Clash Royale Goblin Gang Guide

Introduction to Goblin Gang

The Goblin Gang is a Common troop card in Clash Royale, costing 3 Elixir to deploy. It becomes available to players once they reach Arena 9, also known as the Jungle Arena. This card spawns a combination of Goblins with knives and Spear Goblins, offering great value for the Elixir cost. The Clash Royale Goblin Gang spawns six Goblins in total: three Goblins with knives (also known as Stab Goblins) in the front and three Spear Goblins in the back. This formation allows the Goblins with more health to tank damage for the Spear Goblins, creating a mini-push that can be effective for both offense and defense.

First introduced on February 24, 2017, the Goblin Gang has seen some balance changes over time. Originally, it spawned three Goblins and three Spear Goblins, but a balance update on December 6, 2017 reduced the Spear Goblin count to two. Later, another balance update on April 10, 2022, restored the Spear Goblin count back to three, returning the total number of spawned Goblins to six. The speed of both the Goblins and the Spear Goblins is Very Fast, making the Goblin Gang a highly versatile card for quick attacks or defense.

Goblin and Spear Goblin Stats and Attributes

The Goblin Gang consists of two types of units: Goblins with knives and Spear Goblins, each with distinct attributes and roles within the gang.

Goblins are melee units with a short range, targeting only ground units. They are Very Fast, with a movement speed of 120, and have a hit speed of 1.1 seconds. At Level 9, each Goblin has 167 hitpoints and deals 90 damage. At Level 11, their hitpoints increase to 204, with damage ranging from 120 to 128, and they deal 109 to 116 damage per second.

Spear Goblins, on the other hand, are ranged units with a range of 5 tiles, capable of targeting both air and ground units. Like the Goblins, they are Very Fast with a movement speed of 120. Initially, their hit speed was 1.3 seconds but has since been adjusted to 1.7 seconds. At Level 9, each Spear Goblin has 110 hitpoints and deals 67 damage. At Level 11, they have 133 hitpoints and deal 81 damage consistently across their attacks. Their damage per second at Level 11 is 47 (slightly reduced to 46 on subsequent attacks).

The Goblin Gang card costs 3 Elixir and deploys three Goblins in the front and three Spear Goblins behind, creating a balanced offensive unit that benefits from both close-range and long-range attacks. The front-back formation allows the tougher Goblins to absorb damage while the Spear Goblins deal damage from a distance, making the Goblin Gang a versatile and cost-effective troop for both offense and defense.

Strengths and Advantages of Using Goblin Gang

The Goblin Gang is a cost-effective troop card, priced at just 3 Elixir, and offers several strategic advantages in Clash Royale. Its ability to spawn a combination of three regular Goblins (melee) and three Spear Goblins (ranged, targeting both air and ground) makes it a versatile and efficient choice for a variety of situations. The multi-targeting capability of the Goblin Gang allows it to be effective defensively against single-target troops and swarm units, as well as to distract and protect other cards on the battlefield.

One of the Goblin Gang’s most notable strengths is its ability to counter high-damage single-target troops like the Hog Rider, Ram Rider, P.E.K.K.A., and Prince, with proper timing and placement. Against Hog Rider, for example, it can completely shut it down, preventing any hits on the tower. The Spear Goblins also help with taking down swarm troops, including Minion Horde, Baby Dragon, and Flying Machine, while the Goblins tank damage. Additionally, it plays a key role in Log Bait strategies by luring the enemy’s Log spell.

Its versatility extends to both offensive and defensive capabilities. The Goblin Gang can be used in a support role, paired with cards like Hog Rider or Miner, to protect them from high DPS threats. It also performs well in a counter-push after defending against enemy troops, thanks to its high damage output. The third Spear Goblin added in recent balance changes has further strengthened its effectiveness, allowing it to deal more damage and handle a wider range of threats. Additionally, the Goblin Gang can effectively counter Elite Barbarians and other strong units with precise placement, buying valuable time for your other troops or Crown Towers.

In terms of defensive applications, the Goblin Gang can shut down several powerful cards, including Battle Ram, Barbarians, Sparky, and Elite Barbarians, often for a positive Elixir trade. It’s particularly useful for distracting Mortars and Golemites and can even stall a Mega Knight or Golem effectively. The Goblin Gang’s faster movement speed makes it more threatening offensively compared to other similar cards like the Skeleton Army, and it can deal over 400 damage per second as a group. It can also bait Arrows and Poison, making it a valuable tool for managing enemy spells and preventing unwanted damage.

The Goblin Gang’s split deployment strategy is another advantage, allowing players to chip damage to both towers and optimize its positioning for maximum impact. Its air defense potential, combined with its ability to deal with Graveyard and survive Poison, makes it a reliable choice for both offense and defense. Being a Common card, it is often higher in level compared to many Legendary cards, ensuring a stronger presence on the battlefield. The Goblin Gang’s combination of high use rate, effective counterplay, and strategic versatility makes it an essential card in many decks.

Weaknesses and Counters to Goblin Gang

The Goblin Gang has some notable weaknesses and counters that can limit its effectiveness in Clash Royale. One of its primary vulnerabilities is its low health, which makes it susceptible to splash damage from troops and spells. Cards like the Mega Knight, Wizard, and Executioner are particularly effective, as they can clear the entire Goblin Gang in one or two hits. The Valkyrie, with its area-of-effect damage, can also deal with the Goblin Gang quickly.

Spells are another major counter. The Log is one of the most effective counters, as it can clear the Goblin Gang for a positive Elixir trade, although the stab Goblins may survive if they are overleveled. Arrows and Zap can also wipe out the Goblin Gang, though Zap won’t kill the stab Goblins if they are at a higher level. The Barbarian Barrel acts similarly to the Log, while the Giant Snowball can push back the Goblins and kill the Spear Goblins, disrupting their attack.

The Poison spell deals damage but isn’t an efficient counter, as it doesn’t instantly kill the Goblin Gang and leads to a negative Elixir trade. The Tornado can also group and eliminate the Goblin Gang, especially when combined with other damaging troops.

Certain units can easily defeat the Goblin Gang as well. An Electro Wizard placed on top of the Goblin Gang can stun them and set up a counter-push. The Ice Spirit can freeze the Goblin Gang, allowing the tower to deal more damage, although it may not completely neutralize the threat. Fire Spirits can distract and take out the Goblin Gang, while the Royal Ghost can be particularly effective, easily slipping through and damaging the Goblins. Additionally, area-damage units like the Bomber can counter the Goblin Gang, though the Goblins can surround and destroy non-360-degree splash units, excluding the Bomber due to its wide splash range.

Guards, a defensive swarm unit, are another threat to the Goblin Gang. They survive Log and Arrows, and though the third Spear Goblin added to the Goblin Gang makes it a more viable option against Guards, the latter still remains a strong counter. The Goblin Gang can also be risky to deploy in a single lane, as it is vulnerable to a Log counter that can wipe it out entirely.

When facing Elite Barbarians, the Goblin Gang can counter them, but the fight can be close, and poor placement may allow the Barbarians to damage the tower. Similarly, while the Goblin Gang can shut down a Hog Rider, it will often allow the Hog to strike the tower once. Against Minion Horde, if the Goblin Gang isn’t split properly, a Baby Dragon or other splash-damaging air units can quickly take them out.

The Goblin Gang can also be overwhelmed by ground splash units if not positioned correctly, and against Three Musketeers, it is likely to be defeated quickly due to their high damage output. Skeletons alone aren’t an effective counter, as the Spear Goblins will easily take them out, but combining them with an Ice Spirit to freeze the Goblin Gang can be a more effective strategy. Additionally, the Goblin Gang must be carefully placed when dealing with Golem to avoid losing Spear Goblins to the Golem’s Death Damage.

Strategies and Tips for Using Goblin Gang

The Goblin Gang is a highly versatile and cost-effective card in Clash Royale, offering great value at just 3 Elixir. Its combination of three melee Goblins and three ranged Spear Goblins makes it capable of targeting both ground and air units, providing a broad range of uses.

The Goblin Gang excels in defensive strategies, where it can effectively deal with single-target troops, such as high-damage units like the Hog Rider and Ram Rider, especially when placed in front to completely shut them down. It can also disrupt enemy troops and stall them, buying you valuable time to mount a counter-push. Additionally, its ability to eliminate ground and air swarms makes it an excellent choice for dealing with enemy units like Minion Horde or other small troops.

Using the Goblin Gang in Log Bait decks is another powerful strategy, as its vulnerability to The Log can draw out this spell, clearing the way for other Log-sensitive cards like the Goblin Barrel. It can also support tank units such as a Hog Rider, providing protection from high-DPS troops for a short period. When facing splash damage troops, deploy the Goblin Gang after your single-target troops have engaged the enemy to minimize damage from splash effects. Split deployment is another useful tactic, allowing you to chip away at both enemy towers simultaneously. By splitting the Goblin Gang, you’ll send four Goblins to one lane and two to the other, applying pressure in multiple areas.

Timing is key when deploying the Goblin Gang. If enemy troops are distracted, you can use the Goblin Gang to quickly eliminate threats like the Mega Knight or other high-damage units. It can also force your opponent to use spells like Arrows or The Log, leaving their other troops more vulnerable to further attacks. Countering specific threats with the Goblin Gang is highly effective: place it strategically to distract and take down units like P.E.K.K.A. and Prince.

For non-360-degree splash units (excluding Bomber), the Goblin Gang can easily surround and destroy them. It can also completely neutralize a Goblin Barrel if deployed at the right moment. Against Elite Barbarians, precise placement will allow you to stall them long enough for your tower to deal significant damage.

The Goblin Gang is also useful for disrupting building-targeting troops like the Mortar by placing it in the center of the Mortar’s range, maximizing the distraction time. When dealing with Golem, positioning the Goblin Gang at a distance is important to keep the Spear Goblins out of the Golem’s Death Damage radius, allowing them to target the spawned Golemites. Additionally, it can handle fragile air units like the Flying Machine and Baby Dragon, using the regular Goblins as tanks while the Spear Goblins attack from a distance. Sparky can be shut down completely by placing the Goblin Gang directly on top of it.

Offensively, the Goblin Gang can deal substantial damage to enemy towers if deployed at the bridge and left unchecked. However, be cautious of splash damage counters when using it offensively. To maximize its effectiveness, split the Goblin Gang or anticipate enemy splash damage and position the Goblins accordingly. Varying your placement will help avoid prediction spells and increase the chances of the Goblin Gang surviving. High-level Goblin Gangs are also more resilient, with higher-level Goblins surviving an equal-level Zap and dealing more damage during a rush.

Finally, pairing the Goblin Gang with a Miner can create a strong offensive synergy, as the stab Goblins survive Zap and keep applying pressure while the Miner targets the tower. Be mindful of common counters like The Log, Arrows, and Zap, and ensure you’re prepared to counter them effectively. By mastering the timing, placement, and synergy of the Goblin Gang, you can harness its full potential in both offensive and defensive strategies.

Best Goblin Gang Deck

This deck revolves around Goblin Gang and leverages a combination of high mobility and versatile damage dealers to control the battlefield. Here’s how to make the most of the Goblin Gang within this deck:

Goblin Gang: A cost-effective, multi-purpose card that can counter a variety of units. The combination of melee Goblins and Spear Goblins provides both air and ground coverage, and it can disrupt high-damage single-target troops. Use it to defend against swarms or as a distraction, while also putting pressure on the opponent.

Spear Goblins: These provide ranged support, helping to deal with air units or chip away at enemy troops. They’re a cheap cycle card, useful for applying pressure or supporting larger pushes.

Zap: A quick and versatile spell to clear low-health troops like Skeletons, Cannon, or Goblins. It also serves as a minor stun to deal with enemy units like Minion Horde or Princess. It’s great for disrupting pushes and eliminating small swarms.

Fireball: A more powerful spell used to clear medium-health units or finish off pesky support troops like Musketeers or Wizards. It’s also valuable for dealing with buildings or units placed close together. Fireball can also be used to counter swarms that aren’t eliminated by Zap.

Dark Prince: A great defensive and offensive card that can protect your tower against swarms and deal splash damage to multiple units. His Shield also allows him to absorb hits and remain on the battlefield longer, making him a reliable tank for your pushes.

Prince: The Prince provides high single-target damage and can charge through enemy troops to deliver devastating hits to towers. His charging ability is particularly strong when paired with Dark Prince or Goblin Gang for additional support.

Bats: A cheap air troop that can quickly swarm and deal significant damage. They’re excellent for air defense and can help deal with other flying troops or serve as a distraction for enemy tanks. Pair them with Spear Goblins to counter air threats effectively.

Goblin Giant: This card serves as your tank for offensive pushes. It can take hits while the Spear Goblins and Prince deal damage behind it. Its Spear Goblins make it a versatile unit that can defend and support other troops.

This deck is flexible, with strong offensive pushes from Goblin Giant, Prince, and Dark Prince, supported by Goblin Gang and Spear Goblins for defense and distraction. Keep your Elixir management efficient, and this deck will give you a solid balance of offensive power and defensive strength.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Goblin Gang is a versatile and cost-effective Common card in Clash Royale, unlocked in Arena 9, that spawns a mix of melee Goblins and ranged Spear Goblins. Its strength lies in its ability to target both ground and air units, making it a valuable asset in both offensive and defensive strategies against a wide variety of threats.

The Goblin Gang offers both offensive and defensive utility. Offensively, it can apply pressure, especially when deployed at the bridge, dealing significant tower damage if left unchecked. Defensively, it excels at distracting and eliminating single-target units like P.E.K.K.A. and Prince, while also effectively countering swarm units and tower-targeting troops such as the Hog Rider and Goblin Barrel. Strategic deployment is key to maximizing its effectiveness, including tactics like surrounding non-splash damage units, corner placement to counter Elite Barbarians, or positioning it at a distance to protect Spear Goblins from the Golem’s Death Damage. Split deployment is another powerful option, applying pressure in multiple lanes and potentially distracting the enemy’s defense.

The Goblin Gang works exceptionally well in Log Bait decks due to its vulnerability to The Log, creating an opportunity to lure out the enemy’s Log and open the way for cards like the Goblin Barrel. It also synergizes well with tank units such as the Hog Rider, providing protection and allowing the tank to reach the enemy tower. However, the Goblin Gang is not without its vulnerabilities. It has relatively low health, making it susceptible to splash damage from units like the Mega Knight, Wizard, Executioner, and Valkyrie. Additionally, it is easily countered by spells like The Log, Arrows, and Zap, although Goblins can survive a Zap if the Goblin Gang is at a higher level.

The addition of a third Spear Goblin in a later update significantly boosted the Goblin Gang’s viability, making it a more powerful card in the current meta. This change has made the Goblin Gang a strong contender in the game, contributing to its high usage and win rates. As a result, there has been growing discussion within the community regarding the card’s potential nerfs or reworks, with suggestions ranging from reducing its damage or hitpoints to altering its spawn formation or adding a fourth regular Goblin with reduced damage. Some players feel it may be overpowered, especially in Log Bait decks, which could be contributing to an imbalanced meta.

Overall, the Goblin Gang is a dynamic card that requires skillful deployment and a good understanding of its counters. Its ability to serve multiple roles at a low Elixir cost makes it a popular choice for many players. However, its susceptibility to common spells and splash damage calls for careful planning and precise timing to maximize its effectiveness in battle. With ongoing discussions about its role in the meta and the potential for future balance changes, the Goblin Gang remains a powerful and influential card in Clash Royale.