Introduction
In Clash of Clans, reaching Builder Hall 8 marks a critical milestone in the Builder Base. With the Builder Base 2.0 update introducing the two-stage system, designing a strong Builder Hall 8 base has become more challenging and rewarding. Players must defend both the Builder Hall in Stage 1 and O.T.T.O’s Outpost in Stage 2, while adapting to evolving strategies like Baby Dragon spam, Hog Gliders, and PEKKA rushes. This guide breaks down the essentials of creating the ultimate BH8 defense to dominate in 2025.
Table of Contents
Understanding Builder Hall 8 and the Two-Stage System
- Stage 1: Focuses on the Builder Hall. Attackers gain stars by destroying it and achieving 50% or 100% base damage.
- Stage 2: If attackers succeed in Stage 1, they proceed to O.T.T.O’s Outpost for another chance at stars.
To win, your Builder Hall 8 base must be designed to limit attackers to one star in Stage 1 and force difficult troop pathing in Stage 2.
Pro Tip: Prioritize anti-2-star layouts in Stage 1 to stop attackers from easily reaching Stage 2.
Key Principles for a Strong Builder Hall 8 Base
- Centralized Builder Hall and Outpost
- Place the Builder Hall and O.T.T.O’s Outpost in the core of their stages.
- Surround them with storages and layered defenses to create buffers and slow troop progress.
- Compartmentalization & Dead Zones
- Divide the base into compartments to disrupt troop movement.
- Use empty spaces to mislead AI troops, especially against Boxer Giants and Cannon Carts.
- Balanced Air & Ground Defense
- Protect against Baby Dragons and Night Witches with Firecrackers and Air Bombs.
- Counter PEKKAs and Hog Gliders with Crushers, Giant Cannon, and splash defenses.
- Trap Placement
- Place Push Traps and Mega Mines in likely troop paths.
- Use Hidden Teslas near the core for surprise defense against heavy hitters.
- Resource Spread
- Scatter storages across compartments instead of clustering them.
- This forces attackers to split troops and reduces resource losses.
Pro Tip: Test layouts through Friendly Challenges to uncover weaknesses before real battles.
Stage 1: Anti-2-Star Diamond Base Design

The first stage should make it difficult for attackers to earn both the Builder Hall and 50% destruction.
Layout Overview
- Core: Builder Hall surrounded by storages.
- Defenses: Crushers and a Mega Tesla in the inner core; Air Bombs and Firecrackers in the second layer.
- Walls: Diamond-shaped structure with multiple layers.
- Traps: Push Traps and Mega Mines near wall openings; Teslas near entry paths.
- Outer Layer: Camps and Barracks as distractions.
Why It Works
The diamond layout funnels troops into Crushers and Air defenses. Baby Dragons and Giants struggle due to trap-heavy compartments, while Wall Breaker AI is disrupted by angled walls.
Pro Tip: Keep one Tesla hidden near the Builder Hall to counter PEKKA rushes or Hog Gliders.
Stage 2: Ring-Style Anti-Air Base Design

Stage 2 is designed to protect O.T.T.O’s Outpost while maximizing trap efficiency.
Layout Overview
- Core: O.T.T.O’s Outpost, Lava Launcher, and Multi Mortar.
- Defenses: Firecrackers and Air Bombs on the outer ring; Crushers and Giant Cannon near the center.
- Walls: Single wall ring with planned openings to funnel troops.
- Traps: Push Traps and Mega Mines near openings; Air Mines to catch Baby Dragons.
- Outer Layer: Collectors and Mines placed as bait.
Why It Works
The ring forces predictable troop paths, letting traps and splash defenses do maximum damage. Air-heavy armies are shredded by Firecrackers, while Crushers stop ground units that survive Stage 1.
Pro Tip: Position the Lava Launcher to cover common Stage 1 entry points, targeting groups of Night Witches or Cannon Carts.
Adapting to the 2025 Meta
The 2025 meta for Builder Hall 8 bases emphasizes hybrid attacks. Here’s how to counter them:
- Mass Baby Dragons: Strong Firecracker and Air Bomb placement counters air spam.
- PEKKA Rush: Crushers and Hidden Teslas overwhelm heavy ground units.
- Hog Gliders: Use layered walls and Push Traps to disrupt their movement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading the Core: Too many defenses in one area leave blind spots.
- Weak Air Defense: Ignoring Firecrackers makes you vulnerable to Baby Dragons.
- Random Traps: Ineffective trap placement wastes opportunities.
- Clumped Storages: Makes resources easy targets—spread them out.
FAQ
How do I protect my Builder Hall 8 base from Baby Dragons?
Baby Dragons are one of the most common BH8 attack strategies. Protect your Builder Hall 8 base with strong Firecracker and Air Bomb placement, supported by Air Mines near common entry points.
How do I counter Hog Gliders at Builder Hall 8?
To defend against Hog Gliders, place Push Traps and Mega Mines along likely entry paths. Pair Crushers and the Giant Cannon with smart funneling in your Builder Hall 8 base to break their momentum.
Can I copy a Builder Hall 8 base layout from other players?
Yes, but it’s better to customize it. A copied Builder Hall 8 base may work temporarily, but attackers quickly learn weaknesses. Use base-building guides and tweak designs to fit your defense style.
Conclusion
A strong Builder Hall 8 base requires balance, strategy, and adaptability. By centralizing the Builder Hall and O.T.T.O’s Outpost, using compartmentalization, and mixing air-ground defenses, you can frustrate attackers and protect trophies. Use a diamond layout in Stage 1 to block two-star attempts, and a ring-style base in Stage 2 to funnel troops into traps. With regular testing and adjustments, you’ll stay ahead of the 2025 Clash of Clans meta. Feel free to copy this base layout,
Clash on, Chief! ⚔️