Hey Clashers!
Town Hall 17 is here, and it’s a game-changer. If you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player, this guide is your golden ticket to upgrading smartly without dropping a single gem. With a little planning and the right use of magic items, you’ll zoom ahead of the competition.
Before we dive in, here’s a pro tip: Stockpile your magic items (hammers, books, and potions) and max out your CWL medals. Ready? Let’s crack this TH17 puzzle wide open!
▶️Step 1: Town Hall Upgrade – Let’s Get the Party Started!
The first and most obvious step is upgrading your Town Hall to 17. But don’t make the rookie mistake of using a Hammer of Building here. Save that for something with a longer timer.
Before upgrading, you’ll need to place the Helper Hut (costs 1M Elixir). It’s quick and easy, so knock it out first. Once you’ve started the TH17 upgrade, remember this: you’ll lose access to your Eagle Artillery during the upgrade. That means you’re vulnerable—so plan your defenses wisely.
Here's a video about the TH17 upgrade guide if you wanna watch!
Step 2: Maximize the 5-Day Boost (Your All-You-Can-Eat Buffet!)
TH17’s 5-day boost is pure gold. Think of it as an all-you-can-eat buffet, but you’ve got to be strategic—don’t waste time on salad when you can have the good stuff!
Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Laboratory First: Upgrade your lab ASAP and use a Book of Everything to finish it instantly.
- Troops to Focus On: Prioritize troops like Dragons, E-Dragons, and Wall Breakers during the boost. Experiment with max-level troops for 5 days—this is the perfect time to try new attack strategies!
Step 3: Defense Upgrades – Build and Merge Like a Boss
TH17 introduces some serious defense upgrades, but here’s where the magic lies: merged defenses. They’re your defensive superheroes—stronger, more durable, and ready to wreck attackers.
Top Defensive Priorities:
- Fire Spitter: Build it right after upgrading the Town Hall. This defense is a beast!
- Ricochet Cannons & Multi-Arch Towers: Merge them early to boost their firepower.
- Clan Castle: Upgrade it for 5 extra troop spaces—it’s a game-changer in both offense and defense.
Pro Tip: Don’t spend your loot randomly. Use a Rune of Gold to refill your coffers after placing expensive defenses.
Step 4: Heroes – Who Deserves the Crown?
Your heroes are your MVPs at TH17, and here’s how to prioritize them:
- Royal Champion: She’s your first priority. Her solo power makes every upgrade worth it.
- Minion Prince: Always keep him upgrading. Since he starts at a lower level, he’s a quick win.
- Archer Queen and Barbarian King: Upgrade these based on your playstyle. Focus on the Queen if you’re a ground attacker, and the King for funneling.
Pro Tip: Don’t upgrade heroes during the 5-day boost—you’ll want to experiment with their max levels first.
Step 5: Troop Upgrades – What’s in Your Lab?
Your lab is where the magic happens. Here’s our recommended upgrade path based on playstyles:
If You Love Air Attacks:
- Dragons: TH17 Dragons are stronger than ever.
- E-Dragons: Max them out to dominate air-heavy strategies.
- Dragon Riders: If you rely on hybrid air armies, prioritize these.
If You Prefer Ground Strategies:
- Wall Breakers: Max-level Wall Breakers ensure your attack doesn’t flop due to walls.
- Thrower: Great for ground smashes.
Step 6: Loot Management – Don’t Go Broke!
Loot runs out faster than Elixir in a spam E-Dragon attack! Here’s how to stretch your resources:
- Don’t Collect from Storages Early: Avoid emptying collectors too soon. Save them for when you’re ready to use a Rune of Gold or Elixir.
- Farm Like a Pro: Use armies like Sneaky Goblins or E-Dragons to farm resources efficiently after running dry.
- Use a Farm Base: A new TH means everyone’s after your loot, so use a TH17 Farm Base to protect it!
Step 7: Fun Factor – Try New Toys!
TH17 brings exciting new toys:
- Thrower (New Troop): Upgrade the Barracks and start experimenting.
- Revive Spell: Unlock it via the Spell Factory upgrade.
Pro Tip: Use the Hammer of Building on the Barracks to quickly unlock the Thrower and have fun while your boost is active.
Step 8: What NOT to Do (Save Yourself the Trouble!)
- Avoid Upgrading Traps Too Early: They’re low-priority compared to defenses like Fire Spitters.
- Don’t Supercharge Prematurely: Supercharging buildings can wait until after all regular upgrades are complete.
- Skip Wizard Towers (for Now): They’re underwhelming compared to other defenses.
Quick Reference Upgrade Checklist
Here’s a clear, actionable upgrade order to guide your journey:
Phase 1: Immediate Upgrades
- Town Hall to 17
- Laboratory (Use Book of Everything)
- Fire Spitter
- New Traps (Giant Bomb, Seeking Air Mine)
Phase 2: Boost-Driven Upgrades
- Barracks (Use Hammer of Building)
- Dragons or E-Dragons in Lab
- Spell Factory (Unlock Revive Spell)
Phase 3: Defensive Power-Ups
- Merge Ricochet Cannons & Multi-Arch Towers
- Upgrade Clan Castle
- Begin Giga Bomb Upgrades
Phase 4: Hero Progression
- Royal Champion → Minion Prince → Queen/King (Based on playstyle)
Final Phase: Long-Term Upgrades
- Supercharging Buildings (After all levels are maxed)
- Traps and Wizard Towers
- Extra Storage (Only if needed)
Upgrading to TH17 as a free-to-play player might sound daunting, but with the right strategy, it’s totally doable. Stick to this guide, plan your upgrades wisely, and enjoy experimenting with new troops and strategies.
