Format Introduction

Each region is composed of eight teams that will play against each other in best of three matches three times a week over the season to determine the teams that advance to the playoffs. The match is broken into three sets, and each set has a different set of rules. The first set is a best of three 2v2 match and each team gets to ban one card from play. In the second set, each team selects one player to battle in a best of three 1v1 match with one ban per player. The third and final set is a King of the Hill (KotH) style round. Each team submits a line up of three players and elects to ban one card. The first two players play one game against each other, the loser is knocked out, and the winner plays the next player in the opposing team’s line-up. This continues until one team is eliminated and the surviving team is the victor.

2v2 Match

2v2 is a great addition to the competitive format in Clash Royale (CR). It requires teams to not only have players with high individual skill but the ability to coordinate and communicate together as well. This will help break the monotony of watching a series of 1v1s and can help increase the viewer base. We have already seen new and exciting strategies used in the first week as well as giving the chance for cards that are underwhelming in 1v1 to shine, like the Giant Skeleton. It provides another obstacle for professional players to overcome as they experiment and learn the best ways to approach this mode, refine their strategies and playstyles, and learn how to work with their teammate.

2v2 is still considered to be fairly casual game mode by some and hasn’t been completely accepted by the community. I think Supercell could fortify 2v2 as a competitive game mode, increase the level of play, and provide a platform for the viewers to test the strategies they see from top players in a couple ways. The creation of a separate 2v2 ladder ranking and/or a permanent 2v2 challenge mode would increase the competitive nature of 2v2 and provide players with a training ground.

1v1 Match

The staple of competitive CR, 1v1 best of three. It is no surprise that this set is included in CRL. I have no qualms with the set itself, it is a good combination of measuring skill and being time efficient. However, I think the 1v1 match would be better suited as the third set, switching places with the KotH set.

KotH is really exciting to watch (even if it’s a sweep) and allows for the audience to see more players in action. As a team league, it should prioritize the team sets (2v2, KotH) over the 1v1 match and use the 1v1 match as the tie-breaker where each team picks their “Ace” to handle the pressure of a tie breaker. Matches ending after the second set can be really short and anti-climactic. If the KotH match was guaranteed to be played, it could increase average match length and provide more content for the viewers. It would create a more interesting experience for the viewer and adds excitement with a 1v1 tiebreaker match.

King of the Hill

I love the KotH style set and think it will always produce a thrilling experience. Any outcome will have the viewers engaged, whether it's a clean sweep, back and forth games, or a reverse sweep. It combines the out of game preparation of banning and creating a lineup with the in-game skill required of each player to bring home the win. I see this set as the pinnacle of a team-based league and would wish to see more of it.

Summary

CRL has been a treat to watch and Supercell has done a fantastic job in designing this format to garner interest from casual and competitive players. One improvement would be to swap the 1v1 and KotH sets to instill a team league vibe and form dramatic story lines. The format results in a fun and unique viewing experience that should last throughout the season and keeps the broadcasts relatively short making it easy for anyone to find the time to watch.

A final piece of advice from me: above all else, remember to have fun while learning and enjoy the time you spend in the server.

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