Tier C Easy Automation/AFK

The Cogitator

Automation specialist similar to The Radical. AI selects all upgrades automatically.

Starting Ball

Laser

Passive Ability

Automatically chooses all upgrades

Unlock Requirement

Build Villa blueprint

Playstyle Guide

The Cogitator removes upgrade choice decisions by automatically selecting upgrades. Similar to The Radical but with manual movement control. Laser starting ball provides piercing damage. Best for players who want to focus on positioning without upgrade micromanagement.

Recommended Evolutions

These evolutions synergize best with The Cogitator's abilities and playstyle:

Holy Laser

View evolution details →

Radiation Beam

View evolution details →

Ice Lance

View evolution details →

Assassin

View evolution details →

Strategy Tips

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Beginner Friendly

Forgiving playstyle makes The Cogitator excellent for learning the game's mechanics. Great choice for your first character unlock.

Role: Automation/AFK

Passive Ability Analysis

**Auto-Upgrade Selection** fundamentally alters roguelike loop: (1) **Zero Upgrade Decisions** - All upgrade choices handled by AI. When level-up screen appears, AI instantly selects one upgrade option (typically highest rarity or damage increase). Player has zero input—no choosing synergies, no build direction control. (2) **Laser V Starting Ball** - Laser V provides vertical piercing damage (hits multiple enemies in vertical line). Consistent damage output but requires horizontal positioning to maximize pierces. Laser V is half of Holy Laser evolution (Laser H + Laser V), but auto-selection may prevent acquiring both. (3) **Build Unpredictability** - AI upgrade logic is opaque—sometimes selects optimal synergies, sometimes random picks. Cannot guarantee specific build paths (Black Hole rush impossible, Holy Laser risky). This creates RNG-based build variance beyond player control. (4) **Learning Tool Value** - New players observe AI choices to learn upgrade hierarchy: AI tends to prioritize damage > AOE > utility. This teaches upgrade evaluation without consequence of bad choices. (5) **Pairing with The Radical** - Can combine The Cogitator (auto-upgrades) with The Radical (auto-movement) for fully automated AFK runs. Near-zero player interaction—useful for grinding blueprints or resource farming while multitasking. Easy difficulty reflects removed decision burden, but C-tier reflects lost strategic depth.

Early Game Strategy (Waves 1-10)

**Waves 1-10: Observing AI Decisions & Laser Optimization** The Cogitator's early game focuses on positioning since upgrades are automatic: **Wave 1-3 (Laser V Positioning):** - Starting Laser V pierces enemies vertically (hits 2-4 enemies per shot in vertical line) - Position horizontally relative to enemy spawns to maximize vertical pierces - **Critical insight:** You control positioning only—upgrade choices are automatic (no input) - AI will auto-select first 2-3 upgrades (typically damage or fire rate increases) - Gold priority: None—you cannot choose purchases, AI auto-buys balls/items based on algorithm **Wave 3-5 (AI Evolution Path):** - AI begins building toward evolutions automatically—likely Laser-focused (Holy Laser path) - Observe AI choices: Note which upgrades AI prioritizes (teaches hierarchy for other characters) - You cannot influence build direction—accept whatever evolutions AI creates - Focus on positioning: Laser V excels at vertical enemy lines, position to create those lines - Alternative: If AI auto-buys non-Laser balls, accept hybrid build (no player control) **Wave 5-10 (First AI Evolution):** - AI completes first evolution by wave 8-12 (unpredictable which evolution) - Likely evolutions: Holy Laser (if AI acquired Laser H), Radiation Beam (if Light acquired), or random hybrid - Wave 10 target: Observe and adapt—you cannot plan, only react to AI build - Gold spending: AI auto-spends gold (no player input)—expect semi-random purchases - Positioning: Focus 100% on positioning since it's your only control point **Positioning Strategy:** Laser V excels at creating vertical piercing lines. Stand horizontally offset from enemy spawns, let enemies form vertical columns, Laser V pierces entire column (4-6 enemies per shot).

Mid Game Strategy (Waves 11-25)

**Waves 11-25: AI Build Adaptation & Positioning Mastery** Mid-game focuses on adapting to whatever build AI creates: **Wave 11-15 (AI Evolution Completion):** - AI continues auto-selecting upgrades—typically completes 2-3 evolutions by wave 15 - You cannot influence evolution choices—may get optimal Holy Laser, may get suboptimal hybrid builds - **The Cogitator challenge:** Adapt positioning to whatever evolutions AI provides - If AI built Holy Laser: Maximize laser line positioning (pierce 8-12 enemies per shot) - If AI built hybrid evolutions: Adjust to mixed mechanics (AOE + pierce, etc.) **Wave 16-20 (Positioning-Only Gameplay):** - Your entire skill expression: positioning optimization - AI handles: Upgrade choices, gold spending, evolution building, ball purchases - You handle: Movement, aiming (indirect via position), survival positioning - **Wave 20 boss:** Position to maximize whatever evolutions AI built—lasers require line-of-sight, AOE requires clustering - Boss strategy: Back-screen positioning for safety, let AI-built evolutions handle damage output **Wave 21-25 (AI Late Build):** - AI completes 3-4 evolutions by wave 25 (build quality varies by AI choices) - Accept AI build: Cannot change direction at wave 25—work with provided build - Wave 25 target: Master positioning for AI-built evolution suite, survive via positioning skill - Learning value: By wave 25, you've observed 20-30 AI upgrade choices—internalize priority logic for other characters - Positioning: Back-center safe positioning unless AI built aggressive evolutions requiring front positioning **Gold Management:** N/A—AI auto-manages all gold spending (no player input)

Late Game Strategy (Waves 26-40+)

**Waves 26-40+: Positioning-Mastery Gameplay** Late-game The Cogitator tests pure positioning skill: **Wave 26-30 (AI Final Build):** - AI completes 4-5 evolutions by wave 30—build is locked, adapt to it - You cannot optimize build—success depends 100% on positioning skill with whatever AI provided - **Wave 30 boss:** AI-built evolutions handle damage, your positioning determines survival - Optimal play: Master positioning to maximize AI build output (laser lines, AOE zones, etc.) - Positioning: Defensive back-screen unless AI built sustain evolutions (Vampire builds enable aggressive positioning) **Wave 31-40 (Wave 40 Positioning Challenge):** - The Cogitator's wave 40: Pure positioning skill test (upgrades already determined by AI) - **Build path:** Whatever AI built (typically 4-5 evolutions, semi-random quality) - Wave 40 boss: Position to survive boss swarms while maximizing AI evolution output - Success rate: Lower than decision-driven characters (AI may build suboptimal evolutions) - If AI built strong evolutions (Holy Laser, Black Hole): Wave 40 viable with positioning skill - If AI built weak evolutions (hybrid mess): Wave 40 difficult, positioning cannot compensate for weak build **Wave 41-50 (Wave 50 Unlikely):** - The Cogitator has low wave 50 potential—AI rarely builds optimal evolution suites - **Ultimate build:** Depends on AI choices (uncontrolled)—may get S-tier builds, may get C-tier builds - Wave 50 strategy: Requires AI luck (good evolution choices) + perfect positioning skill - Realistic target: Wave 30-35 with consistency, wave 40 with good AI builds - Wave 50: Possible with perfect AI build + flawless positioning, but inconsistent **Gold Management:** N/A—AI controls all spending

Best Evolutions for The Cogitator

**Top 5 Evolutions for The Cogitator (AI-Determined):** Note: You cannot choose evolutions—AI determines build. These are optimal evolutions if AI builds them: **1. Holy Laser (S-tier, 2.5x damage, Laser synergy)** - Recipe: Laser (H) + Laser (V) - Why it works: Uses starting Laser V ball, AI may auto-build if Laser H acquired - Laser piercing hits 10-15 enemies per shot with proper positioning - Synergy: Best-case AI build—if AI acquires Laser H, Holy Laser is strong - **Best evolution IF AI builds it** - requires AI to acquire Laser H randomly **2. Radiation Beam (A-tier, 2.0x damage, if AI acquires Light)** - Recipe: Light + Poison - Why it works: If AI randomly buys Light ball, Radiation Beam is strong evolution - Radiation DoT + Laser pierce = hybrid damage (direct + persistent) - Synergy: Depends on AI acquiring Light (unpredictable) **3. Ice Lance (B-tier, 1.7x damage, Laser + Ice)** - Recipe: Laser + Ice (assumed) - Why it works: Laser pierce + Ice slow/freeze = crowd control - Slowing enemies enables easier positioning (your only control point) - Synergy: If AI builds Ice Lance, enables safer positioning gameplay **4. Assassin (B-tier, 1.4x damage, if AI acquires Iron)** - Recipe: Ghost + Iron OR Laser + Iron (unclear) - Why it works: Armor penetration helps late-game (waves 30+) - AI may randomly build if Iron acquired - Synergy: Late-game addition if AI builds it **5. Nuclear Bomb (A-tier, 2.3x damage, if AI pivots to AOE)** - Recipe: Bomb + Poison - Why it works: If AI abandons Laser focus and builds AOE, Nuclear Bomb is strong - Explosive AOE requires different positioning (cluster focus vs line focus) - Synergy: Requires AI to randomly pivot away from Laser builds **Evolutions You Cannot Control:** - AI determines all evolutions—you cannot target specific builds - AI tends toward Laser evolutions (Holy Laser path) due to starting Laser V - AI may randomly pivot to non-Laser builds—accept and adapt positioning

How to Unlock The Cogitator

**Unlocking The Cogitator: Build Villa Blueprint** **Recommended Character:** The Warrior OR The Itchy Finger **Strategy (20-30 minutes):** **Phase 1: Find Villa Blueprint (Waves 1-20)** - Play any unlocked character, target boss encounters - Villa blueprint drops from mid-game bosses (wave 15-20 range typical) - Mid-rarity blueprint—expect 3-5 boss kills before drop - Alternative: Check shop for blueprint purchase (costs 700-1,100 gold) **Phase 2: Build Villa in New Ballbylon (Harvest Mode)** - After obtaining blueprint, enter Harvest Mode - Place Villa structure in New Ballbylon city - Construction requires: Workers bouncing balls into structure over time - Villa takes 3-4 harvest cycles (~10-15 minutes) for completion - Visual confirmation: Luxury villa renders with architectural details when complete **Phase 3: The Cogitator Unlocks** - Once Villa construction completes → The Cogitator unlocks - Character becomes available in roster - Select from character select screen **Time Investment:** 20-30 minutes total **Common Mistakes:** - Expecting to control build with The Cogitator (all upgrades are automatic—no player choices) - Not using as learning tool (observing AI choices teaches upgrade priority for other characters) - Playing for wave 50 progression (AI builds are inconsistent—better characters for progression) **Optimization:** Use The Cogitator for learning upgrade paths, not serious progression runs

Advanced Tips & Tricks

**1. Learning Tool Focus:** Primary value is observing AI upgrade choices. Note which upgrades AI prioritizes (damage > AOE > utility typically). Apply this hierarchy to decision-driven characters for optimization. **2. Positioning-Only Skill:** Your entire skill expression is positioning. Master positioning fundamentals with The Cogitator—no upgrade decisions to distract from movement optimization. **3. Laser Line Positioning:** Laser V pierces vertically. Stand horizontally offset from enemy spawns, create vertical enemy columns, pierce entire column (6-8 enemies per shot vs 1-2 with poor positioning). **4. AI Build Acceptance:** Don't fight AI choices—accept whatever build AI creates. Trying to influence build through positioning is futile (AI ignores player context). Adapt to provided build. **5. Pairing with The Radical:** Combine The Cogitator (auto-upgrades) + The Radical (auto-movement) for fully automated AFK farming. Useful for blueprint grinding while multitasking. **6. Decision-Free Relaxation:** The Cogitator enables decision-free gameplay—no upgrade stress, no build planning. Use for relaxed play sessions when mental bandwidth is low. **7. Wave 30 Target:** Realistic goal is wave 30 with The Cogitator (AI builds reach effectiveness ceiling around wave 25-30). Wave 40+ requires AI luck + perfect positioning. **8. Avoid for Serious Runs:** Use decision-driven characters (The Itchy Finger, Lantern Knight) for serious progression. The Cogitator is for learning, AFK farming, or relaxed play—not optimization.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

**1. Expecting Build Control:** - Mistake: Trying to influence AI upgrade choices through positioning or gold management - Why it's bad: AI ignores player context—choices are algorithmic, not responsive - Fix: Accept zero build control. Focus 100% on positioning since it's your only control point. **2. Playing for Wave 50:** - Mistake: Using The Cogitator for serious wave 40-50 progression attempts - Why it's bad: AI builds are inconsistent—may build strong evolutions (wave 40 viable), may build weak hybrids (wave 25 ceiling) - Fix: Use decision-driven characters for progression. The Cogitator is for learning and relaxed play. **3. Ignoring Positioning Skill:** - Mistake: Standing still since "AI handles everything" - Why it's bad: AI handles upgrades, not positioning—poor positioning gets you killed regardless of AI build - Fix: Master positioning. Laser V requires line-of-sight positioning, AOE evolutions (if AI builds them) require cluster positioning. **4. Not Learning from AI:** - Mistake: Playing The Cogitator without observing AI upgrade choices - Why it's bad: Wastes primary value—learning upgrade hierarchy for other characters - Fix: Pay attention to AI choices. Note: AI prioritizes damage > AOE > utility. Apply to decision-driven characters. **5. Frustration with AI Pivots:** - Mistake: Getting frustrated when AI abandons Laser focus and builds random hybrids - Why it's bad: AI randomness is inherent to The Cogitator—fighting it creates stress - Fix: Accept AI randomness. Treat each run as positioning challenge with random build constraints (puzzle-like gameplay). **6. Comparing to Decision-Driven Characters:** - Mistake: Expecting The Cogitator to match The Itchy Finger or Lantern Knight performance - Why it's bad: Removing decision-making inherently lowers power ceiling—C-tier reflects this - Fix: Accept C-tier performance. Use for specific purposes (learning, AFK farming, relaxation), not competitive progression. **7. Solo Use (No Radical Pairing):** - Mistake: Playing The Cogitator solo without pairing with The Radical for full automation - Why it's bad: Misses synergy—The Cogitator handles upgrades, The Radical handles movement = full AFK potential - Fix: Pair with The Radical for AFK blueprint farming. Solo Cogitator play has limited value beyond learning tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Cogitator beginner-friendly?

Yes—easy difficulty due to removed decision-making. AI handles all upgrades automatically, eliminating choice paralysis. Recommended as learning tool: observe AI choices to understand upgrade hierarchy without consequence. However, removes strategic depth—not recommended for long-term play. Use to learn upgrade paths, then switch to decision-driven characters for deeper gameplay.

Can I influence what evolutions AI builds?

No—AI upgrade choices are algorithmic and ignore player context. You cannot influence build direction through positioning, gold management, or any player action. AI typically prioritizes Laser evolutions (due to Laser V start) but may randomly pivot to hybrid builds. Accept whatever AI builds and adapt positioning accordingly.

What's the ideal build path for The Cogitator?

No ideal path—AI determines all evolutions. Optimal if AI builds: Holy Laser (Laser H + Laser V) → Radiation Beam → Ice Lance. But AI may build suboptimal hybrids instead. You cannot target specific builds—success depends on AI luck + positioning skill. Realistic expectation: Semi-random evolution suite by wave 20-30.

Can The Cogitator beat wave 50?

Unlikely—C-tier reflects low wave 50 potential. AI rarely builds optimal evolution suites (requires specific upgrade sequencing). Wave 40 possible with good AI builds + perfect positioning. Wave 50 requires AI luck (excellent random choices) + flawless positioning—inconsistent. Realistic targets: Wave 30 consistency, wave 35-40 with good AI luck.

Why C-tier with automation convenience?

C-tier reflects lost strategic depth, not difficulty. Automation removes decision-making—the core roguelike appeal. No build planning, no synergy optimization, no strategic pivots. Easy difficulty (no choices = no mistakes) but low skill ceiling (no optimization possible). Dexerto and TheGamer both C-tier due to niche appeal. Casual players seeking autopilot may rate B-tier, roguelike enthusiasts rate D-tier. Consensus C-tier balances ease-of-use with strategic value loss.