8 Best Dark Elixir Troops In Clash Of Clans

Dark Elixir troops are some of the most powerful and unique units in Clash of Clans, offering abilities that can completely change the outcome of battles. From damage-dealing assassins to durable tanks, these troops bring variety and strength to different strategies. In this list, we’ll go over the 8 best Dark Elixir troops in Clash of Clans, explaining what makes each one stand out and how they can help you dominate both attacks and defenses.

#8: Witch

Unlocked at Dark Barracks level 5 (Town Hall 9), the Witch is a troop that turns the battlefield into chaos by summoning waves of skeletons to fight by her side. While her own stats sit at 220 DPS and 560 HP, her true strength comes from spawning up to 5 skeletons every 7 seconds, creating constant pressure on defenses. She’s not built to tank damage herself, so keeping her protected from splash units like Mortars and Wizards is key. Once upgraded at higher Town Halls, her skeleton army becomes even more dangerous, making her a great choice for overwhelming single-target defenses and adding depth to attack strategies.

#7: Minion

Available from Dark Barracks level 4 (Town Hall 8), Minions are lightweight flying units that pack more punch than their tiny size suggests. With 82 DPS and just 126 HP, they aren’t built to survive long, but their low 2-housing space cost makes them easy to deploy in swarms. Immune to Seeking Air Mines, Minions excel at clearing corners, cleaning up leftover buildings, and supporting air raids like Lavaloonion by targeting defenses left unprotected. They’re also a handy addition to ground-heavy strategies, finishing off bases once the main force has done the heavy lifting. Quick, efficient, and versatile, Minions shine when used smartly and in numbers.

#6: Bowler

Unlocked at Dark Barracks level 7 (Town Hall 10), Bowlers are known for their unique boulder-throwing attack that hits two structures in a line, making them devastating against tightly packed bases. With 136 DPS and 650 HP, they’re durable enough to survive a fair amount of damage while dishing out strong splash attacks. At just 6 housing space, they offer excellent value, allowing players to bring multiple Bowlers for maximum impact. They shine in strategies like Bowler Smash, where Rage and Heal spells amplify their destructive power, but they do require proper funneling to keep them moving toward the core of the base. While vulnerable to air-targeting defenses, pairing them with tanks ensures they can deliver massive damage deep into enemy layouts.

#5: Hog Rider

Unlocked at Dark Barracks level 2 (Town Hall 7), the Hog Rider is one of the most iconic and feared Dark Elixir troops in Clash of Clans. With 225 DPS and 1,500 HP, he combines heavy-hitting power with the unique ability to leap over walls, going straight for defenses and dismantling them quickly. At just 5 housing spaces, Hog Riders can be deployed in large numbers to overwhelm bases, or paired with Golems in the classic GoHo strategy to clear defenses efficiently. Their speed and strength make them ideal for Clan Wars and farming, though they’re vulnerable to Giant Bombs and splash damage, which is why Heal Spells are essential to keep them charging through the core of enemy bases.

#4: Valkyrie

Unlocked at Dark Barracks level 3 (Town Hall 8), Valkyries bring raw power and devastating splash damage to ground attacks. With 239 DPS and 2,600 HP, she thrives in compact base layouts where her spinning axe can tear through multiple buildings and troops at once. Deployed in groups, Valkyries can quickly shred the core of a base, especially when paired with Rage or Heal spells to keep their momentum going. They’re also excellent for wiping out defending Clan Castle troops, making them a strong pick in Clan Wars. While they struggle against spread-out defenses or single-target Infernos, clearing a path with tanks like Golems allows Valkyries to reach their full destructive potential.

#3: Ice Golem

Unlocked at Dark Barracks level 8 (Town Hall 11), the Ice Golem is built to soak up punishment rather than dish it out. With 4,350 HP and just 56 DPS, his role is clear—he’s the shield that keeps your damage-dealers safe. What truly sets him apart is his death effect: upon being defeated, the Ice Golem freezes nearby defenses for several seconds, disabling dangerous structures like Inferno Towers or X-Bows at critical moments. This ability often turns the tide of close battles, giving your army valuable time to push deeper. When paired with other tanks like Golems, the Ice Golem becomes even more effective, creating the perfect cover for Bowlers, Valkyries, or Witches to sweep through bases.

#2: Lava Hound

Unlocked at Dark Barracks level 6 (Town Hall 9), the Lava Hound is the ultimate air tank, boasting a massive 8,000 HP to absorb punishment from Air Defenses. While its 20 DPS is minimal, its true value lies in protecting damage-dealing units like Balloons or Dragons, making it a cornerstone of strategies such as LavaLoon. When defeated, the Lava Hound bursts into Lava Pups, adding extra damage and cleanup potential. Though it requires 30 housing space, the trade-off is worth it for the unmatched protection it provides. Ground defenses can’t touch it, but careful planning around Air Sweepers ensures the Lava Hound fulfills its role as the shield of the skies.

#1: Golem

Unlocked at Dark Barracks level 4 (Town Hall 8), the Golem is the ultimate tank in Clash of Clans, designed to soak up massive amounts of damage while your other troops go to work. With a staggering 9,600 HP, it can withstand even the most punishing defenses, including the Eagle Artillery. Its 100 DPS may seem underwhelming, but the Golem’s role isn’t to destroy—it’s to shield. Upon defeat, it splits into two Golemites that continue to distract defenses, buying even more time for your damage-dealers. At 30 housing spaces, it’s a heavy investment, but for strategies like GoWiPe and other ground assaults, the Golem remains the cornerstone unit that makes victory possible.

Conclusion

Dark Elixir troops bring some of the most unique and game-changing strategies to Clash of Clans, whether it’s the tanking power of the Golem and Lava Hound, the swarming chaos of Witches and Minions, or the destructive force of Valkyries and Bowlers. Each troop offers something different, letting players tailor their attacks to fit their style—whether they prefer overwhelming defenses, soaking up damage, or striking with speed and precision. Mastering these eight troops can give you the edge in Clan Wars, farming, or trophy pushing, making them essential parts of any strong army composition.