Introduction to Clash of Clans Wizards Detailed Guide

The Wizard in Clash of Clans is a high-damage, ranged Elixir troop that becomes available once the Barracks is upgraded to level 7. Unlike single-target attackers like the Archer, the Wizard deals splash damage in a small radius around its target, making it highly effective against groups of enemy troops and clustered buildings. This ability makes Wizards a staple in many attack strategies, where they serve as both offensive powerhouses and defensive support units.

Unit Overview

Strengths

High Splash Damage

Wizards deal strong area damage, making them effective against groups of tightly packed troops or buildings, especially in combination with tank units.

Fast and Versatile Attacker

They have a quick attack speed and can be used in various strategies such as GiWi (Giant-Wizard), GoWiPe, or Queen Charge support, making them a reliable damage dealer in many scenarios.

No Preferred Target

Since they attack the nearest building regardless of type, Wizards are easy to control when funneling and are useful for clearing outer structures or supporting main troops.

Weaknesses

Low Hitpoints

Despite their power, Wizards are fragile. They can be easily wiped out by splash defenses like Mortars, Wizard Towers, or traps such as Giant Bombs if not protected properly.

Reliant on Tanks

Wizards cannot take hits themselves and must be paired with tank units (like Giants, Golems, or P.E.K.K.As) to survive long enough to deal their damage.

Vulnerable to Traps

Because they often group together, a single Giant Bomb or Seeking Air Mine (if inside a Clan Castle as a Super Wizard) can eliminate an entire Wizard squad, wasting housing space and weakening the attack.

Damage and Targeting

Wizards are known for their high damage output in the form of splash damage. This ability allows them to strike multiple targets within a small radius, making them highly effective against groups of troops or tightly clustered buildings. While Wizards don’t have a specific target preference like some other troops (e.g., the Archer targeting only buildings), they will automatically attack the closest structure within their range. However, their behavior becomes more dynamic when enemy troops attack them or their nearby allies.

If enemy units engage the Wizard, it will prioritize attacking those units first. This makes Wizards versatile, as they can quickly shift from dealing damage to structures to defending themselves and their allies. Once all immediate threats are neutralized, Wizards will revert to targeting the nearest building. This fluid targeting behavior ensures continuous damage output, allowing them to be effective throughout a battle.

Offensive Role

Wizards serve as a formidable offensive unit in many attack strategies. Due to their high damage per second (DPS), they excel at taking down enemy defenses quickly, including defensive buildings, Clan Castle troops, and hero units. Their splash damage makes them particularly useful in eliminating groups of weaker troops, such as Barbarians, Archers, and Goblins, that may be used to distract or overwhelm other units.

However, despite their offensive power, Wizards are fragile due to their relatively low health. This means they require protection in the form of tanking units like Giants, Golems, or P.E.K.K.A.s to absorb the damage from defensive structures. These tank units act as a shield for Wizards, allowing them to focus on inflicting damage without worrying about being taken down too quickly.

Wizards also play a crucial role in clearing enemy Clan Castle troops during an attack. Their splash damage is particularly effective against large groups of enemy troops, making them ideal for neutralizing threats that may otherwise slow down or disrupt the attack. If placed strategically, Wizards can help clear the base’s core while tanking units focus on enemy defenses.

Moreover, Wizards are commonly used in combined strategies where their high damage complements the efforts of other troops. For example, in a “Witch Slap” or “Mass Witch” attack, Wizards are used to support the primary attacking units (like Witches or Bowlers) by clearing surrounding structures, enabling these units to focus on key defensive targets.

Defensive Role

While Wizards are most commonly used in offensive strategies, they can also be highly effective when placed in a defending Clan Castle. In this role, Wizards provide strong support by dealing significant damage from a distance. Their splash damage can quickly eliminate large groups of enemy troops, making them particularly dangerous against swarming units like Hog Riders, Giants, or Barbarians.

One of the major advantages of using Wizards in a defensive Clan Castle is their long attack range, which allows them to inflict damage even when enemy troops are still outside the range of other defensive structures. Their ability to target enemy troops before they reach the base core makes them valuable in defending against various attack strategies.

Wizards can also be used to counter tanks like Golems or P.E.K.K.As. Since these units often come with support troops, Wizards can help eliminate the support units while the tanks are distracted by other defenses. This makes them highly effective when used in Clan Castles, particularly if they are paired with defensive structures like Mortars, Wizard Towers, or X-Bows, which synergize with their splash damage capabilities.

Overall, the Wizards are a versatile unit that can play a pivotal role in both offensive and defensive strategies. Whether supporting tanks in an attack or providing powerful splash damage in a Clan Castle, Wizards are an essential part of any Clash of Clans strategy.

Offensive Strategies for Wizards

Group Deployment

Deploying Wizards in groups of four or more ensures that their combined damage output is maximized. Their splash damage allows them to clear buildings and enemy troops efficiently, making them highly effective for supporting main attacking forces. However, due to their low health, Wizards should never be deployed carelessly. Large groups can easily be eliminated by splash damage from Mortars, Wizard Towers, or Bombs. When using multiple Wizards, spacing them out slightly can prevent them from being taken out by a single attack.

Tank Support

Since Wizards have high damage but low durability, they should always be deployed behind high-health units such as Giants, Golems, Ice Golems, or P.E.K.K.As. These tanking units absorb damage from defenses, allowing Wizards to unleash their attacks without being targeted immediately. Using Healers to support Wizards can be effective, especially when paired with tanky units that keep defenses occupied. This is particularly useful in hybrid attack strategies where tanky troops are meant to push deep into a base while Wizards follow closely behind for destruction.

Spread Deployment

To reduce the risk of losing multiple Wizards at once, avoid deploying them all in a single location. Splash defenses such as Mortars and Wizard Towers can instantly eliminate clustered Wizards, so spreading them out in a line or staggered formation minimizes the impact of area damage. Additionally, spacing them apart helps prevent mass elimination from Giant Bombs or other traps. A well-placed Giant Bomb can take out an entire group of Wizards, so staggering deployment is essential in unknown territory or when attacking a base with a tricky trap layout.

Archer Replacement

In higher-level gameplay, Wizards are often used instead of Archers due to their superior damage and higher survivability. Unlike Archers, who can be taken down by a single Mortar hit, Wizards have enough health to survive small amounts of splash damage and can deal significantly more damage per shot. While Archers are still useful for sniping unprotected buildings, Wizards provide a better balance of durability and power, making them a more viable option in mid-to-late game attacks.

Funneling

Wizards are excellent for funneling, a strategy used to direct troops toward the core of a base by clearing buildings along a set path. By strategically deploying Wizards to eliminate outer structures, players can ensure that P.E.K.K.As, Bowlers, Heroes, and other key troops move toward the center rather than wandering off to the sides. However, Wizards must be placed carefully to avoid being taken out by defenses before they complete their role in the funnel. Additionally, traps such as Spring Traps and Giant Bombs may be positioned along expected funnel paths, so it is important to send in test troops if necessary.

Clan Castle Troop Elimination

One of the best uses of Wizards is dealing with enemy Clan Castle troops. Their splash damage allows them to clear multiple defending troops quickly, making them an excellent alternative to Poison Spells when facing groups of Archers, Wizards, or other low-health units. When dealing with higher-health defending troops such as Valkyries or Baby Dragons, pairing Wizards with a Poison Spell or a tanking unit can maximize their effectiveness. If enemy troops are lured to an open space, Wizards can be used to swiftly take them out before the main attack begins.

Defensive Strategies for Wizards

Clan Castle Deployment

Wizards are an excellent choice for defending Clan Castles due to their high splash damage and ability to attack from behind walls. Their ranged attacks make them difficult to lure away, forcing attackers to commit additional troops or spells to eliminate them. When positioned properly, Wizards can deal massive damage to tanky units like Golems, Ice Golems, and P.E.K.K.As, significantly weakening enemy pushes. Additionally, groups of Wizards can completely wipe out swarms of Hog Riders or Giants, disrupting the attacker’s strategy and causing significant losses before they reach the core of the base.

Countering Defensive Wizards

When facing enemy Wizards inside a defending Clan Castle, it’s crucial to use spread-out troops to minimize their splash damage. Deploying Archers or your own Wizards in a staggered formation can help reduce losses. Since Wizards have relatively low health, using a Lightning Spell is an effective counter—at level 5 or higher, a single Lightning Spell can instantly eliminate any level of Wizard. Poison Spells can also weaken or kill Wizards over time, especially if combined with attacking troops that can survive their initial attack.

Base Design Considerations

When designing a base, placing Mortars strategically is key to defending against Wizard-heavy attacks. Mortars should be positioned inside the base but not at the very core, ensuring they can cover multiple areas without being too easily taken out. Giant Bombs are particularly effective against Wizards, as even high-level Wizards can be eliminated instantly if they are grouped when the bomb detonates. Placing Giant Bombs in key locations where attackers are likely to deploy Wizards, such as near funnel points or behind tank units, can significantly weaken an attack.

Synergies with Other Troops

Tank Units

Wizards perform exceptionally well when paired with high-health frontline troops that can absorb incoming fire while they unleash their powerful splash attacks. Giants, Golems, and P.E.K.K.As are some of the best tank units to complement Wizards in battle. Giants serve as an affordable and efficient tanking option, especially in mid-level attacks, since they can soak up damage from defenses while Wizards clear enemy structures. Golems are even more effective, as they have extremely high hitpoints and specifically draw the attention of defensive structures like Cannons, Archer Towers, and even the Eagle Artillery in higher Town Hall levels. This allows Wizards to deal massive damage without being targeted.

P.E.K.K.As, while not traditional tanks, have an incredibly high damage output and can act as a shield for Wizards due to their large health pool. A well-planned attack using P.E.K.K.As and Wizards, commonly known as a “P.E.K.K.A Smash” or “P.E.K.K.A Wiz” strategy, is effective in higher-level play. While Barbarians can serve as makeshift tanks, they are more vulnerable to splash damage, making them a less reliable choice compared to the Barbarian King or a properly placed P.E.K.K.A.

Healers

Healers can significantly increase the survivability of Wizards, making them an excellent support unit when using Wizards in large-scale attacks. When paired with a frontline tank such as a Golem or P.E.K.K.A, Healers can sustain Wizards through incoming damage, allowing them to continue clearing enemy structures without being eliminated. This strategy is particularly effective in hybrid attacks where multiple troop types are pushing into the base simultaneously.

However, it is essential to consider the placement of Air Defenses. Since Healers are vulnerable to these structures, failing to eliminate Air Defenses early on can result in Healers being taken out before they provide meaningful support. A well-placed Rage Spell can enhance both the Healers’ healing effect and the Wizards’ damage output, making them an even deadlier combination in the right circumstances.

Archer Queen Support

Wizards are excellent support troops for the Archer Queen, especially when executing Queen Walk or Queen Charge strategies. Since the Archer Queen can be easily distracted by nearby structures, Wizards can be deployed to clear outside buildings and create an effective funnel. By removing unnecessary distractions, Wizards help ensure that the Queen moves deeper into the base, focusing on core defenses such as Inferno Towers, X-Bows, and enemy Heroes.

This synergy is particularly important when performing high-level attacks, as a properly funneled Archer Queen can take down key defensive targets that might otherwise pose a threat to the main attack force. Pairing Wizards with Healers in a Queen Charge can also provide additional backup, ensuring a smooth transition into the core of the base.

Using Wizards to Counter Enemy Wizards

Defensive Wizards, whether stationed in the Clan Castle or as part of a base’s defense, can pose a significant threat due to their high splash damage. Deploying your own Wizards to counter them can be an effective strategy, as long as they are positioned properly to avoid taking unnecessary splash damage.

When attacking bases that contain enemy Wizards, it is best to deploy a small group of your own Wizards from a distance to eliminate the threat before they can cause too much damage. If enemy Wizards are positioned within the Clan Castle, using a Lightning Spell or Poison Spell can be an effective way to neutralize them before they inflict significant damage on your attack force.

By strategically utilizing Wizards in conjunction with tank units, Healers, and the Archer Queen, as well as knowing how to counter enemy Wizards, players can maximize their effectiveness and create powerful attack strategies across various levels of play.

Wizard: History, Trivia, and Special Features

Tutorial and First Deployment

The Wizard is introduced in the tutorial as one of the first troops players get to use. However, it is not the first unit unlocked in regular gameplay—that title belongs to the Barbarian. During the tutorial, the game provides Wizards in large numbers, demonstrating their high damage output and splash damage capability early on. Despite this introduction, players must upgrade their Barracks to level 7 before they can train their own Wizards.

Sound and Visuals

Within the game’s internal files, the Wizard is referred to as “Mage,” a nod to its magical nature. One of the Wizard’s most recognizable features is its unique battle cry, “HUZZAH!”—a phrase shouted when attacking. Before a 2016 update, the Wizard’s attack animation consisted of purple projectiles resembling magic energy. This was later changed to yellow, laser-like fireballs to improve visual clarity and give the attack a more fiery appearance. The Wizard’s robe and hood have remained a staple of its design, reinforcing its mystical theme.

Special Events and Skins

Over the years, the Wizard has received various special events, often featuring reduced training costs and faster training times. Some limited-time events introduced alternate visual designs for the Wizard, such as giving it an afro hairstyle during one event and replacing its fireball attack with a rabbit in another. The Wizard has also appeared in other Supercell games, most notably as a playable skin for Barley in Brawl Stars. Players who link their Supercell ID can unlock this skin, further connecting the Wizard to Supercell’s broader gaming universe.

Unique Stats and Characteristics

The Wizard is unique among Home Village troops for occupying exactly 4 housing spaces. This distinction is shared only by special event troops such as the Party Wizard, Ice Wizard, and Ice Minion. In terms of raw damage, the Wizard once held the highest damage per second (DPS) per housing space of any troop in the game. However, this record was later surpassed by the Super Barbarian. Despite this, the Wizard remains the highest DPS non-super troop available, making it one of the most powerful standard troops for its housing cost.

Game History and Evolution

The Wizard is one of the oldest and most iconic troops in Clash of Clans, having been introduced alongside other classic units such as the Barbarian, Archer, and Giant. It is the second ranged troop unlocked, following the Archer, and the third splash-damage troop after the Balloon and Baby Dragon. Additionally, the Wizard was the second troop capable of targeting both ground and air units, making it a versatile attacker.

In a surprising turn of events, Wizards were temporarily transformed into Home Village Builders for a week during a limited-time event. This event allowed Wizards to assist in constructing and upgrading buildings, adding a fun twist to their usual destructive role. Despite their primary function as offensive troops, this unique event showcased their adaptability within the game’s lore.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓What is the Wizard’s main role in Clash of Clans?

The Wizard is a high-damage, ranged support troop with splash damage. His main role is to clear out groups of buildings and enemy troops quickly, especially when protected by tank units like Giants or Golems.

❓How much damage does a Wizard do and is it good against defenses?

Wizards deal high splash damage per shot, which makes them excellent against clustered buildings and defensive units. However, they need to be shielded because they have low health and can be easily killed by splash defenses.

❓What is the best way to use Wizards in attacks?

The best strategy is to deploy Wizards behind tanky units to keep them safe while they deal damage. They are especially effective in combos like GiWi (Giants + Wizards) or GoWiPe (Golems, Wizards, P.E.K.K.A) for funneling and core clearing.

❓How much housing space does a Wizard take up and is it worth it?

A Wizard takes up 4 housing spaces. Considering their high damage output and versatility, they are worth the space when properly protected and used in combination with tanks or spells like Heal or Rage.

❓When should I upgrade my Wizards in the Laboratory?

Upgrading Wizards should be a priority if you frequently use them in war or farming attacks. Each level significantly boosts their damage output, making them more effective at clearing defenses and support roles in mid-to-late game strategies.