Optimal Clone Spell Troop Setups for Clash of Clans
Introduction
Ever wondered why some attacks in Clash of Clans seem to flood the base with unstoppable armies, while others fizzle out despite similar troop levels? The secret weapon might just be the Clone Spell—one of the most misunderstood yet game-changing spells in the arsenal. What if you could double your offensive power at the perfect moment, overwhelming defenses and snatching victory from the jaws of defeat? This article dives deep into the art and science of optimal Clone Spell troop setups, revealing how to maximize its potential alongside your spells and siege machines.
Understanding the Clone Spell: Mechanics and Potential
Before we build the perfect setup, let's clarify how the Clone Spell works:
- Effect: The Clone Spell creates temporary copies of troops within its radius, up to a housing space limit determined by the spell's level.
- Duration: Cloned troops last for a limited time (typically 30 seconds), but deal full damage and can trigger abilities.
- Limitations: It won't clone heroes, siege machines, or already cloned troops, and placement timing is critical.
Why does this matter? Because maximizing value means cloning the right troops at the right moment, multiplying high-impact units, and syncing with your siege machine's path.
Key Factors for Optimal Clone Spell Setups
1. Troop Selection: Who to Clone and Why
Not all troops are created equal when it comes to cloning. The best candidates share these traits:
- High Damage Output: Cloning Balloons, Yetis, or Super Archers can devastate defenses.
- Special Abilities: Electro Dragons (chain lightning), Super Minions (long-range shots), or Miners (burrow ability) benefit from numbers.
- Housing Space Efficiency: Troops with moderate space requirements maximize the spell’s capacity (e.g., Balloons at 5 housing each).
Examples:
- Balloons: At Clone Spell level 6 (housing space 38), you can clone 7 Balloons, doubling your airstrike.
- Electro Dragons: Cloning a single E-Dragon (housing 30) leaves room for a few Balloons.
- Super Archers: Their long range allows cloned units to survive longer and snipe key targets.
2. Timing and Placement: When and Where to Drop the Clone Spell
A perfectly placed Clone Spell can turn the tide. Consider:
- Path Prediction: Drop the spell where your troops will be in 2-3 seconds, not where they are now.
- Siege Machine Synergy: Use the spell as your Battle Blimp or Stone Slammer releases troops over the core, cloning them just as they reach high-value targets.
- Trap Avoidance: Avoid cloning over areas likely to contain Giant Bombs or Seeking Air Mines.
Pro Tip: Watch pro replays—notice how top players pre-drop the Clone Spell so the main force enters its radius right as they reach the Town Hall or Eagle Artillery.
3. Best Siege Machines to Pair with Clone Spell
- Battle Blimp: The classic combo. Fill your blimp with Balloons and an Electro Dragon, send it to the core, and clone the payload for massive burst damage.
- Stone Slammer: Ideal for air attacks; as it breaks open, cloned Balloons or Dragons can fan out across defenses.
- Wall Wrecker: Less common, but cloning Yetis or Bowlers as they spill out can overwhelm the core.
Example Setup:
- Blimp + Balloons + E-Dragon + 2 Clone Spells + Rage Spell: Perfect for Town Hall 13/14 attacks, delivering a devastating blow to the core.
4. Popular Clone Spell Army Compositions
a) Loon Clone (Blimp Clone Loon)
- Army: Balloons, Lava Hounds, minions, 2x Clone, Rage, Haste.
- How It Works: Send Lava Hounds to tank air defenses. Use Blimp to deliver Balloons to the core. Clone and Rage Balloons over Town Hall for a one-shot.
- Why It’s Effective: Balloons are cheap to clone, deal splash damage, and can clear clustered defenses fast.
b) E-Drag Clone
- Army: Electro Dragons, Balloons, 1-2 Clone, Rage, Freeze.
- How It Works: Use E-Drag chains to soften up the base, then clone as they hit dense defense clusters.
- Why It’s Effective: E-Drags are slow but devastating; cloning increases chain lightning potential.
c) Super Archer Clone (Super Archer Blimp/‘SA Blimp’)
- Army: Super Archers, Balloons, 2 Clone, Rage, Invisibility.
- How It Works: Blimp delivers Super Archers to the core; clone them and use Invisibility to maximize damage.
- Why It’s Effective: Super Archers’ range allows cloned units to survive longer and hit more targets.
d) Yeti Clone
- Army: Yetis, Bowlers, Healers, 1-2 Clone.
- How It Works: Clone Yetis as they break out of the Wall Wrecker, flooding the core with Yetimites.
- Why It’s Effective: Overwhelms the core with tanky units and high DPS.
5. Clone Spell Level and Housing Space: Making the Most of Each Upgrade
- Clone Spell Level 1: 18 housing space (e.g., 3 Balloons or 1 Yeti)
- Level 6 (max): 38 housing space (e.g., 7 Balloons or 1 E-Dragon + Balloons)
Insight: Higher levels drastically increase value. Prioritize upgrading the Clone Spell if you plan to use these setups regularly.
6. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Cloning Low-Impact Troops: Avoid cloning minions or goblins unless part of a niche strategy.
- Misdropped Clone Spell: Always anticipate troop movement; practice in friendly challenges.
- Overcommitting Spells: Don’t use too many Clone Spells at the expense of Rage, Freeze, or Haste—you need a balanced spell lineup.
7. Pro Tips and Advanced Tactics
- Double Clone Setups: At higher Town Hall levels, double Clone Spells can create overwhelming numbers when timed perfectly.
- Clone + Invisibility: Use Invisibility to protect cloned troops, especially Super Archers, maximizing their lifespan.
- Clone for Cleanup: In rare cases, clone fast-moving troops (like Miners or Balloons) late in the attack to secure cleanup and stars.
Conclusion
The Clone Spell is not just a gimmick—it's a force multiplier in the hands of a skilled attacker. By carefully selecting which troops to clone, mastering timing and placement, and pairing with the right siege machine, you can unleash devastating attacks that catch even seasoned defenders off guard. Whether you're pushing for three stars in war or climbing the Legend League ladder, experimenting with these optimal Clone Spell setups will elevate your game. Dive into friendly challenges, watch pro replays, and start cloning your way to victory!
Ready to step up your attack game? Try out these Clone Spell combos and discover which setup dominates your next raid!