Clash Royale is a game of strategy, timing, and the right deck. Whether you’re a beginner in the low arenas or a competitive player climbing Arena 13, having a deck tailored to your level is the key to consistent wins.
In this guide, we’ve broken down top decks for every arena, along with tips to maximise your victories, manage your resources, and dominate the ladder.
Arena 1–3: Beginner Friendly Decks
Recommended Decks:
- Giant + Archers Deck: Giant, Archers, Knight, Bomber, Fireball, Skeletons, Cannon, Zap
- Hog Rider Starter Deck: Hog Rider, Ice Spirit, Skeletons, Musketeer, Fireball, Cannon, Log, Ice Golem
Why it works:
Low arenas are about learning basics and defending efficiently. These decks are cheap, easy to cycle, and help players understand troop interactions.
Tips:
- Focus on learning card timing and elixir management.
- Practice simple pushes with Giant or Hog Rider.
Arena 4–6: Intermediate Decks
Recommended Decks:
- Balloon + Miner Deck: Balloon, Miner, Musketeer, Skeletons, Fireball, Ice Spirit, Cannon, Zap
- Royal Hogs Deck: Royal Hogs, Fire Spirits, Heal Spirit, Musketeer, Cannon, Log, Ice Spirit, Mini P.E.K.K.A
Why it works:
At these arenas, opponents start using more advanced strategies. Decks focusing on chip damage or split pushes give you an edge.
Tips:
- Learn defence-to-offence transitions.
- Save Fireball and Zap for countering splash units.
Arena 7–9: Mid-Level Competitive Decks
Recommended Decks:
- Hog Cycle Deck: Hog Rider, Ice Spirit, Skeletons, Cannon, Fireball, Musketeer, Ice Golem, Log
- Giant Beatdown Deck: Giant, Musketeer, Mini P.E.K.K.A, Fireball, Archers, Skeletons, Cannon, Zap
Why it works:
Mid arenas require faster cycles and better counterplay. These decks balance offence and defence, letting you capitalise on mistakes.
Tips:
- Track the opponent’s cycle to time your pushes.
- Use low-cost troops to chip tower damage while defending.
Arena 10–12: Advanced Decks
Recommended Decks:
- X-Bow Siege Deck: X-Bow, Archers, Tesla, Fireball, Log, Ice Spirit, Skeletons, Knight
- Lava Hound Balloon Deck: Lava Hound, Balloon, Mega Minion, Tombstone, Fireball, Zap, Minions, Baby Dragon
Why it works:
High-level arenas see meta-focused strategies. Siege and air decks can dominate if played smartly. These decks reward patience and elixir management.
Tips:
- Wait for the right moment to deploy high-cost pushes.
- Learn to split push to pressure opponents on both lanes.
Arena 13+: Competitive Ladder Decks
Recommended Decks:
- Elite Hog Cycle: Hog Rider, Ice Spirit, Skeletons, Cannon, Musketeer, Log, Fireball, Ice Golem
- Meta Air Deck: Lava Hound, Balloon, Mega Minion, Tombstone, Fireball, Zap, Baby Dragon, Minions
Why it works:
Arena 13 players are highly skilled. Decks focus on precision, fast cycles, and exploiting meta weaknesses. Success depends on timing, placement, and anticipating opponent plays.
Tips:
- Watch top ladder player replays to understand meta changes.
- Always adapt deck composition based on common decks in your bracket.
Pro Tips for All Arenas
- Master elixir management: Don’t overspend; always have elixir for defence.
- Focus on your core deck: Master 1–2 decks instead of constantly switching.
- Use seasonal events: Complete challenges and logins to maximise free gems and chests.
- Track meta shifts: Update your deck every season to stay competitive.
- Experiment smartly: Test new decks in friendly battles before ladder.
Maximising Free Resources
Even the best deck needs upgrades. Here’s how to maximise gems, gold, and other resources:
- Daily Challenges & Logins: Always complete them to get free chests and gems.
- Creator Codes: Supercell often shares promotional codes for extra rewards.
- Event Rewards: Special events give seasonal cards, emotes, or gems for free.
Focus your resources on upgrading your primary deck cards first. Even one level difference can decide a battle.
Conclusion
No matter your arena, the right deck combined with strategy and resource management is key to dominating Clash Royale. From beginner-friendly decks in Arena 1 to competitive meta decks in Arena 13, this guide covers everything you need to climb the ladder fast.
Keep updating your decks each season, track the meta, and use your resources wisely; your win rate will improve, and your Clash Royale experience will be far more rewarding.