Sir We Have an Orc Problem Flamethrower Strategy
How to place flames so every orc burns once - and when to stop trusting them.
Why this page exists
Steam threads titled “Flamethrowers are completly OP” and “How are you all using flamers” dominate pre-launch and launch-week discussion. Some players see flames deal millions of damage on the final mission while Mortars sit under 100k. Others place flames correctly yet watch Cannons and Mortars crush Damage Statistics by 3-5x. Both can be true depending on map width, pathing, and June retune values.
This guide turns that argument into placement rules. Pair it with the turret reference Flamethrower, the Turret Tier List, and Choke Points.
What the June retune changed
Demo Update 2026.06.12 increased base fire duration and tick rate so even an un-upgraded Flamethrower applies at least one tick, then decreased tick damage to compensate. Practical effect: flames became more consistent softener tools and slightly less “delete the horde alone” buttons. If your muscle memory is from early playtest, re-measure with Damage Statistics after unlock.
Full notes: Patch Notes.
The correct job description
Flamethrowers are softeners, not always primary DPS. Ideal outcome: every orc that enters your kill zone is already burning before Gunner penetration lines and Mortar shells finish the clump. That is why S-tier rankings on funnel maps often go to flames even when another tower posts higher raw damage on a different layout.
Wrong job description: carpet the entire map with flames and never unlock Mortars. Late maps punish that greed once speed-per-level climbs.
Placement rules that win arguments
- Put flames on the front of the observed stream, not the pretty ridge.
- Cover the full width so stragglers cannot walk around the cone.
- Stack one or two layers if counts are absurd - still leave room for Mortars/Cannons behind.
- Rebuild after scout runs; fluid pathing lies to static screenshots.
- On needle chokes, prefer Cannon and Gunner penetration instead of forcing flames into a one-tile alley.
Reading Damage Statistics honestly
After a battle, compare flame damage to Mortar and Cannon totals. If flames win by an order of magnitude, your funnel is working - invest in flame duration/tick and caps. If flames lose badly despite “correct” placement, either orcs are bypassing the cone or the choke is too narrow for burn value. Buy the tower that actually scored, not the tower the forum meme favours.
Unlock Damage Statistics via Combat Upgrades before spending ten nodes on faith.
Synergy with abilities
Burning clumps that stack in a kill zone are perfect Bombing Runs and missile targets. Do not waste nukes on thin lines that never touched fire. Ability timing guide: Tips and Tricks.
Level 5 and automation
Tower-only challenges on Level 5 often start with a reliable flame front so the automated line is not relying on perfect manual missiles. See Level 5 Walkthrough. If automation fails at the same timestamp, widen flame coverage before buying another Gunner damage crumb.
When to nerf your own flame budget
- Damage Statistics shows Mortars carrying while flames tick air
- Orcs route around the cone on open berms
- You delayed Mortar/Cannon unlocks too long and speed spikes leak
- You are fighting a long straight corridor where penetration outscales burn
Switch spend to Upgrade Priority combat branches that match the winning tower.
Community myth checklist
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Flames are always OP | Only when every orc is forced through fire |
| Flames are always weak | False on wide fronts after the tick reliability buff |
| Never move towers | Late maps and speed ramps demand rebuilds |
| Stat pumping beats placement | Placement multiplies stats; it does not replace them |
Related pages
- Flamethrower - turret reference
- Mortar / Cannon - finishers
- Beat Hard Levels - late density
- FAQ Hub - short answers for forum debates
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
Should I always max Flamethrowers first?
Max coverage on wide fronts first, then finishers. On narrow chokes, invest in Cannons and Gunner penetration earlier.
Why did my flame damage drop after a patch?
June lowered tick damage while raising tick reliability. Re-check Damage Statistics instead of copying old spend orders.
Can Flamethrowers solo late maps?
Rarely. They shine as softeners feeding Mortars, Cannons, and timed abilities inside a kill zone.