Merge Tactics in Clash Royale adds a layer of complexity to the game that makes each match dynamic and full of strategic opportunities.
Merge Tactics All Modifiers shake things up each game, offering unique bonuses or challenges that can dramatically affect how you build your deck, manage elixir, and position your troops. Below is a full breakdown of every modifier, what it does, and how to play around it.
Clash Royale Merge Tactics All Modifiers Explained
1. Big Box
Effect: Start the game with +5 elixir
Strategy: With 9 elixir off the bat, you have more flexibility to build out an early board, scout your shop, and start establishing synergy. It’s especially helpful for quickly identifying and committing to a build.
2. Bigger Team
Effect: Team size increases by +1 (max 7 troops instead of 6)
Strategy: While a 7th troop sounds powerful, it can complicate synergy planning. Only pursue this advantage if you can maintain synergy and value with the extra troop; otherwise, it may feel underwhelming.
3. Legacy Game
Effect: Gain +5 elixir when any ruler is knocked out
Strategy: Feels fair across the board, as all players benefit equally. Not a modifier to plan around heavily, as it’s reactive and doesn’t give any direct edge.
4. Team Size Always Six
Effect: Team size is fixed at six the entire match
Strategy: Consistency is good, but if you’re heavy on upgrades, you often won’t even use all six slots early. Minimal impact unless you’re very troop-focused.
5. Start With 2-Star Troops (1 to 5 Elixir Variants)
Effect: Begin with a random 2-star troop of a specific elixir cost
Strategy: These modifiers guide your early build. You’ll often lean into whatever archetype matches that troop. It also reveals early intentions of other players, making scouting more strategic.
6. Richer and Richer
Effect: +1 elixir interest for every 2 unspent elixir
Strategy: One of the strongest modifiers. Paired with a hero like Royale King, this allows for huge economy plays. Sacrifice early rounds if needed to snowball elixir advantage and dominate mid-to-late game.
7. Fighting Fever
Effect: Units gain +100% hit speed for 6 seconds after each kill
Strategy: Doesn’t change strategy too much. May benefit aggressive backline units like Ranger or Queen, but it’s largely passive and not something you can fully control.
8. Less is More
Effect: Boosts HP and attack speed if you have fewer troops
Strategy: Useful in early rounds when you’re upgrading or haven’t filled all slots. Not worth intentionally playing fewer troops in the long run, but take advantage if you’re merging early.
9. Reflect Damage (Ouch)
Effect: All units reflect some damage back
Strategy: Can punish backline-heavy comps. Avoid troops like Archer Queen that do high ranged damage unless you’re confident in positioning. Noble Assassins are safer due to their jumping behavior.
10. Your Mind
Effect: First enemy troop you defeat is copied to your bench
Strategy: Focus fire to get value. If you can snag a 5-elixir card early, it’s a huge swing. Positioning your troops to ensure priority kills becomes more important here.
11. Pump
Effect: Build elixir pump that grows over time
Strategy: Great if you’re winning early and can hold it until round 4+. Don’t get greedy—sell it if you’re behind. It only gives +2 per round, so don’t risk losing to protect it.
12. First Free
Effect: First troop purchased each round is free
Strategy: Huge for cycling. Aim to have a 5-cost unit appear first—buy it free, then sell for 4. This is effectively bonus elixir and faster scouting. Optimize your deck order each round.
13. Four Stars
Effect: More 4-star troops appear in shop
Strategy: Straightforward. Build whatever you want—just expect power scaling across the board. Scout for opportunities to star up quickly.
14. Echo Bench
Effect: Troops on the Echo Bench duplicate when upgraded
Strategy: A strong modifier, especially if you can place key 2-stars on the bench to build a duplicate 3-star. Don’t get greedy—use your upgraded units to win rounds instead of saving them.
15. Pandora’s Bench
Effect: Rightmost bench troop becomes a random unit of same cost
Strategy: Adds unpredictability. Use only when you’re looking for a lucky pull. Can sometimes fix bad RNG, but it’s unreliable. Never base your strategy around this.
16. Just Keep Living
Effect: Start with a dummy. +1 elixir if it survives
Strategy: Early game tank. Use it to absorb hits so your DPS survives. Once it gets outscaled, put it in the backline just to catch stray attacks. Never prioritize the +1 over survival.
17. Trait Dummy
Effect: Dummy has two random traits
Strategy: Use it as a synergy anchor. Focus your build around the traits it provides. If it gives Noble and Undead, go all-in on those synergies to maximize value.
18. Huddle Up
Effect: All troops start on bench, but some start with bonus stars
Strategy: Helps you get ahead in star value early. It may nudge you toward an unexpected build path depending on what units get boosted. Be open to pivoting.
19. Lucky Discount
Effect: One random troop per shop refresh has a discount
Strategy: Enables infinite cycling. Buy discounted cards (especially 4-costs for 3), then sell. Pairs well with Spirit Empress for massive economy plays and reroll value.
20. Clear Mind
Effect: Empty bench = +2 elixir next round
Strategy: Always try to clear your bench before round ends—unless you’re holding a key card for a 3-star. Free elixir just for bench management? Always worth it.
21. Promotion
Effect: Rightmost bench troop becomes a random unit that costs 1 more
Strategy: Like Pandora’s, but better. Good for trading up cheaper units. Use when you have bench space and low-cost units you want to replace.
22. Smart Trade
Effect: +1 elixir next round for every troop you sell
Strategy: Perfect for late game when you’re hunting for specific units. Every sell = better economy next round. Helps fund full pivot strategies or finish high-cost builds.
23. Ascension
Effect: One troop gets a random ace synergy
Strategy: Use this to boost your main carry—Royal Ghost, Queen, etc. Best used if you can pick a unit from a lightly contested archetype to avoid being starved by the shop.
24. First Choice
Effect: First troop you buy each round is automatically a 2-star
Strategy: Incredible for early round snowballing. Merges become faster, and star upgrades cheaper. Push hard early and lock in synergy before others catch up.
25. Unknown/Unavailable Modifiers
Some modifiers may only be available at higher ranks (e.g. Diamond League). Stay alert and ready to adjust your strategy once you unlock them.
Merge Tactics is full of nuances, and modifiers only add to the strategic depth. The key to mastering them is flexibility—understand what each modifier offers and adapt your builds accordingly. Know when to play safe, when to risk it for economy, and when to push power spikes.
Play smart, scout often, and always be ready to pivot when the game throws you a new curveball.
