If you’re grinding your way through All Star Tower Defense X and want to dominate the most challenging game modes in Update 1, this is the guide for you. From shield-breaking Titans to hybrid summoners and game-changing support units, these are the top 5 units that every serious player should have on their roster. Whether you’re tackling Trials, Missions, Challenges, or Infinite Mode, these units stand out as essential across the board. Check out our ASTD X Codes and All Star Tower defense Tier List for new players!
What Is All Star Tower Defense X?
All Star Tower Defense X is the revamped version of the popular Roblox tower defense game, packed with new mechanics, characters, and endgame challenges. Like its predecessor, the game revolves around deploying anime-inspired units to defend against waves of increasingly tough enemies. But in ASTD X, game modes like Trials, Missions, and Infinite Mode demand higher strategy, tighter team comps, and units with specific roles like support, summoning, and crowd control. That’s where this list comes in.
Top 5 Must-Have Units in Update 1
5. Eren (Attack Titan) – The Versatile Shield Breaker
Eren earns his spot in the top five for two reasons: shield breaking and summoning. In game modes like Missions and Trials, shields are one of the biggest roadblocks, and Eren’s Titan form can cut through them like nothing else. His placement cost is fairly low at 1,650, and he offers full AOE plus summoning—something that’s especially useful in missions where you need sustained pressure.
Use Eren when evolving your units (such as defeating Darkwing NPCs) or in any game mode that features enemies with high shield values. While Whitebeard is strong, Eren’s utility across multiple modes makes him more valuable in Update 1.
4. Irwin – The Best Buffer with a Twist
A fan favorite for good reason, Irwin (also known as Onwin) continues to dominate in ASTD X thanks to his powerful buffing chain and summoning ability. What sets him apart from other buff units like King Kai is his versatility. He not only boosts your team’s damage output with a 40% buff when chained correctly but also summons additional units, making him valuable in both offense and support roles.
For the best results, use Irwin’s buffs with careful timing. At 1x speed, his chain is easier to manage—each buff lasts 30 seconds, so proper rotation is key to maximizing uptime and keeping your team’s DPS high. He’s essential for boss fights and infinite runs.
3. Esdeath – Freeze, Time Stop, and DPS Combo
Esdeath (Estat) is an absolute game-changer after her recent buffs. Her placement cost has dropped from 2,500 to 1,500, and she now freezes enemies on placement—making her a true dual-role unit as both a crowd controller and a heavy hitter.
Her time stop ability lasts for 4 seconds, and while enemies become immune for the next 6 seconds, careful placement of multiple Esdeaths allows for chaining freezes and maximizing CC. She’s powerful in almost every game mode and excels in clutch situations where enemy waves need to be slowed or interrupted.
2. Zeke – The First and Best Hybrid Unit
Zeke is ASTD X’s first true hybrid unit, and that alone makes him a must-have. With a cheap placement cost of only 900, he can hit both ground and air units, making him perfect for early defense or emergency wave control.
While his DPS isn’t the absolute highest, his wide cone AOE and low-cost upgrades give him incredible value. He’s effective in solo content, shines in Trials, and scales well into the late game. Once upgraded, Zeke becomes one of the most reliable all-around units, especially when you’re low on team slots and need versatility.
1. Black Stash (Blackbeard) – The Best Slow Unit in the Game
Topping the list is Black Stash, also known as Blackbeard. His slow ability is what makes him the most valuable unit in Update 1. You unlock it early at Upgrade 2, and from there, it becomes essential for managing the toughest bosses and high-speed enemies in Trials, Challenges, and advanced Story content.
While his DPS isn’t as high as some others on this list, the value of slowing enemies—especially tanky ones—is irreplaceable. Slowing buys time for your high-damage units to do their job and gives your entire team better control of the battlefield. In harder modes, Blackbeard’s slow is often the difference between victory and getting overwhelmed.
Update 1 of All Star Tower Defense X raises the bar in difficulty, and having the right team is more important than ever. Whether you’re trying to evolve units, complete Missions, or push through Trials, these five units are absolutely essential. Each one brings something unique to the table, from damage buffs and enemy slows to hybrid targeting and game-saving crowd control.
So if you’re serious about climbing the ranks in ASTD X, these are the units you should prioritize. Train them, upgrade them, and build your strategy around them—and you’ll be ready for anything the game throws at you.