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Clash Royale Lava Hound Decks: A Guide to Domination
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 damage output is minimal, its death triggers the deployment of six damaging Lava Pups, making it a powerful force. The Lava Hound's effectiveness has led to the development of various powerful deck strategies over the years. This guide explores some of the best current Lava Hound decks.
How Lava Hound Decks Function
Lava Hound decks operate as Beatdown decks, but instead of relying on Giants or Golems, they utilize the Lava Hound as their primary win condition. These decks typically incorporate numerous air support troops, complemented by one or two ground units for defense and distraction.
The core strategy involves deploying the Lava Hound at the back, targeting the King Tower, even if it means sacrificing a tower in the process. This methodical approach requires patience and strategic tower health sacrifices to secure victory. The Lava Hound's consistent performance across skill levels has been enhanced by the introduction of the Royal Chef. This champion building's ability to upgrade troops synergizes exceptionally well with the Lava Hound, making it a crucial addition to any Lava Hound deck.
Top-Tier Lava Hound Decks
Three prominent Lava Hound decks currently dominate the Clash Royale meta:
- LavaLoon Valkyrie
- Lava Hound Double Dragon
- Lava Lightning Prince
Let's delve into the specifics of each.
LavaLoon Valkyrie
This popular deck combines two powerful aerial win conditions. Its 4.0 average elixir cost is balanced by a relatively quick cycle compared to other Lava Hound decks.
Card Composition:
The Valkyrie serves as a mini-tank, countering swarm troops (Skeleton Army, Goblin Gang), and providing defense against X-Bow decks. Guards offer consistent ground DPS against units like Pekka or Hog Rider. The Lava Hound and Balloon are deployed together – the Hound tanks while the Balloon targets the tower. Inferno Dragon provides air DPS against high-HP units. Evo Zap and Fireball offer versatile spell support. Skeleton Dragons can reposition the Balloon.
Lava Hound Double Dragon
This deck utilizes evolution cards effectively. While the Lava Hound remains the primary win condition, the Evo Bomber provides significant tower damage, and the Evo Goblin Cage is a powerful counter to various win conditions.
Card Composition:
Guards provide DPS and tower defense. The lack of a Balloon necessitates strategic Lava Hound pushes. Inferno Dragon and Skeleton Dragons handle air support. Lightning clears defensive troops and buildings, while Arrows deal with swarms. Arrows' higher damage compared to Log or Snowball allows for effective spell cycling.
Lava Lightning Prince
This deck, while not the strongest, offers a good starting point for new players. It incorporates powerful meta cards for easier gameplay.
Card Composition:
Evo Valkyrie's tornado effect pulls in troops, while Evo Skeletons provide DPS. The Prince offers a secondary tower-pushing strategy. Skeleton Dragons and Inferno Dragon handle air defense. The push strategy remains similar to the LavaLoon deck, with timing crucial to leverage the Royal Chef buff. The Prince can be substituted with a Mini-Pekka for a lower elixir cost.
Conclusion
Mastering Lava Hound decks requires practice and adaptation. Their slower, methodical approach differs from cycle decks. The decks presented here provide a solid foundation, but experimentation with card combinations is key to finding a playstyle that suits you.
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