Flying Machine is one of those support cards in Clash Royale that can carry a game on its own when used right. It has great range, solid damage, and can't be targeted by most ground units. Left alone, it can chip away at your tower or shut down key support troops from the other side of the arena.
It's not the flashiest card, but in the right deck, Flying Machine becomes a major threat that forces out spells or misplays. In this guide, we'll break down how the Flying Machine works, how to counter it effectively, and which decks are best suited to make full use of this underrated card in Clash Royale.
Clash Royale: Best Evo Bomber Decks (& How to Counter It)
The Evo Bomber can be tough to counter if you don't have the right cards. Here are some of the best decks with the Evo Bomber in Clash Royale.
Clash Royale Flying Machine Overview
The Flying Machine is one of the most versatile cards in Clash Royale. For only 4-elixirs, this card can offer excellent value both on defense and offense. While its single-target attack may seem like a problem against swarms, its long range, along with its high attack speed, makes up for it.
The biggest strength of the Flying Machine is its massive 6-tile attack range. When used properly, it can snipe troops or defensive buildings before your opponent has a chance to react. It's almost like the Musketeer, but since it's an air unit, it doesn't get targeted by common ground counters like the Mini Pekka or Valkyrie.
The Flying Machine becomes a major threat as soon as it reaches the bridge since it can easily lock onto the crown tower. Its high attack speed lets it melt your tower's health within seconds. It's also excellent against spawners such as the Furnace, sniping down the Fire Spirits from a safe distance.
Although it's great against ground troops, it can't distract them. So, on defense, you'll need to pair it with a cheap distraction troop. Ice Golem works well for this role. Ice Spirit or Electro Spirit are also excellent cards to combo with the Flying Machine on defense.
Because of its range, it's usually best to play the Flying Machine in the middle of the arena to defend both lanes.
How to Counter Flying Machine in Clash Royale
Flying Machine might be annoying to deal with because of its long-range and attack speed, but it's also pretty fragile. Most air-targeting ranged troops will take care of it easily, especially when it's on your side of the arena.
Musketeer, Wizard, and Electro Wizard are some of the most reliable counters to this card. They only need a few hits to take it down and can survive long enough to support a counterpush. The Executioner is also extremely effective, hitting both the tank and the Flying Machine behind it.
If you're going for a spell counter, Fireball is your best bet. It takes out the Flying Machine instantly and gives you a neutral trade. Poison also works, but it's slower. For cheaper options, Mega Minion and Minions counter it cleanly with positive Elixir trades. Inferno Dragon is another solid option, but the elixir trade will be even.
If you don't have any of these counters in cycle or in your deck, kiting it is the way to go. Cheap troops like Skeletons placed in the middle of the arena can tank three hits from the Flying Machine, buying enough time for your tower to finish it off. Knight is a solid counter since it has enough HP to survive the Flying Machine's attacks and set up a counterpush.
Unlike the Musketeer, the Flying Machine can't stop a solo Mini Pekka from reaching your tower and getting a hit.
Best Flying Machine Decks in Clash Royale
Here are some of the best Flying Machine Decks you'll want to try out in Clash Royale:
Deck 1
|
Card Name |
Elixir Cost |
|---|---|
|
Evo Goblin Cage |
4 |
|
Evo Royal Recruits |
7 |
|
Barbarian Barrel |
2 |
|
Arrows |
3 |
|
Zappies |
4 |
|
Flying Machine |
4 |
|
Golden Knight |
4 |
|
Royal Hogs |
5 |
This is a classic spell bait deck centered around dual-lane pressure. Royal Hogs and Royal Recruits force your opponent to split their defense, while Zappies and Flying Machine punish overcommitment. Place the Flying Machine in the middle to cover both lanes and chip away from a safe distance.
Deck 2
|
Card Name |
Elixir Cost |
|---|---|
|
Evo Goblin Cage |
4 |
|
Evo Valkyrie |
4 |
|
Guards |
3 |
|
Arrows |
3 |
|
Skeleton Dragons |
4 |
|
Flying Machine |
4 |
|
Lightning |
6 |
|
Lava Hound |
7 |
The Flying Machine works best when used in a Lava Hound deck. Not only does it push the Lava Hound forward, but it can also serve as a fantastic DPS support troop for your push. Skeleton Dragons take care of any swarm cards, while the Flying Machine takes out defensive buildings.
Deck 3
|
Card Name |
Elixir Cost |
|---|---|
|
Evo Lumberjack |
4 |
|
Evo Barbarians |
5 |
|
Mirror |
? |
|
Giant Snowball |
2 |
|
Miner |
3 |
|
Baby Dragon |
4 |
|
Flying Machine |
4 |
|
Lava Hound |
7 |
This is a Lava Hound Miner Clone deck that makes good use of the Flying Machine. The inclusion of Evo Barbarians means you'll be able to bait out your opponent's Fireball before you use the Flying Machine. When pushing with your Lava Hound, use the Miner to tank or take out defensive buildings, and use the Clone spell on your Lava Hound and Flying Machine to ramp up the pressure.
The threat of the Flying Machine locking onto your tower is enough to force out the elixir from your opponent. Without the right counters, the card becomes a massive threat. That, along with its low elixir cost, is what makes it such an excellent support card in Clash Royale.
