Wizard Guide: Rework, Evolution, Hero and Best Decks

By Clash World · Cards · Dec 15, 2016 · Updated Oct 8, 2026

AI Overview: Wizard is a 5-elixir Rare troop in Clash Royale, unlocked in Arena 4. He throws fireballs, and he has both an Evolution and a Hero version. RoyaleTracker listed a Hero Wizard deck at 66.1% win rate in October 2026, while the base card page tops out at 51.3%. SeeMeta lists a rework on September 8.

Last Updated: October 2026

Key Points:

  • Wizard costs 5 elixir, is a Rare, and unlocks in Arena 4 (Spell Valley).
  • He has an Evolution with a shield and a Hero version that flies over the river.
  • SeeMeta lists a rework on September 8: damage rose from 281 to 304 (+8.2%) and the first attack slowed from 0.4s to 0.5s.
  • RoyaleTracker’s best Hero Wizard deck won 66.1% over about 1,500 battles.
  • The base card page’s best list won 51.3%, and the best Evo Wizard list won 49.6%.

What Wizard Does

The short version: Wizard is a 5-elixir Rare. RoyaleTracker’s card text says he blows enemies away with fireballs. He unlocks in Arena 4 (Spell Valley), and he has both an Evolution and a Hero version.

He is a ranged troop that throws splash damage at groups.

Evolution: the Evolved Wizard spawns with a shield worth 25% of his health. Once it breaks, it detonates for moderate damage and knockback against small and medium troops within 3 tiles. Hero: Hero Wizard’s Fiery Flight ability launches him into the air so he can fly over the river and throw fire tornadoes down on enemies from above (RoyaleTracker).

StatValue
Elixir cost5
RarityRare
TypeTroop (ranged splash)
UnlocksArena 4 (Spell Valley)
EvolutionShield worth 25% of his health, then a detonation
HeroFiery Flight, flies over the river
2026 changeRework, September 8: damage 281 to 304 (+8.2%), first attack 0.4s to 0.5s (SeeMeta)

Wizard was reworked on September 8, so the damage is higher but the first attack is slower. If the rework lifts his win rate, expect a quick follow-up patch. The negative effect: a card that is reworked and then tuned again within weeks leaves players unsure which version to level.

Best Wizard Decks Right Now

RoyaleTracker tracked 18 decks with Wizard in October 2026 and printed eight. The best printed deck won 51.3%, and the other seven won between 42.7% and 46.0%.

The pattern: the Evo Wizard page lists eight decks, and its best won 49.6%. The Hero Wizard page lists 21 decks, and its best won 66.1%. What it means: the Hero is where the strength is, not the base card or the Evolution.

Try it yourself: open the Clash Royale Deck Builder with the Evo Elite Barbarians and Hero Wizard build in the table above, 66.1% in the tracker sample (1,500 battles), already loaded. It averages 4.3 elixir. Swap Vines for another cheap card to see how the average cost moves.

How to Play Wizard

  1. Play him behind a tank. A Giant Skeleton or Golem soaks the hits.
  2. Use him to clear swarms. His splash handles Goblins and Skeletons.
  3. Use Hero Wizard to cross the river. Fiery Flight puts his fire on the other side.
  4. Place the Evolution at the front of a push. The shield breaks and knocks back small troops.
  5. Watch his first attack. After the rework, it comes a little later.

The move: next game, play a tank, then place the Wizard behind it, and use Fiery Flight when the opponent has no answer in the other lane.

For a longer walk-through, read our Wizard counter tips.

Hero Wizard won 66.1% in the top list, while the base card page tops out at 51.3%. If the Hero keeps winning, expect a nerf to Fiery Flight. The negative effect: a Hero that flies over the river forces the other player to defend two lanes, and a fix could land on the Hero before the base card is touched.

How to Counter Wizard

  • Fireball or Lightning: a Rare 5-elixir troop trades well with a spell.
  • Fast melee troops: Prince, Bandit and Mini P.E.K.K.A reach him before he finishes a volley.
  • Spread your troops: his splash hurts clumps, so a spread-out push loses less.
  • Watch Hero Wizard: keep a counter ready for when he flies over the river.

The catch: the Evolution has a shield, so a small spell does little. Hit it with something big.

Is Wizard Worth Using Now?

Is it worth it? Yes, as Hero Wizard. The best Hero list won 66.1%, and SeeMeta lists a damage rework on September 8. The base card page tops out at 51.3% and the best Evo Wizard list won 49.6%.

What to remember: if you can pick one upgrade, pick the Hero.

None of the eight printed Evo Wizard lists beat 50%, while the best Hero list won 66.1%. If Supercell buffs the Evolution to close the gap, the shield and knockback could grow. The negative effect: a stronger shield and knockback make small-troop decks harder to play, and Mega Knight lists would carry the cost.

Go deeper: For more Wizard lists, read the P.E.K.K.A Bridge Spam deck guide and the guide to Evo, Hero and Wild slots. The Clash Royale Deck Builder is the quickest way to build your own version, because it keeps a running average cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Wizard do in Clash Royale?

He throws fireballs at groups. The Evolution adds a shield, and the Hero can fly over the river.

How much does Wizard cost?

5 elixir.

When do you unlock Wizard?

In Arena 4 (Spell Valley), according to RoyaleTracker. He is a Rare card.

What is the best Wizard deck?

In October 2026, RoyaleTracker listed a deck with Hero Wizard, Evo Elite Barbarians and Evo Battle Ram at 66.1% over about 1,500 battles.

What counters Wizard?

Fireball and Lightning, fast melee troops, and spread-out troops that his splash cannot hit together.

Does Wizard have an Evolution or Hero?

Yes, both. Evo Wizard has a shield, and Hero Wizard has Fiery Flight.

The Bottom Line

The takeaway: Wizard is a 5-elixir splash troop, and the Hero version is the one that wins. Pair him with a tank and use the flight when the other lane is open.

Building around this card? Our guide on how to use the Clash Royale Deck Builder shows how to load a deck, check patch risk and copy it into the game.

Sources

Researched from the following (no links, listed for transparency):

  • RoyaleTracker, Wizard card page (October 2026 tracker data)
  • RoyaleTracker, best decks with Wizard (October 2026 tracker samples)
  • RoyaleTracker, best decks with Evo Wizard (ability text and decks, October 2026)
  • RoyaleTracker, best decks with Hero Wizard (ability text and decks, October 2026)
  • SeeMeta, Clash Royale balance changes 2026 (page updated October 8, 2026)
  • Clash Royale card data used by the Deck Builder (elixir costs and card types)