Lava Hound Decks Reign Supreme: A Comprehensive Guide

Clash Royale Lava Hound Decks: A Guide to Victory

The Lava Hound, a legendary air troop in Clash Royale, is a formidable win condition due to 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. The Lava Hound's enduring strength has led to the evolution of various deck strategies over time. This guide explores some of the best current Lava Hound decks.

How Lava Hound Decks Work

Lava Hound decks employ a Beatdown strategy, substituting the Giant or Golem with the Lava Hound as the primary win condition. These decks typically feature numerous air support troops and only one or two ground units for defense and distraction. The core strategy involves a methodical push, deploying the Lava Hound at the back to overwhelm the opponent, even if it means sacrificing some tower health. This approach requires patience and calculated trades. The recent addition of the Royal Chef champion building significantly boosts Lava Hound decks, enhancing troop levels and making it a highly effective Tower Troop.

Top Lava Hound Decks

Here are three top-performing Lava Hound decks:

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

Let's examine each in detail:

LavaLoon Valkyrie

This popular deck utilizes both air win conditions. While its 4.0 elixir average cost isn't the lowest, it offers a faster cycle than other Lava Hound variants.

The Valkyrie serves as a mini-tank against swarm units (Skeleton Army, Goblin Gang), while Guards provide ground DPS against threats like Pekka or Hog Rider. The core push involves simultaneous deployment of the Lava Hound and Balloon, with the Hound tanking for the Balloon's tower damage. Inferno Dragon offers air DPS against high-HP units. Evo Zap resets towers or troops, and Fireball eliminates counters like the Musketeer or provides direct tower damage. Skeleton Dragons support the Balloon's push.

Lava Hound Double Dragon

This deck leverages the Evo Bomber for significant tower damage and the Evo Goblin Cage to counter almost any win condition (except those countered by Lightning or Rocket).

Guards provide DPS and tower defense, while Inferno Dragon and Skeleton Dragons offer air support. Lightning eliminates defensive troops or buildings, and Arrows handle swarms. Arrows' higher damage than Log or Snowball allows for effective spell cycling.

Lava Lightning Prince

A slightly heavier deck, but easier to play due to strong meta cards.

Evo Valkyrie's tornado effect pulls in both air and ground troops, while Evo Skeletons offer DPS. The Prince provides additional tower pressure. Skeleton Dragons and Inferno Dragon handle air threats. The push starts with the Lava Hound, ideally timed to benefit from the Royal Chef's level-up buff. Mini-Pekka can replace the Prince for a lower elixir cost.

Conclusion

Mastering Lava Hound decks requires patience and strategic thinking. These decks prioritize a slow, overwhelming push, differing from faster cycle decks. Experiment with these decks and customize them to find your optimal playstyle.