Deal more damage
Why: the harder you hit, the faster you empty the enemy army — so you lose fewer troops and take on tougher targets. Several sources stack; here are all of them:
Which troop type do you play?
What helps directly
Increase the damage of your troop type
In Upgrades, raise the damage of the type you play (archers, pikemen, cavalry or shields). Big lever once well leveled.
Increase the damage of a dragon breed
In Upgrades, raise the damage of a breed (Champion, Warrior, Hunter or Sentinel) — useful if you mostly play that breed.
Make it stronger at EVERYTHING (permanent)
Raise its stars: each star boosts all its stats, and it's permanent. The best long-term investment. Relics via chests and the market.
Raise all its stats fast
Raise its level: gained in combat (on good targets) or by feeding it meat.
Give it a stat bonus on that type
Set it to GREEN affinity for the troop type you give it: its stats climb (avoid red, which penalizes it).
Make your hitters hit harder
Raise the habits that increase damage on your dragons that strike (lots of habits do this).
Lower the enemy's defense
Put a dragon in your army that reduces enemy defenses: then ALL your dragons hit harder. The most profitable combo.
Multiply your damage with Panic / Control
Some dragons panic or control the enemy: your fire/tactical damage is then multiplied (e.g. Sonumbra, Kalspire, Rhysarion). Very strong as a team.
Related bonuses (good to know)
Add a permanent bonus kept between seasons
Develop your Heirlooms: permanent stat bonuses, kept from one season to the next.
Exploit the type advantage
If you know the enemy's type, play the type that beats it (a bit of extra damage). Especially on small tiles.
Other needs · Winning my battles