The Clash Royale Hog Rider is a fast, single-target melee troop that targets buildings directly, making it a popular win condition in many decks. Known for its speed and high damage, it’s a key part of fast-paced strategies like Hog Cycle. With a 4 Elixir cost and availability starting at Arena 5, the Clash Royale Hog Rider is both accessible and effective, widely used to apply pressure and deal consistent tower damage.
Hog Rider Stats
Card Attributes CostHit Speed
First Hit
Speed
Deploy Time
Range
Target
Count
Transport
Type
Rarity
4 1.6 sec 0.6 sec Very Fast (120) 1 sec Melee: Short (0.8) Buildings x1 Ground Troop Rare Level Statistics Level
Hitpoints
Damage
Damage
per second
Card Mastery
Type Level/Tier Objective RewardDamage Dealer 1 Deal a total of 85,000 Damage to enemy
Troops or buildings 100 Hog Rider Cards
50 2 Deal a total of 250,000 Damage to enemy
Troops or buildings 4,000
50 3 Deal a total of 420,000 Damage to enemy
Troops or buildings 150
50
Tower Tapper 1 Hit enemy Crown Towers a total of 560 times 6,000
125 2 Hit enemy Crown Towers a total of 1,600 times 100
125 3 Hit enemy Crown Towers a total of 2,800 times 9,000
125
Siege Weapon 1 Hit towers at least 10 times within a single battle a total of 80 times 6,000
175 2 Hit towers at least 10 times within a single battle a total of 240 times 8,000
175 3 Hit towers at least 10 times within a single battle a total of 480 times 10,000
175
Best Hog Rider Decks in Clash Royale
2.6 Hog Cycle deck:
One of the most iconic and effective decks in Clash Royale Hog Rider strategies is the 2.6 Hog Cycle deck. This classic deck is designed around fast card cycling and precision. It includes Hog Rider, Ice Spirit, Skeletons, The Log, Ice Golem, Cannon, Fireball, and Musketeer. The main goal is to constantly cycle back to your Hog Rider while defending with low-cost cards. The Ice Golem, Ice Spirit, and Skeletons help stall enemy troops, while Cannon and Musketeer provide core defensive value. Fireball and Log are used to handle swarm units and chip away at the tower when needed. This deck excels in the hands of skilled players who can time and place cards with precision.
Hog Executioner Tornado (Hog Exe Nado) Deck:
Another strong contender in the Clash Royale Hog Rider deck lineup is the Hog Executioner Tornado (Hog Exe Nado) deck. This deck features Hog Rider, Executioner, Tornado, Rocket, Valkyrie or Knight, Ice Spirit, Log, and Skeletons. It is known for its control-oriented playstyle and very few bad matchups. The Executioner-Tornado combo is particularly effective for clearing swarms and controlling the battlefield, while Rocket provides an alternate win condition to secure tower damage when Hog Rider can’t connect. This deck provides a strong balance between offense and defense, making it suitable for ladder and tournament play.
Hog EQ Firecracker Deck:
The Hog EQ Firecracker deck is a more recent and modern variation in the meta. It includes Hog Rider, Earthquake, Firecracker, Tesla, Ice Spirit, Skeletons, The Log, and Mighty Miner or Valkyrie. With Earthquake being a key spell, this deck is especially strong against building-heavy defenses like Bomb Tower or Cannon. Firecracker offers value with splash damage and long range, while Tesla serves as a reliable defensive structure. The deck is very fast-paced and allows players to easily shift between defense and offense, making it ideal for quick reaction playstyles.
Hog Executioner Lightning Deck:
For players who prefer a versatile and slightly heavier deck, the Hog Executioner Lightning deck is a great choice. It includes Hog Rider, Executioner, Lightning, Log, Valkyrie, Ice Spirit, Tornado, and Skeletons. This version takes advantage of Lightning’s ability to eliminate defensive troops like Musketeer, Witch, or Electro Wizard that normally stall the Hog Rider. Executioner and Tornado continue to provide a strong defensive combo, while Valkyrie helps with splash tanking. It’s a powerful option for players who like maintaining control while still pressuring towers.
Hog P.E.K.K.A. Control Deck:
The Hog P.E.K.K.A. Control deck offers a tankier and more punishing approach. This deck includes Hog Rider, P.E.K.K.A., Arrows, Goblins, Bats, Ice Golem, Electro Wizard, and Lightning. It’s suited for players who want strong counter-push potential after defending with P.E.K.K.A. The Hog Rider serves as the finisher, supported by spells like Lightning and Arrows to clear enemy troops. With both ground and air defense options, this deck is resilient against various threats and excels in punishing overcommitments.
Hog Musketeer Cycle Deck:
Another variation of the 2.6 archetype is the Hog Musketeer Cycle deck, which features Hog Rider, Musketeer, Skeletons, Ice Spirit, Ice Golem, Fireball, Cannon, and The Log. This deck is widely known for its balanced cycle, reliable defense, and simple yet effective gameplay. Like the original 2.6 deck, its low average Elixir cost makes it possible to maintain constant pressure, while defending with the Musketeer and Cannon core.
Hog Mortar Chip Deck:
Lastly, the Hog Mortar Chip deck offers a unique hybrid strategy. This deck includes Hog Rider, Mortar, Rascals, Zap, Log, Spear Goblins, Goblin Gang, and Bats. It combines Hog Rider pressure with Mortar control, allowing players to play both offensively and defensively. The swarm cards like Goblin Gang and Rascals provide support and distraction, while Zap and Log deal with enemy swarms. This deck is ideal for players who enjoy versatile chip strategies and counter-push potential.
Whether you prefer fast-cycle, heavy control, or hybrid chip strategies, there’s a Clash Royale Hog Rider deck to suit your playstyle. Each of these decks offers unique advantages and challenges, and mastering them can help you climb the ladder and perform well in competitive matches.
Hog Rider’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Strength:
The Clash Royale Hog Rider offers a range of strengths that make it one of the most reliable win conditions in the game. Its greatest asset is its incredible speed, allowing it to reach enemy towers quickly and apply immediate pressure. The Hog Rider targets only buildings, which helps it bypass distractions and head straight for the opponent’s Crown Tower.
With solid damage per hit and a relatively low Elixir cost of 4, it fits seamlessly into fast-paced strategies like Hog Cycle. Its ability to jump over the river gives it a tactical edge by avoiding certain defensive placements. The Hog Rider remains effective across all levels of play, from lower arenas to competitive ladders, thanks to its consistent performance, straightforward mechanics, and versatility in various deck combinations.
Weakness:
Despite its strengths, the Clash Royale Hog Rider does have notable weaknesses. Its moderate health makes it vulnerable to high-damage troops and swarms like Skeleton Army or Goblin Gang, especially if it isn’t supported. Because it only targets buildings, the Hog Rider has no defensive value and cannot help stop enemy troop pushes or deal with air units.
This limitation forces players to rely on other cards to manage air threats. Additionally, the Inferno Tower is a strong counter, as its ramping damage can eliminate the Hog Rider before it reaches the tower. Decks that rely on beatdown strategies or use multiple counters—such as Tornado, Mini P.E.K.K.A, or Electro Wizard—can shut it down effectively. The Hog Rider also struggles against control-style decks like Graveyard or Lava Hound, which can distract or overwhelm it, reducing its ability to connect with enemy towers.
Best Clash Royale Hog Rider Strategy
To maximize the Hog Rider’s potential in Clash Royale, players can employ a range of strategies based on their deck composition and playstyle. One of the most popular and effective strategies is the Hog Cycle deck. This approach uses a deck built around low-cost cards—typically 4 Elixir or less—to allow fast cycling back to the Hog Rider. The goal is to outcycle the opponent’s building or counter troops, applying continuous pressure. Core cards in Hog Cycle decks include Skeletons, Ice Spirit, Ice Golem, Cannon, Musketeer, Fireball, and The Log. With this setup, players can repeatedly send in the Hog Rider while defending efficiently with cheap cards.
Another viable strategy is Hog Control, which focuses on defense-first gameplay, then transitioning into counter-pushes. Control decks typically include defensive spells like Tornado or Earthquake and cards like Valkyrie, Tesla, and Firecracker. These cards help eliminate threats and create counter-push opportunities where the Hog Rider is supported by surviving defensive units. This strategy prioritizes Elixir management and precise defense before committing to an offensive push.
While Hog Beatdown is not a standard archetype, some hybrid decks pair the Hog Rider with mini-tanks like Valkyrie or the Mighty Miner. However, Hog Rider does not synergize well with heavy tanks like P.E.K.K.A., Giant, or Mega Knight, as their slower pace and higher cost disrupt the fast cycling needed for effective Hog usage. Hog is best when used in decks that enable quick pressure and tactical deployment, not as a backline damage dealer behind a massive tank.
Hog Rider placement is crucial for efficiency. Placing it at the edge of the river (one tile from the edge) ensures it takes the quickest path to the enemy tower, bypassing certain building placements. If your opponent has a building in the center, spells like Earthquake can help eliminate or weaken the structure, giving your Hog a better chance of reaching the tower. Using Tornado to activate your King Tower on defense is also an important interaction to learn, but it’s not typically used to help the Hog bypass buildings—rather, it’s used defensively.
One advanced tactic is “Pig Pushing,” which involves placing the Hog Rider slightly behind and to the side of a troop like an Ice Spirit or Goblins to shift its path. This can allow the Hog to bypass certain buildings or reach the tower faster, especially if the opponent misplaces their defensive building by a tile. While this technique is situational, it can catch experienced players off guard.
Hog Pulling is a misunderstood term—Hog Rider targets only buildings, so it cannot be used to pull troops like a distraction unit. Instead, defensive units like Ice Golem or Valkyrie are better suited for pulling and distracting threats such as Elite Barbarians or Mini P.E.K.K.A.
When defending against a Hog Rider, using defensive buildings like Cannon, Bomb Tower, or Tesla is the most reliable method. These structures draw the Hog Rider into the center, allowing both Princess Towers to target it and minimize its damage. However, because Hog Rider is often supported by spells like Earthquake or Log, it’s important not to overcommit your defense in one place. Keep track of your opponent’s card cycle to know when their Hog or support spells are coming back.
Ultimately, successful use of the Hog Rider in Clash Royale comes down to efficient Elixir use, smart cycling, and anticipating your opponent’s responses. Whether you prefer a fast-paced cycle deck or a control-based strategy, the Hog Rider remains one of the most consistent and rewarding win conditions in the game.
Conclusion
Mastering the Hog Rider in Clash Royale is essential for players looking to build a successful strategy around this fast and powerful card. With its unique ability to target only buildings and move at lightning speed, the Hog Rider is an invaluable asset in offensive pushes. To fully capitalize on its strengths, it’s important to focus on efficient Elixir management, quick cycle decks, and smart counterplay.
Using the Hog Rider effectively starts with understanding when and where to deploy it. In Hog Cycle decks, for example, speed is key. These decks are built around cycling low-cost cards quickly, allowing you to continually deploy the Hog Rider and maintain relentless pressure on your opponent. Additionally, outcycling your opponent’s defensive cards is crucial—this forces them to scramble for answers, making it harder for them to mount a solid defense. With this strategy, you can control the tempo of the game, making it difficult for your opponent to recover from multiple Hog Rider attacks.
On the defensive side, knowing how to counter a Hog Rider push is just as important. Defensive buildings like Cannon or Inferno Tower can draw the Hog Rider toward your towers and significantly delay its progress, giving your defense more time to take it down. Swarm units, though risky due to spells like Fireball, can also quickly eliminate the Hog Rider with proper timing.
Whether you’re using the Hog Rider as a primary win condition in Hog Cycle decks or defending against it with defensive buildings and counter troops, understanding how to outcycle your opponent and anticipate their moves can make all the difference. In certain situations, utilizing advanced techniques such as Pig Push or Hog Pull can catch your opponent off guard, giving you a strategic advantage. With the right strategies and tactics, the Hog Rider can become a core component of your deck, allowing you to apply constant pressure, disrupt your opponent’s rhythm, and secure consistent tower damage.
By mastering these techniques, players can ensure that the Hog Rider remains a valuable and effective tool in their Clash Royale arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
❓ What is the Hog Rider in Clash Royale?
The Hog Rider is a Rare card unlocked at Arena 5 that costs 4 Elixir. It targets only buildings and moves at an extremely fast speed, making it an excellent offensive tool for quickly dealing damage to enemy towers.
❓ How can I make my Hog Rider reach the enemy tower?
To maximize the damage your Hog Rider deals to the enemy tower, you should focus on outcycling your opponent’s defense and use Pig Push techniques. This involves positioning the Hog Rider correctly so it can bypass defensive buildings, such as placing it at the bridge corners. Timing is crucial—deploy your Hog Rider when your opponent has already committed a lot of Elixir elsewhere.
❓ Is the Hog Rider good for defensive purposes?
While the Hog Rider is primarily an offensive card, it can occasionally be used to distract enemy troops or buy time for your towers, especially in fast-paced cycles. However, it is not ideal for defense and requires strong support units or defensive cards to be effective.
❓ How do I deal with a Hog Rider rush?
If your opponent is using a Hog Rider rush, focus on defending efficiently with defensive buildings like Cannon or Tornado to pull the Hog Rider into your tower’s range. Keep an eye on your Elixir to prevent running out of resources to deal with the Hog Rider’s quick cycle. You can also use Elixir pumps or fast cycles to outcycle your opponent’s defenses.
❓ Can I use the Hog Rider with other win conditions?
Yes, the Hog Rider can be used alongside other win conditions like X-Bow, Mortar, or Balloon. Combining the Hog Rider with these win conditions can help overwhelm your opponent by splitting their attention between multiple threats. However, it’s important to have a balanced deck with support troops and defensive cards to protect both your win conditions.
❓ What are some advanced Hog Rider tactics?
Advanced Hog Rider tactics include Hog Pulling, where you distract the Hog Rider to give more time for your towers to deal damage. Another tactic is Pig Pushing, which uses placement and timing to push the Hog Rider slightly and make it jump over the river, bypassing certain defensive buildings. These techniques can help you gain an edge over your opponent by catching them off guard.
❓ How do I use the Hog Rider in 2v2 battles?
In 2v2 battles, the Hog Rider works well when used alongside a strong support player who can defend and handle other threats. You can combine the Hog Rider with cheap cycling cards like Ice Spirit and Skeletons to apply pressure. Be sure to coordinate with your teammate, focusing on applying damage in one lane while defending the other.
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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
