Zaruto NPC Mission 3 in All Star Tower Defense X (ASTD X) is one of the most demanding challenges introduced in the Naruto Update 8 & QOL. The primary restriction—using only Purple and Orange units—forces players to think strategically, as these colors lack natural synergy. This guide will break down the best strategies, optimal units, and placement tips to help you conquer this mission efficiently.
Understanding the Mission Mechanics
Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand what makes this mission difficult. You are limited to deploying only Purple (typically Magic/Shadow-type) and Orange (typically Fire-type) units. The final waves feature powerful enemies with high health and resistance, making a haphazard defense setup a recipe for failure. Success hinges on balancing consistent Area of Effect (AoE) damage with effective crowd control.
Best Units for Zaruto NPC Mission 3
Choosing the right units is half the battle. Here’s a breakdown of the top-tier picks for each color.
Top Orange Units (Sustained DPS & AoE)
Orange units are your primary source of consistent damage. They should form the backbone of your defense.
Michishibo: Arguably the MVP for this mission. His wide-area attacks and immense damage output can handle entire lanes. A fully upgraded Michishibo can nearly solo the mission.
All-Star Naruto: A fantastic choice from the event itself. He provides excellent AoE damage and is more accessible to many players.
Other Strong Orange Units: Focus on any high-damage Orange units you have, prioritizing those with large AoE capabilities.
Top Purple Units (Crowd Control & Burst Damage)
Purple units are your support line. Their job is to stun, slow, and eliminate tough enemies that slip through your main DPS.
Units with Stun/Slow Effects: Any Purple unit that can stun or slow enemies is invaluable. They buy precious time for your Orange DPS units to eliminate threats.
High Burst Damage Dealers: Some Purple units excel at dealing massive damage to single targets or small groups. Place them at choke points to handle strong, fast enemies.
Optimal Strategy & Unit Placement
A perfect team is useless without a solid strategy. Follow this step-by-step approach.
Early Game Setup (Waves 1-10)
Start with Purple Control: Begin by placing a few key Purple units at the start of the path or at sharp bends (choke points). Their crowd control will manage the early waves efficiently.
Economy Management: Focus on upgrading your existing units rather than placing too many new ones early on. A few well-upgraded units are better than many weak ones.
Mid to Late Game (Waves 11-20+)
Deploy Your Orange Core: As the waves get stronger, place your strongest Orange units, like Michishibo or All-Star Naruto, in central locations where they can cover the most ground.
The Support Role of Purple: Use your Purple units to reinforce choke points and the areas just before the exit. Their stuns and debuffs will prevent leaks.
Upgrade Priority: Continuously upgrade your top Orange DPS units first. Once they are near maximum, focus on upgrading your supporting Purple units.
Avoid Over-Microing: Do not constantly sell and move units. The money spent on repositioning is often better used on permanent upgrades that contribute to your overall power.
FAQ: Zaruto NPC Mission 3 Answered
Q: I don’t have Michishibo or All-Star Naruto. Can I still beat it?
A: Yes, but it will be more challenging. Focus on your strongest available Orange DPS units and utilize Purple crowd control to the maximum. Consider playing in a public server to team up with players who have these powerful units.
Q: What is the best map position for my units?
A: Place Orange units in the middle of long paths for maximum coverage. Place Purple units at the very beginning of the path and at tight corners (choke points) to stall enemies effectively.
Q: Why do I keep failing on the final waves?
A: The final waves feature enemies with high resistance. This is usually due to a lack of upgraded DPS. Ensure your main Orange units are fully upgraded by the time you reach wave 15. A lack of crowd control can also be the issue, so check your Purple unit placement.
Q: Is co-op recommended for this mission?
A: Absolutely. Teaming up in a public server allows you to combine forces. One player can focus on Orange DPS while another provides powerful Purple support, making the mission significantly easier.
Conclusion
Beating Zaruto NPC Mission 3 in ASTD X is a test of strategic unit selection and placement. The key is to leverage Orange units for raw, consistent AoE damage and Purple units for crucial crowd control and burst damage. By managing your economy wisely, prioritizing upgrades on your best units, and understanding the roles of each color, you will overcome this challenging mission. Master this balance, claim your victory, and collect the well-earned rewards from the Naruto event