Introduction
Welcome to Clash Royale! This Clash Royale Arena 1 Guide is designed to help new players get started in the first arena, Arena 1, also known as Goblin Stadium. This is where your trophy journey begins, and understanding the core mechanics of the game will set you up for success. The goal of this guide is to provide a solid foundation of knowledge to help you win games and progress through the early stages of the game.
In Arena 1, you’ll start by learning the basics, such as how to manage your elixir, how to build effective pushes, and how to defend your towers. It’s important to experiment with different strategies and card combinations to find what works best for your playstyle. Don’t worry about making mistakes—learning from them is part of the process and will help you improve over time. Remember, the key to enjoying Clash Royale is to have fun, so feel free to try different approaches as you progress.
Arena 1’s trophy range spans from 0 to 300 trophies. As you advance through this arena, focus on understanding card interactions, timing your attacks, and defending efficiently. By mastering these fundamental skills, you’ll be well on your way to advancing into Arena 2 and beyond.
Understanding the Basics
In Clash Royale, the core objective is to destroy your opponent’s Crown Towers while defending your own. Each player starts with three towers: two Princess Towers and one King Tower. The match is won by destroying the opponent’s King Tower, which results in an instant three-crown victory. However, you can also win by destroying more Princess Towers than your opponent by the end of the match, earning you a two-crown victory. This creates an exciting dynamic where managing your offense and defense simultaneously becomes crucial. While the King Tower offers a significant advantage when destroyed, focusing on dealing with Princess Towers is also key to progressing in the match.
A fundamental aspect of success in Clash Royale is elixir management, as it controls the pace of the game. Elixir is the resource that allows you to deploy troops and spells, and it regenerates automatically over time. Efficient elixir use is critical because you must deploy the right cards at the right time, ensuring you can both defend against your opponent’s attacks and launch your own counterattacks.
Wasting elixir on cards that don’t provide value or fail to contribute meaningfully to your strategy can lead to a disadvantage, leaving you vulnerable to your opponent’s moves. As you progress in the game, learning when to save elixir for a big push or defending effectively with minimal resources will become one of your most important skills.
Another key part of the game is understanding the roles of different cards. Cards are divided into various types based on their primary functions: Tanks, which have high health and act as shields for your other troops;
Single DPS (Damage Per Second), which are specialized in dealing high damage to a single target, typically used for eliminating tanks or defending against strong units;
Splash Damage, which can hit multiple enemies at once, making them ideal for dealing with swarms or groups of lower-health troops;
Air Target, which are designed to counter airborne units like Minions or Balloons;
Flying troops, which can evade ground-based attacks and offer flexibility for pushing or defending;
Spells, which can deal area damage, control enemy troops, or provide utility effects, such as freezing or healing units; and Defensive Cards, such as buildings or defensive troops, that help counter enemy pushes and stall their progress.
Many cards can serve multiple roles, allowing for flexible strategies. For example, the Mini P.E.K.K.A. functions as both a strong single DPS unit and a mini-tank, capable of absorbing some damage while dealing heavy blows to enemy units and towers. The Witch, on the other hand, excels as a support troop with splash damage, summoning skeletons while dealing with hordes of smaller enemies. It’s important to recognize these flexible roles to adapt to various scenarios and build versatile decks that can counter a wide range of strategies.
Finally, card levels play a significant role in your progression. Higher-level cards have better stats, meaning they become more powerful and resilient during matches. Upgrading your cards not only boosts their effectiveness but also provides you with experience (XP). As your XP increases, you level up, unlocking additional rewards such as level-up chests. These chests contain valuable items, including cards and resources, which are essential for improving your deck and advancing through the arenas. Mastering the balancing act of upgrading your cards, managing elixir, and understanding card roles is key to success in Clash Royale Arena 1, and will set you up for a smooth transition into the next arenas.
Starting Cards and Initial Strategy
When you first start in Arena 1, you’ll have a limited selection of cards to build your initial decks. These cards will form the foundation of your strategy as you begin your journey. It’s important to experiment with different combinations to see what works best for your playstyle. Some of the key cards you’ll have access to early on include the Giant, which is a high-health tank that targets buildings, making it an excellent choice for leading pushes;
the Mini P.E.K.K.A., a high-damage, single-target troop that can quickly take down tanks and towers;
Archers, which are ranged units capable of attacking both air and ground targets;
Goblins and Spear Goblins, low-cost troops useful for quick attacks or defending against single-target units;
the Knight, a mini-tank that deals good damage;
Fireball and Arrows, spells that can damage multiple enemy units;
Minions, a group of flying units effective against ground troops; and the Goblin Cage, a defensive building that spawns a Goblin Brawler when destroyed.
As a beginner, developing a solid strategy is crucial. One of the most important tips is to be patient. Don’t rush to play your cards right away. Waiting to see what your opponent does first gives you the opportunity to react to their moves and make better decisions. However, there are exceptions, especially when you have fast attack units like the Hog Rider that can force immediate action.
Another essential strategy is to counter your opponent’s moves efficiently. Use your cards to create a positive Elixir trade, like using Goblins or Spear Goblins to take down a Mini P.E.K.K.A., or Arrows to eliminate a swarm of Minions. Be mindful not to waste Elixir—only play cards when you know they will be useful. Playing cards without a clear purpose can leave you vulnerable and unable to defend effectively.
Building pushes from the back is another key strategy. For example, placing your Giant behind your towers gives you time to build Elixir, while supporting your Giant with other troops as it advances allows you to create a stronger push that your opponent will struggle to defend. It’s also important not to over-defend. Your towers are strong and can handle most troops, so don’t waste Elixir trying to counter everything your opponent throws at you. Sometimes, it’s better to let your tower take some damage while you focus on building your own attack.
Being aware of your opponent’s Elixir is crucial. Keep track of how much they have left, as this can help you anticipate their moves. If they’ve spent a lot of Elixir on their last push, it could be an opportunity to launch a counterattack. Another helpful tip is to save your spells for the most valuable moments. For instance, use Arrows to clear out low-health troops like Goblins or Minions, or use Fireball to deal damage to both troops and a tower simultaneously. The Giant and Mini P.E.K.K.A. combo is especially powerful in Arena 1. The Giant acts as a shield, protecting the Mini P.E.K.K.A. while it eliminates any enemy troops trying to counter the Giant.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to effectively utilize your starting cards, make smart decisions, and build strong strategies to win battles and advance through Arena 1.
Key Cards in Arena 1
In Arena 1, your card selection may be limited, but there are several key cards that stand out for their impact and versatility. These cards can form the core of your deck and help you win battles as you progress through the arena. Understanding their strengths and how to use them effectively is essential for improving your gameplay.
One of the most important cards in Arena 1 is the Giant. The Giant is a primary win condition due to its high health, making it an excellent tank that soaks up damage and allows your other troops to deal damage to enemy towers. It’s most effective when placed at the back of your side of the arena, giving you time to build up elixir and support it with additional troops as it moves toward the opponent’s towers. As one of the most popular tanks in the game, the Giant is a key card to include in your deck.
Another crucial card is the Mini P.E.K.K.A. This high-damage, single-target unit is perfect for quickly taking down tanks and towers. The Mini P.E.K.K.A is especially effective when used behind a Giant, as the Giant absorbs damage and keeps enemy troops distracted, allowing the Mini P.E.K.K.A to deal significant damage. It’s also useful defensively, as it can eliminate powerful individual enemy troops with its high damage output.
Archers are another versatile card in Arena 1. They are ranged units that can attack both air and ground targets, making them useful for both offense and defense. Archers can support pushes or defend against enemy troops like Minions or Skeletons. Their range and cost-effectiveness make them a staple in many early decks.
Goblins and Spear Goblins are low-cost troops that serve multiple purposes. They are great for quickly adding damage to pushes or defending against single-target units. Additionally, they can be used for “kiting” stronger troops like the Mini P.E.K.K.A or Prince, pulling them away from your towers and toward the middle of your arena, giving you more time to deal with them.
The Knight is another solid option in Arena 1. This mini-tank offers a good balance of health and damage, making it a reliable choice for both offense and defense. The Knight can act as an off-tank in pushes or defend against enemy troops, and its low cost makes it an excellent counter to many early game threats.
Fireball and Arrows are both valuable spells that provide area damage. Arrows are a cheaper option and are great for clearing out swarms of low-health units like Goblins, Skeletons, and Minions. Fireball, on the other hand, deals more damage and is effective against medium-health troops such as Musketeers, Archers, or Wizards. Both spells can also be used to chip away at enemy towers, and it’s important to save them for situations where they can hit multiple targets at once.
Minions are a group of flying units that can quickly take out ground troops. They are useful both for supporting pushes and defending against enemy ground-based attacks. Their ability to fly gives them an advantage over ground troops, but be mindful of spells like Arrows or Fireball that can easily eliminate them.
Finally, the Goblin Cage is a strong defensive building that spawns a Goblin Brawler when destroyed. It’s a great tool for countering tanks like the Giant, as it can pull them to the center of your side of the arena, allowing your towers to focus on them while also creating a counter-push. The Goblin Cage is a passive card that excels at defending against heavy tanks and can help you set up strong counterattacks.
While there are many other cards available in Arena 1, the ones listed above are the most versatile and provide significant value in a variety of situations. These cards should be the focus of your deck as you build your strategy and progress through the arena.
Recommended Decks for Arena 1
In Arena 1, there are several effective deck compositions that can help you win battles and progress to Arena 2. These decks use key cards and focus on a variety of offensive and defensive strategies. Experimentation is important, so try out different combinations and modify them to suit your playstyle and the cards available to you.
One popular deck is the Giant Beatdown Deck. This deck revolves around using the Giant as the primary win condition, supported by a range of troops to deal damage and counter enemy units. The strategy is to place the Giant at the back to build elixir, and then support the push with other cards. This deck works well against opponents who spam troops, and it’s effective in creating strong pushes. The deck includes the Giant, Mini P.E.K.K.A, Archers, Minions, Spear Goblins, Knight, Fireball, and Arrows. This combination gives a good balance of offense and defense, allowing you to create powerful pushes and protect your Giant.
The Giant Goblin Cage Deck is another solid option. In this deck, the Goblin Cage is used as a defensive building that helps counter tanks like the Giant. This deck still relies on the Giant for offense, but includes the Goblin Cage to help neutralize threats. The deck features Giant, Mini P.E.K.K.A, Musketeer, Goblins, Minions, Goblin Cage, Fireball, and Arrows. The key strategy is to be patient, wait for your opponent’s moves, and then counter with your troops while building up your push.
The Knight Push Deck focuses on using the Knight as an off-tank to lead pushes, supported by cheap troops like Goblins and Spear Goblins. The deck includes Archers, Minions, Spear Goblins, Mini P.E.K.K.A, Goblin Cage, Knight, Fireball, and Arrows. This deck is flexible and has a lower average elixir cost, allowing you to cycle through cards quickly and make smarter decisions during the match.
A more offensive option is the Giant Goblin Team Deck, which pairs the Giant with the Goblin Gang to apply pressure while maintaining a solid defense. The deck includes Arrows, Fireball, Goblin Gang, Goblins, Goblin Cage, Mini P.E.K.K.A, Archers, and Giant. This deck strikes a balance between offense and defense, letting you mount strong attacks while being prepared to counter enemy moves.
For a mix of both ground and air units, the PEKKA Giant Musketeer Deck is a great choice. It offers good versatility with options to handle various situations. The deck features Fireball, Arrows, Minions, Musketeer, Goblins, Mini P.E.K.K.A, Giant, and Goblin Cage. This well-rounded deck allows for offensive pushes and defensive plays, providing many strategic options during the match.
These are just a few examples of effective decks in Arena 1. Try out different combinations and find what works best for you. As you become more familiar with the game, you can experiment with different strategies and adjust your deck based on your playstyle and the cards you unlock.
Gameplay Tips and Tactics
In Arena 1, mastering basic gameplay tips and tactics is crucial for success. While having a strong deck is important, understanding how to use your cards effectively is equally, if not more, important. One of the most essential tips for new players is to be patient and not rush into playing your cards. Waiting for your opponent to make the first move allows you to react accordingly, giving you the advantage to make smarter decisions.
However, this doesn’t apply if you have a fast attack-pusher like the Hog Rider, where it might be beneficial to make the first move. Another critical aspect of gameplay is countering your opponent’s moves. Use your cards to effectively counter their troops, such as using cheap troops like Goblins or Spear Goblins to eliminate a Mini P.E.K.K.A. or using Arrows to clear out Minions. It’s also important to avoid wasting Elixir. Don’t play cards unless they will contribute meaningfully to your push or defense.
Building pushes from the back is a common and effective strategy. By placing your Giant behind your towers, you can build up Elixir and prepare a powerful push as the Giant advances.
This allows you to support the push with other troops, making it harder for your opponent to defend. While it’s important to build strong pushes, don’t over-defend.
Your towers are resilient and can handle most troops, so avoid overcommitting Elixir to counter every single enemy troop. Letting your tower take some damage can be a wise choice, as it allows you to focus on preparing your own push. It’s also essential to keep track of your opponent’s Elixir. Knowing how much Elixir they have will help you anticipate their moves and know when to strike with a counterattack.
Using spells wisely is another vital tactic. Save them for situations where they can hit multiple targets, such as using Arrows to eliminate a swarm of Goblins, Spear Goblins, or Minions, or using Fireball to hit troops and a tower at the same time. A powerful combination in Arena 1 is the Giant and Mini P.E.K.K.A. combo. The Giant soaks up damage, allowing the Mini P.E.K.K.A. to take down any enemy troops used to counter the Giant, making this combo simple yet highly effective. When starting a match, it’s often best to play defensively first and then transition into a counter-attack. This will allow you to assess your opponent’s strategy before making your move.
If you’re using the Goblin Cage, place it in the middle of your side of the arena. This will pull enemy tanks, like the Giant, into the center, where your towers and supporting troops can focus on damaging them. Finally, prioritize upgrading your cards early on to strengthen your deck and earn rewards. The Giant and Mini P.E.K.K.A. are particularly valuable to upgrade early in the game, as they can significantly improve your chances of winning.
By following these tips and tactics, you’ll improve your gameplay, win more battles, and progress through Arena 1 faster. Remember, the key to success is being patient, observant, and adaptable in your approach.
Moving to Arena 2
Moving from Arena 1 to Arena 2 in Clash Royale is an important step, as it introduces new cards and strategic possibilities. To make this transition smoothly, focus on refining your gameplay, upgrading key cards, and understanding the new mechanics in Arena 2. First, continue using a strong deck, such as the Giant Beatdown deck, Giant Goblin Cage Deck, Knight Push Deck, or PEKKA Giant Musketeer deck, as these decks can still be effective in Arena 2. As you gain more experience, make adjustments to your deck to counter any recurring strategies you encounter. For example, if you’re facing a lot of Giant pushes, consider adding more tank killers or defensive buildings to your deck.
Next, prioritize upgrading your core cards, including the Giant, Mini P.E.K.K.A, Archers, and Goblins, as these will remain valuable in future arenas. Avoid the temptation to upgrade every card at once and focus on improving the cards you use the most.
Upgrading key cards early will help you level up and unlock rewards. As you progress to Arena 2, you’ll unlock new cards like the Tombstone, Minions, Balloon, Skeletons, Giant Skeleton, and Bomb Tower. Familiarize yourself with these new cards, as understanding their strengths and weaknesses will help you counter them more effectively. Experiment with incorporating these new cards into your deck, like adding the Tombstone for defense against Giants or the Giant Skeleton for a powerful push. However, don’t worry about Evolutions in early arenas as they’re not a priority at this stage.
When it comes to gameplay tactics, continue being patient. Wait for your opponent to make the first move before deploying your troops, and focus on using defensive buildings like the Goblin Cage or Tombstone to pull enemy troops toward the middle of your side of the arena. This will give your towers time to deal damage. Don’t rush into attacks; instead, focus on defending effectively and then counter-attacking when you have an Elixir advantage. Use your spells wisely to hit multiple troops or to damage a tower, and always keep an eye on your opponent’s Elixir to anticipate their next move.
The Giant remains a crucial card in Arena 2, and using the Mini P.E.K.K.A behind the Giant continues to be an effective combo. Goblins are also useful for distracting enemy troops and can be placed behind a Knight to push them toward the tower. Additionally, avoid using spells to damage the King Tower, as this will activate it and give your opponent an extra defensive tool.
Don’t play too aggressively early on; it’s better to wait for the right opportunity to push. Be adaptable as you face different opponents, adjusting your deck and strategies accordingly. Lastly, avoid overcommitting at the bridge, as too many units can easily be countered by spells. Focus on the fundamentals, such as efficient defense and careful Elixir management.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the transition to Arena 2 and handle the challenges it presents. Keep refining your strategies and learning from each battle, and you’ll continue to progress through the game.
