Funneling Techniques for Stronger Attacks

Introduction

Have you ever watched your carefully assembled army wander aimlessly around a base, ignoring the core and missing your key objectives? If so, you're not alone. Even top Clash of Clans players have felt the sting of a failed attack, often due to one critical mistake: poor funneling. What if you could consistently guide your troops exactly where you want them to go, every single raid? Mastering funneling is the key to transforming good attacks into great ones—unlocking three-star potential and dominating your opponents.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Funneling

What Is Funneling, and Why Does It Matter?

Funneling is the strategic removal of specific buildings or structures to manipulate the pathing of your main attack force. In Clash of Clans, troops like Bowlers, Pekkas, and even Heroes follow the shortest path to the nearest building. If left unchecked, they’ll often circle the base, leaving the high-value core untouched.

Funneling isn’t just about clearing buildings—it’s about controlling the flow of your attack. A well-executed funnel ensures your troops move toward the heart of the base, maximizing damage and increasing your odds of a three-star victory.

Example: In a Queen Walk, failing to create a funnel can result in your Archer Queen walking around the perimeter, missing key defenses. By clearing specific structures, you ensure she moves into the base as planned.

The Psychology of Troop AI

Understanding troop behavior is crucial to effective funneling. Most ground troops target the nearest structure, while some (like Hog Riders or Balloons) prioritize defenses. Knowing these preferences lets you predict and shape their movement.

• Ground Troops (e.g., Pekka, Bowlers): Follow the path of least resistance to the nearest building.
• Defensive Targeters (e.g., Hog Riders, Balloons): Ignore non-defensive structures, but still need pathing control to reach core defenses efficiently.
• Heroes: Will follow the same AI as regular troops unless manually redirected.

Core Funneling Techniques

1. The Classic Three-Point Funnel

This technique involves clearing buildings on both flanks and deploying your main force in the gap. The result? Troops are channeled directly toward the base’s core.

How-To:

• Use a few troops (e.g., Wizards or Baby Dragons) to clear outer buildings on the left and right.
• Deploy your main force (such as Bowlers or Pekkas) between the cleared areas.
• Ensure the gap is wide enough to prevent troops from straying but not so wide they split.

Pro Tip: Watch for Builder Huts or hidden structures on the edges—they can pull your troops off course if left untouched.

2. Queen Walk/Charge Funnel

The Queen Walk (or Queen Charge) is both a powerful attack and a funneling tool. By sending your Archer Queen (with Healers) along one side, you remove key defenses and create a natural entry point for the rest of your army.

Why It Works:

• The Queen clears high-value targets and creates a safe path for your main troops.
• Healers keep her alive, allowing for deeper penetration into the base.

Example: In Hybrid attacks, a Queen Charge often clears one side, while Miners and Hog Riders sweep through the core.

3. Baby Dragon and Minion Funneling

Air troops like Baby Dragons and Minions excel at clearing isolated or exposed buildings. Their ability to fly over walls makes them perfect for creating wide funnels without triggering traps meant for ground troops.

When to Use:

• Bases with outside structures far from air-targeting defenses.
• When you need to save ground troops for the main push.

4. Earthquake and Jump Spell Pathing

Sometimes, funneling isn’t just about clearing buildings—it’s about creating new paths. Spells like Earthquake and Jump can open up the base, directing your troops where you want them to go.

How to Leverage Spells:

• Use Earthquake spells to break multiple walls and open the core.
• Place Jump spells strategically to connect compartments, guiding troops efficiently.

Tip: Combine with building removal for double effectiveness.

5. Siege Machine-Assisted Funnels

Siege Machines (Wall Wrecker, Battle Blimp, Log Launcher, Flame Flinger) can break through tough defenses and walls, acting as a mobile funnel creator. They draw troops inward while clearing a direct path.

Strategic Uses:

• Wall Wrecker: Ideal for GoWiPe or Pekka Smash attacks, opening the core.
• Flame Flinger: Clears defenses from a distance to set up a safe funnel.
• Battle Blimp: Drops troops deep into the base, bypassing outer layers.

Advanced Funneling: Adapting to Base Designs

1. Anti-Funnel Traps and How to Counter Them

Clever base builders place traps, Teslas, or storages to disrupt standard funnels. Recognizing these anti-funnel tactics is essential.

Countermeasures:

• Scout for suspicious gaps or single buildings that may hide Teslas or traps.
• Use test troops (like a single Barbarian or Balloon) to trigger traps before committing your main force.

2. Creating Pathways for Specialized Troops

Some attacks (e.g., GoHo, Lavaloon) rely on precise pathing for specialized troops. Funneling ensures that Hog Riders or Balloons move efficiently between defenses, maximizing value.

Example: In Lavaloon, removing outer Archer Towers and Cannons prevents Balloons from splitting, focusing them on core air defenses.

3. Funneling in Multi-Stage Attacks

At higher Town Hall levels, attacks often occur in phases. The initial phase sets the funnel, the second phase delivers the main punch, and the final phase cleans up.

Best Practices:

• Plan each phase with funneling in mind—don’t just focus on the start.
• Use cleanup troops (e.g., Minions, Archers) to finish off stray buildings at the end.

Common Funneling Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Overcommitting Troops: Using too many troops for the funnel leaves your main force weakened. Calculate the minimum needed for effective clearing.
2. Underestimating Building HP: Storages and high-HP buildings take longer to clear. Use stronger troops or spells if necessary.
3. Ignoring Time: Spending too long on the funnel can result in time fails. Practice efficient deployment.
4. Inadequate Spell Support: Sometimes a Rage or Freeze spell can save a critical funneling troop—don’t hesitate to use them.

Real-World Examples & Pro Insights

• Pro Player Insight: Many top players record their attacks and analyze troop pathing to identify funneling weaknesses. Even a single missed building can derail an entire strategy.
• Data Point: In Clan War Leagues, attacks with well-executed funnels have a 30-40% higher three-star rate compared to those with poor or no funneling.

Conclusion

Funneling isn’t just an advanced tactic—it’s the foundation of every strong attack in Clash of Clans. By understanding troop AI, mastering funneling techniques, and adapting to evolving base designs, you’ll gain precise control over your army and unlock your full offensive potential. The next time you plan an attack, ask yourself: "Where do I want my troops to go, and how will I get them there?" Practice, review your replays, and refine your funneling skills. With dedication, you’ll soon see your attack success rates—and your confidence—soar.

Ready to take your attacks to the next level? Start mastering your funnels today—and watch as your three-star count climbs!