Clash Royale Guide: Top Beginner Cards to Get You Started

With over 100 cards in its roster, Clash Royale offers an incredibly diverse set of options. While this variety is part of the game's charm, it can also be daunting for new players. A common question for beginners is: which cards should I start with? To help ease the learning curve, let’s take a look at the nine most effective beginner cards, focusing on the Common and Rare categories that are unlocked early in the game.

Best Cards for Beginners in Clash Royale

The following table highlights the top beginner-friendly cards in Clash Royale, organized into four tiers: S+, S, A, and B.

9. Fireball

Key Feature: Knockback and Versatility

Elixir Cost: 4

Rarity: Rare

Unlock: Training Camp

Fireball is a staple spell card that many new players use frequently, and with good reason. Despite its simplicity, Fireball remains a powerful choice for both beginners and experienced players. Its utility shines in a variety of scenarios:

1. Finishing off weakened enemy troops or structures.

2. Knocking back enemies, disrupting their attack patterns.

3. Clearing out large groups of enemies before they pose a threat.

While other cards may eventually replace Fireball as you progress, it remains a reliable, all-around card that fits into many deck types. Even at higher levels, it continues to serve as a solid option in any playstyle.

8. Zap

Key Feature: Fast and Cost-effective

Elixir Cost: 2

Rarity: Common

Unlock: Builder’s Workshop

Zap is a quick spell with instant impact, perfect for beginners. Its low Elixir cost and immediate stun effect make it great for halting enemy advances, softening up troops, and setting up combos with stronger cards. Although it deals moderate area-of-effect damage, Zap is notably cheaper than similar cards like Arrows, making it an efficient addition to any deck.

What makes Zap stand out is how well it synergizes with other cards like Fireball and Poison. Its ability to quickly disrupt enemy forces and support your offensive units makes it a valuable card for any starting deck.

7. Arrows

Key Feature: Area-of-Effect Damage

Elixir Cost: 3

Rarity: Common

Unlock: Training Camp

While higher-ranked players may swap out Arrows for more advanced spell cards, it's an essential early-game tool for beginners. Its widespread area-of-effect damage is perfect for clearing out both ground and air swarms. For example, Arrows can eliminate Minions that are several levels higher than your own troops, providing a crucial advantage.

That said, Arrows has its downsides. It's slower to activate and costs more Elixir than other options like Zap. When used, there’s a brief delay before impact, which means beginners need to predict enemy movement—a skill that may take some time to master.

6. Bomber

Key Feature: High Destruction Potential

Elixir Cost: 2

Rarity: Common

Unlock: Bone Pit

Though often underestimated, Bomber is one of the most effective early-game units. His ability to deal significant damage makes him ideal for countering enemy swarms. Bomber is particularly effective when paired with tanks like Ice Golem, turning him into a dangerous secondary damage dealer capable of controlling the battlefield.

Bomber’s downside, however, is his vulnerability. He’s relatively easy to take down, so deploying him at the right moment is key to maximizing his destructive potential.

5. Archers

Key Feature: Versatile Synergy

Elixir Cost: 3

Rarity: Common

Unlock: Training Camp

Archers are a reliable card for both offense and defense. They provide aerial support and decent damage against ground troops. For new players, Archers are especially useful for dealing with early threats like the Balloon. Their ability to chip away at aerial and ground units makes them a staple for beginner decks.

Pairing Archers with tank units allows them to remain protected while dishing out damage, making them a flexible choice for those focusing on offensive strategies.

4. Mini P.E.K.K.A.

Key Feature: Balanced Between Defense and Offense

Elixir Cost: 4

Rarity: Rare

Unlock: Training Camp

Mini P.E.K.K.A. is one of the most versatile cards in Clash Royale, serving as both a defensive tank counter and an offensive powerhouse. Agile and strong, it can take down heavy units like the Giant with ease. When paired with area-of-effect cards, Mini P.E.K.K.A. becomes a devastating force on the battlefield.

However, its vulnerability to swarms is its biggest weakness. Since it lacks area-of-effect damage, cards like Skeleton Army can quickly overwhelm it, so you’ll need to use supporting cards to keep Mini P.E.K.K.A. effective.

3. Giant

Key Feature: Targeted Building Damage

Elixir Cost: 5

Rarity: Rare

Unlock: Training Camp

The Giant is an essential card for any beginner deck. As a tank unit, it excels at soaking up damage while targeting enemy buildings, making it a primary offensive option for early-game players. Not only does it deal significant damage to towers, but it can also serve as a defensive distraction when deployed strategically.

Two key strategies when using the Giant are:

- Shielding: Use Giant to protect fragile, high-damage units.

- Damage Reinforcement: Pairing Giant with a Balloon can amplify the damage output, making it a lethal combo.

2. Musketeer

Key Feature: Long-Range Damage

Elixir Cost: 4

Rarity: Rare

Unlock: Training Camp

Despite often being overlooked, Musketeer is one of the most reliable cards for beginners. She provides strong, long-range firepower and excellent synergy with many deck strategies. Her ability to take down aerial threats while staying out of harm’s way makes her a must-have for new players.

Musketeer’s long range allows her to chip away at enemy units without directly engaging them. This makes her an invaluable support card, capable of maintaining pressure on the enemy from a safe distance.

1. Knight

Key Feature: Cost-Effective Tank

Elixir Cost: 3

Rarity: Common

Unlock: Training Camp

Knight is easily the best beginner card in Clash Royale, thanks to his versatility and low cost. He’s a dependable frontliner who can shield your weaker troops while also holding his own in one-on-one fights. Whether used defensively or offensively, Knight can efficiently counter popular threats like Prince and Giant Skeleton.

Though swarms can overwhelm him, Knight’s ability to eliminate weaker units like Goblins makes him a key player in any beginner deck.

By focusing on these cards, new Clash Royale players can build solid, well-rounded decks and gain the confidence they need to climb the ranks.