The Lava Hound is a formidable Legendary air troop in Clash Royale renowned for its focus on enemy buildings. Boasting an impressive health pool of 3,581 at tournament levels, it offers a substantial presence on the battlefield; however, its damage output is relatively low. Upon its demise, it spawns six Lava Pups that target any nearby units, making it a dual-threat for opponents. Given its astonishing resilience, the Lava Hound is considered one of the top win conditions in the game.
As the game evolves with the introduction of new cards, Lava Hound decks have undergone significant transformations. They remain a powerful choice and, when paired with the right combination of cards, can effectively take you to the upper tiers of the ladder. In this article, we present some of the current meta’s best Lava Hound decks worth experimenting with.
Understanding Lava Hound Deck Mechanics
Lava Hound decks typically emulate the strategies found in Beatdown decks; however, instead of using a Giant or Golem, the Lava Hound takes center stage as your primary win condition. These decks often include a variety of air troops for support while limiting ground units to one or two for defensive purposes.
The strategy generally revolves around building a powerful push by deploying the Lava Hound at the back of the King Tower, which occasionally means sacrificing a tower. This methodical approach often necessitates accepting some damage to your own towers to establish a strong offensive later in the game.
The Lava Hound has maintained a solid win and usage rate across all skill levels, akin to Log Bait decks. Its popularity surged after the introduction of the Royal Chef champion card, which can enhance troop levels, synergizing exceptionally well with the Lava Hound. When using a Lava Hound deck, incorporating the champion as your tower troop is highly advisable if you have it unlocked.
Top Lava Hound Decks in Clash Royale
Below are three of the most effective Lava Hound decks currently available in Clash Royale that you might want to try:
- LavaLoon Valkyrie
- Lava Hound Double Dragon
- Lava Lightning Prince
For additional details on these decks, continue reading.
1. LavaLoon Valkyrie Deck
The LavaLoon Valkyrie deck has gained popularity for incorporating two robust flying win conditions. While it has a relatively high average elixir cost of 4.0, its cycle is quicker when compared to other decks featuring the Lava Hound.
Here’s a breakdown of the cards used in this deck:
| 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 |
In this configuration, the Evo Valkyrie works effectively as a mini-tank and counters swarm troops, while Guards provide grounded DPS against hefty threats like Pekka or Hog Rider. Their durability allows for more value compared to cheaper units.
A successful push with this deck typically involves deploying the Lava Hound at the back and following up with the Balloon as the Lava Hound nears the opponent’s tower, allowing the Lava Hound to absorb damage while the Balloon aims for the tower. A successful Balloon hit can often turn the tide of the match.
The Inferno Dragon excels against high-HP units, making it a versatile choice for aerial DPS. As for spells, the Evo Zap can be used strategically to reset enemy defenses, while Fireball functions effectively against troublesome units like Musketeer or to deal direct tower damage.
Skeleton Dragons can assist in maneuvering the Balloon into the right position for an effective strike.
2. Lava Hound Double Dragon Deck
When evolution cards entered Clash Royale, they significantly impacted the meta. While many Lava Hound decks saw little advantage, the Lava Hound Double Dragon deck was an exception, leveraging its strengths effectively.
Here’s the card list for this deck:
| 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 |
In this deck, the Lava Hound remains the primary win condition. However, the Evo Bomber serves a significant role by allowing for concentrated tower damage when used wisely. The Evo Goblin Cage effectively neutralizes many threats, especially those posing a direct risk to your tower, as long as your opponent lacks heavy counters like Lightning or Rocket.
Guards still provide essential DPS support on the ground, while the synergy between the Inferno Dragon and Skeleton Dragons offers vital air support.
The Lightning spell can target enemy defenses or buildings, delivering substantial damage, whereas Arrows can eliminate swarm units and assist in spell cycling in the later stages of the game.
3. Lava Lightning Prince Deck
The Lava Lightning Prince deck may not claim the title of the strongest deck, yet it serves as an excellent entry point for players eager to explore this archetype. Though somewhat heavy, it is comprised of robust cards that align well within the current meta.
Here’s the suite of cards included in this deck:
| 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 |
The Evo Valkyrie stands out as an exceptional evolution card in combo with the Lava Hound, as its ability to pull in enemy troops with her tornado provides invaluable control. The Evo Skeletons effectively deliver DPS on numerous targets, unless swiftly countered.
Adding the Prince introduces another offensive tactic to exert pressure on the opponent’s tower. His charge attack is capable of dismantling nearly any defending unit and can secure victory with just a hit or two on the tower.
For supporting aerial units, the Skeleton Dragons manage enemy swarms, while the Inferno Dragon proves effective against tanks and mini-tanks. Like the previous decks, initiating your push with the Lava Hound behind the King Tower is critical. Strategically timing this move to align with the Royal Chef’s level-up benefit will enhance your chances of success.
For a more budget-friendly option, you may consider substituting the Prince with a Mini-Pekka.
Lava Hound decks in Clash Royale may require some adjustment, particularly for players accustomed to quicker cycle decks. Emphasizing a slower gameplay style, these decks focus on crafting a powerful push rather than gradually whittling down an opponent’s tower health. The decks outlined here provide a solid starting point, but experimenting with your own card combinations is essential to discovering what suits your playstyle best.
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