Ultimate Hog Rider Strategy Guide (2025)

The Hog Rider remains one of the most versatile and reliable win conditions in Clash Royale. This guide will help you master this iconic card.

🐗 Card Overview

• Cost: 4 Elixir
• Type: Rare Troop
• Targets: Buildings
• Speed: Very Fast
• Range: Melee

🎯 Best Strategies

1. Hog Cycle (2.6)

Core Cards: Hog Rider, Musketeer, Ice Golem, Ice Spirit, Skeletons, Cannon, Fireball, Log

• Playstyle: Fast cycle and constant pressure
• Key Timing: Deploy Hog when opponent is low on elixir
• Defense: Use cheap cards to defend, then counter-push

2. Hog Earthquake

Core Cards: Hog Rider, Earthquake, Valkyrie, Musketeer, Ice Spirit, Skeletons, Cannon, Log

• Playstyle: Building destruction with Earthquake
• Key Timing: Use Earthquake to clear defensive buildings
• Advantage: Excellent against building-heavy decks

3. Hog Exenado

Core Cards: Hog Rider, Executioner, Tornado, Ice Golem, Ice Spirit, Skeletons, Rocket, Log

• Playstyle: Strong defense with Executioner + Tornado
• Key Timing: Defend first, then counter-push with Hog
• Strength: Great against swarm and air decks

🛡️ How to Counter Hog Rider

Best Counters:

1. Cannon - Positive elixir trade
2. Tesla - Hidden defense
3. Mini P.E.K.K.A - High damage counter
4. Valkyrie - Splash damage
5. Tornado - Pull to King Tower

Counter Strategies:

• Place buildings in the center to activate King Tower
• Use swarm troops + spell to defend
• Counter-push immediately after defense

📊 Meta Analysis

Current Win Rate: 52% (Balanced) Usage Rate: 18% (Popular) Best Arenas: All arenas, especially effective in 4000-6000 trophy range

🔥 Pro Tips

Placement Tip: Place Hog Rider at the bridge for fastest deployment, or 1 tile from bridge to avoid certain counters.

Timing Tip: Best times to play Hog Rider are when opponent just used their counter or is low on elixir.

Prediction Tip: Learn to predict common counters and pre-spell them (Log on Skeleton Army, Fireball on Barbarians).

Related Content

Explore our Hog Rider Deck Collection or check out Cycle Deck Strategies for more fast-paced gameplay tips.

---

Last updated: January 15, 2025