th13attack-guide
TH13 Root Rider Attack Guide 2026 -- Burrowing Strategy and Execution
Complete TH13 Root Rider attack guide for 2026. Burrowing corridors, army composition, Queen Charge combination, Rage Spell timing, and step-by-step execution for three-star war attacks.
Root Riders are the defining attack troop at TH13. Their ability to burrow underground and bypass all walls makes compartment-heavy anti-ground bases significantly less effective -- a base that took months to build with ten compartments can be tunneled through by a well-deployed Root Rider stack in 60 seconds. TH13 Root Rider attacks combine a Queen Charge entry on one side with Root Riders burrowing from the other, forcing the defending base to face threats from two independent angles simultaneously.
Army Composition and Spells
Standard TH13 Root Rider hybrid (300 housing): 4 Healers (28), 14 to 16 Root Riders (56 to 64 housing -- super boost), 2 Super Witches (16), 2 Golems (60), Wall Breakers (6), filler Archers. Spells: 1 Rage (Queen Charge), 2 Rage (Root Rider wave), 2 Freeze (Infernos / Scattershots), 1 Earthquake. Clan Castle: Super Witch or Inferno Dragon. Royal Champion is deployed on the Root Rider side to assist in Scattershot or Eagle Artillery removal adjacent to the Root Rider burrowing corridor.
Step-by-Step Execution
Step 1 -- Pre-attack scout: Identify the primary burrowing corridor -- the most direct straight line from the base edge to the Town Hall. This is where Root Riders will naturally burrow. Confirm there are no double Giant Bomb clusters at 50 to 60% of this corridor (the most common Root Rider trap location). Step 2 -- Queen Charge opposite side: Deploy AQ + 4 Healers on the side opposite your planned Root Rider entry. This draws defensive fire to the opposite side. Step 3 -- Root Rider deployment: While the Queen Charge is drawing fire, deploy all Root Riders in a concentrated line at the primary burrowing entry point. Root Riders burrow immediately. Step 4 -- Royal Champion support: Deploy RC from the Root Rider side targeting wall-adjacent defenses (Scattershots, Eagle Artillery) near the burrowing corridor. She runs along the outside while Root Riders burrow inside. Step 5 -- Golem ground cover: Deploy Golems behind the Root Rider entry point as a surface-level tank line for outer defenses Root Riders bypass. Step 6 -- Rage on Root Riders: When Root Riders surface inside the second ring (typically mid-base), drop Rage on their cluster. Step 7 -- Freeze on Infernos or Scattershots that engage the Root Rider cluster after surfacing.
Giant Bomb Counter and Scouting
Double Giant Bomb clusters at 50 to 60% burrowing corridor depth are the primary Root Rider counter. Send one Root Rider ahead of the main group along the primary burrowing corridor as a scout. If the scout triggers a double Giant Bomb and survives, you have identified the trap location. If the scout dies instantly, adjust the main Root Rider deployment angle slightly to take a different corridor that avoids the confirmed cluster.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Root Riders burrow to the Town Hall at TH13?
Root Riders burrow in a straight line toward the nearest defense from their deployment point. Deploy them at the point where the straight-line burrowing path leads toward the Town Hall rather than a peripheral defense.
How do I scout Giant Bomb traps for Root Riders at TH13?
Send one Root Rider ahead along the primary burrowing corridor before the main deployment. If it triggers a double Giant Bomb, identify the location and adjust the main Root Rider deployment angle to use a different corridor.
Why combine Queen Charge with Root Riders at TH13?
The split attack forces the defending base to face threats from two angles simultaneously. Defenses focused on the Queen Charge cannot fire on the Root Riders burrowing from the opposite side.
What is the Royal Champion role in a TH13 Root Rider attack?
Deploy RC from the Root Rider side targeting wall-adjacent Scattershots and Eagle Artillery near the burrowing corridor. She clears exterior defenses above ground while Root Riders handle interior defenses underground.
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