
Introduction
Welcome to the Jungle Arena, also known as Arena 9 in Clash Royale! This arena marks an important mid-game stage where players must refine their strategies and deck-building skills to move forward. Reaching Arena 9 reflects a deeper understanding of the game, but it also brings tougher competition, requiring effective decks and tactics to progress to Arena 10.
Arena 9 introduces new challenges and opportunities, unlocking cards like the Goblin Giant, Skeleton Barrel, and Earthquake. These cards bring new deck-building possibilities, allowing players to diversify their strategies. This Clash Royale Arena 9 Guide is designed to help you navigate Arena 9, with a focus on effective decks, strategies, and gameplay tips to ensure your success.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
The key concepts for building effective decks in Arena 9.
The most powerful decks for Arena 9 and tips for using them successfully.
General gameplay strategies to help you adapt to various opponents.
How to progress and upgrade your cards effectively.
Whether you’re aiming to break through the 3,000 trophy barrier or seeking an edge over your opponents, this guide will provide the tools and knowledge you need to excel in Arena 9 and beyond.
Understanding Arena 9
Arena 9, also known as the Jungle Arena, marks a critical phase in Clash Royale, as it ushers in more complex gameplay and demands refined strategies. Success in this arena requires not only strong individual cards but also a deep understanding of card synergy and adaptability.
To enter Arena 9, players need at least 2900 trophies, and to progress to Arena 10 (Hog Mountain), they must reach 3000 trophies. This makes Arena 9 a bridge between the mid and late game. During this stage, players are introduced to several new cards that can significantly alter gameplay and open up new deck-building possibilities, including:
Goblin Giant: A versatile card that can serve both offensive and defensive roles, with two Spear Goblins on its back providing anti-swarm capabilities.
Skeleton Barrel: A sneaky offensive card that works well with splash damage troops like Witch or Minions.
Earthquake: A powerful spell that disrupts enemy buildings and troops, often used to counter defensive structures.
Goblin Gang: A versatile swarm unit that can be deployed for offense or defense, combining melee and ranged goblins.
Goblin Hut: A building that spawns Spear Goblins periodically, providing consistent pressure and battlefield control.
Dart Goblin: A ranged troop that fits well in many decks due to its fast attack speed and versatility.
Poison: A spell that deals continuous area damage, great for taking out clustered troops or defending against tank pushes.
Inferno Dragon: A high-damage flying troop that can melt through tanks like Giant or P.E.K.K.A.
The introduction of Dart Goblin and Goblin Gang increases the number of viable strategies and deck options available in Arena 9, allowing for more diverse approaches to both offense and defense.
Arena 9 also brings an increase in difficulty. Players will face:
More varied decks and card combinations, with many new strategies emerging.
Stronger opponents who have a solid understanding of card synergies and tactics.
A need for adaptive gameplay, requiring players to constantly adjust their strategies based on their opponent’s deck.
Additionally, Arena 9 introduces significant level discrepancies, as players begin to encounter opponents with higher-level cards. It becomes vital to prioritize upgrading core cards in your deck to stay competitive.
One of the most notable trends in Arena 9 is the rise of Bait decks, which leverage cards like Goblin Gang, Dark Goblin, and Skeleton Barrel. These decks aim to force opponents to use their spells, like Zap or Arrows, on the swarm cards, and then capitalize on the opportunity to launch a bigger attack.
In summary, Arena 9 presents a challenging environment that demands an understanding of new cards, adaptability to different strategies, and effective card level management. Players should focus on building versatile decks that can switch between offensive and defensive tactics while maintaining strong card synergies.
Key Concepts for Deck Building in Arena 9
Building a successful deck in Arena 9 requires a thorough understanding of several key concepts. It’s not just about having high-level cards; it’s about creating a synergistic, versatile, and adaptable deck. Here are the main concepts to consider:
Win Conditions: A win condition is the primary card or combination of cards you rely on to deal damage to your opponent’s towers. While cards like Hog Rider and Giant remain solid win conditions, Arena 9 introduces other viable options, such as the Battle Ram, Goblin Barrel, and Rocket. Identifying your main win condition is crucial, as it allows you to structure the rest of your deck to support and protect it effectively.
Card Synergy: Synergy is more important than individual card strength in Arena 9. A deck with strong synergy allows you to execute effective pushes and defend reliably. Cards should complement each other, enabling you to launch powerful attacks while having a solid defense. For example, the Goblin Giant works well with the Miner, as the Miner can tank damage while the Spear Goblins on the Giant’s back deal damage to the opponent’s defenses. Cards like Witch, Skeleton Barrel, and Minions can work together to create formidable offensive pushes.
Versatility: A good Arena 9 deck must be versatile, able to switch smoothly between offense and defense depending on the situation. Versatility allows you to adapt to various opponents and deck types, making it easier to counter your opponent’s moves while maintaining offensive pressure. A well-rounded deck often includes both ground and air units, providing a broader range of tactical options.
High-Level Cards: In Arena 9, the card level differences between players can be significant, making it essential to prioritize upgrading your key cards. Cards you’ve relied on in earlier arenas should be upgraded to stay competitive. Focus on upgrading the core cards in your deck to maintain an edge in battle.
Bait Decks: Bait decks are particularly effective in Arena 9, thanks to the variety of swarm cards available. The strategy behind a bait deck is to force your opponent to use their spells (like Zap or Arrows) on your smaller units, leaving them vulnerable to a larger attack. Cards like the Goblin Barrel, Goblin Gang, and Skeleton Barrel work well in bait decks, especially when paired with splash-damaging cards like the Princess. Bait decks create tough choices for opponents, forcing them to defend against either a swarm or a larger, more threatening push.
Double Win Conditions: A deck with two win conditions can offer added flexibility. This strategy allows you to switch between different approaches depending on your opponent’s deck and defensive strategy. For instance, using Goblin Barrel and Balloon as win conditions ensures you have a backup plan if one win condition is heavily countered.
By focusing on these key concepts when building your deck, you’ll be better equipped to create a powerful, adaptable strategy that can succeed in the competitive environment of Arena 9.
Top Arena 9 Decks
Arena 9 opens up a wide range of viable decks, thanks to the new cards unlocked and the diverse strategies players develop. Here are some of the most effective decks, incorporating various win conditions and playstyles:
Goblin Giant Decks:
Goblin Giant Double Prince: This deck uses the Goblin Giant as a tank, supported by the Dark Prince and regular Prince for a powerful ground attack. The Goblin Cage provides reliable defense. This deck combines strong offense with solid defense.
Goblin Giant Beatdown: The Goblin Giant serves as the primary tank, backed by support units like the Baby Dragon. This deck excels in overpowering opponents with sustained pushes, and it’s particularly effective against Hog Rider, PEKKA, and Golem decks.
Goblin Giant Miner: The Goblin Giant tanks for the Miner, while the Miner provides additional damage. The Spear Goblins on the Giant’s back are a great bonus, as they continue to deal damage when the Giant is distracted.
Hog Rider Decks:
Hog Cycle Deck with Poison: This deck pairs the Hog Rider with the Mortar as dual win conditions. The Poison spell helps eliminate swarms and weaken enemy defenses, keeping constant pressure on your opponent.
Hog 2.6 Cycle: A fast cycle deck built around the Hog Rider. This deck is one of the fastest in the game, requiring a skilled player to cycle cards quickly and continuously pressure the opponent.
Hog Musketeer Rocket Cycle: This deck combines the Hog Rider with the Musketeer for reliable damage and defense, while the Rocket spell provides an effective finisher against heavy troops or buildings.
Hog Mega Knight Freeze: The Hog Rider, Mega Knight, and Freeze spell form a strong combination that can overwhelm enemies, especially during a surprise push.
Hog Rider Witch: This deck pairs the Hog Rider with the Witch for an aggressive push. The Witch provides solid support with her spawn abilities and area damage.
Log Bait Decks:
Classic Log Bait: This deck uses the Goblin Barrel, Princess, and Rocket to bait out your opponent’s spells, leaving them vulnerable to your attacks. With defensive cards like the Inferno Tower, Goblin Gang, Ice Spirit, and Knight, this deck creates tough choices for your opponent.
Log Bait with Dark Goblin: The Dark Goblin, along with the Skeleton Barrel and Goblin Gang, creates a challenging bait setup. The Inferno Tower defends against heavy pushes, and the Rocket serves as a powerful finisher.
PEKKA Decks:
PEKKA, Prince, Wizard: This deck uses PEKKA as the main tank, with the Prince and Wizard dealing additional damage. The Wizard helps clear out swarms, while the Bomber offers a more affordable option for the same task.
PEKKA Witch: The PEKKA pairs with the Witch for a strong early-game presence. With win conditions like the Goblin Barrel and Balloon, this deck can apply pressure at various points of the match.
Miner Control Decks:
Miner Furnace Control: In this deck, the Miner serves as the primary win condition, while the Furnace applies consistent pressure. Mini P.E.K.K.A, Ice Spirit, and Minions are used to handle enemy troops, and Zap helps clear swarms.
Miner Witch Flying Machine: This control deck uses the Miner for consistent damage, while the Witch and Flying Machine offer support. The Bomb Tower provides solid defense, making it a reliable choice in Arena 9.
Miner Poison: Combining the Miner and Poison spell, this deck focuses on damage over time. The Poison clears out enemy troops while the Miner deals consistent damage to the opponent’s towers.
Other Effective Decks:
Balloon Freeze: This deck uses the Balloon and Freeze spell to create high-damage pushes. Additional support from Valkyrie, Mega Minion, Baby Dragon, Electro Spirit, and Goblin Hut helps with both offense and defense.
Spawner Decks: These decks focus on using buildings like the Goblin Hut and Barbarian Hut to create pressure over time with continuous troop spawns.
Giant Double Prince: The Giant serves as the main tank, with the Dark Prince and Prince providing heavy damage. The Valkyrie can also be included to further bolster the deck’s defensive strength.
Royal Giant Witch Mini P.E.K.K.A.: This deck revolves around the Royal Giant as the primary tank, with support from the Witch and Mini P.E.K.K.A. It’s a flexible deck with multiple win conditions, making it effective against many different strategies.
Recruits Balloon: This deck uses the Royal Recruits to provide strong defensive and offensive capabilities, while the Balloon delivers heavy damage to the opponent’s towers. The Baby Dragon further supports the push.
General Tips for Deck Use:
Adapt to Your Cards: If you have high-level cards, try to incorporate them into your deck, even if they aren’t typical in the current meta.
Track Opponent’s Cards: Pay attention to your opponent’s counters and responses to your win conditions. Adjust your strategies accordingly.
Counter Push: Use your defense to launch a counter attack and turn the tide in your favor.
Patience: Don’t rush your attacks. Wait for the right moment to strike, and manage your elixir wisely.
Versatile Defense: Ensure your deck can handle both air and ground troops to prevent being caught off guard.
Spell Value: Avoid clumping your troops together, as this can give your opponent a chance to use their spells effectively for maximum value.
These decks cover a wide range of strategies and playstyles, allowing you to choose one that suits your approach. Practice with your chosen deck to master its mechanics and improve your performance in Arena 9.
General Gameplay Tips for Arena 9
Arena 9 introduces more complexity and diverse strategies, making adaptability and precise decision-making crucial. Here are some key gameplay tips to help you succeed:
Adaptability is Key: Arena 9 features a wide variety of decks and strategies, so flexibility is essential. Be ready to switch between offense and defense depending on the situation. Understanding when to defend and when to attack will be the key to outsmarting your opponents.
Master a Deck: Instead of constantly switching between decks, focus on mastering a single deck. By practicing with one deck, you’ll become familiar with its strengths, weaknesses, and how to effectively handle different matchups. Consistent practice will help you maximize its potential.
Track Opponent’s Cards: Pay attention to your opponent’s card choices and how they respond to your win conditions. Knowing what cards they have available will help you predict their next move and plan your attacks accordingly. This awareness allows you to outmaneuver them and time your pushes effectively.
Elixir Management: Managing your elixir efficiently is critical in Arena 9. Avoid overspending on one push, as this can leave you vulnerable to counterattacks. Always be aware of your opponent’s elixir expenditure and try to capitalize on situations when they’ve used a lot of elixir on a single push.
Don’t Overcommit: It’s important not to use too much elixir on one offensive push. Overcommitting leaves you with little defense against a counterattack. Be strategic with your pushes and adapt based on how much elixir your opponent has available.
Know Your Win Condition: Understanding your deck’s primary win condition is essential. Ensure your other cards support this win condition and complement it well. In Arena 9, cards like the Hog Rider, Giant, Battle Ram, Goblin Barrel, and Rocket are common win conditions. Recognize how to get the most damage from your key card and how to protect it.
Synergize Your Cards: Building synergy between your cards is crucial. Cards should work together to create strong offensive pushes or solid defense. For example, the Goblin Giant and Miner pair well because the Miner tanks while the Goblin Giant deals damage. Other great synergies include the Witch, Skeleton Barrel, and Minions.
Versatile Offense and Defense: Aim to use cards that are effective on both offense and defense. This versatility allows you to adapt to various opponents and situations. For instance, the Inferno Dragon works well for defense against heavy tanks like Golem and also deals solid damage in offensive pushes.
Use Bait Decks Wisely: Bait decks are highly effective in Arena 9, as they force opponents to use their spells on your swarm units. Cards like the Goblin Barrel, Goblin Gang, and Skeleton Barrel are ideal for baiting out spells like Arrows or Zap. Once your opponent has used their spells, you can hit them with a big push they can no longer defend effectively.
Double Win Conditions: Decks with two win conditions can be incredibly versatile, allowing you to adapt based on your opponent’s defenses. If one win condition is countered, you can quickly switch to the other to continue applying pressure.
Counter-Push: After successfully defending an enemy push, immediately counterattack in the opposite lane. A strong counter-push can catch your opponent off guard and give you a great opportunity to deal damage while they’re recovering.
Don’t Clump Troops: Avoid grouping your troops too closely together, as this makes them vulnerable to spells like Fireball, Arrows, or Lightning. Spread them out to minimize the impact of enemy spells.
Prioritize Key Upgrades: As the level range between players increases in Arena 9, upgrading your core deck cards is essential for maintaining competitive power. Focus on upgrading the cards that form the backbone of your deck, whether it’s your win condition or your defensive tools.
Patience is Important: Avoid rushing your attacks. Be patient, wait for the right moment, and use your elixir wisely. Sometimes, waiting for your opponent to make the first move can give you an advantage.
Learn from Your Losses: If you’re losing with a deck, review your replays to identify mistakes and areas for improvement. Learning from your losses helps you refine your strategies and become a better player in the long run.
By applying these tips, you can sharpen your gameplay and increase your chances of succeeding in Arena 9, moving one step closer to reaching Arena 10.
Progression and Upgrading
Arena 9, or Jungle Arena, is a pivotal stage in Clash Royale where players are introduced to new cards and face opponents with a wider variety of card levels and strategies. Successful progression in this arena requires a strategic approach to both card upgrades and adapting your deck to the evolving gameplay.
Card Unlocks and Evaluation
Arena 9 introduces several impactful cards, including the Goblin Gang, Goblin Hut, Dart Goblin, Poison, Goblin Giant, and Inferno Dragon. These cards can significantly enhance your deck’s strategy. For example, the Goblin Gang can replace cards like the Skeleton Army in certain decks, while the Dart Goblin’s range and speed make it a formidable option. Though no new legendary cards are unlocked in Arena 9, players may begin incorporating legendary cards they’ve unlocked in previous arenas to strengthen their decks. As you progress, it’s important to keep in mind that card levels will vary widely among players, and you’ll need to prioritize upgrading key cards to remain competitive.
Prioritizing Upgrades
When upgrading your cards, focus on the core cards in your chosen deck, particularly those central to your win condition and overall strategy. If you’re using a Hog Rider deck, for example, prioritize upgrading the Hog Rider and supporting cards that help it deal damage. If you’re running a Miner control deck, focus on upgrading the Miner and spells like Poison to control the battlefield.
You should also upgrade versatile cards that serve both offensive and defensive roles. Key win conditions like the Hog Rider, Balloon, PEKKA, Miner, and Giant should be prioritized for upgrades, as well as spells like Zap, Log, and Fireball, which are crucial for dealing with enemy troops. Avoid spreading your resources too thin by upgrading multiple cards at once. It’s often better to focus on a smaller number of key cards to achieve higher levels, as a few high-level cards can be more effective than many lower-level cards.
Deck Adaptation
As the Clash Royale meta evolves, it’s important to stay adaptable and willing to experiment with new decks and card combinations. If you unlock legendary cards, such as the Ice Wizard, consider integrating them into your deck by swapping them for other cards like the Baby Dragon. If you find certain cards under-leveled, try substituting them with higher-level alternatives that serve a similar role. Constantly refine your deck to stay competitive as the game’s strategies and balance shift.
Gameplay Adjustments
Regular practice with your deck is key to mastering its nuances and strategic possibilities. Don’t be discouraged by losses—review replays to identify mistakes and improve your gameplay. Pay attention to the strategies of opponents, especially those using higher-level cards, and adapt your tactics accordingly. If you find yourself facing opponents with much stronger cards, adjust your playstyle to mitigate the advantage of their higher-level cards. A higher King Tower level can also help you in these situations, making it easier to handle under-leveled opponents.
Resource Management
Efficient use of resources is crucial for upgrading the right cards. Wild cards are valuable for upgrading cards like PEKKA, which are strong and versatile in many decks. Use magic items to help level up essential cards, such as upgrading a Goblin Barrel using a magic book. Make sure to manage gold wisely and avoid wasting it on cards that aren’t part of your main deck. Using resources effectively will allow you to make strategic upgrades and stay competitive in higher arenas.
Trophy Pushing
To push trophies in Arena 9, focus on mastering a deck that suits your playstyle. Consistency is key—stick with a deck you know well and make adjustments as needed to overcome specific challenges or counter particular decks. Even if you experience setbacks, stay patient and continue practicing. Learn from each loss to refine your strategy and improve over time.
By prioritizing upgrades, adapting your deck, and managing your resources wisely, you’ll be well-positioned to progress through Arena 9 and reach Arena 10.