts Siege (5 Stars, No Cores Lost)
Game: Dungeon Defenders II
Port: PC
Mastery Diff: M3
Map: Assault on Ramparts
This map isnt too much trouble as long as you are swift and have sturdy blockades to withstand punishment. Just dont forget about the affixes in play.
5 STAR REQUIREMENTS
- Survive all 5 waves
- No defenses can be repaired
- No defenses can be upgraded
- You cannot build Aura-type Defenses
- Do all the above in 1 run
PLAN
Combining the barrier piercing towers (Ramsters, Earthshatter, Sand Viper, Obelisk and Flamethrower) with Traps and Nodes is the best way to ensure all angles are covered. The Obelisk has the added bonus of being map wide.
At the end of every wave, check on the condition your blockades. If you see any blockades with yellow or red health, sell them and replace them with a fresh one. If you must do this on the fly, make sure the heroes on your card are the ones who can build blockades.
To ensure that enemies dont get to your walls or to reduce the damage they take, use slowing effects like the Frostbite Tower or Proron Beams in tandem with strong offense. A Vipers Fangs near Anti-Air defenses is also recommended as they can disable up to 3 units and the Skyguards can shred air.
Make sure your anti-air defenses at the end of the wave can handle most or all air. If you must assist them, then do it. 1 Skyguard or Hailstorm wont be enough.
For your hero, pick something that can move around the map well, can dispatch enemies swiftly. A hero with a Stun ability or Overwhelm shard is recommended for disabling bosses and Geodes. Dispatch Witherbeasts, Kobolds, Geodes and bosses as top priority as these do the most damage to defenses. A Serpents Coil is recommended for healing purposes, especially if you play as a Mystic or Dryad. Place the Coil in an area you can easily access the Orbs. Make sure your Blockade builders are also on the card if necessary.
HYPER SHARD RECOMMENDATION
Hyper Destruction - Any tower that is either facing bosses or handling multiple lanes or a specific one that is in most or all lanes.
Vicious Strikes - Anything that benefits from the increased range.
Radiant Critical Power - The hero you will be most active with. Fight near your traps and nodes or use ranged near your towers to take full effect of this.
CHARACTERS
Apophis - Mystic (Hero DPS, Vipers Fangs, Serpents Coil)
Yojimbo - Squire (Hero DPS, Spiked Blockade)
Cinnamon - Series EV2 (AP DPS, Weapon Manufacturer)
Jenocres - Abyss Lord (AP DPS, Ramster)
Mishera - Adept (AP DPS, Earthshatter Tower, Hailstorm Tower)
Shilf - Huntress (AP DPS, Poison Dart Tower, Blaze Balloons, Geyser Trap)")
![[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery II - Gates of Dragonfall (5 Stars)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aorNk9BTtWo/mqdefault.jpg "[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery II - Gates of Dragonfall (5 Stars)
Game: Dungeon Defenders II
Port: PC
Mastery Diff: M2
Map: Gates of Dragonfall
In Mastery II, the caps for Ascension and Gear get increased and Shield Goblins are now replaced by Cyber Orcs. The Cyber Orc fires EMP blasts that can stun Traps, Auras, and non-Buff Beam Nodes for 10 seconds. They also will do this attack directly on a Trap, Aura source or Node if it is nearby.
The first map is designed to get you acquainted with the new enemies, especially since you must diversify your defense choices.
5 STAR REQUIREMENTS
- Survive all 5 waves
- The Crystal Cart must stay above 90% health at all times
- You can only have 1 of a specific Defense at all times
- Defenses cannot be repaired
- Do all the above in 1 run
PLAN
Because of the Cyber Orcs special ability, it is recommended to use Towers, Blockades or place the defenses that Cyber Orcs can disable out of reach so they dont get EMPed (Lightning Strikes and the Angry Nimbus are the best options for this) or have a counter measure to being disabled (eg. Blaze Balloons fire will still continue when the trap is disabled and the Fissures/Oil Geyser break Stun when they have been Erupted). .
Spread your defense types around so that one lane doesnt take priority over the other, except for when bosses begin to spawn. Your hero should dispatch tougher enemies and especially Kobolds and Witherbeasts before they become a problem. If you are using Traps and Auras, try not to stand at an angle that the Cyber Orcs EMP fires off at it and definitely take them down as soon as possible.
If a tower is about to fall, either upgrade it, sell or let it fall and replace it as soon as possible. Make sure your hero card has the capacity to replace defenses quickly.
The reason I use my Apprentice on this map is because the lames are setup perfectly for Tornados and it allows my AA towers to add extra damage. Plus, Mana Bomb hits like a bus when setup correctly.
HYPER SHARD RECOMMENDATION
Mass Destruction - Any tower of your choice, but I suggest one that can do multiple lanes or has to combat bosses.
Vicious Strikes - Any tower of your choice. but I suggest something that can target multiple lanes and potentially save DU for other options.
CHARACTERS
Lezard Valeth - Apprentice (AP DPS, Arcane Barrier)
Yojimbo - Squire (Hero DPS, Spiked Blockade)
Marcion - Squire (AP DPS, Cannonball Tower)
Apophis - Mystic (Hero DPS, Vipers Fangs, Serpents Coil)
Kasuti - Mystic (AP DPS, Sand Viper)
Mishera - Adept (AP DPS, Hailstorm Tower, Earthshatter Tower, Flamethrower Tower)
Jenocres - Abyss Lord (AP DPS, Ramster, Skeletal Orc)
Shilf - Huntress (AP DPS, Poison Dart Tower)
Arohongui - Lavamancer (Hero DPS, Volcano)
Etanaru - Monk (AP DPS, Skyguard Tower)")
![[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery V - The Dead Road (5 Stars)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/b4GkJ68ObPI/mqdefault.jpg "[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery V - The Dead Road (5 Stars)
Game: Dungeon Defenders II
Port: PC
Mastery Diff: M5
Map: The Dead Road
Much like Throne Room, you are once again forced to using defenses that are vulnerable to Cyber Orcs. However, this map is doable due to the level design.
5 STAR REQUIREMENTS
- Survive all 5 waves
- You cannot build any Tower defenses
- Both Crystal Carts must stay above 90% health at all times
- You cannot have any Defenses get destroyed
- Do all the above in 1 run
PLAN
Due to the design of the lanes, it is much easier to place Lightning Strikes Auras, Dryad Defenses and Weapon Manufacturer nodes on top of stumps and outside of the lanes to keep them out of reach from Cyber Orcs. Fight alongside your defenses and dispatch Cyber Orcs as your higher priority before going after the others.
You will need to use your hero to contain and destroy Dark Assassins. Auras and Nodes do a good job here. Status ailments like Poison, Stun, Slow and Freeze can help at contending with Dark Assassins. If your hero has an ability that applies ailments, use it right away so you can disable as many Dark Assassins as you can. The Overwhelm Shard and Gato Pets Dazzling Sparkle can allow all heroes to apply Stun. The Earth Toss, Vipers Fangs attack and Geyser Traps can launch Dark Assassins off of you as well.
Aside from the Dark Assassins, you will need to be vigilant towards the other enemies as well. The Kobolds, Snooki and Witherbeasts are the biggest threats to your defenses. You will also need to factor in a Geode and a few Shield Goblins on Wave 4 and 5 (there is a bug in the game that spawns a group). If you see a Geode coming, immediately kill it before you get locked by a Dark Assassin.
Because of the way the enemies spawn on this map, you can easily move in a pattern. Once you slay all the tougher enemies, you should consider moving onto the next lane as your defenses can handle the stragglers. Dont forget to keep up your repairs.
HYPER SHARD RECOMMENDATION
Hyper Destruction - Any tower that is either facing bosses or handling multiple lanes or a specific one that is in most or all lanes.
Vicious Strikes - Anything that benefits from the increased range.
Radiant Critical Power - The hero you will be most active with. Fight near your auras, traps and nodes or use ranged near your towers to take full effect of this.
Explosive Shielding Guard - Whichever Blockade will benefit from the Shielding and Explosive effects. Preferably one that is in multiple lanes.
Thunderstruck - Your main DPS hero. A standard attacker is best suited for this shard. A tower with Water Elemental can help you apply Drenches and a Lightning damage weapon are recommended.
CHARACTERS
Lenneth - Dryad (Hero DPS, World Tree, Moss Hornet Nest, Angry Nimbus)
Jenocres - Abyss Lord (AP DPS, Colossus, Skeletal Orc)
Cinnamon - Series EV2 (AP DPS, Weapon Manufacturer)
Etanaru - Monk (AP DPS, Lightning Strikes Aura)
Yojimbo - Squire (Hero DPS, Spiked Blockade)
Shilf - Huntress (AP DPS, Geyser Trap, Blaze Balloon)")
![[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery IV - Assault on the Throne Room (5 Stars)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/b5uYYCr7U-I/mqdefault.jpg "[Dungeon Defenders II] Mastery IV - Assault on the Throne Room (5 Stars)
Game: Dungeon Defenders II
Port: PC
Mastery Diff: M4
Map: Assault on the Throne Room
This map is also a borderline hurtle because of the heavy DU splitting that you are required to do. You will need to be swift and have a strong DPS hero if you are to succeed this map.
5 STAR REQUIREMENTS
- Survive all 5 waves
- You cannot have any Hero Deaths
- Both Window Locks, Throne and Crystal Cart cannot fall below 90% health at any time
- You cannot repair any Defenses
- Do all the above in 1 run
PLAN
Because you must defend both Window Locks, your DU spending will be tight. You will need to work with 20=40 DU defenses or resort to high range and 360 targeting defenses that can handle multiple lanes. The Dryad Defenses and the Monk Auras in some parts are great for this.
Like in Mastery III, a combination of barrier piercing towers (Flamethrower, Serpents Coil, Sand Viper, Ramsters) mixed in with auras, nodes and traps can handle most to all opposition. You will need some extra elbow grease for the Snooki.
Once you get past the initial attacks, the enemies spawn in a pre-set pattern. Before you move onto the next dogpile, slay all the difficult enemies (Snooki, Kobolds, Witherbeasts) or at least put it to a point that your Defenses can handle the opposition without your aid.
Although Snooki are Slowproof, they arent Stunproof or Freezeproof. Various Stun shards and skills can pacify them long enough for you or other defenses to dispatch them. The Mystics Call to Madness and petrifying other enemies can cause them to hack at each other.
If a Defense is in the Red zone, upgrade it or sell and replace it when the Wave ends. All it takes to fail the 5 Star is a Blockade to fall and a Snooki to rush and hack the objective with 1 Cleaver.
On Wave 3, one of the lanes will have 20 Kobolds rushing alongside them. On Wave 4, one of the lanes will have 3 Witherbeasts travel alongside other units. Wave 5 will have a large amount of Snooki, a Witherbeast and possibly Gnash the Flame Lance (a boss Snooki who can ignite defenses on hit). Your hero(es) must slay Snooki, Kobolds, Witherbeasts and Geodes as top priority by any means necessary. Crowd Control will be essential to slow down and contain Snooki and their assistance.
HYPER SHARD RECOMMENDATION
Hyper Destruction - Any tower that is either facing bosses or handling multiple lanes or a specific one that is in most or all lanes.
Vicious Strikes - Anything that benefits from the increased range. In my scenario, either the Auras, Angry Nimbus or your World Tree (so you can get farther healing coverage).
Radiant Critical Power - The hero you will be most active with. Fight near your auras, traps and nodes or use ranged near your towers to take full effect of this.
Explosive Shielding Guard - Whichever Blockade will benefit from the Shielding and Explosive effects. Preferably one that is in multiple lanes.
CHARACTERS
Lenneth - Dryad (Hero DPS, World Tree, Angry Nimbus)
Yojimbo - Squire (Hero DPS, Spike Blockade)
Apophis - Mystic (Hero DPS, Vipers Fangs, Serpents Coil)
Etanaru - Monk (AP DPS, Skyguard Tower, Flame Aura, Lightning Strikes Aura)
Cinnamon - Series EV2 (AP DPS, Proton Beam)
Tsumiko Kuri - Initiate (AP DPS)")
