TOWN HALL 8 GUIDE
TH8 Upgrade Priority
Unlock the Archer Queen and Blacksmith, then improve Heroes, Equipment, and one reliable army.
Last reviewed July 25, 2026 · Recommended order, not an official Supercell rankingStart With
1Blacksmith2Archer Queen3Laboratory
Recommended TH8 Upgrade Order
TH8 introduces the Archer Queen and Hero Equipment through the Blacksmith. The best order keeps offense, Heroes, and a small useful Equipment set ahead of broad defensive cleanup.
Simple Rule: Build the Blacksmith, unlock the Queen, and upgrade only the Equipment and troops used by your main attack strategy.
What to Upgrade First at TH8
A direct priority table from new content through final cleanup.
| Order | Upgrade Focus | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unlock the Archer Queen and BlacksmithHero Hall · Archer Queen · Blacksmith | These unlock the central TH8 Hero and Equipment progression systems. |
| 2 | Upgrade the Offensive CoreLaboratory · Army Camp · Clan Castle · Dark Spell Factory | Capacity, research, donations, and Dark Spells improve every serious TH8 attack. |
| 3 | Progress Heroes and Core EquipmentBarbarian King · Archer Queen · Blacksmith | Keep both Heroes moving and finish a small Equipment set that supports the army you actually use. |
| 4 | Upgrade High-Impact DefensesAir Defense · Hidden Tesla · Bomb Tower · Wizard Tower | These provide the strongest defensive value once the offensive core is established. |
| 5 | Finish Traps, Resources, and WallsSkeleton Trap · Storages · Collectors · Walls | Use the final stage to complete the village without interrupting Hero or Laboratory progress. |
NEW AT TH8
New Content Available at TH8
Buildings are constructed in the Village. Troops, spells, Siege Machines, Heroes, and pets are unlocked through their related buildings.
AVOID THESE
Common TH8 Upgrade Mistakes
1Ignoring the Blacksmith and Hero Equipment after reaching TH8.
2Trying to upgrade many Equipment pieces instead of finishing a small useful set.
3Letting the Archer Queen and Barbarian King fall behind.
4Starting broad defensive upgrades before the main army is ready.
QUICK ANSWERS
TH8 Upgrade Priority FAQ
What Should I Upgrade First at TH8?
Start with Blacksmith, Archer Queen, Laboratory. Then follow the Town Hall-specific order shown above instead of trying to upgrade everything at once.
Should Offense or Defense Come First at TH8?
For most players, offense should come first because stronger farming and war attacks fund every later upgrade. Build the offensive foundation, then improve the strongest defenses.
Should I Max Everything Before Leaving TH8?
You do not need every collector, trap, or wall completed before moving on, but your main army, key buildings, and Hero progression should be strong enough to farm and attack reliably at the next Town Hall.
Is This the Only Correct Upgrade Order?
No. This is a balanced recommendation. Builders, Magic Items, preferred armies, war schedule, and available resources can justify changing the order.