Which Defenses to Max First for Strong Clan War Defense

Introduction

Did you know that upgrading the wrong defense first could be the reason your base keeps getting three-starred in Clan Wars? Many Clash of Clans players rush to max out their newest toys, only to find their war bases crumbling under seasoned attackers. If you’ve ever wondered why some bases hold up against even the best war clans while others fall apart, the answer often lies in upgrade priorities. Let’s break down which defenses you should max first—and why—if you want to build a war base that’s as tough as nails.

Understanding the Importance of Upgrade Order

Why Upgrade Order Matters

Every defense in Clash of Clans serves a unique purpose. Upgrading them in the right order can:

• Deter high-level attackers from getting easy three-stars.
• Force opponents into mistakes by making key defenses harder to overcome.
• Maximize your defensive value per builder and resource spent.

A well-planned upgrade path doesn’t just make your base stronger—it makes your clan more competitive in wars.

The Clan War Difference

In regular play, splash damage and resource protection are often top priorities. But in Clan Wars, the focus shifts to anti-three-star defense. Here, the question isn’t just "what looks strong?" but "what actually stops war attacks?"

The Core Principles: What Makes a Defense High Priority?

1. Coverage: Does the defense protect a large portion of your base?
2. Threat Level: Does it counter popular war attack strategies (e.g., Lavaloon, Queen Charge, Hybrid)?
3. Synergy: Does it work especially well with other defenses?
4. Upgrade Time & Cost: Is the defensive gain worth the builder time?

Let’s apply these principles to each major defense.

High-Priority Defenses to Max First

1. Inferno Towers (TH10+)

Why First: Inferno Towers are war base MVPs. Their single-target mode melts heroes and high-HP troops, while multi-target mode shreds swarms. They’re especially deadly against Queen Charges, P.E.K.K.A. Smash, and Hog/Miner Hybrid attacks.

Example: At TH12, a maxed Inferno Tower can single-handedly stop a Queen Walk if placed near the Town Hall or high-value compartments.

Tip: Always keep your Infernos active and centralized for maximum coverage.

2. X-Bows (TH9+)

Why Early: X-Bows have high DPS and long range, making them a constant threat throughout an attack. Ground or air mode flexibility lets you tailor your defense to the meta.

Player Insight: War pros often analyze X-Bow placement first when planning attacks, since their coverage shapes the entire base.

Upgrade Path: Max both X-Bows before moving to splash defenses at TH9/10.

3. Air Defenses (All TH Levels)

Why Critical: Air attacks like Lavaloon and Dragons are common in wars. Upgrading Air Defenses early can force attackers to switch strategies or risk failure.

Data Point: At TH9, a single level difference in Air Defense can be the difference between a failed and successful LavaLoon.

Best Practice: Upgrade all Air Defenses evenly to avoid creating weak spots.

4. Eagle Artillery (TH11+)

Why Essential: The Eagle Artillery targets high troop concentrations, punishing mass attacks and late-stage pushes. Its psychological impact alone deters many attackers.

Comparison: A max Eagle can deal over 3000 damage per volley—enough to wipe out groups of Hogs or Bowlers.

Placement: Center it to maximize trigger time and protection.

5. Scattershots (TH13+)

Why Top-Tier: Scattershots deal massive splash and anti-heal damage, countering Hog/Hybrid and Witch attacks. Their range and burst make them a must-max for high-level wars.

Example: At TH13/14, a max Scattershot can almost single-handedly repel a mass Witch push if supported by splash.

6. Bomb Towers & Wizard Towers (Splash Defenses)

Why Next: Splash damage is your main defense against swarm attacks. Upgrading Bomb and Wizard Towers early helps counter Miners, Hogs, and Bats.

Synergy: Place near storages or core compartments to maximize splash coverage.

7. Archer Queen & Barbarian King (Heroes)

Why Included: While not technically defenses, heroes are crucial for war defense. A maxed Queen can eliminate attacking heroes or key troops, while the King stalls and disrupts.

Strategy: Upgrade heroes in parallel with top-tier defenses for balanced war readiness.

8. Air Sweepers

Why Underrated: Air Sweepers disrupt air pathing, slow down Balloons, and can ruin Lavaloon timing. Upgrading them early can force attackers to rethink their approach.

Tip: Adjust their angles to cover high-value compartments.

Lower-Priority Defenses (Upgrade Later)

Cannons & Archer Towers

While important for overall DPS, these single-target defenses are less impactful in wars compared to splash and specialty defenses. Upgrade them after your core war defenses are maxed.

Mortars

Mortars are effective against low-level troops, but most war attacks at higher Town Halls use high-HP units or air troops, making mortars less vital.

Traps

Traps are potent, but their impact is maximized when upgraded after core defenses. However, Giant Bombs and Seeking Air Mines can be prioritized if you’re facing lots of Hybrid or Lavaloon attacks.

Example Upgrade Order for Strong War Defense

Let’s say you just reached a new Town Hall. Here’s an ideal upgrade order for war defense:

1. Clan Castle (for extra defense troops)
2. Inferno Towers / Eagle Artillery / Scattershots (depending on TH level)
3. X-Bows
4. Air Defenses
5. Bomb Towers & Wizard Towers
6. Heroes
7. Air Sweepers
8. Traps (Giant Bombs, Seeking Air Mines)
9. Cannons & Archer Towers
10. Mortars

This order ensures you’re always upgrading the defenses that give the most war value first.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Neglecting Air Defenses: Air attacks dominate many war metas; keep these maxed.
• Upgrading All at Once: Focus on one or two key defenses at a time to avoid spreading your builders too thin.
• Ignoring Traps: Maxed traps can turn a two-star into a one-star defense, especially against Hybrid and Lavaloon.
• Delaying Hero Upgrades: Heroes are often the difference-maker in close wars.

Conclusion

Upgrading defenses in the right order is the secret weapon of top war clans. By focusing on high-impact defenses like Inferno Towers, X-Bows, Air Defenses, and Scattershots, you make your base a true fortress. Remember, Clan Wars are won by forcing attackers into mistakes and maximizing every defensive edge. Prioritize wisely, upgrade strategically, and your base will become the backbone of your clan’s war success.

Ready to take your war base to the next level? Start with these upgrade priorities, and watch your defense logs fill with failed attacks. Good luck, Chief!