One of the most powerful combinations in Clash Royale is the Giant and Graveyard deck, known in Spanish as Mazo de Gigante y Cementerio. This deck has proven its strength across various arenas and is widely used by both casual and competitive players. The synergy between the Giant’s tanking abilities and the Graveyard’s surprise factor creates immense pressure on the opponent’s tower, making it difficult to counter when used correctly. To master this deck, you need to understand not only the cards involved but also the right timing, support troops, and defensive strategies that bring out its full potential.
Core Concept of the Giant and Graveyard Deck
Primary Win Condition
The core win condition in the Mazo de Gigante y Cementerio is using the Giant to soak up damage while the Graveyard spawns Skeletons near the enemy’s tower. This pairing forces your opponent to defend with splash damage troops or spells, which, if not ready, can result in massive damage or even a tower takedown.
- Giant: A high-health tank that targets buildings. Ideal for leading the push and absorbing tower shots.
- Graveyard (Cementerio): An unpredictable spell that spawns Skeletons randomly in a target area. Most effective when the tower is focused on something else like the Giant.
The main goal is to place the Giant at the bridge or from the back, followed by the Graveyard on the enemy tower once the Giant starts taking hits. Supporting cards ensure the push remains strong and hard to stop.
Recommended Deck Composition
A balanced Giant-Graveyard deck usually includes the following elements:
- Giant Main tank and building-pusher
- Graveyard Surprise win condition
- Baby Dragon Splash damage and synergy with Tornado
- Mega Minion High DPS, low cost air defense
- Tornado Great for activating King Tower and pairing with splash units
- Bowler or Valkyrie Ground control and splash support
- Freeze or Poison Spells to control enemy counters during Graveyard activation
- Barbarian Barrel or Skeletons Cycle and defense
This deck excels in dual-lane control, defense-to-offense transitions, and creating powerful counterpushes after surviving an enemy attack.
Best Strategies for Using the Deck
Building the Push
Start slowly by placing the Giant behind your King Tower, allowing you to generate Elixir and respond to enemy moves. Once the Giant crosses the bridge, drop the Graveyard directly on the enemy tower, focusing slightly to the side or back to avoid immediate counters.
Support Your Giant
Use support troops like Baby Dragon or Mega Minion behind the Giant to clear out defending troops. These cards are particularly effective when paired with Tornado to clump enemy units for splash damage.
Spell Timing
Poison is one of the best spells to pair with Graveyard. It covers the entire tower area and deals with counters like Archers, Minions, or Goblins. Alternatively, Freeze can be devastating when used at the right time, especially in Double Elixir when quick reactions are harder.
Defend, Then Counterpush
Many of your support troops are strong on defense. Survive the enemy push with cards like Bowler, Tornado, or Valkyrie, then drop a Giant in front of your surviving troops. Add the Graveyard once they approach the enemy tower for a devastating counter.
Key Card Interactions
Baby Dragon + Tornado
This classic combo clears swarm troops like Skeleton Army or Bats and synergizes with Graveyard pushes. Use Tornado to pull enemies into the Baby Dragon’s splash zone.
Poison + Graveyard
Ideal for controlling the battlefield during your offensive. Poison wipes out most counters while the Skeletons from Graveyard build up quickly. Place Poison slightly offset to cover common defender positions.
Barbarian Barrel vs. Log
While Log is more commonly used in other decks, Barbarian Barrel offers extra value by spawning a Barbarian and damaging troops behind a push. It works well for Graveyard cleanup and cycling.
Strengths of the Giant-Graveyard Deck
- Strong Counterpush Potential: Defensive troops turn into offense seamlessly.
- High Pressure: Opponents must respond immediately to Graveyard or risk losing a tower.
- Reliable in Double Elixir: The deck thrives in late-game when you can stack support and spells.
- Adaptable: Works well against most meta decks if played correctly.
Common Counters and How to Handle Them
Archers and Electro Wizard
These cards are reliable counters to Graveyard, especially when placed correctly. Use Poison to take them out or freeze them for maximum Graveyard value.
LavaLoon Decks
Lava Hound with Balloon can be tricky since your deck focuses more on ground control. In this case, rely on Mega Minion, Baby Dragon, and Tornado for aerial defense, and try to pressure the opposite lane with a quick Giant-Graveyard push.
P.E.K.K.A Decks
PEKKA can shut down your Giant easily. To beat PEKKA decks, avoid pushing into their strongest defenders. Instead, bait them out and then attack on the opposite lane when they’re low on Elixir.
Best Times to Use the Deck
Ladder Matches
The Giant-Graveyard combo is excellent for ladder since it deals heavy tower damage in a short time. It allows you to punish opponents with low-level defensive counters.
Challenge and Tournament Play
In tournaments, this deck shines due to its consistent pressure and ability to swing momentum. If you play your support troops correctly and manage Elixir wisely, you can dominate most matchups.
Clan Wars
For Clan War duels, especially in the Battle or Collection days, this deck provides reliability and can be adapted slightly to fit specific rules or bans.
The Mazo de Gigante y Cementerio is a time-tested and reliable strategy in Clash Royale, offering high offensive pressure and versatile defense. Its synergy relies on calculated aggression and careful Elixir management. Whether you’re climbing the ranked ladder or competing in global tournaments, mastering this deck can give you a distinct edge over opponents. With practice, awareness of your counters, and proper support play, you’ll find yourself winning more matches and climbing trophies using one of the game’s most dangerous offensive combos.