Clash Royale's Rune Giant: A Comprehensive Guide to Decks and Strategies
The Rune Giant, a new Epic card in Clash Royale, is unlocked at the Jungle Arena (Arena 9) and offers a unique gameplay dynamic. This guide explores its capabilities and showcases effective deck strategies. While easily obtainable via an initial in-game offer (until January 17th, 2025), mastering its use is key to victory.
Understanding the Rune Giant
The Rune Giant, a formidable Epic card, targets enemy Towers and defensive structures. At tournament level, it boasts 2803 Hitpoints and medium movement speed, dealing 120 damage – significantly more than an Ice Golem, but less than a Giant. Its strength, however, lies not in its tanking, but in its unique enchantment. Upon deployment, it enhances two nearby troops, granting them bonus damage with every third hit. This buffing ability makes it incredibly potent in specific deck combinations. Its low elixir cost (4) allows for frequent deployment. Fast-attacking units like the Dart Goblin maximize this buff, while slower units benefit strategically.
The video below demonstrates a Hunter, empowered by the Rune Giant's enchantment, swiftly eliminating a Lava Hound before it reaches the Tower.
While not a standalone win condition like the Golem, the Rune Giant excels as a support troop, distracting enemies and absorbing tower damage while your other units attack.
Top Rune Giant Decks in Clash Royale
Several decks effectively utilize the Rune Giant's unique abilities. We highlight three strong contenders:
- Goblin Giant Cannon Cart
- Battle Ram 3M
- Hog EQ Firecracker
1. Goblin Giant Cannon Cart
This deck offers a robust defense against various attack styles, from cycle decks to siege strategies. The synergy between the Rune Giant's enchantment and the Cannon Cart and Goblin Giant (including its Spear Goblins) creates devastating pushes. The Elixir Collector fuels sustained offense, while the Lumberjack and Rage spell provide additional offensive boosts. However, its lack of dedicated air defense makes it vulnerable to Lava Hound decks.
| Card Name | Elixir Cost |
|---|---|
| Evo Goblin Giant | 6 |
| Evo Bats | 2 |
| Rage | 2 |
| Arrows | 3 |
| Rune Giant | 4 |
| Lumberjack | 4 |
| Cannon Cart | 5 |
| Elixir Collector | 6 |
This deck utilizes the Royal Chef Tower Troop.
2. Battle Ram 3M
This deck, while featuring the Three Musketeers, plays similarly to a Pekka Bridge Spam strategy. The Bandit, Royal Ghost, and Evo Battle Ram maintain early pressure, while the Elixir Collector builds an elixir advantage. The Three Musketeers are strategically deployed in the Double Elixir phase. The Rune Giant and Hunter form a powerful defensive combo, with the Rune Giant tanking and the Hunter, enhanced by the enchantment, eliminating threats. Evo Zap supports Battle Ram pushes.
| Card Name | Elixir Cost |
|---|---|
| Evo Zap | 2 |
| Evo Battle Ram | 4 |
| Bandit | 3 |
| Royal Ghost | 3 |
| Hunter | 4 |
| Rune Giant | 4 |
| Elixir Collector | 6 |
| Three Musketeers | 9 |
This deck uses the Tower Princess Tower Troop.
3. Hog EQ Firecracker
This deck builds upon the existing Hog EQ Firecracker meta, replacing Valkyrie or Mighty Miner with the Rune Giant. While removing the champion cycle, the Rune Giant's enchantment significantly enhances the Firecracker's damage output. The Earthquake spell delivers substantial late-game tower damage. Evo Skeletons provide effective defense.
| Card Name | Elixir Cost |
|---|---|
| Evo Skeletons | 1 |
| Evo Firecracker | 3 |
| Ice Spirit | 1 |
| The Log | 2 |
| Earthquake | 3 |
| Cannon | 3 |
| Rune Giant | 4 |
| Hog Rider | 4 |
This deck uses the Tower Princess Tower Troop.
The Rune Giant introduces significant strategic depth to Clash Royale. Experiment with these decks and personalize them to discover your optimal playstyle.
