The latest Slap Battles update introduces a new Mastery for the Gummy glove along with a brand-new reward glove called Thumbtack. If you’re trying to unlock everything added in this update, you’ll need to understand how the new mastery system works, where to find the quest NPC, and what tasks must be completed before claiming your reward.
This guide covers everything currently available about the Gummy Mastery, the Thumbtack Glove, update changes, strategies, and tips to help you finish the grind as quickly as possible.
Slap Battles Thumbtack Glove Update Guide – Gummy Mastery
This update adds several pieces of content to the game:
- New Gummy Mastery
- New Thumbtack Glove
- Jockey rework
- Twitter Post glove return
- Slap Training changes
- Butcher adjustments
- Retro Obby fixes and improvements
- Various bug fixes and balance changes
The biggest feature for most players is the new mastery progression tied to the Gummy glove.
Completing the mastery unlocks access to the newly released Thumbtack Glove.
What Is Gummy Mastery?
Masteries are special progression challenges attached to specific gloves in Slap Battles.
Instead of simply earning slaps, players must complete a set of objectives while using a particular glove. Once all requirements are completed, the mastery reward becomes available.
For this update, the focus is entirely on the Gummy glove.
By completing Gummy Mastery objectives, players can eventually unlock the Thumbtack Glove.
How to Start the Gummy Mastery Quest
To begin the mastery, enter the main lobby and head toward the Mastery Quest area.
Once there:
- Locate the Mastery NPC.
- Interact with the NPC.
- Open the available mastery list.
- Select the Gummy Mastery quest.
- Accept the challenge.
After accepting the quest, your objectives will appear and progress can begin.
Many players make the mistake of trying to complete mastery requirements before accepting the quest. Always speak with the NPC first to ensure progress is being tracked.
Finding the Mastery NPC
The NPC can be found in the Mastery section of the lobby.
When interacting with the NPC, you’ll notice multiple dialogue options and mastery categories.
Look specifically for the Gummy-related quest.
Once selected, the NPC will provide the tasks required for completion.
If your progress does not appear:
- Rejoin the server.
- Reopen the mastery menu.
- Make sure the Gummy mastery is selected.
- Verify that you’re using the correct glove.
Gummy Glove Basics
Before attempting the mastery, it’s important to understand the Gummy glove itself.
The glove specializes in sticky interactions and unique combat effects that can disrupt enemy movement.
Many mastery challenges are designed around using the glove’s mechanics effectively rather than simply earning eliminations.
Because of this, players who understand positioning and timing generally complete the mastery much faster.
Recommended Preparation
Before starting:
- Join a populated server.
- Equip the Gummy glove.
- Familiarize yourself with the ability cooldown.
- Practice hitting moving targets.
- Learn common combat routes around the arena.
The mastery becomes significantly easier once you’re comfortable with the glove.
How to Complete Gummy Mastery Efficiently
While exact objectives may vary depending on future balancing changes, mastery challenges generally reward active glove usage.
Play Aggressively
Many players spend too much time avoiding combat.
Mastery progress often comes from interacting with opponents, so hiding for long periods slows progression.
Instead:
- Stay near active fights.
- Look for distracted enemies.
- Use your ability frequently.
- Maintain constant engagement.
Target Crowded Areas
Large groups provide more opportunities.
Benefits include:
- Faster objective completion.
- More ability usage.
- Greater chances of triggering glove effects.
- Better overall mastery efficiency.
Use Ability Cooldowns Constantly
One of the biggest mistakes players make is saving abilities too long.
Whenever possible:
- Use your ability.
- Reposition.
- Wait for cooldown.
- Use it again immediately.
Consistent ability usage usually results in faster progression than waiting for perfect opportunities.
Avoid One-on-One Obsessions
Many players spend several minutes fighting a single opponent.
Instead:
- Rotate between targets.
- Engage multiple players.
- Focus on objective completion rather than revenge battles.
Mastery progress is usually more important than individual eliminations.
Thumbtack Glove Overview
Completing the Gummy Mastery unlocks the new Thumbtack Glove.
The glove is themed around office thumbtacks and sharp pin-based attacks.
Thumbtack Glove Stats
According to the update:
- Power: 52
- Speed: 16
- Ability: Sharpen
These stats place the glove in a balanced category that offers respectable knockback while maintaining normal movement speed.
Thumbtack Glove Ability: Sharpen
The Thumbtack Glove’s special ability is called Sharpen.
When activated, the glove utilizes its thumbtack-themed design to enhance offensive potential.
The exact effectiveness depends on timing and positioning, but the ability is intended to create stronger combat opportunities compared to standard attacks.
When to Use Sharpen
The best times include:
- Before initiating combat.
- During close-range engagements.
- When opponents are near map edges.
- During crowded fights.
Using Sharpen at the right moment can create knockback opportunities that lead directly to eliminations.
Thumbtack Glove Strengths
Good Offensive Potential
The glove’s power rating allows it to compete effectively against many standard gloves.
Beginner Friendly
Unlike highly technical gloves requiring advanced combos, Thumbtack appears straightforward.
Players can begin using it effectively without extensive practice.
Reliable in Public Servers
Because the glove focuses on direct combat, it performs consistently in normal matchmaking environments.
Thumbtack Glove Weaknesses
Ability Timing Matters
Using Sharpen at the wrong moment may waste its potential.
Vulnerable to Certain Counters
Movement-focused gloves can sometimes avoid the enhanced attacks if they maintain distance.
Requires Positioning
Like most offensive gloves, Thumbtack becomes much stronger when fighting near dangerous map edges.
Best Tips for Unlocking Thumbtack Faster
Server Hop If Necessary
If your current server is inactive:
- Leave.
- Find a busier server.
- Continue progress there.
Active servers generally provide faster mastery completion.
Focus on Progress, Not Wins
Many players become distracted trying to dominate every fight.
Instead:
- Complete objectives first.
- Worry about kill counts later.
Learn Arena Traffic
Experienced players know where combat naturally occurs.
Common hotspots usually provide:
- More targets.
- More opportunities.
- Faster mastery progress.
Stay Patient
Masteries are designed as progression content.
If progress feels slow:
- Keep using the Gummy glove.
- Complete objectives methodically.
- Avoid unnecessary distractions.
Most players eventually finish much faster than expected once they focus exclusively on mastery requirements.