Introduction to Clash of Clans Builder Base X Bow Guide

The X-Bow is unlocked at Builder Hall 10 in Clash of Clans and serves as a versatile defensive structure capable of targeting either ground or air units. It operates as a single-target defense with a rapid-fire attack, making it effective against a wide range of enemy troops.

Unlike some defenses that require periodic reloading, the X-Bow continuously fires without interruption, ensuring consistent damage throughout an attack. It has an impressive range of 12 tiles in both Ground Mode and Air Mode, allowing it to engage enemies from a significant distance.

Players can set the X-Bow to either Ground Mode, where it exclusively targets ground troops, or Air Mode, where it focuses on flying enemies. This flexibility allows it to adapt to different defensive strategies based on the threats the base is most vulnerable to. Proper placement of the X-Bow is crucial, as its long range can cover key areas and help take down high-priority attacking troops before they reach critical structures.

LevelDamage per SecondDamage per ShotHitpointsBuild CostBuild TimeExperience GainedBuilder Hall Level Required18015.361,7004,400,0007d7771028816.91,9004,800,0008d8311039618.432,1005,200,00010d92910410620.352,3505,600,00011d97410511622.272,6006,000,00012d1,01810

Range: 12 tiles

Attack Speed: 0.192s

Damage Type: Single Target

Unit Type Targeted: Ground/Air (Depends on what mode it’s in)

Defensive Strategy

The X-Bow’s long range is one of its biggest advantages, allowing it to deny key attacking troops like Cannon Carts, Beta Minions, and Battle Copters before they can deal significant damage. Its rapid-fire attack makes it particularly effective at chipping away at high-value targets from a safe distance.

For optimal placement, keeping the X-Bow at the center of the base ensures maximum coverage and makes it harder for attackers to take it down quickly. However, positioning it near the frontline can also be a viable strategy to deter long-range assaults. The best placement depends on the defensive priorities of the base layout.

Protecting the X-Bow is essential to keeping it active for as long as possible. Placing high-hitpoint, non-defensive buildings in front of it can help absorb damage and give it more time to fire. In dual-stage bases, positioning the X-Bow in the second stage can make it harder for attackers to predict and counter it. In the first stage, its placement can influence the attacker’s troop choices, which is especially important at higher trophy levels where players adapt their strategies accordingly.

To prevent Electrofire Wizards from easily sniping the X-Bow, it should be placed at least two tiles away from outer buildings. This forces attackers to commit more troops or abilities to reach it. Additionally, when setting the X-Bow to ground mode, pairing it with strong air defenses like Firecrackers or the Roaster helps cover aerial threats. Conversely, when set to air mode, defenses like Crushers or Guard Posts should be nearby to handle ground troops effectively.

Offensive Strategy

The X-Bow, while powerful against long-range troops, is not as effective against high-hitpoint tanks due to its relatively low damage per second. It performs best when targeting lighter troops that rely on staying at a distance, such as Beta Minions and Cannon Carts, which it can eliminate quickly. Additionally, it can weaken Battle Copters over time, forcing attackers to adjust their strategy.

Despite its strengths, the X-Bow has exploitable weaknesses. If positioned near an edge building with a one-tile gap, Electrofire Wizards can use their chain attack to damage it without directly engaging. Attackers can also take advantage of the X-Bow’s targeting mode by deploying troops it cannot hit. If set to ground mode, air troops like Beta Minions and Drop Ships can bypass it entirely. Conversely, if set to air mode, ground units such as Cannon Carts and Power P.E.K.K.A can approach without resistance.

Careful planning is required when placing the X-Bow to minimize these weaknesses. Keeping it away from chain-damage threats and ensuring it is supported by complementary defenses can help maintain its effectiveness throughout a battle.

Comparison with Other Defenses

The X-Bow offers a unique advantage over other Builder Base defenses due to its versatility in targeting either air or ground units. Unlike the Giant Cannon, which deals splash damage in a straight line and is more effective against groups of troops, the X-Bow specializes in rapid single-target damage. This makes it particularly useful for dealing with high-hitpoint units such as Battle Copters and Cannon Carts, which rely on their range to avoid damage from other defenses.

Compared to the Roaster, which applies consistent splash damage over time to both air and ground units, the X-Bow focuses on eliminating single enemies quickly. While this makes it a strong counter to isolated threats, it can struggle against swarm-based attacks like mass Beta Minions or Night Witch Bats. Meanwhile, Firecrackers provide superior air coverage with their fast attacks but lack the X-Bow’s range and adaptability to target ground troops when necessary.

Proper placement of the X-Bow is key to maximizing its effectiveness. If set to ground mode, it should be positioned to cover entry points where Cannon Carts and Power P.E.K.K.A are likely to be deployed. In air mode, it should complement other anti-air defenses like Firecrackers and Air Bombs to form a strong defensive perimeter. Keeping it at the core of the base, protected by high-hitpoint structures, ensures it stays active longer and forces attackers to commit significant resources to take it down.

When upgrading defenses, players struggling against air-heavy attacks may prioritize the Roaster or Firecrackers first. However, the X-Bow’s long-range damage output makes it a solid investment, especially for countering long-range ground troops that can otherwise pick off defenses from a distance. With the right setup, the X-Bow can serve as a crucial part of any Builder Base defense, providing reliable coverage against a variety of attack strategies.

Best Base Layouts Featuring the X-Bow

The placement of the X-Bow plays a crucial role in a base’s overall defensive strength. With its long range, positioning it near the center of the base ensures that it remains protected while maintaining wide coverage. Keeping it too close to the edges makes it vulnerable to long-range troops like Cannon Carts or sneaky ground-based attacks from Archers and Electrofire Wizards.

For bases focusing on anti-air defense, setting the X-Bow to Air Mode and pairing it with Firecrackers and the Roaster creates a strong aerial defense system. This setup helps counter Beta Minion swarms, Battle Copters, and Night Witches effectively. However, since Electrofire Wizards can chain their attacks through buildings, it’s important to avoid placing the X-Bow next to lower-hitpoint structures that could allow chain damage to reach it.

If the base is designed to counter ground attacks, switching the X-Bow to Ground Mode is a viable strategy. It should be placed in an area reinforced by Crushers, Guard Posts, or the Giant Cannon to create a formidable defensive front. This placement makes it difficult for ground troops to reach the X-Bow without taking heavy damage, preventing Cannon Carts and Power P.E.K.K.A from easily picking it off.

For dual-stage bases, placing the X-Bow in the second stage can be an effective tactic. Attackers often use their strongest troops to break through the first stage, leaving them with fewer options for dealing with a high-damage, long-range defense in the second stage. This forces them into a difficult situation where they must engage the X-Bow with weakened or less effective troops, increasing the likelihood of a strong defense holding up against their attack.

Synergies with Other Defenses

Pairing the X-Bow with the right defenses is essential to maximize its effectiveness. Since the X-Bow can only target either ground or air at a time, complementary defenses must cover its weaknesses to ensure balanced protection.

Firecrackers & Roaster:

When the X-Bow is set to Ground Mode, it becomes vulnerable to air attacks. In this setup, Firecrackers and the Roaster are crucial, as they provide strong anti-air support. Firecrackers handle swarms of Beta Minions efficiently, while the Roaster deals consistent damage to grouped-up air units, including Drop Ships and Night Witches. This combination ensures that air troops cannot freely attack the base without encountering heavy resistance.

Crushers & Guard Posts:

If the X-Bow is set to Air Mode, it cannot target ground units, making it susceptible to tanks like Boxer Giants and Power P.E.K.K.A. To counter this, Crushers and Guard Posts should be placed nearby. Crushers deal massive damage to tanky troops that try to break through defenses, while Guard Post troops serve as distractions, slowing down incoming ground attackers. This setup helps prevent high-hitpoint units from overwhelming the X-Bow before it can provide value.

Traps (Spring Traps, Push Traps):

Traps also play an important role in protecting the X-Bow. Push Traps can be used to redirect enemy troops into high-damage areas, such as Crushers or Giant Cannons, ensuring they don’t reach the X-Bow too easily. Spring Traps can also help eliminate smaller troops like Raged Barbarians and Sneaky Archers before they get close enough to destroy key defenses. Proper trap placement forces attackers to adjust their strategies, making it harder for them to take down the X-Bow efficiently.

Impact on High-Level Trophy Pushing

At higher trophy levels, adjusting the X-Bow’s targeting mode based on common attack strategies can significantly impact a base’s defensive strength. Experienced players often study attack patterns and switch between Air and Ground Mode to counter the most frequent threats they encounter.

When air-based strategies, such as Mass Beta Minions, Baby Dragons, or Drop Ship and Minion combinations, are prevalent, setting the X-Bow to Air Mode can be highly effective. Its long range allows it to snipe high-value air troops before they can cause significant damage, complementing defenses like Firecrackers and the Roaster.

On the other hand, if attackers rely heavily on ground-based troops like Cannon Carts, Power P.E.K.K.A, or Boxer Giants, switching the X-Bow to Ground Mode is the better option. In this setup, it provides valuable long-range support against tanky troops while working alongside Crushers, Guard Posts, and Giant Cannons to wear down enemy forces before they reach critical structures.

Some high-level bases incorporate two X-Bows, with one set to Air Mode and the other to Ground Mode. This balanced approach ensures coverage against both attack styles, making it harder for opponents to find a weakness in the base’s defense.

By adapting to the evolving meta and adjusting the X-Bow’s mode accordingly, players can increase their defensive success rate, forcing attackers to rethink their strategies and reducing the likelihood of high-damage attacks.

Trap Placement Synergy

Traps play a crucial role in protecting the X-Bow and maximizing its defensive effectiveness. Since the X-Bow is a single-target defense, it can struggle against swarms of fast-moving troops like Raged Barbarians, Beta Minions, or Cannon Carts if they are deployed in large numbers. Well-placed traps can help weaken or eliminate these threats before they reach the X-Bow.

Push Traps

Push Traps are excellent for redirecting enemy ground troops into high-damage areas. Placing them near the X-Bow can push units like Boxer Giants, Power P.E.K.K.A, or Cannon Carts into Crushers or Giant Cannons, preventing them from dealing significant damage to the X-Bow.

If the X-Bow is placed in the second stage of a dual-stage base, Push Traps can be positioned in the first stage to force attackers toward the X-Bow’s range in the second stage.

Spring Traps

Spring Traps are effective against Raged Barbarians and Sneaky Archers, both of which can be used to chip away at the X-Bow from a distance.

Placing Spring Traps in front of the X-Bow’s defensive line ensures that smaller ground troops are eliminated before they reach its firing range.

Mines and Mega Mines

If an attacker relies on swarms of Beta Minions or Night Witch Bats, Mines set to air mode can weaken these troops before they reach the X-Bow.

Mega Mines can be positioned in areas where attackers may deploy high-hitpoint ground units, such as Power P.E.K.K.A or Boxer Giants, to soften them before they engage the X-Bow.

Guard Post Disruption

The Guard Post serves as a defensive distraction by spawning troops that delay enemy attackers. Placing the Guard Post near the X-Bow ensures that enemy troops are forced to deal with the spawned units before reaching the X-Bow.

This delay allows the X-Bow to continuously fire at high-priority targets without being destroyed too quickly.

Proper trap placement ensures that the X-Bow remains active for as long as possible, increasing its efficiency in defending against a wide range of attack strategies.

How X-Bow Interacts with Different Troop Compositions

The X-Bow’s effectiveness varies depending on the type of troops used in an attack. Since it is a single-target, rapid-fire defense, it excels against certain enemies but struggles against others. Understanding how it interacts with different troop compositions helps in optimizing base layouts.

Mass Beta Minions

When set to Air Mode, the X-Bow serves as a strong counter to Beta Minion swarms thanks to its long range and rapid fire rate. Its ability to pick off Minions from a distance makes it a valuable asset in defending against air-heavy attacks. However, its single-target nature means it struggles against large groups of Beta Minions if they are spread out. Without the support of splash-damage defenses like Firecrackers or the Roaster, the X-Bow alone may not be enough to stop a well-coordinated Minion attack.

Attackers often take advantage of this by deploying Beta Minions in a staggered pattern to minimize splash damage and prevent the X-Bow from eliminating them efficiently. Additionally, a two-phase attack involving the Battle Copter can further exploit the X-Bow’s targeting mechanics. Since the Battle Copter has higher hitpoints and stays at a distance, the X-Bow will prioritize it over Beta Minions. This distraction can give the Minions enough time to destroy key defenses without being targeted.

To counter this strategy, placing the X-Bow near other air defenses ensures it doesn’t get overwhelmed. Firecrackers and the Roaster should be positioned within range to handle swarms of Minions while the X-Bow focuses on higher-hitpoint threats like the Battle Copter. Well-placed traps, such as Seeking Air Mines, can also help eliminate high-value air units before they become a problem.

Drop Ship + Beta Minion

Drop Ships play a crucial role in air attacks by absorbing damage while Beta Minions clean up defenses from behind. This strategy is particularly effective against single-target defenses like the X-Bow, as it can only focus on one unit at a time. While the X-Bow may deal significant damage to the Drop Ships, the Minions remain free to chip away at key structures without immediate retaliation.

To counter this strategy, it is essential to support the X-Bow with splash-damage defenses. The Roaster and Air Bombs are particularly effective in clearing out swarms of Beta Minions before they can deal substantial damage. Placing these defenses near the X-Bow ensures that Minions are taken down quickly while the X-Bow focuses on eliminating tankier threats like Drop Ships.

Positioning also plays a key role in defending against this combination. If the X-Bow is in Air Mode, keeping it centralized within the base and surrounded by other air-targeting defenses prevents attackers from easily sniping it. Seeking Air Mines placed strategically along expected attack paths can also help eliminate Drop Ships before they create too much space for Minions to operate. By combining these defensive elements, a base can minimize the effectiveness of Drop Ship and Beta Minion attacks.

Battle Copter Attacks

The X-Bow’s 12-tile range makes it a strong counter against the Battle Copter, allowing it to deal consistent damage from a distance. Unlike many other defenses that require the Battle Copter to come closer before engaging, the X-Bow can start attacking early, reducing the copter’s health before it can deal significant damage.

To maximize the X-Bow’s effectiveness against the Battle Copter, it should be placed deep within the base, ensuring that it is well-protected and not easily sniped. If positioned too close to the outer edge, attackers can use the Battle Copter’s special ability to weaken or destroy it before deploying additional troops. This makes it easier for the attacker to take control of the battle without dealing with the X-Bow’s pressure.

Supporting the X-Bow with defenses like Firecrackers and Air Bombs ensures that even if the Battle Copter manages to avoid direct engagement, it will still face multiple sources of damage. Traps like Seeking Air Mines can also be positioned along common attack paths to help weaken or eliminate the Battle Copter before it can become a major threat. By placing the X-Bow strategically and combining it with other anti-air defenses, bases can effectively limit the impact of Battle Copter attacks.

Cannon Cart Spam

Cannon Carts pose a serious threat to the X-Bow, especially when it is set to Air Mode. Since Cannon Carts have long-range attacks, they can destroy the X-Bow from a safe distance without being targeted in return. This makes them one of the most effective counters to an improperly placed X-Bow in an air-focused defense.

However, when the X-Bow is set to Ground Mode, it becomes an excellent counter to Cannon Carts. Its rapid attack speed allows it to take them down before they can deal significant damage, making it a key defensive structure against ground-based long-range units. Ensuring the X-Bow is well-protected by walls or placed deeper inside the base can help it survive longer against Cannon Cart attacks.

To prevent Cannon Carts from easily sniping the X-Bow, players should avoid placing it too close to the outer edges of the base, where it can be picked off without resistance. Instead, positioning it behind high-hitpoint structures or within a core defensive zone forces attackers to commit more troops to reach it. Additionally, placing push traps along common attack paths can disrupt Cannon Cart positioning, preventing them from freely targeting the X-Bow. Proper placement and defensive synergy are key to ensuring the X-Bow remains effective against both air and ground threats.

Electrofire Wizard Snipes

Electrofire Wizards are a major threat to the X-Bow due to their chain attack, which allows them to hit multiple structures in a row, even if the X-Bow is not their primary target. This makes poor placement a serious liability, as an Electrofire Wizard can damage or even destroy the X-Bow without ever engaging it directly.

To counter this, the X-Bow should be positioned at least two tiles away from other buildings, especially those near the outer edges of the base. This spacing prevents Electrofire Wizards from chaining their attacks through nearby structures to reach the X-Bow. If placed too close to walls or key defenses, the X-Bow can become an easy target for attackers who exploit this mechanic.

Another effective countermeasure is pairing the X-Bow with Guard Post troops. These defending units can distract and disrupt the Electrofire Wizard’s targeting, forcing it to waste shots on moving troops rather than consistently chaining through defenses. This delay in damage output gives other defensive structures like the Roaster or Hidden Teslas time to eliminate the Electrofire Wizard before it can do significant harm.

Additionally, placing high-hitpoint buildings in front of the X-Bow, such as the Builder Hall or Storage buildings, can provide an extra layer of protection. This setup forces attackers to spend more time clearing these structures before they can effectively target the X-Bow, increasing the chances of a failed attack. By carefully considering placement and defensive synergies, players can reduce the effectiveness of Electrofire Wizards against the X-Bow.

Knowing how the X-Bow interacts with different attack strategies allows players to adjust their defensive setups accordingly, ensuring that it remains a valuable asset in their base’s defense.

Common Mistakes with X-Bow Placement

Many players make errors when placing the X-Bow, which reduces its effectiveness. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures that the X-Bow provides maximum defensive value.

Placing the X-Bow Too Close to the Edge

If the X-Bow is positioned near the edge of the base, it becomes an easy target for long-range attackers like Cannon Carts and Electrofire Wizards.

Attackers can also use ranged troops to chip away at it before engaging the rest of the base.

The best strategy is to place the X-Bow within the core of the base, ensuring it is protected by surrounding buildings and defenses.

Improper Targeting Mode Selection

Players often leave the X-Bow in one mode without adjusting for the current meta.

If air-based attacks dominate the Builder Base, keeping the X-Bow in ground mode makes it useless against Beta Minions, Drop Ships, or Battle Copters.

If the base is struggling against Cannon Carts and Power P.E.K.K.A, switching to ground mode provides better protection.

The X-Bow’s mode should be adjusted regularly based on the most common attack strategies at the player’s trophy level.

Lack of Defensive Support

Since the X-Bow is a single-target defense, it cannot deal with swarms effectively.

Placing it in a base layout without proper backup (such as Firecrackers, Roaster, or Guard Post) leaves it vulnerable.

Ensuring that complementary defenses cover its weaknesses prevents attackers from exploiting its limitations.

Placing it Too Close to Weak Structures

If the X-Bow is surrounded by low-hitpoint buildings, Electrofire Wizards can chain their attacks to damage it.

A mix of high-hitpoint and defensive buildings should be placed nearby to reduce the risk of chain attacks.