Can you believe it's already Halloween time again? As a long-time Clash of Clans player, I always look forward to Supercell's special seasonal events. The Pumpkin Graveyard Challenge, a classic Halloween event, has made its return with some subtle tweaks for 2026. While the core mechanics remain nostalgic, earning those coveted three stars requires a precise strategy. Don't you hate it when you're just one star short after a valiant effort? Let me walk you through the battle plan that has consistently worked for me and my clanmates.
🔍 Initial Reconnaissance and First Moves
The first step is always scouting. Take a good look at the map layout. Your primary target? The Multi-Target Inferno Tower perched menacingly in the top-right corner. This isn't just any defense; it's the key to awakening the map's spooky defenders. My opening move is always the same: I deploy three Pumpkin Barbarians at three distinct points around this Inferno Tower. Why three, you ask? This strategic triangulation efficiently triggers the hidden Royal Ghosts and Skeletons from their graves without wasting precious troop space.
Immediately after, I drop a fourth Pumpkin Barbarian slightly below the Inferno, targeting the right-side wall. This clever bait lures the newly spawned Skeletons to the other side of that wall, effectively splitting the enemy forces. Now, here comes the patience part: you must wait a full 12 seconds. This allows the Royal Ghosts' invisibility to wear off, making them vulnerable. Rushing this step is the most common mistake I see!
⚔️ The Southern Assault and Distraction Tactics
With the northern flank stirring, I shift my focus south. I deploy my Royal Champion with a singular mission: destroy the X-Bow. Simultaneously, I send in my Super Bowler to crush the Mortars. This creates a powerful southern push. But wait—you'll notice the Ghosts and Skeletons from the north start drifting toward your heroes. This is the critical moment for phase two!
It's time for a massive diversion. On the eastern side of the map, I spawn:
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16 Pumpkin Barbarians
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2 Valkyries
This swarm serves as the perfect distraction force. Their job isn't necessarily to destroy everything, but to engage and eliminate the wandering Ghosts and Skeletons, keeping them away from my main assault group. Think of them as the sacrificial frontline that secures the flanks.
👑 The Western Blitz: Unleashing the Heroes
While the east side is chaotic, I gather my main army for the decisive western strike. At the southwest corner of the Town Hall, I deploy everything I have left:
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All remaining Pumpkin Barbarians
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The Barbarian King
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The Archer Queen
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The Grand Warden
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The last Valkyrie
As this powerhouse team breaches the core defenses and raids inside the clan base, I immediately activate the abilities of both the Barbarian King and the Grand Warden. The King's Iron Fist and the Warden's Eternal Tome provide the sustained damage and survivability needed to plow through the heart of the base.
🧙♂️ Spell Management and Closing the Deal
My attention is now split. I keep one eye on the western blitz and the other on my Royal Champion and Super Bowler from the southern push. The Town Hall will eventually activate its defenses. The moment it does, I don't hesitate—I drop an Invisibility Spell on my Champion and Bowler. This protects them from the Town Hall's retaliatory strike, allowing them to continue their work.
The endgame is in sight! I watch my heroes obliterate the core defenses and then pivot toward the original objective: the Multi-Target Inferno Tower. Remember that one remaining Invisibility Spell in your pocket? That's your insurance policy. If anything goes wrong in the final seconds—a stray Giant Bomb, a surviving Wizard Tower—use it to save your key troops and secure the third star.
🎯 Final Tips for 2026 Success
Having played this challenge multiple times this season, I've compiled a quick checklist for guaranteed success:
| Step | Key Action | Troop/Spell Used | Timing Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Awaken Defenses | 3x Pumpkin Barbarian | Space them around the Inferno |
| 2 | Lure & Split | 1x Pumpkin Barbarian | Place below Inferno, on wall |
| 3 | Wait | None | 12 seconds for Ghost invisibility |
| 4 | Southern Push | Royal Champion & Super Bowler | Target X-Bow & Mortars |
| 5 | Eastern Distraction | 16x Barbarian, 2x Valkyrie | Deploy after Skeletons move |
| 6 | Western Blitz | All Heroes & Remaining Troops | Activate King/Warden abilities on entry |
| 7 | Spell #1 | Invisibility Spell | Use on Champion/Bowler vs. Town Hall |
| 8 | Spell #2 (Backup) | Invisibility Spell | Emergency use only at the end |
Isn't it satisfying to watch that third star pop up? This strategy balances aggression with control, distraction with focused destruction. The key is executing the phases in order and not panicking with your spells. Clash of Clans, always free on Android and iOS, continues to prove why it's a timeless classic with these engaging, brain-teasing challenges. Good luck, Chief—go claim those Halloween rewards! 🎃