Clash Royale has always been about head-to-head action, but there’s a special thrill to teaming up with rival groups.
That’s where Clan Wars shines. This competitive feature increases the intensity, offering collective objectives, better rewards, and a fresh layer of team strategy.
If you’ve ever wondered how your clan can excel in this high-stakes environment, here’s a closer look at everything you need to know.
The Fundamentals of Clan Wars

First things first, Clan Wars are a group-based contest where multiple clans compete over several days. The system involves attacking rival clans’ defences and defending your clan’s territory. Team members can contribute by participating in battles, upgrading war decks, and guiding each other through pure strategy.
Clan Wars Structure
Collection Phase and War Decks

In the latest version of Clan Wars, each participant gathers cards during a preliminary phase. Your collection determines which cards you’ll use on war days. This means it’s smart to work on unlocking and leveling up various cards to keep your war decks flexible.
Once you collect your cards, you’ll build your best decks for war. Since each deck can only be used once during the event, having multiple reliable options is crucial. Heroes of the arena often recommend preparing at least three or four distinct setups, each focusing on a different strategy, such as air assaults, ground-based attacks, or hybrid tactics.
River Race and Boat Battles

A key highlight is the River Race, where clans battle along a virtual river map. Each clan has a boat that can be upgraded for better defence and faster progress. You’ll earn points by completing battles, which pushes your boat forward and brings you closer to finishing first.
Watch for the Boat Battle phase, where rival clans can board your vessel and attempt to slow you down. A strong defensive layout can deter many opponents, so setting traps and upgrading your boat’s defences pays off in the long run. On the offensive side, coordinating with your teammates to time attacks on rival boats can swing the race in your favour.
War Day and Rewards
When War Day arrives, it’s time to put those collected cards to use in final battles. Each clan member can engage in limited matches to determine whether your clan gains a big advantage or loses ground. Victory points accumulate, and the top clans at the end of War Day reap the most lucrative prizes.
Rewards range from gold and cards to rare items you can use to upgrade your roster. These extras can give you a serious edge in your regular ladder matches, meaning Clan Wars is an excellent way to boost your progress.
Crafting Your Strategy

Focus on Card Diversity
While some players buy Clash Royale accounts with all the cards, a balanced approach to leveling is always smart. However, relying on just a few combos can open you to counters. We recommend boosting a variety of units and spells and considering how they work together in your decks. Mixing up these options guarantees you’ll handle everything from swarms to heavy tanks.
Communication Above All
Clan Wars require teamwork. A single match can influence the clan’s position, so talking tactics with your squad makes a difference. Share replays, brainstorm defensive setups, and ask for deck advice. Using in-game chat or external group chats fosters a supportive environment. When everyone’s on the same page, your attacks and defences mesh together better than any player could achieve alone.

Boat Defense Mastery
Boat defence is an underrated art. Upgrading your boat’s cannons, towers, and other defensive elements can give you a surprise advantage. Many clans often neglect this portion, focusing only on offence. Guarding your territory can catch opponents off guard, giving you the breathing room to push your boat further on the river.

Adapt Your War Decks
Every clan faces different opponents, each with its strategies. Remember how rival clans approach battles and adjust your decks to counter them. If you notice heavy usage of ground-based troops in a rival’s arsenal, slot in more spells or anti-swarm troops. Small tweaks can differentiate between a triumphant strike and a failed attempt.
How to Organize Your Clan

Designate Roles
Not everyone in the clan has the same style. It is not only leaders and elders who shine in Clan Wars. Some players excel at fast-cycle decks, while others thrive on heavy-push setups. Encourage each member to embrace their strengths so the team can cover all angles. Assign defensive specialists to craft strong layouts for boat defences while high-pressure attackers focus on scoring big points on War Day.
Set Participation Goals
There’s nothing worse than losing because some members didn’t play. Ensure everyone understands how many battles they must finish and which tasks they’re responsible for. Light reminders can go a long way in keeping everyone active throughout the war cycle.
Encourage Sharing Decks and Replays
Learning from each other is part of the fun. If someone on your team tests a successful deck against a tough opponent, ask them to share it. Replays can reveal strategies that might never have crossed your mind. When everyone’s learning, the entire clan improves.
Embrace the Battle

Ready to put these ideas into action? Invite your clanmates to read this guide and start mapping out your approach. If you’re eager to keep your skills fresh and discover new techniques for Clan Wars and ladder play, sign up for our newsletter below. You’ll get direct access to strategy breakdowns, exclusive interviews with top players, and invitations to special community events.