The spotlight in Clash Royale usually shines on the same handful of cards. You see them everywhere on the ladder and in competitive play. Royal Giant, Miner, Mega Knight, and Hog Rider are the usual suspects. The trick is that some cards that look weak or outdated at first glance can swing games in your favor if you know how to use them. Let us highlight a few that deserve more playtime in your battle decks. Looking for a quicker progression? It is the right time to go to https://skycoach.gg/clash-royale-boost and check what’s on offer.
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1. Knight
The Knight is the definition of “boring but reliable.” He does not jump around like the Bandit. He does not slam the ground like the Valkyrie. He does not have flashy abilities. But that is why he is so good. He is cheap, tanky for 3 elixirs, and gets the job done. Why is he underrated?
- He soaks up damage from glass cannons (Musketeer, Wizard, and Archers).
- He trades extremely well against Miner, Valkyrie, and even Hog if you place him properly.
- He fits into almost any control deck without draining your elixir.
If you are running a cycle or control deck and do not know what mini-tank to add, do not overthink it. Knight is your guy.
2. Tombstone
When people think of defensive buildings, they go straight to Cannon, Tesla, or Inferno Tower. Tombstone is often overlooked. However, it is one of the best at controlling the game pace. Why does it deserve more love?
- Constant Skeleton spawns force your opponent to react.
- It is amazing at distracting and slowing down tanks (Giant, Golem, and Royal Giant).
- It gives you chip pressure and cycle value without committing a big elixir.
In the right hands, Tombstone does not just defend. It frustrates opponents and forces them into awkward plays.
3. Flying Machine
This card is sneaky good. The Flying Machine has one of the longest ranges in the game. It outranks many towers and supports troops. Yet, players often overlook it in favor of Musketeer or Firecracker. Why is it underrated?
- It can sit behind tanks and shred defenses from a safe distance.
- It outranges Inferno Tower, forcing awkward responses.
- At just 4 elixir, it provides insane value if protected.
The key is to treat the Flying Machine like a glass cannon. So, protect it with tanks or cheap distractions, and it will pay you back tenfold.
4. Ice Spirit
It costs only one elixir, yet Ice Spirit can change the flow of a push. Many players swap it out for Fire Spirit. It does more damage, but the freeze effect of Ice Spirit is unmatched for its cost. Why does it deserve a comeback?
- It resets Inferno Tower, Sparky, and Inferno Dragon.
- It gives you positive elixir trades by stunning big pushes for one second.
- It cycles your deck faster while providing consistent value.
In tight games, that tiny freeze can be the difference between a tower standing with 100 HP or collapsing to a win condition.
5. Zappies
Zappies used to be seen as clunky and awkward. However, after balance changes and the rise of control decks, they have quietly become powerful. Here is why Zappies are underrated:
- They stun enemies, slowing down pushes and disabling charges (Prince, Sparky, etc.).
- They split in lanes and give you flexible defense/ dual-lane pressure.
- They synergize incredibly well with tanks (Royal Giant and Graveyard).
If you have ever been annoyed by your push stalling, you will understand why Zappies can be the MVP of a control deck.
6. Rascals
Three for one deal: a beefy tank (the Rascal Boy) and two ranged attackers (the Rascal Girls). People often skip this card because of its awkward placement mechanics. However, when played correctly, it’s a nightmare to deal with. Why Rascals need more playtime:
- They shut down air and ground pushes on one card.
- They are fantastic on defense, then turn into a counter-push.
- They give great value for 5 elixirs if you protect the girls.
Rascals shine in slower, defensive decks, especially paired with bait cards.
7. Goblin Cage
At first glance, it looks like a worse Cannon. But the Goblin Brawler that spawns after the cage breaks can completely swing a fight. Why Goblin Cage deserves attention:
- It distracts tanks effectively and buys you time.
- The Goblin Brawler is a mini-Mini P.E.K.K.A. for free.
- It is durable and cannot be easily sniped.
For decks that need a defensive building but want counter-push potential, Goblin Cage is a rock-solid choice.
8. Firecracker
She has one of the most unstable mechanics in the game. However, in the right hands, Firecracker is brutal. Players often skip her because of her “oops, I missed” moments. That is more user error than bad design. Why is she underrated?
- She provides insane chip damage when left alone.
- She forces your opponent to spend elixir just to stop her.
- She synergizes perfectly with Tornado for massive value plays.
Master her aiming quirks. Thus, you will start wondering why you did not use her earlier.
9. Guards
Guards are the unsung heroes of defense. They do not look flashy. However, their shields make them insanely effective against many threats. Why Guards deserve more play:
- They completely counter Mini P.E.K.K.A., Prince, and Dark Prince.
- They give you great elixir trades since their shields soak up damage.
- They are good at bridge battles.
If you are tired of your Skeletons or Goblins being zapped away instantly, Guards are the answer.
10. Battle Healer
This one gets a lot of hate because of her role in spammy Elixir Golem decks. However, outside of that, she is underrated. Why is she better than you think?
- She sustains pushes and your support units live longer.
- She pairs well with tanks and makes pushes harder to stop.
- In the right decks, she creates insane elixir-positive trades.
Yes, she is not for every archetype. However, if you like building deathball pushes, she deserves a spot in your deck.
Wrapping It Up
Clash Royale’s card pool is deep. Although some cards are in the genre of the spotlight, the game is peppered with obscure gems. Around every corner and in every nook underrated card can surprise your opponent and shift the balance of the battle to your favor, whether it is the local Knight holding the line, Tombstone skeletons throwing their bones in the face of your foe, or the Firecracker raining his trowels upon the backline of the enemy camp. Next time you are laddered on a ladder or just tired of the same meta decks, consider putting one of these underdogs into your deck. You may even have a new hidden weapon
