Laboratory Priorities: What Troops and Spells Should You Upgrade First in 2024?

Introduction

Imagine launching a perfectly planned attack, only to watch your maxed-out heroes and siege machines falter because your troops or spells are under-leveled. In Clash of Clans, the Laboratory is the silent powerhouse behind every successful raid. But with so many upgrade options and limited time, the question remains: Which troops and spells should you prioritize in 2024 to maximize your offensive potential?

Whether you’re a seasoned war veteran or a rising clan star, mastering Laboratory priorities is the key to dominating both multiplayer and Clan Wars. Let’s dive deep into the strategies, examples, and data that separate casual attackers from true offensive masterminds.

Why Laboratory Prioritization Matters More Than Ever

The Laboratory is the backbone of your offensive strength. Upgrading troops and spells directly increases their damage, hitpoints, and special abilities—giving you the edge in every battle. In 2024, with new troop levels, meta shifts, and evolving base designs, making the right upgrade choices is more critical than ever.

Key reasons to prioritize upgrades:

• Stronger attacks: Higher-level troops and spells break through tougher defenses.
• War performance: Maxed war troops can mean the difference between a clutch three-star and a failed attack.
• Resource efficiency: Smart upgrades yield better loot raids and faster progression.
• Adaptability: Staying current with the meta ensures your attacks remain effective against new defensive layouts.

Understanding Your Offensive Needs

Before you queue up your next Laboratory upgrade, ask yourself:

• What attack strategies do I use most?
• Am I focused on war, farming, or trophy pushing?
• Which troops or spells are central to those strategies?

For example, a player who relies on Queen Charge Hybrid should prioritize Healers, Miners, and Hog Riders, while a LavaLoon enthusiast must focus on Balloons, Lava Hounds, and critical spells like Haste and Rage.

Pro Tip: Don’t upgrade what you think is strong—upgrade what you actually use. This maximizes your return on investment and ensures every upgrade impacts your gameplay.

Top Troop Upgrade Priorities for 2024

1. Core Farming Troops

Barbarians, Archers, Goblins

These are the backbone of cost-effective farming. Upgrading them boosts your loot efficiency, especially in early to mid-game. Max-level Goblins, for instance, can decimate resource storages faster, meaning more loot in less time.

Example: A TH10 player with maxed Goblins can clear storages in seconds, outpacing even advanced attack strategies in pure loot per hour.

2. War and Meta Troops

Electro Dragons

Still a staple for high-level war and trophy attacks, especially in lower Legend League. Their chain lightning and tankiness make them a top upgrade for TH11+.

Balloons & Lava Hound

The LavaLoon strategy remains meta in 2024, especially with new Balloon levels. Prioritize Balloons for increased DPS and Lava Hounds for tanking and pup generation.

Miners & Hog Riders

Hybrid attacks (Queen Charge Hybrid) dominate war at TH10-TH14. Upgrading Miners and Hog Riders is crucial for players who favor this approach.

Witches & Bowlers

For mass Witch or Bowler attacks, especially in CWL, upgrading these troops can swing wars in your favor. Their splash damage and skeleton spawning overwhelm defenses when maxed.

Yeti & Super Troops

Yeti Smash and Super Troop variants (Super Archers, Super Wizards) are increasingly popular. Prioritizing Yetis and unlocking key Super Troop upgrades can open advanced strategies.

3. Versatile Support Troops

Healers: Essential for Queen/Grand Warden charges. Higher-level Healers keep your heroes alive longer, enabling deeper pushes.

Wall Breakers/Super Wall Breakers: Crucial for opening compartments in advanced attacks. Even a single level can mean the difference between a busted charge and a failed entry.

Spell Upgrade Priorities: The Hidden Game-Changers

1. Rage Spell

The Rage Spell remains the centerpiece of most advanced attacks. Upgrading it amplifies both damage and healing, making it a must-max for Queen Charges, Hybrid, and air attacks.

2. Freeze & Poison Spells

Freeze: Interrupts Infernos, Scattershots, and Eagle Artillery. Higher levels mean longer freezes—game-changing in tight situations.

Poison: Essential for dealing with defending Clan Castle troops and heroes. A maxed Poison can neutralize Super Minions or Witches before they wreak havoc.

3. Heal Spell

Indispensable for Hog/Miner attacks. Upgrading the Heal Spell can be the difference between a wiped-out squad and a three-star finish.

4. Haste & Bat Spells

Haste: Core to LavaLoon and air attacks. Faster Balloons = more DPS and less exposure to defenses.

Bat Spell: With the right support, Bat Spells can demolish bases. Higher levels mean more bats, increasing the odds of a successful sweep.

Balancing Troop and Spell Upgrades: A Strategic Approach

The 70/30 Rule

Allocate roughly 70% of your Laboratory time to troops you use most, and 30% to supporting spells. This ensures your main attack stays powerful while your spells keep pace.

Example: If you’re a Hybrid attacker, prioritize Miners, Hog Riders, and Healers, but don’t neglect Rage and Heal spells.

Don’t Ignore Niche Upgrades

Some upgrades may not be meta now but can become vital after balance changes. For instance, upgrading Golems or Valkyries can open up new strategies when the meta shifts.

Keep an Eye on Super Troop Requirements

Certain Super Troops require base troop upgrades. If you’re eyeing Super Wizards or Super Wall Breakers, plan those upgrades early.

Laboratory Efficiency: Maximizing Your Upgrade Time

• Keep the Lab Busy: Never let your Laboratory idle. Plan upgrades in advance, especially before going offline or on vacation.
• Use Magic Items Wisely: Save Books of Fighting/Spells and Research Potions for high-impact upgrades or Clan Games/CWL.
• Prioritize Upgrade Time: Sometimes, faster upgrades can be more beneficial if they unlock a new strategy sooner.

Real Player Insights: What the Pros Are Upgrading in 2024

• TH15 War Players: Focusing on Electro Titans, Super Archers, and Rage/Freeze spells for anti-2-star strategies.
• Farmers: Maxing out Goblins, Sneaky Goblins, and Lightning Spells for fast loot runs.
• Hybrid Attackers: Prioritizing Miners, Hog Riders, Healers, and Heal/Rage spells.
• Air Attackers: Balloons, Lava Hounds, and Haste/Freeze spells are top picks.

Conclusion: Make Every Upgrade Count

The Laboratory is your offensive engine—choose your upgrades with purpose. Focus on the troops and spells that define your playstyle, adapt to the evolving meta, and always keep your Laboratory working. By following these priorities and strategies, you'll ensure every attack in 2024 is stronger, smarter, and more successful.

Ready to dominate? Review your favorite strategies, plan your next upgrades, and watch your attacks reach new heights this year. The Laboratory is waiting—make your next upgrade count!