4 Elixir
Overview
Fireball is the most versatile medium damage spell in Clash Royale. At 4 elixir, it delivers 572 area damage (tournament standard) with a 2.5 tile radius - perfect for killing medium troops and chipping towers. Fireball's strength lies in value trades: killing Musketeer, Wizard, Witch, or Electro Wizard while hitting the tower nets you positive elixir and chip damage. The card appears in countless archetypes from Hog Cycle to Giant Beatdown because it solves so many problems. Against Three Musketeers decks, Fireball is essential for killing split Musketeers. Master Fireball timing and you'll consistently generate elixir advantages that snowball into victories.
Strategy
When to Play
Deploy Fireball when you can hit high-value targets plus tower simultaneously. The ideal Fireball kills a 4+ elixir troop (Musketeer, Wizard, Witch) while dealing 220+ tower damage. Don't waste Fireball on cheap troops - save it for medium-cost glass cannons grouped near the tower. Against pump decks, Fireball the Elixir Collector immediately for neutral trade plus tower damage.
In double elixir, use Fireball to spell cycle when you're ahead on tower damage. Two Fireballs on tower deal 440+ damage - combined with earlier chip damage, this often secures wins without needing to break through defenses. Time your Fireballs when opponent is low on elixir to prevent them healing with defensive value.
Placement
Aim Fireball to clip both the troop and tower whenever possible. The 2.5 tile radius means you can hit troops standing 2 tiles from the tower edge. Against Musketeers planted behind the tower, wait for them to walk forward before Fireballing to guarantee tower chip. For prediction Fireballs, target the tile where opponents typically drop Barbarians or Minion Horde - this requires reading their patterns.
Against Elixir Collector, Fireball the center of the pump to guarantee full damage. If they plant Collector behind King Tower, Fireballing activates their King for future pushes - weigh this tradeoff carefully.
Synergies
Fireball combines with Zap or Log to kill troops that survive with a sliver of HP (Electro Wizard, Magic Archer). This Fireball + Zap combo eliminates 4-5 elixir troops completely. Pair Fireball with Hog Rider for prediction plays - throw Fireball as Hog crosses bridge to clear incoming Barbarians or Minion Horde.
In beatdown decks, use Fireball to clear ranged DPS (Musketeer, Wizard) that would shred your tank. Time the Fireball when your Giant or Golem is tanking so supporting troops can clean up survivors. Against Three Musketeers, Fireball the 2-Musketeer lane immediately - don't let them build a massive push.
Matchups
Strong Against
Three Musketeers - Fireball instantly kills Musketeers for massive value. Target the 2-Musketeer lane for +5 elixir trade.
Glass cannon decks (Musketeer, Wizard, Witch) - These 4-5 elixir troops die to Fireball. Wait for them to group near tower for maximum value.
Elixir Collector decks - Fireball the pump for neutral trade plus tower damage. Denies their elixir advantage strategy.
Barbarians - Prediction Fireball as opponent drops Barbarians leaves them at one-shot HP for tower. +1 elixir trade minimum.
Minion Horde - Fireball instantly kills all 6 Minions for +1 elixir trade. Essential against Lava Hound decks.
Countered By
Spread formations - Opponents who split troops to avoid spell value limit your Fireball effectiveness.
Spell-resistant troops - Mega Knight, P.E.K.K.A, Golem barely notice Fireball damage. Don't waste it on tanks.
Fast cycle decks - If opponent cycles faster than you, they can bait your Fireball then punish with the troop you needed it for.
Lightning - In spell cycling races, Lightning deals more tower damage per elixir (317 vs 220). Fireball loses direct spell duels.
Tips
Value targeting: Always aim to hit troop AND tower - a Fireball that only hits a Musketeer misses 220 free tower damage.
Pump denial: Fireball Elixir Collector immediately when planted. Even if you don't kill it, you deny 2+ elixir of value.
Prediction timing: Throw Fireball as your Hog or Battle Ram crosses the bridge - don't wait to see their Barbarians, predict them.
Three Musketeers counter: Always Fireball the 2-Musketeer lane. Letting both survive means losing the tower.
Spell cycling: In overtime with tower damage lead, Fireball the tower directly every 10 seconds to close out games safely.
Fireball + Zap combo: Electro Wizard and Magic Archer survive Fireball by 1 hit - follow up with Zap for complete kill.
Common Mistakes
Fireballing tanks: Using Fireball on Mega Knight or Golem wastes 4 elixir for minimal damage - save it for glass cannons.
Missing tower chip: Aiming Fireball only at troops when you could've clipped the tower loses 220+ damage over time.
Early commitment: Throwing Fireball before seeing opponent's defense lets them punish with the troop you needed Fireball for.
Ignoring pump: Letting Elixir Collector generate full value because you're 'saving Fireball' loses you the elixir war.
Panic Fireballing: Using Fireball on Skeleton Army or Goblin Gang when cheaper spells (Log, Zap) would suffice.
Poor prediction reads: Throwing prediction Fireballs against opponents who don't run Barbarians or Minion Horde is -4 elixir.