Lava Hound Dominates Clash Royale with Optimized Decks

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, even with minimal damage output. Upon death, it spawns six Lava Pups, adding to its offensive power. The Lava Hound's effectiveness has led to the development of various deck strategies over time.

The Evolution of Lava Hound Decks

New card introductions have significantly impacted Lava Hound deck compositions. While remaining a strong win condition, optimal deck building requires strategic card combinations for top-tier ladder performance. This guide explores some of the most effective current Lava Hound decks.

Lava Hound Deck Strategy

Lava Hound decks function as Beatdown decks, but substitute the Giant or Golem with the Lava Hound as the primary win condition. Support typically includes several air troops and one or two ground units for defense and distraction.

The strategy centers on a powerful push initiated by placing the Lava Hound at the back, even at the cost of some tower health. This methodical approach often necessitates trading tower health for victory. The Lava Hound's consistent win rate across skill levels is comparable to Log Bait decks, further enhanced by the Royal Chef's troop-leveling capabilities. Using the Royal Chef as your Tower Troop significantly boosts Lava Hound deck effectiveness.

Top Lava Hound Decks

Three high-performing Lava Hound decks are highlighted below:

• LavaLoon Valkyrie
• Lava Hound Double Dragon
• Lava Lightning Prince

LavaLoon Valkyrie

This popular deck utilizes both air win conditions. Its 4.0 elixir cost is moderate, offering a faster cycle than other Lava Hound decks.

Card List:

The Valkyrie and Guards serve as ground troops. The Valkyrie counters swarm units (Skeleton Army, Goblin Gang) and tanks for X-Bow decks. Guards provide sustained DPS against units like Pekka or Hog Rider. The Lava Hound and Balloon are deployed together; the Hound tanks for the Balloon's tower damage. Inferno Dragon handles high-HP units, while Evo Zap and Fireball offer utility and direct damage. Skeleton Dragons provide additional support.

Lava Hound Double Dragon

This deck leverages evolution cards effectively.

Card List:

The Evo Bomber inflicts significant tower damage, while the Evo Goblin Cage counters various win conditions. Guards provide DPS support, and the Inferno Dragon and Skeleton Dragons offer air support. Lightning clears enemy defenses, and Arrows handle swarms.

Lava Lightning Prince

A more accessible starter deck featuring strong meta cards.

Card List:

Evo Valkyrie and Evo Skeletons provide strong support. The Prince offers additional tower pressure. Air support comes from Skeleton Dragons and Inferno Dragon. The push strategy remains similar to the previous decks, utilizing the Lava Hound and timing the Royal Chef buff. Mini-Pekka can replace the Prince 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 offer a starting point, but experimentation with card combinations is crucial to finding a playstyle that suits your preferences.