In many modern variations of the genre, players are given the freedom to design their own defensive layouts.

This article explores the architectural secrets used by top-ranking players to protect their precious resources and trophies.

Whether you are protecting your gold storage or defending your core objective, these principles apply universally.

Guiding the Enemy

Funneling is the art of manipulating the enemy troops' pathfinding AI to lead them directly into your strongest traps.

Once the outer ring is cleared, the surviving troops will naturally walk towards the opening you designed.

• Junctions are the most critical points.
• Create awkward pathing for the AI.
• Adjust your traps based on common attack angles.

Building Cellular Defenses

High-level layouts utilize multiple small compartments, forcing the enemy to break through wall after wall after wall.

The core compartment should always house your main objective, guarded by your absolutely strongest, highest-level defenses.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

You must constantly tweak and update your layout to counter whatever the current dominant meta dictates.

Take pride in your fortress, and enjoy watching the replays of attackers failing miserably against your strategic genius.