Clash Royale
Disclaimer: Since Clash Royale is constantly being patched and updated, all information represented on this page may not be accurate for the current time of viewing.
History
Clash Royale is a multiplayer real time strategy game from the Finnish developers Supercell. It features characters from Supercell's previous game Clash of Clans.[1] It first began with a beta launch allowing only a smaller pool of individuals to play the game. It officially released on January 4th, 2016 and mixes the card game genre with the MOBA genre. It utilizes a fremium based model and allows player to purchase in-game currency to progress faster in the game. On March 4th, 2016, it became the top-grossing IOS game in the United States.[2]
Playable Cards
The cards in Clash Royale ranges in rarity. They span from Common, Rare, Epic, and Legendary. Currently, there are 48 different cards. The cards classified as Commons are Archers, Arrows, Barbarians, Bomber, Cannon, Fire Spirits, Goblins, Knight, Minion Horde, Minions, Mortar, Royal Giant, Skeletons, Spear Goblins, Tesla, and Zap. The Rares would include Barbarian Hut, Bomb Tower, Elixer Collector, Fireball, Furnace, Giant, Goblin Hut, Hog Rider, Inferno Tower, Mini P.E.K.K.A., Musketeer, Rocket, Three Musketeers, Tombstone, Valkyrie, and Wizard. The Epics would include Baby Dragon, Balloon, Dark Prince, Freeze, Giant Skeleton, Goblin Barrel, Golem, Guards, Lightning, Mirror, P.E.K.K.A., Poison, Prince, Rage, Skeleton Army, Witch, and X Bow. The Legendary cards out right now are Ice Wizard, Lava Hound, Miner, Princess and Sparky. [3]
Archers
Archers are a 3 Elixir cost troop that comes with two units. They have a ranged attack and can attack air. Some noticeable things regarding them would be that they can survive damaging spells such as arrows and zap. Archers can be useful against Balloons and Baby Dragons.
Arrows
Arrows are a 3 Elixir cost damaging spell that is mainly used for clearing swarms. It has a big area of effect compared to other damaging spells and are a strong counter against minion hordes. Arrows can be extremely useful against decks that utilize many small units such as spawn decks.
Barbarians
Barbarians are a 5 Elixir cost troop that comes with 4 units. They walk fairly slow and are melee units. They may be slow but can deal large amounts of damage when in melee range.
Bomber
Bomber is a 3 Elixir cost troop that deals area of effect damage. Despite being a ranged unit, it cannot target air units. It is strong against swarms. They are extremely effective against Barbarians and other swarms.
Cannon
Cannon is a 3 Elixir cost structure that targets one target at a time. Cannons are a strong defensive structure that can help defend against Hog Riders.
Fire Spirits
Fire Spirits are 2 Elixir cost troops that spawns in 3 units. Unlockable starting at Arena 5, these troops launch themselves at enemy units and deal splash damage, making them effective against other weak, small troops. The Fire Spirits are killed upon making an attack.
Knight
Knight is a 3 Elixir cost troop that moves at a moderate rate and is a melee unit.
Minion Horde
Minion Horde is a 5 Elixir cost troop that comes with 6 units. They are flying and cannot be attacked by most ground units. They can fly pass the river and have low health. They deal high amounts of damage.
Minions
Minions are a 3 Elixir cost troop that comes with 3 units. Just like the Minion Horde, they are flying. The only difference is that instead of 6, it only summons 3.
Mortar
Mortars are a 3 Elixir cost structure that deals area of effect damage from a large range. It has a minimum attack range and cannot attack any units too close to it.
Royal Giant
Royal Giant is a 6 Elixir slow moving giant unit that deals ranged damage. It only targets structures and is slow moving. It has a high HP and can sustain a fair amount of damage before falling.
Skeletons
Skeletons are a 1 Elixir cost troop that summons 4 units. They have a low HP but if placed properly can be quite strong.
Spear Goblins
Spear Goblins are a 2 Elixir cost troop that have a ranged attack. They can target air units and are fast moving.
Tesla
Tesla is a 4 Elixir cost structure that burrows when not attacking. It is invulnerable during that period. It targets one unit at a time.
Zap
Zap is a 2 Elixir cost damaging spell that mini stuns the small area of effect that it targets.
Barbarian Hut
Barbarian Hut is a 7 Elixir cost structure that spawns Barbarians, it spawns 2 Barbarians each time.
Bomb Tower
Bomb Tower is a 6 Elixir cost structure that only targets ground units. It deals area of effect damage.
Elixir Collector
Elixir Collector is a 5 Elixir cost structure that generates Elixir. It has a high HP and can be used to protect other targets from attacks.
Fireball
Fireball is a 4 Elixir cost damaging spell that affects target in a moderately sized area of effect.
Furnace
Furnace is a 5 Elixir cost structure that spawns Fire Spirits. The Furnace spawns 2 Fire Spirits every 10 seconds and has 50 second lifetime.
Giant
Giant is a 5 Elixir cost slow moving giant unit that only targets structures. It has a high HP and can sustain large amounts of damage.
Goblin Hut
Goblin Hut is a 5 Elixir cost structure that spawns Spear Goblins, it spawns 1 Spear Goblin at a time.
Hog Rider
Hog Rider is a 4 Elixir cost troop that moves fast and can jump over the river. It only targets structures.
Inferno Tower
Inferno Tower is a 5 Elixir cost structure that only targets one unit at a time. It deals more and more damage the longer it targets the same unit.
Mini P.E.K.K.A.
Mini P.E.K.K.A. is a 4 Elixir cost troop that moves at a moderate rate and deals melee damage to targets.
Musketeer
Musketeer is a 5 Elixir cost troop that deals ranged damage with her musket and can target air units.
Rocket
Rocket is a 6 Elixir cost damaging spell that deals more damage to structures when compared with other damaging spells.
Three Musketeers
Three Musketeers are essentially 3 of the Musketeer units at a cost of 9 Elixirs.
Tombstone
Tombstone is a 3 Elixir cost structure that spawns Skeletons. Upon destruction, it will spawn 4 more Skeletons.
Valkyrie
Valkyrie is a 4 Elixir cost melee unit that deals area of effect damage around her. She is extremely effective against cards that deploy multiple ground units at once.
Wizard
Wizard is a 5 Elixir cost ranged unit that shoots fireballs which deal area of effect damage around the explosion. While low in hit points, he does high damage and is efficient in clearing groups of units clumped together. Make sure to keep a Giant or other strong units in front in order to tank damage for the Wizard.
Baby Dragon
Baby Dragon is a 4 Elixir cost flying ranged unit that deals splash damage similar to the Wizard, however it has much more health points which can allow it to tank damage.
Balloon
Balloon is a 5 Elixir cost flying unit that targets only structures. Upon destruction, it drops a timed bomb which will detonate for extra damage. The Balloon moves slowly along the battlefield and also takes time to charge its attack. Make sure it can be hidden behind other troops or use the Freeze spell to ensure some of it's attacks can go off.
Dark Prince
Dark Prince is a 4 Elixir cost unit which deals area of effect melee damage. He has a shield which will be destroyed upon taking a certain amount of damage. The Dark Prince can also charge after moving for a set amount of time without stopping. This allows him to deal bonus damage.
Freeze
Freeze is a utility spell costing 4 Elixirs, it immobilizes all targets within its area of effect for a minimum of 5 seconds. Freeze can be used offensively and defensively.
Giant Skeleton
Giant Skeleton is a 6 Elixir cost giant unit that moves slowly. It will drop a bomb upon destruction dealing a large amount of damage in its explosion radius.
Goblin Barrel
Goblin Barrel is a 4 Elixir cost spell that hurls a barrel to any location. It then detonates and summons 3 Goblins in the location detonated.
Golem
Golem is a 7 Elixir cost giant unit that only targets structures. Upon destruction, it detonates for damage and summons two smaller Golems which also detonate upon death. While the Golem has one of the highest hit points in the game, make sure it is supported with attacking troops to make sure it is effectively used.
Guards
Guards are 3 Elixir cost units that spawn 3 low hit point skeletons that carry shields. The shields account for separate amount of higher amounts of hit points which can be used to soak damage from enemy units. Upon depletion of hit points on the shields, skeletons are left vulnerable and weak.
Lightning
Lightning is a 6 Elixir cost damaging spell which targets 3 units in the area of effect chosen and damages them with lightning.
Mirror
Mirror is x Elixir cost spell which mimics the last card used. The x Elixir cost is equal to the cost of the card previously used + 1. The mirrored card's level depends upon the level of Mirror.
P.E.K.K.A.
P.E.K.K.A. is a 7 Elixir cost unit that moves slowly and deals enormous damage. It is easily distracted by other units.
Poison
Poison is a 4 Elixir cost damaging spell that lasts for 10 seconds and slows units affected. Poison is also effective against structures as well.
Prince
Prince is a 5 Elixir cost unit that can charge granting extra speed and dealing extra damage upon attacking during charge.
Rage
Rage is a 3 Elixir cost spell that increases movement speed and attack speed of all friendly units in a large area of effect.
Skeleton Army
Skeleton Army is a 4 Elixir cost spell that summons an army of Skeletons in a area.
Witch
Witch is a 5 Elixir unit that can summon skeletons and deal area of effect damage through her ranged attacks.
X Bow
X Bow is a 6 Elixir cost structure that deals rapid damage from a long range.
Ice Wizard
Ice Wizard is a 3 Elixir cost troop that deals area of effect damage and can slow all targets damaged by it.
Lava Hound
Lava Hound is a 7 Elixir cost flying unit that targets buildings. Upon death, it will split into 6 lava pups that have low health but deal more damage than the Lava Hound.
Miner
Miner is a 3 Elixir cost single unit that has the special ability of being placed anywhere in the arena unlike other cards. Thus, this card can be strategized in surprise attacks against the enemy.
Princess
Princess is a 3 Elixir cost long range attacker that deals area of effect damage.
Sparky
Sparky is a 6 Elixir cost area damage, high hit point troop that does significant damage to ground units. Upon charging up to fire, Sparky knocks itself back a few tiles and also moves very slowly in the arena.
Common Strategies
P.E.K.K.A. and Three Musketeers
Three Musketeers can be placed behind a P.E.K.K.A. which can tank for large amounts of damage. The Musketeers will then be adequately protected while attacking from a range.
Hog Rider and Freeze
The Hog Rider can quickly run to priority targets while the Freeze will defend the Hog Rider from any potential defenses. It's possible to also reinforce the Hog Rider with a troop like the Valkyrie which can clear units spawned to attack your Hog Rider quickly. [4]
Giant and Balloon
Two heavy hitters that focus on structures, the Giant and Balloon can be an extremely deadly combo if the opponent does not have the resources to counter it. Lead with the Giant as it can sustain much more damage compared to the Balloon. Freeze can be used to stop all enemy units from attacking or Arrows might be more efficient if the enemy is using weak units such as Goblins or Minions and kill them completely.
Ice Wizard and Wizard
If lucky enough to obtain the legendary Ice Wizard card, use it along with the Wizard which can deal large amounts of damage. The Ice Wizard is capable of slowing enemies in an area and the Wizard's high area of effect damage easily cleans the units up. Adding in a large unit like a Giant would provide extra cover to the wizards and lead to a devastating attack.
Sparky and Mirror
A single Sparky tends to be a problem. Having two can lead to much more. Although slow, a single Sparky can deal tons of damage and also take a good chunk as well. Be careful of air units as they can only target ground; however, with some support, having two Sparkys can be very strong.
Elixir Generator
The Elixir Generator is a versatile card that finds its way into many people's decks. Not only is it a good way to generate resources faster, it can also serve as a distraction against units like the Hog Rider which focus only on structures. The Elixir Generator is a common card to have when using a deck that has a high average elixir cost such as the P.E.K.K.A. or the Golem.
Spawners
It would be useful to take a look at the spawner cards such as the Barbarian and Goblin huts as they can be tough to deal with when used together. By adding a Giant or another high health point unit, the huts will end up spawning a plethora of units that can hide behind the tank. Be careful of strong spells such as Lightning or Rocket which can hit your structures if placed too close together.
Counters
Witch/Musketeer
The Barbarians can be placed to surround any of the ranged units thus allowing them to quickly rid the unit with either one or two hits from each of the Barbarians. Some players may allow the ranged unit to start attacking another unit first before summoning the Barbarians, this will allow the barbarians to maintain full health from this exchange. This is very crucial when playing against the Witch and Wizard as they deal splash damage which can be deadly for the barbarians.
Giant
Since the Giant does not attack anything but structures, surrounding a Giant with Barbarians can make quick work of them. The Barbarians cost 4 Elixirs and will still be alive after decimating the 5 cost Giant thus making this a very advantageous play.
Minion Horde
Arrows will quickly dispose of any Minion Horde if aimed properly. It is important to aim where the Horde is going. The downside is that the Minion Horde will probably have dealt some damage already. However, the quick one reacts, the greater the advantage will come from this play, since Arrows cost 3 Elixirs vs the 4 Elixir cost of the Horde.
Skeleton Giant
Wait for the Skeleton Giant to push towards your side of the arena and summon troops behind it as it is walking. This will distract the Skeleton Giant and have it turn around to attack whatever was summoned first before advancing to the tower. By putting strong units with high hit points such as the Valkyrie or Barbarians, the Skeleton Giant can quickly be disposed with supporting damage from the tower and its bomb that is dropped upon death will not harm your units as they were already summoned in front.
Sparky
Sparky can inflict a great amount of damage to single targets so the best method of countering Sparky is use cards that summon multiple troops. Skeletons, Barbarians, Goblins, and Guards would all make sufficient counters.
Hog Rider
Hog Rider and all other units that target structures only are best countered if you place structures to distract them. This includes spawners, turrets, and the Elixir Generator. Deploy these cards in the middle of the arena so the Hog Rider draws damage from both sides of the crown towers. By the time it can make it to the crown tower, it should not be able to inflict much damage.
Goblin Barrel
If timed properly, which should be easy to pick up in a short time, the Goblin Barrel can be completely negated with arrows.
Barbarians
Barbarians are spawned in 4, have high health points, and can do a great amount of damage. Thus, they can be deadly if they are not disposed of quickly. The best way to clear Barbarians is through splash damage via cards like Valkyrie or to use the Fireball spell which can weaken them to the point where the crown tower can dispose of all 4 Barbarians before they come in contact with it.
Chests
Chests are an essential part of the game. Chests can be obtained by winning battles and contains rewards such as gold and cards (which are used to upgrade existing cards). A player can hold a maximum of 4 chests at one time. You can battle even if your chest slots are full, but you will not get chests from winning battles. As your trophy count increases, so does the chest level and the rewards in it. There are many different kinds of chests. The rarest one is the Super Magical Chest, followed by the Magical Chest, Giant Chest, Crown Chest, Golden Chest, Free Chest, and Silver Chest.
Free Chest
A player can open a free chest every 4 hours. If they go uncollected, a player can accumulate a maximum of 2 free chests before the timer stops. The free chests must be opened before the timer resumes again. Each free chest contains 2-4 gems, which is in-game currency that can be used to buy gold or cards.
Crown Chest
Crown Chests can be opened after collecting 10 crowns from battles. However, unlike Free Chests, the Crown Chest has a 24 hour time limit. Rewards from the Crown Chest are significantly better than those of the Free Chest and Silver Chest.
Silver, Golden, Giant, Magical and Super Magical Chests
Each of these chests can be found from winning battles. The most commonly found chest is the Silver Chest, and the rarest is the Super Magical Chest. Players can also obtain Giant, Magical and Super Magical Chests through the shop for gems. The Silver Chest has a chance of containing any card in the game. Other chests such as Golden, Giant, Magical and Super Magical guarantee the player a specified number of Rare and Epic Cards.
Competitive Play
Supercell allows players to watch the most highly ranked battle one another on Royale TV which is a feature of the mobile game itself. In addition, they have also hosted a tournament in Helsinki on April 16th, 2016. It was an open event featuring over 200 players from around the world. The event was live streamed and was the very first official Clash Royale tournament hosted. [5]
Reference
- ↑ http://supercell.com/en/games/clashroyale/
- ↑ http://venturebeat.com/2016/03/04/clash-royale-hits-no-1-on-top-grossing-chart-in-u-s/
- ↑ http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPhone/Clash+Royale/feature.asp?c=68703
- ↑ http://clashroyalearena.com/deck-building/top-hog-rider-freeze-deck
- ↑ https://clashroyale.com/blog/news/clash-royale-tournament-in-helsinki-4-16