Clash Royale: How To Use And Counter Spirit Empress

Clash Royale keeps things fresh by regularly adding new cards, but Legendary cards are always the ones that get players the most excited. These ultra-rare cards are powerful, game-changing, and often define the meta for months. The latest addition, Spirit Empress, was released in the July 2025 update, marking the first new Legendary since Royal Chef back in December 2024. Unlike standard troops, the Spirit Empress brings unique mechanics that can swing battles in your favor if used correctly. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about her abilities, how to get the most out of her in matches, and the best strategies to counter her when your opponent plays her.

What Does Spirit Empress Do in Clash Royale?

The Spirit Empress is one of the most versatile cards Clash Royale has ever introduced, and that’s what makes her stand out from the rest of the roster. Unlike most troops that have a fixed role, she offers two different playstyles depending on how much elixir you spend. If you deploy her for just three elixir, she takes the field as a ground unit, striking enemies with her melee weapon and focusing only on ground targets. But if you invest six elixir, she transforms into a flying unit, letting her hover over obstacles and attack from the skies. This flexibility makes her incredibly unpredictable, as your opponent never knows which version you’ll play until it’s too late.

How to Counter Spirit Empress in Clash Royale

Countering the Spirit Empress really comes down to which form your opponent chooses to play. When she’s deployed as a ground troop, swarm cards like Skeleton Army, Goblin Gang, or Spear Goblins can overwhelm her quickly. Ranged attackers such as Archers or Musketeer also work well since they can chip away at her safely, while tanky melee cards like Valkyrie or Mini P.E.K.K.A. can stop her in close combat. On the other hand, if she’s played as a flying unit, you’ll need to rely on anti-air options. Dart Goblin, Hunter, and Musketeer are reliable choices, while air troops like Inferno Dragon and Flying Machine can match her in the skies. Defensive buildings such as Tesla or Inferno Tower are also great at shutting her down no matter which form she’s in. To make things easier, keep cheap cycle cards like Skeletons or Ice Spirit in your deck so you can distract her and buy time to build a proper counter.

Is Spirit Empress in Clash Royale Worth It?

The Spirit Empress definitely brings something new to Clash Royale, but whether she’s worth using depends on your playstyle. Her ability to switch between a cheap ground unit and a more powerful flying form makes her very versatile, but that flexibility comes at a cost. The six elixir flying version can feel expensive compared to other strong win conditions like Royal Giant or Boss Bandit, which often provide more consistent value. Still, what makes her stand out is the option to adapt based on your elixir situation. If you’re running low, you can drop her as a budget ground attacker, and when you’ve got extra elixir, you can unleash her flying form to pressure your opponent. She may not be overpowered, but in the right deck, her adaptability can make her a solid and fun addition to your lineup.

Conclusion

The Spirit Empress is one of the most unique additions to Clash Royale, offering flexibility as both a ground and flying unit. While she isn’t unbeatable, her dual nature makes her tricky to predict and forces opponents to adjust their strategy on the fly. Knowing when to use her and how to counter her is the key—whether it’s swarming her ground form, using ranged units, or placing the right buildings against her dragon form. She may not always provide the best value for her elixir cost, but in the right hands and with the right deck, the Spirit Empress can be a game-changer.