Check out Clash of Clans’ new Lava Hound in action

***Update***

In anticipation of the new update, which probably won't arrive until next week, Supercell has reduced the cost of boosting resource collectors to just one gem.

***Original***

Earlier today, Supercell Games revealed a brand new unit coming to Clash of Clans in the next update: the Lava Hound.

Described as an "air tank," the Lava Hound soaks up damage by air defense structures. In turn, the Lava Hound unit also focuses on air defense buildings, though it's important to realize that the strength of this unit is not in its damage, but rather its ability to distract. Once killed, the Lava Hound will split up in to Lava Pups, mini minions that deal some damage but also serve as more of a distraction.

Clash of Clans YouTuber Chief Pat has posted a new video of the new Lava Hound in action, showcasing gameplay while talking through some strategy you may want to adopt when using the new unit in attacks.

As more of a tank, you'll want to first send in the Lava Hound to begin soaking damage. Once it effectively captures the attention of the air defense buildings, you'll want to send in your remaining flying troops — dragons, minions, and balloons — to deal damage and cause as much destruction as possible before the focus becomes on them. The video below shows how to effectively use the Lava Hound in combat.

While the Lava Hound is easily one of the more exciting new things in the upcoming update, Supercell has teased many more features that will arrive soon, including the level 13 Archer tower, level 7 Barbarians and Archers, reduced Valkyrie training time, the ability to upgrade an entire row of wall pieces in just one go, and the option to upgrade level 6-plus walls with Elixir instead of Gold.

Supercell still hasn't given a timeframe for when the update will go live, but I'm assuming it won't be much longer.

In the meantime, let us know what you think of the new Lava Hound in the comments below.