Base design is not just aesthetics; it determines how well you defend resources and protect trophies. Start by identifying your main goal: farming, trophy pushing, or hybrid play. For farming, prioritize resource storage protection and a layout that slows high-damage attackers; for trophies, emphasize strong core protection and layered defenses that deter big raids. Hybrid bases try to balance both needs, placing storages under sturdy coverage while keeping the Town Hall reasonably shielded.
Key principles include creating functional compartments that slow enemies and guide them into traps and high-damage units. Place the Town Hall and storages in protected zones, surround the core with multiple layers of walls, and spread air defenses to avoid single-point failures. Ensure defenses cover all angles, using funneling tricks to direct waves toward splash damage or dedicated defenses. Regularly adapt layouts to your Town Hall level and available defenses, and avoid obvious weak spots such as oversized gaps or exposed collectors.
Finally, test and iterate. Use replays to spot where attackers breached your design, then rotate layouts after major updates or balance changes. Keep it simple at lower levels and gradually increase complexity as you upgrade. A strong base is not permanent; personal play style and league matter as much as raw strength.