Introduction to the Explorer Build
In this guide, we explore the Explorer Screwdriver build, focused on mine and turret damage combined with heavy tree farming—a distinct and highly effective strategy.
This build revolves around placing mines and turrets to control waves while maximizing resource generation through trees. It offers a different gameplay loop compared to traditional mob farming, prioritizing map traversal and economic scaling.
Early Game Strategy (First 3 Waves)
The run starts with the Screwdriver for two key reasons:
- It scales with Engineering, aligning with the long-term build direction
- It enables efficient map traversal while mines handle wave clearing
Priorities
- Weapons: Stack Screwdrivers early
- Core Items: Bags and Trees (increase tree spawn rate)
- Optional Picks: Mines, Turrets, Lures, and Engineering items
Strategy
- Focus on tree farming over mob farming
- Move constantly across the map collecting trees
- Let mines handle most of the combat
Stat Priority
- Speed – Enables faster map traversal and more tree collection
- Luck – Increases crate drops, boosting overall economy
- Engineering – Scales mine and turret damage
Mid Game Transition (Wave 6–10)
This is where the build becomes significantly stronger.
Key Items
- Pocket Factory – Every destroyed tree spawns a turret (core power spike)
- Recycling Machine – Increases value of sold items from crates
With multiple Tree items, you'll generate a high number of trees per wave, which translates into a large number of turrets through Pocket Factory.
Additional Synergies
- Cyberball – Scales damage with Luck
- Baby Elephant – Additional damage scaling via Luck
Strategy
- Continue prioritizing tree farming
- Convert economic advantage into damage scaling
- Let turrets and mines handle wave clear
Late Game Strategy
At this stage, the build stabilizes and focuses on scaling survivability and engineering output.
Stat Priorities
- HP Regen
- Max HP
- Armor
- Engineering
- Dodge
- Speed
Key Items
- Cog
- Metal Detector
- Plastic Explosive
- Dynamite
- Compass
- Exoskeleton
- Explosive Shells
- Extra Stomach
- Improved Tools
- Robot Arm
- Toolbox
- Tyler
Strategy
- Maintain farming loop
- Scale Engineering for damage
- Build tankiness to survive late waves
Strengths of the Build
- Unique Gameplay Loop: Focus on trees instead of enemies
- Strong Scaling: Economy converts directly into damage
- Automated Damage: Mines and turrets handle most combat
Weaknesses to Watch Out For
- Reliant on Setup: Needs key items like Pocket Factory
- Positioning Dependent: Requires constant movement
- Slower Early Damage: Depends on scaling rather than burst
Conclusion
The Explorer Screwdriver build offers a different approach to Brotato by combining tree farming, engineering scaling, and automated damage.
By prioritizing Speed, Luck, and Engineering, and leveraging key items like Pocket Factory and Recycling Machine, you can generate massive value each wave while maintaining strong damage output.
This build excels in resource-heavy runs and provides a consistent and enjoyable playstyle focused on control and scaling.