How to Ascend or Evolve Units in ASTD X (March 2026 Guide)
In All Star Tower Defense X, ascending and evolving units are two distinct upgrade systems that unlock your characters’ maximum potential. Ascension works exclusively on 5-star or higher units, requiring special materials and NPCs to remove level caps and unlock hidden abilities. Evolution transforms 3-star and 4-star units into more powerful versions. Both processes require specific materials, gold, and following the correct steps at designated NPC locations throughout the game world.
After spending countless hours testing every ascension and evolution in the game, I’m sharing this comprehensive guide to help you transform your units into unstoppable forces. Whether you’re trying to ascend that shiny new 5-star Mysterious X or evolve your trusty 3-star Zaruto, this guide has everything you need.
Quick Overview: Ascension vs Evolution in ASTD X
| Feature | Ascension | Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Rarity | 5-star or higher | 3-star and 4-star |
| Purpose | Unlock max level & hidden potential | Transform to higher rarity |
| Materials Needed | Special items + Ghost orbs | Unit copies + evolution items |
| Gold Cost | 5,000 gold | 500-2,500 gold |
| NPC Required | Yes (specific locations) | Sometimes |
Understanding Ascension and Evolution Mechanics in ASTD X
There are two types of leveling-up characters in ASTDX— Evolve and Ascend. Evolve works on specific 3-star or 4-star characters while Ascend is for high-tier units. This distinction is crucial because it determines which upgrade path your units can take.
What is Ascension?
Ascending these units increases their base stats as well as unlocks the ability to use their hidden potential skills, and allows them to level up to their max. An ascended unit has a red shade around their border. Think of ascension as unlocking a unit’s true form – it’s like removing the training weights from your favorite anime character.
What is Evolution?
Evolution transforms lower-rarity units into more powerful versions. If you are not lucky enough to pull 5-star units, don’t worry. Some 3-star and 4-star characters can still be evolved in ASTDX. This system gives F2P players a chance to compete with premium units.
How to Check if Your Unit Can Ascend or Evolve?
Before farming materials, always verify your unit’s upgrade potential:
- Open your Units inventory
- Select the character you want to upgrade
- Look for the Ascend or Evolve button at the bottom
- If the button is visible (not grayed out), your unit is eligible
Only units with this button can be evolved to their next form. Don’t waste time farming materials for units that can’t be upgraded!
Step-by-Step Guide to Ascending Units in All Star Tower Defense X
Step 1: Select Your Unit
In ASTDX, some 5-star or higher characters can be ascended. To ascend a unit, first, select it from your load-outs.
Step 2: Check Requirements
Now, click the Ascend button at the bottom. This will show the required materials for the ascension process.
Step 3: Gather Materials
You will find the materials from specific NPC quests, challenges, evolutions, ASTDX codes, and story rewards. Each unit requires different materials, so plan your farming routes accordingly.
Step 4: Complete Ascension
Once you have the items, click on the gold amount button to spend all the materials and gold to ascend the character in All Star Tower Defense X.
Step-by-Step Guide to Evolving Units in All Star Tower Defense X
Step 1: Access Evolution Menu
To begin, open your Units tab, select the character, and press the Evolve button.
Step 2: Review Material Requirements
Just like ascension, evolving requires specific materials. Evolution typically needs multiple copies of the same unit plus evolution items.
Step 3: Collect Required Items
Farm the necessary materials through story mode, challenges, or use ASTDX codes to speed up the process.
Step 4: Execute Evolution
Once you have everything needed, click the gold amount option to use your materials and gold to evolve the unit in All Star Tower Defense X.
Complete Ascension Requirements for All Units in ASTD X
Here’s the comprehensive list of all ascendable and evolvable units with their material requirements and NPC locations:
5-Star Ascension Units
Slayer Mage (Frieren)
- Materials: 7 Mage Staff, 5 Ghost I (Orange), 5 Ghost III (Rainbow)
- Gold: 5,000
- NPC Location: Behind Summon area
Mysterious X (Gojo)
- Materials: 7 Mysterious Cube, 5 Ghost I (Blue), 5 Ghost III (Rainbow)
- Gold: 5,000
- NPC Location: Left of Challenges
The Cursed One (Sukuna)
- Materials: 7 Cursed Toe, 5 Ghost I (Red), 5 Ghost III (Rainbow)
- Gold: 5,000
- NPC Location: Right of Challenges
Dark Wing
- Materials: 7 Lightning Lance, 5 Ghost I (Green), 5 Ghost III (Rainbow)
- Gold: 5,000
- NPC Location: Beside the Infinity mode leaderboard
Michishibo
- Materials: 7 Jackzone Blood, 5 Ghost I (Purple), 5 Ghost III (Rainbow)
- Gold: 5,000
- NPC Location: Behind the Infinity mode leaderboard
Jin Sung
- Materials: 7 Jin Dagger, 5 Ghost I (Purple), 5 Ghost III (Rainbow)
- Gold: 5,000
- NPC Location: Behind the Outfits area
Zio Brundo
- Materials: 7 Vampire Mask, 5 Ghost I (Orange), 5 Ghost III (Rainbow)
- Gold: 5,000
- NPC Location: Right of Robot
Borul (Broly)
- Materials: 7 Borul’s Necklace, 5 Ghost I (Green), 5 Ghost III (Rainbow)
- Gold: 5,000
- NPC Location: Right of Summon
4-Star Evolution Units
Super Koku (Goku)
- Materials: 5 Koku, 3 Z Ball (Stone), 2 Kai Sword, 2 Ghost I (Blue), 2 Ghost I (Rainbow), Training Poll
- Gold: 5,000
- NPC Location: Outside spawn, left of Story stairs
Zaruto (Sage)
- Materials: 5 Zaruto, 3 Ninja Headband, 2 Ninja Shuriken, 2 Ghost I (Orange), 3 Ninja Scroll, 2 Ghost II (Rainbow)
- Gold: 2,500
- NPC Location: Left of Story area
3-Star Evolution Units
Humble Swordman
- Materials: 5 Humble Swordman, 2 Z Ball (Stone), 2 Kai Sword, 2 Ghost I (Green), 2 Ghost I (Rainbow)
- Gold: 1,000
Ruffy
- Materials: 5 Ruffy, 3 Hover Boot, 2 Mimic Juice, 2 Ghost I (Red), 2 Ghost I (Rainbow)
- Gold: 1,000
Ikki
- Materials: 5 Ikki, 2 Q Officer Hat, 2 Sword of Ikki, 2 Ghost I (Red), 2 Ghost I (Rainbow)
- Gold: 1,000
Koro
- Materials: 5 Koro, 3 Hover Boot, 2 Mimic Juice, 2 Ghost I (Green), 1 Ghost I (Rainbow), 1 Ghost II (Rainbow)
- Gold: 500
Zaruto
- Materials: 5 Zaruto, 3 Ninja Headband, 2 Ninja Shuriken, 2 Ghost I (Orange), 2 Ghost I (Rainbow)
- Gold: 1,000
Koku
- Materials: 5 Koku, 3 Z Ball (Stone), 2 Kai Sword, 2 Ghost I (Blue), 2 Ghost I (Rainbow)
- Gold: 1,000
Sosuke
- Materials: 5 Sosuke, 3 Ninja Headband, 2 Ninja Shuriken, 2 Ghost I (Purple), 2 Ghost I (Rainbow)
- Gold: 1,000
Material Farming Strategies
Ghost Orb Locations
Ghost orbs are the most common ascension materials. Here’s where to farm them efficiently:
- Ghost I (Colored): Story Mode stages 1-15
- Ghost I (Rainbow): Story Mode stages 10-20
- Ghost II (Rainbow): Story Mode stages 15-25
- Ghost III (Rainbow): Story Mode stages 20-30 and Challenge Mode
Special Item NPCs
Each special ascension item requires visiting specific NPCs scattered around the hub world:
- Summon Area NPCs: Slayer Mage, Borul, Dual Servant
- Challenge Area NPCs: Mysterious X, The Cursed One
- Infinity Mode NPCs: Dark Wing, Michishibo
- Story Area NPCs: Zaruto (Sage), Super Koku
- Outfits Area NPCs: Jin Sung
- Robot Area NPCs: Zio Brundo
Efficient Farming Routes
I’ve developed this optimal farming pattern after testing various approaches:
- Daily Route: Start at Story Mode → Complete daily challenges → Visit all NPCs → Use any available codes
- Focus Farming: Choose one unit to focus on and farm their specific materials intensively
- Code Priority: Always redeem All Star Tower Defense X codes immediately for free materials
Pro Tips for Faster Progression
1. Prioritize Meta Units
Focus on ascending units that dominate the current meta like Dark Wing, Michishibo, Etri, Super God Koku, and Jin Sung. These units provide the best return on investment.
2. Join Communities
The official ASTD Discord regularly shares material farming tips and NPC location updates. Community knowledge can save hours of grinding.
3. Maximize Code Usage
New codes drop frequently during updates and milestones. Check our ASTDX codes page daily for free materials and gems.
4. Plan Your Evolution Path
Some units like Koku can evolve multiple times (Koku → Super Koku → Super God Koku). Plan your resource allocation accordingly.
5. Utilize Challenge Mode
These materials are usually found by playing Story Mode or Challenge Mode, and the map you choose will determine which drops you can get. Challenge Mode often has better drop rates for rare materials.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ascending Without Planning
Don’t waste materials on units you won’t use long-term. Research the ASTDX tier list before committing resources.
2. Ignoring Evolution Units
Some 3 and 4-star units can be evolved and upgraded to a 5-star version of the same unit. These evolved units often outperform native 5-stars.
3. Skipping NPC Visits
NPCs reset their material offerings periodically. Visit them regularly to stockpile ascension items.
4. Neglecting Team Synergy
An ascended unit is only as good as the team supporting it. Build balanced compositions that maximize your upgraded units’ potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which units should I ascend first?
Priority should go to meta-defining units like The Strongest One, Slayer Mage, and Mysterious X. These units offer immediate power spikes and remain viable in all game modes.
Can all units be ascended or evolved?
No, not all units can be evolved. Only specific units have the ascension or evolution option available. Always check for the button in your inventory.
Where do I find evolution materials?
Materials come from multiple sources including:
- Story Mode stages
- Challenge Mode
- NPC shops
- Event rewards
- ASTDX codes
- Daily/weekly tasks
Is it worth evolving 3-star units?
Absolutely! Many evolved 3-stars like Humble Swordman and Zaruto become powerhouse 4-star units that rival natural 5-stars in effectiveness.
How often do NPCs refresh their materials?
NPCs typically refresh their material stock every 24 hours. Some special event NPCs may have different refresh timers.
Can I reset an ascension if I make a mistake?
No, ascensions and evolutions are permanent. Choose carefully and double-check requirements before committing.
Do ascended units keep their levels?
Yes, units retain their current level after ascension but gain access to higher level caps and enhanced stats.
Conclusion
Mastering the ascension and evolution system in All Star Tower Defense X transforms your gameplay experience from struggling with basic units to dominating with fully-powered characters. Whether you’re ascending your first 5-star Mysterious X or evolving that loyal 3-star Zaruto who’s been with you since the beginning, understanding these mechanics is crucial for progression.
Remember, evolving units as soon as possible helps you clear higher-level content and unlocks stronger abilities. Start with the units you use most frequently, plan your material farming routes, and don’t forget to use those codes for free resources.
Now that you know exactly how to ascend and evolve units in ASTDX, which character will you upgrade first? Head to those NPCs, gather your materials, and unleash your units’ true potential!
For more ASTDX guides and the latest game updates, check out our comprehensive ASTD X guide collection and dominate every game mode!