Clash Royale has grown into one of the biggest mobile games in the world since its release almost a decade ago. The real-time strategy game blends card collection, tower defense and fast-paced arena battles, where players use decks of eight cards to outplay their opponents. Each card costs elixir, the in-match resource that slowly regenerates and determines how often you can play your troops, spells and buildings. The introduction of evolutions, special upgraded versions of cards that activate after a set number of cycles has made certain cards so powerful that they can shift the outcome of a match in just one play. If you’re new to the game, here are the most dominant evolutions you need to know to stay competitive in the current meta.

#5: Evolution Wall Breakers

Evolution Wall Breakers have been a staple in the meta since their release. At just two elixir, they are extremely cheap and easy to cycle, allowing you to reach the evolution quickly. Their upgraded ability to explode multiple times makes them nearly unstoppable on offense, while the splash damage, which is the damage that occurs in a certain radius, also turns them into a surprisingly strong defensive tool. Yet, they have hard counters like building cards, making it difficult to get a connection with the tower.

#4: Evolution Valkyrie

Evolution Valkyrie is a tank that deals devastating splash damage to surrounding troops. What makes her evolution so overpowered is the built-in tornado effect that pulls enemy units into her radius, wiping out both air and ground troops. This makes her a hard counter to popular win conditions like Golem and Hog Rider. At only four elixir, this card delivers absurd value, and placing her on defense can turn almost any push into a positive elixir trade. Although this card is one of the best evolutions, it is more of a slower card, making it out shadowed by other stronger evolutions. 

#3: Evolution Royal Hogs

One of the newest additions to the game, Evolution Royal Hogs might be the most outrageous evolution yet. Their ability to fly instead of staying grounded creates unique interactions and makes them difficult to counter. When shot down, they explode and deal splash damage, adding even more pressure. Most of the time, opponents must overspend elixir to stop them, and if they lack a solid building card in their deck, you’ll likely secure the win.

#2: Evolution Snowball

Evolution Snowball is a spell you place that slows down enemies and does knockback damage. This card is incredibly versatile and fits into a wide variety of decks. Its enhanced knockback effect provides strong control on both offense and defense, disrupting pushes while also protecting your units. Commonly seen in Goblin Drill and X-Bow decks, this evolution can easily make the difference in a tight match. Making it the overall most versatile and best spell in the game.

#1: Evolution Royal Ghost

As the most broken evolution in Clash Royale, Evolution Royal Ghost offers insane value for just three elixir. Every time it goes invisible and reappears to strike, it spawns two additional troops that deal drop damage and swing for massive follow-up hits. The drop damage caused is from other ghosts spawning and dealing damage while they spawn. This evolution consistently creates positive elixir trades and overwhelms opponents before they can respond. Right now, nothing in the game matches its efficiency, earning it the top spot.