
Playhouse Release Date4 January 2016
The Clash Royale Goblin Barrel is a powerful Epic card, known for its ability to apply immediate pressure and deliver precise, targeted damage. Costing just 3 elixir, it offers exceptional value by deploying three Goblins directly onto any spot in the Arena. This allows players to bypass defenses and strike enemy towers with speed and efficiency, making it a staple in many offensive strategies. Its low elixir cost and high versatility make it an essential tool for players looking to maintain pressure while conserving resources.
Goblin Barrel Stats
Goblin Barrel Attributes CostRadius
Type
Rarity
3 1.5 Spell Epic Goblin Attributes Hit Speed
First Hit
Speed
Deploy Time
Range
Target
Count
Transport
1.1 sec 0.4 sec Very Fast (120) 1.1 sec Melee: Short (0.5) Ground x3 Ground Level Statistics Level
Goblin Hitpoints
Goblin Damage
Goblin Damage per second
Card Mastery
Type Level/Tier Objective RewardDamage Dealer 1 Deal a total of 92,500 Damage to enemy
Troops or buildings 20 Goblin Barrel Cards
75 2 Deal a total of 280,000 Damage to enemy
Troops or buildings 6,000
75 3 Deal a total of 465,000 Damage to enemy
Troops or buildings 150
75
Tower Tapper 1 Hit enemy Crown Towers a total of 1,400 times 9,000
125 2 Hit enemy Crown Towers a total of 4,000 times 20
125 3 Hit enemy Crown Towers a total of 7,000 times 15,000
125
Goblin Barrel Overview
The Goblin Barrel is an Epic card in Clash Royale, offering a unique combination of strategy and surprise for players. As a spell-type card, it costs 3 elixir to deploy and targets the ground, releasing three Goblins onto the battlefield. The Goblins have a short range and a hit speed of 1.1 seconds, making them very fast and capable of quickly dealing damage to enemy towers or troops. The Goblin Barrel unlocks once players reach Arena 3, also known as the Barbarian Arena, and it has a radius of 1.5, ensuring that the Goblins land in a defined area on the field.
One of the main strengths of the Goblin Barrel lies in its versatility and ability to be deployed anywhere on the field. This surprise factor can catch opponents off guard, especially if they are not prepared to defend against it. It is especially effective in Log Bait decks, where the goal is to bait out spells like The Log or Zap, leaving the opponent vulnerable to further attacks. The fast speed and consistent damage output make it a valuable tool for applying pressure, dealing chip damage, or finishing off a low-health tower.
Despite its strengths, the Goblin Barrel does have some weaknesses. The Goblins themselves have relatively low hitpoints, which makes them susceptible to spells like Fireball, Log, or Arrows. If the opponent has the right counters available, the Goblin Barrel can be easily neutralized, reducing its effectiveness. Additionally, if the opponent is able to predict its deployment or has defensive cards ready, the Goblin Barrel can become a wasted elixir investment, making it important for players to time and place it strategically for maximum impact.
Overall, the Goblin Barrel is a potent and dynamic card that can be a game-changer when used correctly, but it requires careful planning and awareness of potential counters to reach its full potential.
Deck
Log Bait Deck
This is the tried-and-true bait deck. The goal is to bait out your opponent’s small spells (Log/Zap) using Princess or Goblins, then punish with Goblin Barrel. Control the tempo with Knight and Inferno Tower.
Goblin Barrel + Mighty Miner Control
Mighty Miner provides immense value and path-shifting versatility. Defend efficiently and use Goblin Barrel with cycle pressure. Great for single-lane control and outcycling opponents’ spell counters.
Double Spell Bait Deck
Fireball and Zap provide flexibility. Skeleton Army, Goblins, and Princess all bait out different spells, letting your Goblin Barrel land more damage. Valkyrie helps clear swarm threats.
Freeze Barrel Surprise Deck
Use Goblin Barrel + Freeze combo to deal devastating tower damage. Mini P.E.K.K.A. and Knight control the ground while Musketeer handles air. Cannon for structure control.
Mortar Goblin Barrel Hybrid
Use Mortar for chip damage and pressure, while Goblin Barrel sneaks in damage. Great balance between siege and bait strategies, forcing opponents to split their defense.
Goblin Barrel Strategies
The Goblin Barrel is primarily an offensive card that excels at dealing damage to enemy towers and supporting other attack strategies. One effective approach is to wait for your tank to be targeted by the opponent’s tower, and then send the Goblin Barrel directly to the tower so that the three Goblins released by the barrel surround it and inflict damage. Since the Goblin Barrel can be launched anywhere in the Arena, it provides the flexibility to target areas that other units might struggle to reach. However, it’s important to be cautious, as your opponent will likely have defenses ready to counter your attack.
In terms of placement, it is key to mix up your Goblin Barrel’s positioning to keep your opponent guessing. Varying the location of the Goblin Barrel helps avoid predictability. For example, placing it in different spots on the tower, such as the corners or top, can catch your opponent off guard. Additionally, you should consider where your opponent’s defensive structures are located.
The Goblin Barrel will be more effective when placed in areas where spells or buildings can’t easily block it. Using “Tricky Barrels” can also be an effective tactic, where you place the Goblin Barrel behind or to the side of the tower to potentially force your opponent to miss the Barrel. However, be mindful that placing the Barrel too far into the corner can make it vulnerable to being easily countered with a low-cost card.
Another effective strategy is to place the Goblin Barrel 3 tiles above the Crown Tower, which creates a similar visual appearance to the Barrel being placed in the center of it. You can also place it 1 tile to the side of the Tower, or directly in front of the Tower if your opponent plays their counters farther back.
If your opponent is using an Elixir Collector, placing the Goblin Barrel in the outer corner of the Arena can be highly effective, as it can target the Collector and apply pressure to your opponent. To prevent the opponent from using a Tornado to activate their King Tower, positioning the Goblin Barrel in the outer corner of the Crown Tower can also be a good tactic.
Timing is crucial when using the Goblin Barrel. It’s best to deploy it when your opponent is focused on defending against another threat or has low elixir reserves, leaving them less able to counter your attack. Make sure to time the Goblin Barrel deployment so that the opponent’s tower locks onto your tank instead of the Goblins, allowing them to deal uninterrupted damage. It is also wise to wait until your opponent’s counters are unavailable or out of rotation, maximizing the impact of the Goblin Barrel.
Using the Goblin Barrel effectively also involves a fair amount of mind games and baiting. Including it in a bait deck with other high-priority targets, such as the Goblin Gang or Princess, can force your opponent to use their spells, rendering them less effective for other threats. By applying consistent pressure, you can dictate the tempo of the game, making your opponent continually respond to your attacks. Pay attention to the spells your opponent has already used and anticipate which ones they might have in rotation. Adjust your timing accordingly to make the most of your Goblin Barrel’s potential, and be prepared to modify your strategy based on the type of deck your opponent is using.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using the Goblin Barrel in Clash Royale, there are several common mistakes that can hinder its effectiveness. One key mistake is over-investing early in the match. Playing a combination like Hog Rider and Goblin Barrel right at the start can leave you vulnerable to a counter-push, especially if your opponent has strong counters ready.
It’s important to carefully manage your elixir to avoid being caught off guard later on. Another common mistake is predictable placement. While it’s important to mix up your Goblin Barrel placements, it’s more effective to condition your opponent to expect it in a certain spot before suddenly switching things up. If you always place it in the same location, opponents can easily counter it with a well-timed spell or unit.
Another crucial mistake is ignoring your opponent’s elixir and card rotation. Always be aware of whether your opponent has counters in hand and whether you are at an elixir advantage. This knowledge helps you decide when it’s the right time to play the Goblin Barrel and when it might be too risky. Additionally, using the Goblin Barrel for defense is generally a poor choice unless it’s an emergency.
Defense is typically better handled by other cards in your deck, as the Goblin Barrel is better suited for offensive plays. Similarly, ignoring the placement of defensive structures from your opponent can lead to your Goblin Barrel being easily blocked. Always consider where their defensive buildings are placed to avoid your Barrel being intercepted.
Relying on predictable attack patterns can also be a costly mistake. If you consistently use the same attack combinations, your opponent can learn to counter them effectively. Switch things up and keep your opponent guessing. Another mistake is using spells ineffectively against the Goblin Barrel. Spells like Rocket, Poison, or Lightning are not ideal for countering the Goblin Barrel, as they result in a poor elixir trade and may not eliminate all the Goblins. When countering the Goblin Barrel, avoid overreacting by deploying high-cost cards unless you’re certain you can follow up with a counter-push. The Goblin Barrel costs only 3 elixir, so don’t waste your resources on unnecessary high-cost counters.
Another error is not varying your Goblin Barrel placement enough. It’s generally better to throw the Barrel in the same spot (directly on the tower) until the final 10 seconds of overtime, then mix it up by placing it closer to the corner. This strategy makes your opponent anticipate the middle placement, causing them to miss with their spell, like Zap. Consistently changing your placement will make you lose the element of surprise. Forgetting about the Log is another critical mistake, as it is a hard counter to the Goblin Barrel. Always be mindful of whether your opponent has it in their deck.
Finally, not adjusting to your opponent’s deck archetype can lead to ineffective plays. Be sure to modify your strategy depending on what kind of deck your opponent is running, as each archetype requires a different approach. Lastly, don’t ignore the potential damage output of the Goblin Barrel when it reaches the tower. Even if it doesn’t always deal massive damage, its impact can add up over time if not countered properly.
Conclusion
The Goblin Barrel is a versatile and strategic card in Clash Royale that can be effectively incorporated into a wide variety of decks and strategies. It plays a key role in popular archetypes like Log Bait, spell bait, and chip cycle decks, offering flexibility for different playstyles. To make the most out of the Goblin Barrel, players need to be mindful of its placement, timing, and the potential counters that their opponents may have. Varying the placement of the Goblin Barrel can be an effective tactic to confuse and condition the opponent, though it’s important to be aware of when they have their counters available.
Synergizing the Goblin Barrel with complementary cards is crucial to maximize its potential. Pairing it with tanks like Hog Rider or with bait cards like Skeleton Army can help mitigate its weaknesses and strengthen your offensive strategy. However, players must also avoid common mistakes such as over-investing early in the match, ignoring the opponent’s elixir, or using the Goblin Barrel primarily for defense, which can be less effective. Properly managing these elements can make the Goblin Barrel a formidable tool for consistent chip damage.
The Goblin Barrel can be countered effectively by spells such as The Log and Arrows, as well as splash damage units like Valkyrie and swarm cards like Skeleton Army. Knowing how to counter the Goblin Barrel is just as important as knowing how to use it, making defense against it a key aspect of gameplay. While some players might view the Goblin Barrel as overpowered, it is generally considered a balanced card that requires skill, timing, and strategy to be used effectively.
Given the popularity of counters like The Log, Arrows, and Barbarian Barrel in the current meta, players who use the Goblin Barrel must be able to adapt by including additional bait cards in their decks to apply consistent pressure. A useful strategy is to vary the placement of the Goblin Barrel, especially by targeting the sides of the Arena to avoid direct counters. Fast cycle decks are a common approach, allowing players to quickly deploy the Goblin Barrel and continuously apply chip damage to the opponent’s towers. Ultimately, mastering the Goblin Barrel involves understanding its strengths and weaknesses, recognizing the importance of adaptation, and using it in combination with other tactics to keep opponents on their toes.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
❓ What is the Goblin Barrel in Clash Royale?
The Goblin Barrel is an Epic Spell card that costs 3 elixir. When deployed, it launches a barrel anywhere on the Arena, which explodes on landing and spawns three Goblins that immediately start attacking.
❓ What’s the best use of Goblin Barrel?
It’s best used as a win condition in bait decks. Deploy it when your opponent has already used their small spell (Log, Zap, etc.), allowing the Goblins to deal maximum damage to the tower.
❓ How do you counter Goblin Barrel?
Fast swarm troops (e.g., Skeleton Army, Goblins)
Positioning your counters properly is key to minimizing tower damage.
❓ Can the Goblin Barrel be a secondary win condition?
Absolutely. While often used as a primary win condition, it also works well alongside other win conditions like Hog Rider, Miner, or Mortar to split your opponent’s defensive focus.
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Nel B
Nel has been passionate about playing games since childhood. His love for gaming started with the PlayStation. Over the years, he has enjoyed a variety of games, but some of Nel's all-time favorites include Dota, Monster Hunter, and MMORPGs. Gaming has not only shaped his skills but also helped him build lasting connections with friends. Login Please login to comment 0 Comments Inline Feedbacks View all comments