Getting Three Stars in Kingdom Rush Origins: High Cross (Level Two)
The High Cross
The second level in Kingdom Rush Origins is the High Cross. This one has an interesting layout and they start you off with one barracks tower already placed. I like to start off by placing two additional barracks towers on each side of the bridge to cover my bases. Then I use my remaining money to put a mage closest to the path where the first wave will come from. Moving your hero to this path is a good idea too.
Towers Can Be Upgraded
Once you get to the High Cross level, you can now upgrade your towers a level when you've collected enough money. It's best to upgrade the towers closest to where the waves will be entering in order to do the most damage to your enemies early on.
New Enemies
You'll notice new enemies being introduced in each level. The Gnoll Gnawer is the toughest enemy so far in the game when you get to the High Cross level. This is why using mage towers can help you get by with three stars. Sometimes the archers just don't deal enough damage when you get stronger enemies like these.
You can check on all of your enemies' strengths and weaknesses in the "Encyclopedia" option on the map page. This can help you decide which towers to choose so this is a helpful resource.
High Cross Fun Fact
Try tapping one of the deer you see really fast! I won't tell you what happens, but it's good for a giggle! There are lots of little side items like this throughout the game. You can try tapping all kinds of things you see on the screen in all the levels.
Adding Another Mage
I like to start with adding another mage tower on the opposite side of the bridge. Mages are excellent because their attacks are pretty strong. You should add towers as soon as you get the money to build them. Levels where there are multiple paths that waves can originate from can be trickier so building towers quickly is important.
Best Tower Placement
Putting an archer tower in the middle close to the enemy entrances is a good idea. This way, your mages hit with strong attacks from the sides while the archer has the range to hit enemies coming from any of the three paths. I only use one druid in this level because they are more expensive than the other towers. The important thing is to get barracks on either side of the bridge in the front and the back in order to stop oncoming enemies.
Training Your Hero
Once you beat this level, you'll notice that you have hero coins. You can tap the "Hero Room" icon and then use the coins you gained during the level to train your hero. Use your hero coins as soon as you get them so your hero's abilities are stronger for the next level.
Keep Upgrading Your Lightning
Make sure you don't forget to use your stars you earned for upgrades. Keep upgrading your lightning because with each upgrade, it gets way better.