Hey Guys, Godzilla here (Hog Rider FTW), and I am bringing to you the most OP Hog NW Elite Barbs deck for Elite Players like meJ.
This is the deck that got me to my Personal Best of 4704, with Level 11 Elite Barbarians so they don’t need to be over leveled to be good.
This deck does have two legendries (Night Witch and Electro Wizard), so they can be replaced with Executioner and Tornado instead, if you don’t have them. If you have one of the Legendries, but not the other, then I still recommend using Executioner and Tornado instead.
Anyways, here is the deck!
Elite Hog Rider
Hog Rider: This card is your primary win condition, so you have to spam Hog whenever you have the chance.
Best times to push are when the opponent puts something expensive at the back, or just used a lot of elixir on an offensive push.
If he puts down an Elixir Collector, make him regret it, if you can’t, then Fireball it.
Also use it to bait Elite Barb counters, such as regular Barbs, Knight, Ice Spirit, etc.
Elite Barbarians: Use this card to brutally punish every mistake your opponent makes, or make him regret putting down a Pump.
This card is also great on defense; they shut down 10+ Elixir pushes, and make your opponent Rage.
If they have around ½ health left, then drop a Hog or Ice Golem in front to tank for a counter push. If they reach the Tower, it’s GG.
Also, remember to NEVER rush with them if Zap isn’t in rotation. It is heart breaking to watch them get wrecked by Skeleton Army.
Night Witch: The most OP card since the Elite Barb Meta (the best one imo). She is your main defense, so do not push with her offensively, unless it is a counter push.
Beware of Executioner, Lightning, and Zap.
Electro Wizard: He is your anti-trashcanonwheels, so use him wisely if you are facing one.
His stun is also very helpful on defense, especially since he resets the charge of Battle Ram.
Executioner/Tornado (replacements): They also serve the same purpose as Night Witch and E Wiz, they are mainly for defense. The Exenado combo can shut down entire pushes.
Zap: No explanation needed. Use with Elite Barbarians. Use to clear swarms.
Goblin Gang: Your swarm troop. Their DPS is second to only E Barbarians in this deck.
Use to kill lone tanks and point damage troops such as Musketeer, P.E.K.K.A, etc.
Fireball: Use to clear support troops such as Wizard, Musketeer, etc.
Save it for Three Musketeers if you are facing them.
Ice Golem: Use as a mini tank on defense, or to tank for Hog/E Barbarians on offense.
Match Ups
P.E.K.K.A: This is an annoying one, use clear support with Fireball, and use Ice Golem/Goblin Gang to dis tract while E wiz takes it out.
Golem NW: Use NW/E Barbarians to kill Golem while you tank/clear support with Ice Golem and Fireball. Kill the support first. Can make insane counter pushes. Push when he puts down Golem, but don’t overcommit.
Bridge Spam: If you lose to this, then shame on you. They usually don’t have that many counters to e Barbarians unless they have P.E.K.K.A, in which case; refer to the P.E.K.K.A section above. If they don’t have P.E.K.K.A, then rush Hog to bait out NW, Bandit, Ice Spirit, etc. Then rush e Barbarians, they usually get a couple shots each time.
Royal Giant: E Barbarians and Night Witch cut through it like butter, and sets you up for a counter push.
Elite Barbarians: Do not defend their E Barbarians with yours, use Ice Golem and Night Witch or E wiz.
Three Musketeers: Do not Fireball Pump, Fireball Zap the two Musketeers (when the split) in case they have Heal. Simply, rush Hog or e Barbarians if they put down Pump. E Barbarians can also kill the Musketeers, if you screw up and Fireball Pump. E wiz’s spawn Zap + Regular Zap can kill Minion Horde, leaving a full health E wiz for a counter push.
Hog Cycle: Defend Hog with Night Witch, e wiz, or Goblin Gang, and then counter push. Tornado the Hog to the king Tower if you are using the Exenado version.
Spell Bait: VERY ANNOYING, luckily, I only see them once in 20 matches. Save Zap to rush with E Barbarians, use Fireball/anything you have on Goblin Barrel. Exenado makes it a lot easier. Usually you lose due to the amount of swarms. I rarely see this, so it isn’t a big deal.
Lava Hound: Start with Night Witch to accumulate Bats and use e wiz. Exenado makes it a lot easier. Again I only see this deck 1 in 15 matches, so it’s okay.
Common Mistakes:
- When you send in a lone Hog and the counter with Inferno Tower, don’t Zap it. It will still counter Hog, unless it is level 1, so it’s a waste of 2 elixirs.
- Rushing E Barbarians when you don’t have Zap in rotation.
- Overcommitting on pushes, you won’t have Elixir for a defense, especially against Golem decks, where they will 3 crown you if you don’t have Elixir of a defense.
- Fireballing the Elixir Pump against a Three Musketeers deck.
- Not BMing. Remember to BM at the end! After all, you are using Elite Barbarians. Lol.
Anyway, that’s it for this guide. Go ahead and enjoy this deck, it even works in challenges, I’ve gotten 12 wins in classic challenges 3 times, I haven’t tried it in Grand Challenges though.
The History of the Hog Rider
Before delving into the Elite variant, it’s important to understand the original Hog Rider’s legacy. The Hog Rider has long been a staple in many decks due to its fast movement speed and direct path to enemy towers. Its ability to quickly chip away at an opponent’s defenses has made it a favorite among players at all levels.
The Introduction of the Elite Hog Rider
The Elite Hog Rider, introduced as a more formidable version of the classic card, boasts increased hit points and damage. However, its higher elixir cost initially made it a less attractive option for many players who preferred the original Hog Rider’s lower cost and quicker cycle.
Recent Buffs and Meta Shifts
So, what has changed? Recent balance updates have significantly buffed the Elite Hog Rider, enhancing its viability in the current meta. These updates have made it tankier and more capable of surviving against defensive structures and counter-attacks, addressing one of its primary weaknesses.
Additionally, the meta has seen a shift towards more defensive and control-oriented decks. The Elite Hog Rider’s increased durability makes it a perfect fit for breaking through these tougher defenses. Its ability to withstand hits from high-damage units and buildings has made it a valuable asset for players looking to deal consistent damage to enemy towers.
Pro Players Leading the Charge
One of the most telling signs of the Elite Hog Rider’s resurgence is its adoption by professional players. In recent tournaments, several top-tier players have incorporated the Elite Hog Rider into their decks, showcasing its potential in high-stakes matches. This endorsement from the pros has undoubtedly influenced the wider player base, leading to an increase in its usage across all arenas.
Effective Deck Combinations
The Elite Hog Rider shines in decks that can support its aggressive playstyle while providing ample defense. Popular combinations include pairing it with cards like the Electro Wizard for stunning support, the Inferno Dragon for melting tanks, and the Log for clearing out swarm units. These synergies help maximize the Elite Hog Rider’s impact on the battlefield.
Community Reception
The Clash Royale community has had mixed reactions to the Elite Hog Rider’s comeback. Some players appreciate the card’s renewed relevance and the strategic depth it adds to the game. Others, however, are concerned about the potential for it to dominate the meta, leading to less diversity in viable deck options. Supercell, the developer of Clash Royale, will need to keep a close eye on the card’s performance to ensure a balanced and enjoyable experience for all players.
Feel free to comment, or even hate, if you want to. Make sure to BM at the end.
Have a great time! Cya
