So, you've made it to Arena 5, Builder's Workshop in Clash Royale. Nice one! This is where things start to get fun (and a little tricky).
Those simple decks you used before? They might not work anymore, as you'll be facing new cards and more challenging enemies.
But don't worry, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll provide the best Clash Royale decks for Arena 5, built to help you climb those trophies fast!
Why Builder’s Workshop Changes the Game
Arena 5 marks a significant step up, as you’ll gain access to strong cards like Zap, which acts as a cheap, instant stun capable of resetting Inferno Towers or wiping out Skeletons and Goblins with ease.
The Wizard also becomes available, offering substantial AOE damage that can melt swarms and support your pushes.
Deck 1: The Giant Beatdown
When it comes to Clash Royale decks, there's a certain elegance in raw power when it’s expertly done, and the Giant beatdown strategy is precisely that. It’s all about building a strong push that your opponent simply can't handle.
Deck
Win Condition: Giant
Main Support: Musketeer
Melee Defense/Support: Valkyrie
Tank Killer/Defense: Mini P.E.K.K.A.
Small Spell: Zap / Arrows (We prefer Zap due to its stun)
Large Spell: Fireball
Anti-Air/Swarm: Minions / Spear Goblins / Minion Horde
Cheap Cycle/Distraction: Goblins / Skeletons
Strategy
Your main goal for this strategy is to get the Giant to the enemy tower while managing your deck in Clash Royale properly.
To do this, you’ll want to start slow by building up Elixir and defending efficiently, using your Valkyrie to handle ground swarms, your Musketeer for air and ranged threats, and your Mini P.E.K.K.A. for single-target tanks like Giants or Hog Riders.
With this strategy, you’ll also want to use your spells smartly. For example, Zap Skeleton Armies or swarms off your Giant, Fireball the support troops, or finish off a weak tower with your low-cost spells.
The real magic with this strategy happens when you build an elixir advantage, though.
You’ll want to drop your Giant behind your King Tower. As he pushes forward, deploy support troops behind him. A Musketeer placed well back can snipe defenders. A Valkyrie just ahead of the Musketeer protects her from ground assaults.
All of this creates a rolling threat of destruction. Just make sure to be patient, manage your Elixir properly, and time your pushes.
Pro Tip
With this strategy, don't overcommit. If your opponent throws everything at the opposite lane while your Giant push is developing, sometimes it's better to sacrifice some tower health to ensure your main push connects.
Deck 2: Hog Rider Cycle
This strategy is perfect for taking down enemy troops in an Arena 5 deck. This style is faster, requires quicker thinking, and focuses on chipping away at enemy towers with mighty strikes.
Deck
Win Condition: Hog Rider
Primary Defense/Support: Valkyrie
Ranged Support: Musketeer / Archers
Small Spell: Zap
Large Spell: Fireball
Cheap Ground Defense/Cycle: Goblins / Skeletons
Building: Cannon / Tombstone
Cheap Air/Ground Support: Spear Goblins / Minions / Fire Spirits
Strategy
This deck thrives on pressure and smart elixir trades. Your average elixir cost should be low, allowing you to cycle back to your Hog Rider quickly.
The general idea of this strategy is to probe your opponent's defenses constantly. To do this, you’ll send in the Hog Rider, paired with Goblins or Zap, ready to clear distractions.
From there, you’ll want to see how they react. Did they use their Cannon? Their Mini P.E.K.K.A.? Good. Now you know what counters are out of their hand.
Defense is essential with this strategy. Use your Cannon to pull building-targeting troops like Giants and Hog Riders to the center, exposing them to both Arena Towers.
Valkyrie should handle ground swarms, and Musketeer should provide ranged support. You’ll want to use Fireball and Zap to clear the path for your Hog Rider or gain elixir advantages on defense, such as Fireballing a Wizard and Barbarian together.
Instead of one massive push, with this strategy, you’ll launch many smaller attacks to cycle through your deck. Just make sure to keep the pressure on, defend smartly, and whittle down those towers.
Pro Tip
Learn the Pig Push if you're using Goblins or Skeletons, as deploying them just right can nudge the Hog Rider to bypass defensive buildings in the standard middle position.
Useful Tips for Arena 5: Builder's Workshop
Beyond those two OP decks, some tips can boost your CR game and beyond. Here’s some of the best:
Elixir is Everything: We've said it before, but it needs repeating! Never, ever waste elixir. Always try to counter your opponent's plays using less elixir than they spent, as an elixir advantage can act as a tactical advantage.
Placement Matters: Don't just drop troops anywhere; instead, place tanks in front and support behind. Similarly, use buildings to kite enemies, and spread out troops against splash damage like Wizard or Valkyrie.
Know Thy Enemy: Pay attention to the cards your opponent plays and figure out their win condition and key defensive cards. Knowing this helps you predict their moves and plan your attack.
Patience and Timing: Resist the urge to attack constantly. Sometimes the best play is to wait, build elixir, and defend, and launch your counter-push when your opponent is low on elixir.
Card Levels: While strategy is king in Clash, card levels do matter, so focus on upgrading the main cards in your chosen deck.
