Clash of Clans’ Root Rider remains the most popular troop despite multiple nerfs.
Supercell has always been eagle-eyed about troop changes in Clash of Clans, especially as their former casual mobile game has developed a growing esports scene. While some players have a thing to say or two regarding some balancing efforts, the meta has always been dynamically changing.
However, one troop sticks out like a sore thumb in power levels and mechanics. Despite Supercell’s efforts to balance the Root Rider’s kit, the unit seems to be overpowered no matter what and still stands out on troop picks and strategy leaderboards.
Since its release last December, the Root Rider has experienced two major nerfs in two consecutive months or Clash of Clans season. The February update decreased the RR’s HP by 550 (600 for higher levels), while the March update further reduced its hitpoints.
Although it seems like the nerf that will completely throw Root Rider off the meta charts has yet to be announced. While many pro-CoC teams have introduced many strategies, especially for Town Halls 15 and above, most casual players still opt for the RR’s empowered mechanics.
Aside from her wall-busting strength, the Root Rider can quickly demolish defensive towers. The troop also functions as both a DPS and a tank, eliminating the need for a Golem+Wizard or other meat shield and damage dealer combinations.
Moreover, some players detailed that in the current Clash of Clans meta, where your heroes deal a chunk of the damage, the Root Rider’s ability to destroy walls enables your heroes to walk to the center of the enemy base simply.
There are also many variations to Root Rider strategies, especially at higher Town Hall levels. In the April leaderboard alone, we see the Smash Root Rider (full ground attack), Zap Root Rider (combined with Electro Dragons), and a QC Root Rider (an attack with Queen Charge).
While another Root Rider nerf looms over Clash of Clans players, some hope that a new mechanic, whether a defense tower or a new troop to throw off the current meta, would be introduced to shake things up a little bit in the CoC world.