Clone Spell Combos: Doubling Your Balloons for Devastating Air Assaults
Introduction
What if you could instantly double the most destructive force in your air army, right in the heart of an enemy base? The Clone Spell in Clash of Clans makes this power move possible, especially when paired with Balloons—one of the game's most feared aerial units. But it’s not just about copying troops; it’s about timing, placement, and synergy. Whether you’re a seasoned war veteran or a rising star in your clan, mastering Clone Spell Balloon combos can transform your attack strategy and leave your rivals in awe.
The Clone Spell: A Quick Overview
Before diving into advanced tactics, let's clarify what the Clone Spell does and why it’s so potent with Balloons:
- Function: The Clone Spell creates temporary copies of troops that enter its radius, up to a specific housing space limit (38 at level 6, for example).
- Duration: Cloned troops last for a set time (15-21 seconds, depending on spell level), but they deal full damage and can trigger traps.
- Synergy: The spell is most effective when used on high-impact, mid-cost troops—Balloons fit this profile perfectly due to their splash damage and targeting of defenses.
Why Balloons + Clone Spell = Air Domination
1. Balloons: The Perfect Clone Targets
- Splash Damage: Balloons deal area damage on impact, making each clone a force multiplier.
- Housing Space: At 5 per Balloon, you can clone several with a single spell—potentially 7-8 Balloons at max spell level.
- Destructive Potential: Dropping cloned Balloons deep within a base can turn the tide, especially against clustered defenses.
2. Unlocking Devastating Combos
- LavaLoon (Lava Hounds + Balloons): Clone Spell amplifies the Balloon portion, increasing the DPS surge after Hounds tank initial damage.
- ElectroLoon (Electro Dragon + Balloons): Cloning Balloons behind an Electro Dragon push can overwhelm even the toughest anti-air setups.
- Stone Slammer + Balloons: Deploying a Clone Spell as the Slammer pops releases a wave of Balloons, then doubles them for a crushing finale.
Timing and Placement: The Art of Effective Cloning
1. When to Drop the Clone Spell
- After Initial Tanking: Wait until Lava Hounds or Stone Slammer draw fire, then place the Clone Spell where Balloons will converge.
- Avoiding Traps: Clone after pathing is clear of Seeking Air Mines or Tornado Traps, so your clones survive longer.
- Near High-Value Targets: Place the spell so cloned Balloons path directly to Inferno Towers, Eagle Artillery, or multi-defense clusters.
2. Where to Place the Clone Spell
- Predict Balloon Pathing: Study base layouts; Balloons follow the shortest route to the nearest defense.
- Overlap with Siege Machine Drop: If using a Stone Slammer or Battle Blimp, drop the Clone Spell slightly ahead of its burst point.
- Avoid Overlapping with Original Balloons: To maximize clone count, ensure as many Balloons as possible enter the spell’s radius.
Supporting Spells and Siege Machines: Building a Cohesive Air Army
1. Rage Spell Synergy
- Stacking Power: Drop a Rage Spell over the Clone Spell zone to supercharge both original and cloned Balloons.
- Timing: Raged clones can wipe out core defenses before their timer expires.
2. Freeze and Haste Spells
- Freeze Key Defenses: Use Freeze to neutralize Inferno Towers or Scattershots during the Balloon surge.
- Haste for Speed: Haste Spells accelerate cloned Balloons, helping them reach targets before vanishing.
3. Siege Machines
- Stone Slammer: Soak up damage and deliver Balloons deep into the base; perfect for Clone Spell follow-up.
- Battle Blimp: Direct path to the Town Hall or core; clone Balloons as they spill out for a lethal punch.
Advanced Tactics: Pro Tips and Common Pitfalls
1. Pro Tips
- Scout for Traps: Use test Balloons or observe previous attacks to locate Tornado Traps and Air Mines.
- Clone After Splash Damage: If a Scattershot just fired, it’s safer to clone—your Balloons won’t be instantly wiped out.
- Mix with Minions or Dragons: If you have leftover spell space, a few Minions or a Baby Dragon can clean up after the cloned Balloons clear defenses.
2. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Early Cloning: Dropping the Clone Spell too soon can result in clones being wasted on less valuable troops or dying to traps.
- Overlapping Spells: Don’t stack Clone Spells in the same spot unless you’re certain of a massive Balloon cluster.
- Ignoring Pathing: Misplaced spells lead to cloned Balloons wandering off-course, missing high-value targets.
Case Studies: Real-World Examples
Example 1: Clan War League Three-Star
A pro attacker uses a LavaLoon army with a Stone Slammer. After the Slammer breaks open near the core, a Clone Spell and Rage are dropped together. Eight cloned Balloons swarm the enemy Town Hall, Inferno Tower, and Eagle Artillery, demolishing them in seconds and securing the triple.
Example 2: Legend League Push
In a Legend League attack, the player uses a Battle Blimp to deliver Balloons behind an Electro Dragon funnel. The Clone Spell is used just as the Blimp pops over the core, doubling the Balloon count. Coupled with a Freeze on the defending Queen and Scattershot, the cloned Balloons clear the core, paving the way for a 90%+ two-star.
When Not to Use Clone Spell with Balloons
- Heavy Air Trap Zones: If the base is loaded with Seeking Air Mines or Tornado Traps in the core, clones may die instantly.
- Spread-Out Defenses: Bases with wide defense spacing reduce the impact of cloned Balloons’ splash damage.
- Low-Level Clone Spell: If your Clone Spell level is low, you may not clone enough Balloons to justify the spell slot.
Conclusion
The Clone Spell is more than just a flashy trick—used wisely with Balloons, it’s a game-changer that can turn close attacks into crushing victories. Mastering the timing, placement, and support spell synergy is key to unlocking its full potential. Next time you’re planning an air assault, consider adding a Clone Spell to your lineup and watch your Balloons multiply for devastating effect.
Ready to try Clone Spell Balloon combos in your next war? Experiment, adapt, and share your own tactics with your clan—because in Clash of Clans, the sky’s the limit.