Tower placement is a language, learn to read the map

The biggest jump in most tower defence games is not a new tower, it is learning to read a map before the first wave. Long straight sections and sharp turns are where enemies spend the most time in range, and those spots are worth far more than a busy junction.

I like to trace the path with my finger before placing a single tower. Where does it curve back on itself? That corner sees your tower twice. Where do multiple lanes merge? Splash damage shines there. Spend the planning phase looking, not building.

A common mistake is spreading towers evenly. Concentrated fire beats scattered coverage almost every time. Build a kill zone where the path lingers, then feed it with support towers rather than duplicating firepower elsewhere.

Finally, leave room to react. Do not spend your last coin the second you have it. A held reserve lets you answer a nasty wave with a well placed tower instead of praying your setup holds.