Introduction: Dominate the Merge Tactics leaderboards with these top-tier builds for October 2025! With the new Blaster rework and Trait system changes, the meta has completely shifted. These compositions are proven winners at high Starsteel ranks.
S-Tier Builds
Giant Tank + Blaster Hybrid
Core Strategy: Combine beefy tanks with powerful Blasters to create an unstoppable frontline while raining down area damage from behind. This build excels at all stages of the game.
Key Units:
- Giant (4-6 copies): Your primary tank activating Tank Trait
- Blaster (4-6 copies): Area damage dealers protected by Giants
- Musketeer (2-3 copies): Versatile ranged support
- Mini P.E.K.K.A (2 copies): High single-target damage
Trait Priority:
- Tank Trait Level 2 (4 Giants) by Round 6-7
- Blaster Trait Level 2 (4 Blasters) by Round 9-10
- Push both to Level 3 (6 units) in late game
✓ Strengths
- Extremely consistent across all matchups
- Strong at every stage of the game
- Easy to position and play
- Counters most swarm strategies
✗ Weaknesses
- Vulnerable to heavy Flying builds
- Expensive to fully upgrade units
- Can be overwhelmed by fast Spawner comps
Flying Swarm Aggro
Core Strategy: Flood the board with fast, evasive Flying units that overwhelm opponents before they can scale. This build wins early or transitions into a hybrid late-game composition.
Key Units:
- Minion (6 copies): Your core Flying unit for Trait 3
- Baby Dragon (3-4 copies): Splash damage flyer
- Mega Minion (2-3 copies): Tanky Flying option
- Balloon (1-2 copies): Win condition unit
Game Plan:
- Early Aggression: Pressure opponents Rounds 3-6 with fast Flying units
- Trait 3 Rush: Hit Flying Trait Level 3 by Round 8-9
- Snowball or Transition: Either win fast or add ground support
✓ Strengths
- Hard counters ground-heavy builds
- Fast-paced and fun to play
- Can win before opponents scale
- Flying Trait 3 is extremely powerful
✗ Weaknesses
- Gets destroyed by anti-air focus
- High-risk, high-reward playstyle
- Difficult to pivot if countered
- Requires perfect economy management
A-Tier Builds
Spawner Flood
Core Strategy: Use Spawner units to continuously generate minions that overwhelm opponents through sheer numbers. This build scales incredibly well into late game.
Key Units:
- Goblin Hut (4-6 copies): Primary spawner
- Barbarian Hut (3-4 copies): Tankier spawner
- Furnace (2-3 copies): Fast spawn cycles
- Tombstone (2 copies): Defensive spawning
Positioning Tips:
- Spread spawners across the board to maximize coverage
- Protect spawners with occasional tank units
- Merge spawners strategically to boost spawn quality
✓ Strengths
- Scales exponentially in late game
- Creates constant pressure on opponents
- Difficult to clear all spawned units
- Spawner Trait is very powerful
✗ Weaknesses
- Weak early game (Rounds 1-6)
- Vulnerable to Blaster builds
- Loses if opponents rush you down
- Requires specific units from shop
Royal Giant Beatdown
Core Strategy: Build around Royal Giant as your win condition, supporting it with defensive structures and spell units for a classic beatdown approach.
Key Units:
- Royal Giant (3-5 copies): Main win condition
- Electro Wizard (3-4 copies): Defensive support
- Cannon (4 copies): Defensive structure
- Ice Wizard (2-3 copies): Slow support
✓ Strengths
- Royal Giant deals massive building damage
- Great defensive capabilities
- Strong mid-game power spike
✗ Weaknesses
- Weak to swarm strategies
- Difficult to activate multiple Traits
- Less flexible than hybrid builds
B-Tier Situational Builds
Control Spell Cycle
Core Strategy: Use spell units and defensive buildings to control the board while chipping away at opponents. This build requires high skill but can counter specific metas.
When to Play: When lobbies are filled with Tank-heavy or Spawner builds that you can efficiently counter with spells.
Key Units: Wizard, Witch, Executioner, Bowler, various defensive buildings
General Build Tips
How to Pick Your Build
- Check Early Shop Rolls: If you get multiple copies of S-tier units, force that build
- Scout the Lobby: See what others are building and counter-pick
- Start Generic: Begin with versatile units that fit multiple builds
- Commit by Round 7: You must have a clear direction by mid-game
Trait Activation Priorities
- Always hit at least one Trait Level 2 (4 units) by Round 8
- Focus on one Trait Level 3 (6 units) rather than two Trait Level 2s
- Don't force Trait 3 if it requires bad units - Trait 2 is often enough
Positioning Best Practices
- Tanks in front rows (1-2)
- Blasters and ranged in middle rows (3-4)
- Spawners in back rows (5-6)
- Keep high-value units away from enemy splash damage range
Climbing with These Builds
For Beginners: Start with Giant Tank + Blaster Hybrid. It's the most forgiving and consistent build with clear win conditions.
For Intermediate Players: Master Flying Swarm Aggro for faster games and higher skill expression. Learn when to commit and when to pivot.
For Advanced Players: Mix multiple builds based on lobby composition. Adapt on the fly and know all matchups inside-out.