Elixir Farming Tactics: Best Army Compositions for Fast Collection
Introduction
Ever wondered how top Clash of Clans players seem to always have overflowing Elixir storages, even after expensive upgrades? Elixir is the engine that powers your progress, from upgrading troops to constructing vital buildings. Yet, many players struggle to keep their reserves full, often hitting frustrating bottlenecks that stall their village growth. What if you could consistently outpace your upgrade timers and never worry about running dry? The secret lies in mastering efficient elixir farming—with the right army compositions and smart strategies.
Why Elixir Farming Matters
Elixir is more than just a resource; it's the lifeblood of your development. Without it, your barracks, laboratory, and storages stagnate. Smart farming means you can:
- Upgrade your core troops for war and farming.
- Construct and upgrade key buildings like Barracks, Army Camps, and Spell Factories.
- Maintain a steady cycle of progress, minimizing idle time.
But not all farming is created equal. The difference between a mediocre and a master farmer often comes down to two things: army composition and target selection.
Key Principles of Efficient Elixir Farming
Before diving into the best armies, let's clarify what makes for efficient elixir farming:
- Low Cost, High Return: Use armies that cost less elixir than they earn.
- Speed: Quick training times mean more attacks per session.
- Flexibility: Adapt to different base layouts and loot distributions.
- Sustainability: Avoid armies that require Dark Elixir or gems to replenish regularly.
Top Army Compositions for Fast Elixir Collection
1. Barch (Barbarians + Archers)
Best for: Town Hall 6–10, quick raids, and low-cost farming.
Why it works:
- Cheap and Fast: Both Barbarians and Archers are inexpensive and quick to train.
- Great for Sniping: Perfect for picking off exposed collectors and storages.
- No Dark Elixir: Keeps your Dark Elixir safe for hero upgrades.
How to use:
- Deploy Barbarians as a meat shield, followed by Archers for ranged damage.
- Focus on bases with collectors outside walls.
- Skip well-defended or centralized storages to save time and troops.
Example Composition (TH8):
- 80 Barbarians
- 120 Archers
2. GiBarch (Giants + Barbarians + Archers)
Best for: Slightly tougher bases, Town Hall 7–11.
Why it works:
- Giants soak up damage so your Barbarians and Archers can loot safely.
- Can break deeper into the base to reach storages.
How to use:
- Drop Giants first to attract defenses.
- Use Wall Breakers (optional) to open compartments.
- Sweep in with Barbarians and Archers behind.
Example Composition (TH9):
- 10 Giants
- 80 Barbarians
- 100 Archers
- 4 Wall Breakers
3. Goblin Knife
Best for: TH8–TH11, farming storages in the core.
Why it works:
- Goblin speed and double damage to resources make them the fastest looters.
- Jump Spell or Wall Breakers help them reach the core quickly.
How to use:
- Create a funnel with Giants or a few Wizards.
- Use Wall Breakers or Jump Spell to breach walls.
- Flood the core with Goblins to empty storages fast.
Example Composition (TH10):
- 10 Giants
- 100 Goblins
- 8 Wall Breakers
- 6 Wizards
- 2 Jump Spells
4. Baby Dragons Spam
Best for: TH9+, farming in higher leagues or dead bases.
Why it works:
- Baby Dragons are tanky and self-supporting when deployed separately.
- Effective against abandoned or poorly defended bases.
How to use:
- Spread Baby Dragons around the base to trigger their rage ability.
- Focus on bases with full collectors on the outside.
- Use Lightning Spells for air defenses if needed.
Example Composition (TH10):
- 10–12 Baby Dragons
- 2–3 Lightning Spells
5. Mass Miner (TH11+)
Best for: High-level farming with plenty of elixir and strong heroes.
Why it works:
- Miners bypass walls and target resources directly.
- Consistent three-star potential on dead or weak bases.
How to use:
- Deploy Miners in a line to sweep through the base.
- Use Heal Spells to keep them alive through splash damage.
- Combine with Heroes for extra push.
Example Composition (TH12):
- 30–36 Miners
- 5 Heal Spells
Choosing the Right League for Farming
Your league affects the quality and quantity of loot available. Here’s what to consider:
- Silver & Gold Leagues: Best for finding abandoned bases with full collectors. Ideal for Barch and GiBarch.
- Crystal League: Higher loot bonuses and more active bases, but tougher defenses. Good for Goblin Knife and Baby Dragons.
- Master League+: Higher loot bonuses, but bases are often more challenging. Mass Miner shines here.
Pro Tip: Drop trophies if you’re struggling to find good bases. Don’t be afraid to lose attacks intentionally to stay in your sweet spot.
Maximizing Efficiency: Training, Spells, and Heroes
- Queue Armies: Always have your next army training before attacking. Use Quick Train slots for your favorite compositions.
- Spell Usage: Minimize spell use for cheaper armies. Save spells for tough bases or when you need to break into the core.
- Hero Management: Farm when your heroes are available for tougher attacks. For light farming, you can skip heroes to keep them upgrading.
Base Selection: What to Look For
- Full Collectors: Focus on bases where collectors are outside or lightly defended. You can recognize full collectors by the color and fullness of the resource tanks.
- Abandoned Bases: Look for dead bases with inactive defenses and full storages.
- Avoid Traps: Don’t waste time on bases with centralized storages or strong defenses unless you have a composition that can handle it.
Advanced Tips and Player Insights
- Use Boosts Wisely: Consider boosting your Barracks and Heroes for an hour to maximize farming sessions.
- Clan Castle Troops: Request Giants or Balloons for extra punch, but avoid using Dark Elixir troops if you’re saving DE.
- Plan Your Upgrades: Target the amount of Elixir needed for your next upgrade, then stop farming to avoid being raided with full storages.
Example Attack Log (TH9 Barch Farming Session)
| Attack |
Loot Gained |
Army Cost |
Net Elixir |
| 1 |
230,000 |
35,000 |
195,000 |
| 2 |
180,000 |
35,000 |
145,000 |
| 3 |
260,000 |
35,000 |
225,000 |
Result: Over 500,000 Elixir net gain in under 15 minutes!
Conclusion
Elixir farming is an art that balances speed, efficiency, and resourcefulness. By choosing the right army for your Town Hall level, targeting the right bases, and optimizing your attack routine, you can keep your Elixir storages brimming—fueling faster upgrades and giving you a competitive edge. Whether you’re a casual farmer or a hardcore grinder, these tactics will help you master Clash of Clans’ resource game.
Ready to fill your storages and outpace your clanmates? Try these compositions, experiment with leagues, and watch your Elixir reserves soar!