Clash Royale: Unveiling the Potent Lava Hound Strategies

The Lava Hound, a legendary air troop in Clash Royale, targets enemy buildings. Its high health (3581 HP at tournament levels) makes it a formidable win condition, despite its low damage output. Upon death, it spawns six Lava Pups, adding further offensive pressure. The Lava Hound's effectiveness has led to the development of numerous deck variations over time.

Lava Hound Deck Strategies:

Lava Hound decks employ a Beatdown strategy, utilizing the Lava Hound as the primary win condition instead of units like the Giant or Golem. Support typically consists of air troops, with one or two ground units for defense. The strategy involves a methodical, slow push from the back, often sacrificing tower health for advantageous trades. The Royal Chef champion card significantly enhances Lava Hound decks by boosting troop levels.

Top Lava Hound Decks:

Here are three effective Lava Hound deck archetypes:

• LavaLoon Valkyrie: This popular deck boasts a faster cycle than other Lava Hound variants, utilizing both air win conditions.

  

  • Card List: Evo Zap (2), Evo Valkyrie (4), Guards (3), Fireball (4), Skeleton Dragons (4), Inferno Dragon (4), Balloon (5), Lava Hound (7)
  • Strategy: Simultaneously deploy the Lava Hound and Balloon, using the Hound as a tank for the Balloon. Valkyrie handles swarms, while Guards provide ground DPS. Inferno Dragon counters high-HP units. Spells provide tower resets and direct damage. Skeleton Dragons support the Balloon push.

• Lava Hound Double Dragon: This deck leverages evolution cards for increased damage and defensive capabilities.

  

  • Card List: Evo Bomber (2), Evo Goblin Cage (4), Arrows (3), Guards (3), Skeleton Dragons (4), Inferno Dragon (4), Lightning (6), Lava Hound (7)
  • Strategy: Evo Bomber provides significant tower damage. Evo Goblin Cage serves as a powerful defensive tool. Guards offer ground support. Inferno Dragon and Skeleton Dragons provide air support. Lightning and Arrows are used for clearing and direct damage.

• Lava Lightning Prince: A more straightforward deck featuring strong, meta-relevant cards.

  

  • Card List: Evo Skeletons (1), Evo Valkyrie (4), Arrows (3), Skeleton Dragons (4), Inferno Dragon (4), Prince (5), Lightning (6), Lava Hound (7)
  • Strategy: Evo Valkyrie excels at pulling troops. Evo Skeletons offer DPS. Prince provides additional tower pressure. Skeleton Dragons and Inferno Dragon handle air threats. Lightning clears defenses. The Lava Hound initiates the main push. Mini-Pekka can replace the Prince for a lower elixir cost.

Lava Hound decks require a different approach than cycle decks, emphasizing strategic pushes from the back. Experimentation with card combinations is key to finding a playstyle that suits you.