Vine Rupture

 is an upgrade in the Magic Monkey Knowledge tree, added in Version 17.0. It gives the Spirit of the Forest a unique ability that allows it to detonate the vines it has generated along the path. It requires eight magic knowledge points invested, Cold Front, and a one-time purchase of 500.

Strategy
Vine Rupture works as a deadly track clearing ability that will also stun Bloons that are not defeated by the detonating vines. Upon being used, the vines will explode and regenerate again. Each explosion deals around 50 damage each and will stun any Bloon in place that was not defeated by the blasts.

The ability does not damage DDT's under any condition - even with Level 19 Striker Jones, a M.I.B. nearby or under the effect of Acidic Mixture Dip - but it will still stun them in place. This can make it effective on Rounds 95 and 99, and during freeplay where DDT's are more likely to appear, acting as a substitute for the Pop and Awe ability. It may also be useful in Apopalypse Mode late-game when DDT's start appearing.

During normal play, it is often better to not use the ability as the vines themselves will prove to be effective enough. However, if there are a lot of MOAB-class Bloons on screen it may be a good idea to use Vine Rupture to damage and stun them, particularly in late freeplay when the Bloons become faster.

Tips

 * Try to use Vine Rupture when there are a lot of weak Bloons on screen. Be careful when using Vine Rupture though, as the vines will need to grow back once exploded.

Trivia

 * When this Monkey Knowledge is active, this makes Spirit of the Forest only the second tier 5 tower to gain an additional ability. The other tower is Special Poperations.
 * As Pop and Awe didn't gain an ability until Tier 5, at least until Artillery Battery received a new ability, therefore, making Spirit of the Forest initially the third tower to gain an ability alongside its tier 4 ability after Special Poperations.