Best Evolution Cards to Unlock in Clash Royale
In Clash Royale, evolution cards have completely reshaped the battlefield. When these cards first launched, they brought some serious power to the game. The first card to get the evolution (or Evo) treatment was the Barbarians, and suddenly, this five-elixir card was everywhere, even in decks that it didn’t seem to belong in. Today, we have over 24 different evolution cards, with more added every season.
But with so many options, how do you know which Evo cards are truly worth your time and elixir? The answer depends largely on your deck and strategy. However, certain Evo cards stand out for their versatility, power, and game-changing abilities. If you’re wondering which Evolution cards you should focus on unlocking, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the best Evo cards in Clash Royale and how to make the most of them.
What Makes Evolution Cards So Powerful?
Before we break down the best Evolution cards, let’s talk about what makes these cards such game-changers. Evolution cards, as the name suggests, are upgraded versions of standard Clash Royale cards. They come with unique abilities that make them significantly stronger than their base versions. Whether it’s increased damage, additional effects, or faster cycle times, these cards can turn the tide of battle in your favour if used strategically.
Now, let’s explore the top Evolution cards and why they’re a must-have for your Clash Royale deck.
1. Evo Skeletons: The Cycle King
Elixir Cost: 1
Stat Boost: Deploys an additional Skeleton
Card Cycle: 2
Evolution Ability: Spawns a new Skeleton every time one of the Evo Skeletons attacks. Stops spawning at 8 Skeletons.
Evo Skeletons hit the Clash Royale arena in June 2023 and have been a staple in many cycle decks ever since. The base Skeletons card has always been valuable due to its low elixir cost and utility in various situations whether it’s defending against a Hog Rider, kiting a Pekka, or chipping away at a Royal Giant.
With Evo Skeletons, things get even more interesting. Their unique ability to multiply each time one of the Skeletons attacks makes them a defensive powerhouse. If your opponent doesn’t take them out with a spell or splash-damage troops like a Baby Dragon or Witch, Evo Skeletons can stop almost any push dead in its tracks. And if you manage to get them to your opponent’s tower, the multiplying effect can cause some serious damage.
One thing to keep in mind: Watch out for the Mother Witch. She can turn your multiplying Skeletons into an army of Cursed Pigs if you’re not careful. But in most situations, the Evo Skeletons are a must-have for cycle decks that focus on fast, efficient defense and offense.
2. Evo Knight: The Damage Shield
Elixir Cost: 3
Stat Boost: Identical to the base card
Card Cycle: 2
Evolution Ability: Gains a shield that reduces incoming damage by 60% while moving.
Evo Knight quickly became one of the most popular Evolution cards after its release. The base Knight card was always a solid mini-tank, but once the Evo ability was added, it became a top-tier choice. The damage-reducing shield allows Evo Knight to absorb insane amounts of damage while moving, making it extremely hard to kill.
Picture this: Your Evo Knight is marching down one lane, and even an Inferno Dragon can’t take it down before it reaches your opponent’s troops. You can use the Evo Knight to distract powerful enemy units, like Lava Hounds or Balloons, and kite them to the other side.
The Evo Knight is also perfect for applying pressure, especially when paired with cards like Goblins or Evo Skeletons. Its ability to tank damage while distracting enemy win conditions makes it a staple in many different deck types. Use it against Sparky or siege decks, and you’ll see just how invaluable this mini-tank can be.
3. Evo Pekka: The Self-Healing Beast
Elixir Cost: 7
Stat Boost: Identical to the base card
Card Cycle: 1
Evolution Ability: Heals 1/10th of its HP whenever it deals a killing blow.
The Evo Pekka is a beast. Introduced in Season 63, it immediately became a fan favourite thanks to its self-healing ability. The base Pekka card already packs a punch with its massive damage output and health, but its biggest flaw was that it often got whittled down before it could do significant damage.
The Evo Pekka solves that problem by healing itself whenever it kills an enemy troop or building. This means that low-cost cards like Skeletons or Goblins are no longer effective counters, as the Evo Pekka will heal right back up. The extra health makes it a much bigger threat, especially in beatdown decks where you need to push through your opponent’s defenses.
The Evo Pekka isn’t invincible, though. It’s still slow-moving and can be distracted easily, so you’ll need to support it with spells or other troops to ensure it reaches your opponent’s tower. But once it’s there, it’s game over for your opponent.
4. Evo Tesla: The Defensive Powerhouse
Elixir Cost: 4
Stat Boost: Identical to the base card
Card Cycle: 2
Evolution Ability: Emits a damaging electric pulse when surfacing and when destroyed.
The Evo Tesla was the first building to get the evolution treatment, and it’s one of the most powerful defensive cards in the game. When it first came out, it was so overpowered that many players could defend huge pushes with just four elixirs. Although it has since been nerfed, it’s still a force to be reckoned with.
The Evo Tesla’s damaging pulse applies a reset effect, which makes it an excellent counter to cards like the Mighty Miner or Inferno Dragon. It’s also useful against X-Bow decks that rely on continuous damage output. You can place the Evo Tesla in the center of your side of the arena to defend against both lanes, dealing significant damage to enemy troops whenever it surfaces.
In the right hands, Evo Tesla can change the course of a game, especially when your opponent is relying on a big push to win.
5. Evo Bomber: The Splash Damage Specialist
Elixir Cost: 2
Stat Boost: Identical to the base card
Card Cycle: 2
Evolution Ability: Bombs bounce twice, hitting multiple targets.
The Evo Bomber is an underrated card that can deal massive amounts of splash damage for just two elixirs. His unique ability allows his bombs to bounce twice, damaging enemy troops behind the initial target. This makes the Evo Bomber a versatile card that fits into a variety of deck types, including Golem, Goblin Drill, and Hog cycle decks.
Because of the bounce mechanic, the Evo Bomber can clear out enemy swarms and deal significant damage to the opponent’s tower if left unchecked. Pair him with a Tornado spell to line up shots on enemy troops, and you’ve got yourself a devastating combo.
While the Evo Bomber has been nerfed several times since its release, it remains a powerful card in the current meta, particularly for players who favour fast-paced, offensive strategies.
6. Evo Barbarians: The Defensive Wall
Elixir Cost: 5
Stat Boost: Increased HP and damage
Card Cycle: 3
Evolution Ability: Gains a shield that blocks one hit from any attack.
Evo Barbarians were the first Evolution card ever introduced, and they set the tone for what was to come. These beefy ground troops have always been great for defense, but their Evo ability makes them even more formidable. With the addition of a shield that blocks one hit from any attack, Evo Barbarians can take on even the toughest enemy pushes.
Their high health and damage output make them ideal for defending against tanks like Golem, Giant, or Royal Giant. Plus, their offensive potential is nothing to scoff at. If you can get them across the bridge with proper support, they can melt through your opponent’s defenses and take down a tower in no time.
Evo Barbarians remain a strong pick for both ladder play and competitive tournaments, thanks to their versatility and sheer power.
How to Unlock Evolution Cards in Clash Royale
Unlocking Evolution cards isn’t as simple as just purchasing them from the shop. Players need to gather Evolution Shards, which are specific to each card. These shards can be obtained through chests, challenges, and special events. Once you’ve collected enough shards, you can upgrade your base card into its evolved form.
Keep in mind that Evolution cards are usually released during specific seasons, so you’ll need to be active and participate in seasonal events to get the latest cards. New evolutions are constantly being added to the game, so keep an eye out for announcements from Supercell.
Best Decks to Use with Evolution Cards
Now that we’ve covered the best Evo cards, you’re probably wondering how to use them effectively in your deck. Here are some deck combinations that maximize the potential of these powerful cards:
1. Evo Skeleton Cycle Deck
- Cards: Evo Skeletons, Evo Knight, Cannon, Ice Spirit, Log, Fireball, Goblins, Hog Rider
- Strategy: This deck focuses on cycling through your cards quickly to outpace your opponent. Use Evo Skeletons and Evo Knight for defense, while Hog Rider applies pressure.
2. Evo Pekka Beatdown Deck
- Cards: Evo Pekka, Baby Dragon, Tornado, Electro Wizard, Battle Ram, Fireball, Zap, Bats
- Strategy: The Evo Pekka is the star of this deck. Use support troops like Baby Dragon and Electro Wizard to clear the way, while Evo Pekka does the heavy lifting.
3. Evo Tesla Control Deck
- Cards: Evo Tesla, Log, Rocket, Ice Spirit, Knight, Goblin Barrel, Inferno Dragon, Skeleton Army
- Strategy: This is a defensive deck that relies on the Evo Tesla to control the battlefield. Use Log and Rocket to chip away at your opponent’s tower while defending with Tesla and Inferno Dragon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Evolution cards in Clash Royale?
Evolution cards are upgraded versions of standard Clash Royale cards that come with unique abilities, making them stronger and more versatile than their base versions.
2. How do I unlock Evolution cards?
You unlock Evolution cards by collecting Evolution Shards, which can be obtained through chests, special events, and challenges. Once you have enough shards, you can evolve the base card.
3. Are Evolution cards worth using?
Yes! Evolution cards offer unique abilities that can turn the tide of battle. They are often more powerful and versatile than their base counterparts, making them a valuable addition to any deck.
4. Which Evolution card should I unlock first?
This depends on your playstyle and deck, but Evo Skeletons and Evo Knight are excellent starting points due to their versatility and low elixir cost.
5. How often are new Evolution cards added?
New Evolution cards are usually added with each new Clash Royale season, so keep an eye on Supercell’s announcements for the latest updates.