Maze theory for tower defence beginners

Most tower defence beginners lose because they build for damage instead of building for time. The single biggest jump in my play came when I stopped asking 'how strong is this tower' and started asking 'how long does this path keep enemies in range'.

The trick is the maze. On open maps where you can place towers freely, you force enemies to walk a long, winding route past your defences. A weak tower that hits an enemy ten times beats a strong tower that hits it twice.

Start with a simple zigzag and leave gaps you can fill later. Don't wall yourself into a corner where you can't add towers. And always leave one clear lane so you're never accidentally blocking the exit and taking free damage.

Once the maze basics feel natural, everything else in the genre gets easier. Slow towers matter more, splash placement makes sense, and you stop panicking during boss waves.