Mastering the Lava Hound Deck in Clash Royale: A Guide to Three Top-Tier Strategies
The Lava Hound, a legendary air troop in Clash Royale, is a formidable win condition known for its massive health pool (3581 HP at tournament levels). While its direct damage is minimal, its death triggers the deployment of six damaging Lava Pups, making it a powerful force. This guide explores three top-tier Lava Hound decks, outlining their strategies and card choices.
How Lava Hound Decks Function
Lava Hound decks operate as Beatdown decks, utilizing the Lava Hound as their primary win condition instead of units like the Giant or Golem. They typically incorporate various air support troops and one or two ground units for defense and distraction. The strategy often involves a methodical, overwhelming push from the back, even at the cost of some tower health. The Royal Chef champion card synergizes exceptionally well with the Lava Hound, providing significant troop level-ups.
Top Three Lava Hound Decks
Here are three leading Lava Hound deck variations:
Detailed Deck Analyses
This popular deck combines two powerful flying win conditions. Its 4.0 elixir average cost allows for a faster cycle than other Lava Hound decks.
Card Name | Elixir Cost |
---|---|
Evo Zap | 2 |
Evo Valkyrie | 4 |
Guards | 3 |
Fireball | 4 |
Skeleton Dragons | 4 |
Inferno Dragon | 4 |
Balloon | 5 |
Lava Hound | 7 |
The Valkyrie serves as a mini-tank against swarm troops, while Guards provide ground DPS against stronger units. The Lava Hound and Balloon are deployed together for a powerful push, with the Hound tanking for the Balloon. Inferno Dragon handles high-HP air units, Evo Zap resets towers/troops, and Fireball provides burst damage. Skeleton Dragons support the Balloon push.
This deck utilizes the Evo Bomber for significant tower damage and the Evo Goblin Cage as a versatile counter to various win conditions.
Card Name | Elixir Cost |
---|---|
Evo Bomber | 2 |
Evo Goblin Cage | 4 |
Arrows | 3 |
Guards | 3 |
Skeleton Dragons | 4 |
Inferno Dragon | 4 |
Lightning | 6 |
Lava Hound | 7 |
Guards provide defensive support, while Inferno Dragon and Skeleton Dragons offer air support. Lightning clears enemy defenses, and Arrows handle swarms. The absence of a Balloon requires strategic Lava Hound pushes.
This deck, while not the strongest, offers a good starting point, incorporating powerful meta cards.
Card Name | Elixir Cost |
---|---|
Evo Skeletons | 1 |
Evo Valkyrie | 4 |
Arrows | 3 |
Skeleton Dragons | 4 |
Inferno Dragon | 4 |
Prince | 5 |
Lightning | 6 |
Lava Hound | 7 |
Evo Valkyrie's tornado effect controls both air and ground troops. Evo Skeletons provide DPS. The Prince offers a secondary push option. Skeleton Dragons and Inferno Dragon provide air support. The push strategy remains similar to the other decks. Mini-Pekka can replace the Prince for a lower elixir cost.
Conclusion
Lava Hound decks require a different approach than cycle decks, prioritizing a slow, powerful push. Experimentation with card combinations is key to finding the best fit for your playstyle. These three decks offer a solid foundation for mastering this powerful strategy.