Clash of Clans Upgrade Troops: Full Guide

Upgrading troops in Clash of Clans increases their damage, hit points, and sometimes their cost or training time. You upgrade troops in the Laboratory, which becomes available at Town Hall level 3, and each upgrade requires Elixir (or Dark Elixir for dark troops) and time. This guide explains how the upgrade system works, how to choose what to upgrade first, and common mistakes to avoid.

How Troop Upgrades Work

Troop upgrades are done in the Laboratory, a building that unlocks at Town Hall 3. Each upgrade has a level, starting at level 1, and you can upgrade a troop to the maximum level allowed by your Town Hall. For example, Barbarians can be upgraded to level 7 at Town Hall 9, but only to level 5 at Town Hall 6. The Laboratory itself also has levels, and its level determines the maximum troop level you can research. You must upgrade the Laboratory to a certain level before you can research higher troop levels.

When you start an upgrade, you spend Elixir (or Dark Elixir for dark troops like Minions and Hog Riders) and the Laboratory becomes busy for a set duration. You cannot use the Laboratory for any other upgrade until it finishes. You can still train and use troops while they are being upgraded, but you will use the old (lower) version until the upgrade completes. Once finished, all troops of that type automatically become the new level, including troops already in your army camps or Clan Castle.

What to Upgrade First

Your upgrade priority depends on your play style and Town Hall level. For farming (collecting resources), prioritize troops that are cheap and effective, like Barbarians, Archers, and Goblins. For war attacks, focus on your main attacking strategy. A common early-game priority is:

• Barbarians and Archers (cheap, versatile, used in many armies)
• Balloons (strong for both farming and war at mid levels)
• Lightning Spell (useful for taking out air defenses)
• Healing Spell (helps sustain your troops)

At higher Town Halls, you might focus on specific armies like GoWiPe (Golems, Wizards, P.E.K.K.As) or LavaLoon (Lava Hounds and Balloons). Always check the upgrade requirements in the Laboratory—each upgrade shows the Town Hall level needed and the cost in Elixir or Dark Elixir.

Costs and Time

Upgrade costs and times increase with each level. For example, upgrading Barbarians from level 1 to 2 costs 2,500 Elixir and takes 15 minutes. Upgrading from level 6 to 7 costs 2.5 million Elixir and takes 5 days. Dark Elixir troops cost Dark Elixir, which is harder to get, so plan accordingly. You can speed up upgrades by using Gems, but it is usually not worth it unless you have a lot of Gems or are in a hurry.

Here are some typical costs (approximate, as of recent updates):

• Archers level 6 to 7: 2.5 million Elixir, 5 days
• Balloons level 5 to 6: 3 million Elixir, 6 days
• Minions level 5 to 6: 45,000 Dark Elixir, 6 days

Always check the in-game info for exact numbers, as they can change with updates.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is upgrading troops you rarely use. For example, upgrading Wall Breakers to a high level is useless if you never use them. Another mistake is not upgrading the Laboratory itself—if your Laboratory is low level, you cannot research higher troop levels even if your Town Hall is high. Also, avoid starting a long upgrade right before a Clan War if you need that troop for your attacks; you will have to use the old version.

Another mistake is ignoring spells. Spells are upgraded in the same Laboratory and are often just as important as troops. A maxed Lightning Spell can take out a level 6 Air Defense, which is huge for air attacks.

Comparing Troop Types

Troops fall into several categories: ground, air, dark, and spells. Ground troops like Barbarians and Giants are cheap and good for tanking. Air troops like Balloons and Dragons are powerful but cost more. Dark troops like Minions and Lava Hounds require Dark Elixir and are often used in advanced strategies. Spells like Lightning and Healing support your army. Each troop has strengths and weaknesses, so upgrade based on your strategy. For example, if you use a lot of air attacks, prioritize Balloons and Dragons over Golems.

Upgrade Times and Planning

Upgrade times can be long, especially at higher levels. To maximize efficiency, try to keep your Laboratory busy as much as possible. Plan your upgrades around your schedule—if you know you will be away for a weekend, start a long upgrade. Use the “Upgrade” button in the Laboratory to see the exact time and cost. You can also use the “Boost” option with Gems to speed up research, but it is expensive. A good strategy is to upgrade your Laboratory first whenever you upgrade your Town Hall, so you can start researching new levels immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I upgrade troops in Clash of Clans?

Go to the Laboratory, select the troop you want to upgrade, and tap the “Upgrade” button. You need enough Elixir (or Dark Elixir) and the Laboratory must be free. The upgrade will take time, after which the troop’s level increases automatically.

What is the maximum troop level?

The maximum level depends on your Town Hall. For example, at Town Hall 10, Barbarians can be upgraded to level 8, while at Town Hall 11, they can go to level 9. Each troop has a different max level per Town Hall. You can see the max level by tapping the troop in the Laboratory and looking at the info.

Should I upgrade troops or defenses first?

It depends on your goals. For attacking, upgrade troops. For defending, upgrade defenses. Most players balance both, but if you are in a clan that wars often, prioritize troops that you use in war. If you are farming, prioritize cheap troops and resource buildings.

Does upgrading troops affect training time or cost?

Yes, some troops have increased training time and cost at higher levels. For example, a level 7 Barbarian costs more Elixir to train than a level 1. However, the increase is usually small. You can see the training cost and time in the Barracks or Army Camp info.

Can I cancel a troop upgrade?

No, once you start an upgrade in the Laboratory, you cannot cancel it. You must wait for it to finish. You can speed it up with Gems, but you cannot refund the resources.

Why can’t I upgrade my troops to the next level?

You need to have the required Town Hall level and Laboratory level. Check the upgrade requirements in the Laboratory. If you meet them, make sure you have enough Elixir or Dark Elixir. Sometimes you also need to upgrade your Clan Castle to unlock certain troop levels (for donated troops).

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