Relics Guide
Master the equipment system - Three-slot relic optimization and Top Slot farming strategies.
Relics System Overview
Relics represent the third pillar of unit power in Universal Tower Defense, alongside Base Statistics and Traits. These equippable items grant flat stats, percentage boosts, and unique passive abilities that can fundamentally alter a unit's performance profile.
The relic system is categorized into three distinct slots: Top, Bottom, and Accessory. While Bottom and Accessory relics offer flexibility through multiple acquisition methods, Top Slot relics remain exclusive to Virtual Realm farming—making them the most coveted and strategically significant equipment pieces.
Top Slot
CriticalSource: Virtual Realm Exclusive
Master Ninja Hat, Crown of Command
Bottom Slot
HighSource: Various Content
Speed Boots, Defense Plates
Accessory
MediumSource: Merchants/Events
Critical Rings, Mana Crystals
Top Slot Relics: The Virtual Realm Monopoly
Top Slot Relics (hats, masks, crowns) provide the most potent passive effects in UTD. The Master Ninja Hat's 20% DOT bonus, Crown of Command's global buffs, and Helm of Wisdom's economic bonuses can transform unit performance beyond what traits and levels alone can achieve.
Master Ninja Hat
S-Tier+20% DOT Damage
Source: Virtual Realm
Best For: Kyito, DoT Units
Crown of Command
S-TierGlobal Team Buffs
Source: Virtual Realm
Best For: Support Units
Mask of Shadows
A-TierStealth + Crit Bonus
Source: Virtual Realm
Best For: Assassin Units
Helm of Wisdom
A-TierEXP Gain + Cost Reduction
Source: Virtual Realm
Best For: All Units
Golden Circlet
B-TierGold Generation Boost
Source: Virtual Realm
Best For: Economy Teams
Why Top Slot Relics are Game-Changing
- Passive Multipliers: Effects trigger automatically without player input
- Unique Mechanics: Some effects unavailable through other systems
- Stack Synergy: Combine with traits for multiplicative bonuses
- Endgame Requirement: Essential for Infinite Mode leaderboards
Acquisition Methods
Virtual Realm Farming
Primary source for Top Slot Relics. Requires Nightmare Mode clears for best drop rates. Time investment: 20-30 waves per run.
Gold Merchant Rotation
Bottom Slot and Accessory relics available for purchase. Inventory rotates daily. Buy-all strategy recommended for collection.
Event Rewards
Limited-time events occasionally award exclusive relics. Check event calendar for schedules. Highest priority when active.
Challenge Completion
High-difficulty challenges may reward specific relics. Focus on Elemental challenges matching unit types.
Trading System
Player-to-player trading for duplicate relics. Use Value List for fair trade rates. Avoid undervaluing rare pieces.
Virtual Realm Drop Rates
Top Slot Relic Drop Rates:
Normal Mode: ~2-3% per clear
Hard Mode: ~5-7% per clear
Nightmare Mode: ~10-15% per clear
Note: Rates are estimated from community data
Optimization Strategy: Three-Slot Synergy
Effective relic optimization requires understanding how the three slots work together. Top Slot provides core identity, Bottom Slot adds survivability/utility, and Accessory fills gaps in unit performance.
The Kyito Build: DoT Optimization
Optimal Loadout:
- Top: Master Ninja Hat (+20% DOT)
- Bottom: Speed Boots (+Attack Speed)
- Accessory: Critical Ring (+Crit Chance)
Synergy: All three slots amplify DOT scaling mechanics
The Shanks Build: Raw DPS
Optimal Loadout:
- Top: Crown of Command (+Global Buffs)
- Bottom: Damage Plates (+Flat Damage)
- Accessory: Strength Crystal (+Attack Power)
Synergy: Maximizes raw damage output for burst strategies
The Miku Build: Support Amplification
Optimal Loadout:
- Top: Helm of Wisdom (+Buff Duration)
- Bottom: Mana Crystals (+Resource Generation)
- Accessory: Range Extender (+Buff Radius)
Synergy: Extends and amplifies team-wide support effects
Economic Considerations: Investment vs. Return
Relic acquisition requires significant time investment, particularly for Top Slot pieces. Understanding opportunity cost helps optimize progression strategy.
Time Investment Analysis
Average Time to Obtain Specific Relic:
Common Top Relic: 10-15 Virtual Realm clears
Rare Top Relic: 20-30 clears
Mythic Top Relic: 50+ clears
Assuming 15 min/clear: 12.5-75 hours per relic
Value Prioritization
- Priority 1: Master Ninja Hat (DOT meta essential)
- Priority 2: Crown of Command (universal team buff)
- Priority 3: Helm of Wisdom (economic acceleration)
- Priority 4: Specialized relics for specific units
Conclusion: The Equipment Mastery
The relics system transforms Universal Tower Defense from a unit collection game into an equipment optimization simulation. While acquiring Top Slot relics requires significant time investment through Virtual Realm farming, the power multiplier effects justify the effort for serious players.
Master the three-slot synergy, prioritize the most impactful relics, and understand that relic optimization is a marathon, not a sprint. Every piece obtained moves your units closer to their true potential.
Quick Reference
Priority Order
1. Master Ninja Hat
2. Crown of Command
3. Helm of Wisdom