TH12 Root Rider Attack Guide 2026 -- Burrowing Ground Strategy

Root Riders burrow underground, bypassing walls completely to emerge directly adjacent to defenses. At TH12, Root Riders combined with a Queen Charge setup create a ground attack that approaches from two angles simultaneously -- the Queen strips one side while Root Riders burrow from another -- making it very difficult for the defending base to concentrate defensive fire on either threat. The Queen Charge Root Rider combination is the most attack-efficient ground strategy at TH12 when all troops are leveled appropriately.

Army Composition and Spells

Standard TH12 Root Rider hybrid (280 housing): 4 Healers (28), 12 to 14 Root Riders (48 to 56 housing -- super boost cost), 2 Super Witches (16 -- for Skeleton swarm support), 2 Golems (60), Wall Breakers (6), filler. Spells: 1 Rage (Queen Charge), 2 Rage (Root Rider wave), 2 Freeze (Infernos), 1 Earthquake. Clan Castle: Super Witch. Queen Charge targets the side with the strongest defenses; Root Riders burrow from the opposite side targeting the Town Hall directly. The split attack angle is what makes this combination effective -- the base cannot focus fire on both threats simultaneously.

Step-by-Step Execution

Step 1 -- Queen Charge entry: Deploy AQ + 4 Healers on the side with Scattershots or Infernos accessible from the edge. Rage on the Queen as she engages interior defenses. Step 2 -- Simultaneous Root Rider deployment: While the Queen Charge is active and drawing defensive fire, deploy Root Riders from the opposite side of the base targeting the Town Hall. Root Riders burrow immediately and navigate underground toward their targets. Step 3 -- Golem support: Deploy Golems from the Root Rider entry side to provide a tank line for any outer defenses Root Riders bypass above ground. Step 4 -- Root Rider surface timing: Root Riders surface when they encounter a wall they cannot burrow under (typically compartment walls deeper in the base). Drop Rage on the Root Rider cluster when they surface inside the second ring. Step 5 -- Super Witch Blizzard support: If Super Witches are staged, Blizzard them into the core from the Root Rider approach side as Root Riders engage the Town Hall compartment. Step 6 -- Freeze on Infernos that engage Root Rider clusters mid-base.

Root Rider Burrowing Mechanics

Root Riders burrow in a straight line toward the nearest defense when deployed. They cannot change direction while burrowing but can change direction between surfaces. Plan your Root Rider deployment point so the nearest defense in the straight-line burrowing path leads toward the Town Hall rather than a peripheral defense.

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