For those who do not know what the balloonion strategy is, allow me to explain. The ballonion strategy is personally my favourite army composition. It consists of using two air troops, the balloons and minions. Balloons are extremely overwhelming troops which are able to conquer the strongest of bases. They are used in all ranges from when you first unlock the balloons at Barrack level 6, and are also used among the top player at 4000+ cups.
Army Composition
Minions are unlocked at Town Hall Level 7 in the Dark Barracks for 750,000 Elixir. Once you unlock Minions this is your first chance to use balloonions. At Town Hall Level 7 you have a maximum amount of troops in your army camps at 200 troops. Using all of your army space I prefer the comp of 24 Balloons and 40 Minions, however you can modify depending on the level of your Balloons and Minions. At Town Hall Level 8 you also have a maximum capacity of 200 troops space; however you may start using less Balloons and more Minions based on the level of your troops and your confidence with the strategy.
At Town Hall Level 9 your Army Camps can once again be upgraded, giving TH9's a total of 220 troops space. I am TH9 with max Balloons and Minions. When attacking with balloonions I use 20 Balloons and 60 Minions (but once again it can vary based on troop level and confidence in using the strategy). At Town Hall Level 10 you can finally max out your Army Camps at level 8, giving you a total of 240 troops space. As I am TH9 I don't have any first hand experience in attacking with 240 troops space, however I have seen two many comps: either 16 Balloons and 80 Minions, or 20 Balloons and 70 Minions. Additionally if you are in a clan you can request for Minions, Balloons or a Dragon for additional air support.
Spells
When using balloonions there are three commonly used spells: lightning, heal, and rage. For a TH7 and 8 you have a max of 3 spells, there are two viable options; one of each, or one lightning and two rage (either will get the job done). At TH9 you get the new level 4 Spell Factory, giving you one extra spell slot. I am currently at 2700 cups and find that one lightning, two rage, and a heal will overpower any base however, due to the new update regarding the affects of the Heal Spell while being hit by an Inferno Tower. I may switch over to an extra rage. At TH10 you get the maxed Spell Factory and your fifth spell slot. I think that a good combination of spells at TH10 would be one lightning, one heal, and three rage.
The Strategy
There are many different strategies when using balloonion in terms of the deployment of your troops, however this is my opinion and although you may choose to use differently, my method has proved more than satisfactory for myself.
1. When attacking, assuming your opponent has an AQ and a fully loaded CC. Your first step is to lure out the AQ and CC, if they are un-lurable then I continue looking for a new base. Once the CC troops and AQ are out, you can use a lighting spell to take them out, or use your minions/CC troops/AQ&BK.
2. Choose the right side to attack from. If you are only going for a 2* then aim for the side where the TH is most vulnerable(away from WT's, teslas, AD's etc...) You also want to use your Minions to pick off the 'free' buildings(out of range of defences).
3. The deployment of your troops is crucial. When I attack I deploy along the side of the base parallel with a row of defences 1/2 of my Balloons. After that I wait for the Balloons to breach the first layer and deploy 1/4 of my minions to clean up some outside buildings. Then I real ease the other 1/2 of my Balloons in the same fashion; parallel to the defences, in a long line. Once there is a clear enough path to the TH I let the other 1/2 of my Minions fly (assuming they are heading near the TH).
4. The spells are one of the most important parts of the attack. I use my lighting spell on the CC, then one rage on my first path of balloons, then heal on Balloons when coming near splash. The last rage I save for the Minions when attacking the TH.
Choosing your base to attack
When looking for a base to attack I have a checklist of thing that I look for before attacking:
- Poor placement of AD's, WT's, AT's, IT's, and X-Bows (very spread out and poor coverage)
- Empty IT's and empty X-Bows
- X-Bows facing down
- Inactive (No CC)
- The Archer Queen and CC location
Summary on the strategy
Balloonions is a relatively short time army with a balanced cost of DE and Elixir. It is great for trophy hunting and can be used everywhere from low cups to 4000+. It is my favourite army composition and maybe yours too!
Thanks to all who provide feedback!
