Clash Royale Merge Tactics: October 2025 Seasonal Update

Clash Royale is entering a new chapter by adding Merge Tactics. Starting in October 2025, Merge Tactics is a seasonal mode, this means it will reset every month. That will allow for some rotating rewards each month and a different meta with each reset! Introducing the “Seasonal Starsteel Reset,” with this update brings new Rulers, troops, Traits, evolutions, modifiers, balance updates, and cosmetics.

What Is Merge Tactics?

Merge Tactics is a turn-based, auto-battle style game set in a four-player match format where players draft, deploy and merge troops to fight against each other. Each round of the game consists of two phases:

• Deploy Phase – Players spend Elixir to deploy or sell troops, place them on the battlefield, and merge duplicates.
• Battle Phase – The troops automatically fight one another, with the result based on position, synergy, and troop strength.

A match lasts 5–8 minutes and players are eliminated until one player remains. Troops have Traits, which are passive bonuses, and can merge to increase power. Rulers function as a commander, which can have passive effects, or triggered effects, like providing additional Elixir or stat bonuses to troops. The October update brings the added feature to merge trophies, Starsteel, and progress on your Merge Road now reset every month, making for a fresh strategic scene each season.

Seasonal Reset, Meta Refresh, New Rulers & Skins

Image via Supercell

The new seasonal system means players start over each month. Each season brings new Rulers, skins, modifiers, and rewards. Players also get a Merge Tactics badge showing their highest league, showing skill and dedication.

October sees Goblin Queen return, now with Greener Grin ability, granting 40% chance to spawn a Goblin when defeating an enemy troop. She replaces Spirit Empress in the seasonal Ruler track, but Empress still works for existing owners. November will bring Elixir Loong, whose Endless Spring ability gives +1 Elixir per turn and +1 team size, allowing new drafting and merging strategies. Classic Ruler Royale King is still available. New skins, like Malevolent Queen, Astral Empress, and Aqua Loong, add effects to battles.

New Troops & Traits

The October season adds seven new troops:

Image via Supercell

Bomber is removed from the default pool.

New Traits:

• Blasters – +1 range, bonus damage per hex.
• Electric – Lightning strikes every 10s, stuns enemies.
• Fire – Gains bonus damage as enemies die.
• Mage – Temporarily transforms strongest enemy into rabbit at combat start.

Existing Traits like Ace, Assassin, Brawler, Undead, Noble, Ranger stay, with some balance changes to support new interactions.

Balance Changes, Evolutions, Modifiers & Rewards

Image via Supercell

To ensure that the older troops have an ongoing viability in the game:

• Royale King – HP has been increased by 20%
• Dart Goblin – Range has increased 25%
• Giant Skeleton – Bomb damage has been raised by 50%
• Prince – Damage is up by 36%, the attack speed has been reduced slightly though.

Two new evolutions are introduced – Royal Ghost Evolution, which can now summon protective Souldiers, and Skeleton Army Evolution, which boosts the performance for groups of Skeletons. Seasonal Modifiers will rotate every season to provide diversity, and seasonal modifiers can range from Elixir Festival (+2 Elixir per round) to Chaos Chaos (which merges change troops into random +1 Elixir units). Lucky chests will replace Lucky Drops, they will provide predictable rewards in the type of Common, Magic, and Seasonal from a chest rather than rolls.

Strategic Implications

Players will need to adjust to:

• Trait Combinations – Hybrid builds are more applicable.
• Board & Elixir Management – Elixir Loong increases team size, affects drafting and merges.
• Choice of Ruler – Goblin Queen is aggressive; Royale King and Spirit Empress provide borders to options that are defensive or economic.
• Fluid Meta – Season resets and new troops make it so you are more likely to try a different strategy.

Whether focusing on synergy builds, aggressive elimination or resilient tactics, this October season is sure to offer options for both the casual and competitive player.

James Steward

James Steward is an experienced writer with a deep passion for the gaming and esports space. With years of experience in the industry, he has a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics, trends, and evolution of competitive gaming. His writing offers precise insights and reflects his expertise.

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