Militant — Tower Defense Simulator Guide
Category: DPS
Unlock: 800 Coins
Detection: Hidden, Flying
Placement Limit: None (unlimited)
Tier Rating: B
Total Upgrade Cost: $12,500
The Militant Tower Defense Simulator tower, formerly known as John, is an early-to-mid game rifleman with low starting damage but a fast firerate and long range. It gains both Hidden and Flying detection at Level 1, which is earlier than most other detection-capable towers, and its DPS scales significantly through upgrades, reaching roughly 68.57 at max level from a base of around 4.44.
Militant Stats Per Level
The table below shows all Militant Tower Defense Simulator upgrade levels and stats. Click any column header to sort. All values are sourced from the TDS Fandom wiki (checked August 3, 2026).
| Level | Upgrade Cost | Damage | Cooldown | Range | DPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 600 | 1 | 0.225 | 14 | 4.44 |
| 1 | 300 | 1 | 0.175 | 17 | 5.71 |
| 2 | 850 | 2 | 0.175 | 17 | 11.43 |
| 3 | 2750 | 5 | 0.175 | 17 | 28.57 |
| 4 | 8000 | 12 | 0.175 | 20 | 68.57 |
Note: Upgrade title: Stealth Mercenary; max level
How to Get Militant
The Militant Tower Defense Simulator tower is purchased from the in-game Store for 800 Coins, with no level requirement stated on the wiki.
It was also historically obtainable through the Starter Bundle and a since-expired code, though the direct Store purchase for 800 Coins is the current and reliable unlock path.
Is Militant Worth It?
The Militant Tower Defense Simulator tower's appeal is its early access to both Hidden and Flying detection at Level 1, letting a single tower cover threats that many other early-game towers cannot. Its DPS scaling from roughly 4.44 at base to 68.57 at max level is steep, meaning early levels are weak but later levels pay off.
Total upgrade cost from placement to max level is 12,500 in-game cash, moderate compared to premium DPS towers. The wiki notes that the Militant Tower Defense Simulator tower has changed tower-tier category between Starter and Intermediate three separate times across updates, reflecting ongoing balance adjustments to where it sits in the game's progression.
Its current tower infobox does not list a placement limit, unlike the Hunter or Medic, which allows for flexible stacking of multiple Militants at a single point if the strategy calls for concentrated fire.
Militant Tier Rating by Mode
Best Loadouts With Militant
In the early game, multiple Level 1 Militants placed together take advantage of their early Hidden and Flying detection while the player's economy is still building. Farm alongside Militant covers both income and early defense needs.
For mid-to-late game, Commander's firerate buff synergizes well with the Militant Tower Defense Simulator tower's already fast base firerate, and pairing it with a heavier hitter like Hunter or Ranger covers the high-health enemies that upgraded Militants alone may struggle against.