The new Epic-Only Arcade Arena season is shifting the whole PvP meta. Instead of using the usual broken cookies like Rebel, most of the strongest choices are temporarily disabled. In this mode, you can only build teams using Epic, Rare Comet, and Magic cookies, with a few selected Special cookies such as Elphaba and Glinda.
Because of these restrictions, the winning teams rely heavily on burst damage, speed buffs, and crowd control. Cookies like Pavlova, Candy Apple, Chess Choco, and Madeline become the main source of damage, while supports like Parfait and Star Coral keep the team alive. Below are the four strongest teams you can use to climb in the current Epic-Only Arcade Arena.
1. Madeline Burst Speed Comp
Core Cookies
- Madeline (Main DPS)
- Mint Choco (Secondary DPS & Support)
- Parfait (Healing + Debuff Cleanse)
- Pavlova (Burst Control)
- Star Coral (Tank + Revive Support)
This lineup explodes enemies fast while maintaining protection through Parfait’s heal and Star Coral’s tank value. Madeline’s speed and damage take advantage of the current stat buff for Magic cookies.
Topping Tips
- Madeline → Full Raspberry + Damage Resist bypass biscuit
- Mint Choco → Full Swift Chocolate + Damage Resist + Cooldown
- Parfait → Full Raspberry with Damage Resist and Cooldown
- Pavlova → Full ATK with Damage Resist + Cooldown
- Star Coral → Tank build with Damage Resist focus
Best Treasures
- Paper Charm + Jelly Watch + Old Pilgrim’s Scroll
(Epic and Special treasures are banned, so these are ideal.)
2. Strawberry Crepe Attack Comp
Core Cookies
- Strawberry Crepe (Tank + Damage Boost)
- Madeline / Mint Choco
- Pavlova
- Parfait
- Star Coral
Strawberry Crepe boosts survivability while pushing enemies back, giving Pavlova and Madeline more time to burst. This comp is popular on competitive servers due to its balance.
Topping Tips
- Strawberry Crepe → Full Swift Chocolate, must have 3-second start
3. Candy Apple Control Burst Comp
Core Cookies
- Candy Apple (Burst & Charm)
- Strawberry Crepe
- Parfait
- Star Coral
- Pavlova
This team trades speed for stronger crowd control. Candy Apple provides heavy burst and charm, while Strawberry Crepe and Star Coral absorb hits so Pavlova can finish enemies safely.
Topping Notes
- Candy Apple requires Full Cooldown build
- Strawberry Crepe switches to a 2-second start instead of 3
4. Glinda + Elphaba Combo (Situational)
Core Cookies
- Glinda
- Elphaba
- Chess Choco
- Parfait
- Candy Apple
Glinda and Elphaba get massive buffs in this mode. Their combo can wipe teams quickly if properly promoted. However, this setup depends heavily on ascension levels. Only recommended if your Glinda and Elphaba are promoted enough to survive early burst. They only need around 5% Cooldown due to season buffs + Jelly Watch, so the rest should be built with damage stats.
Extra Tips for Climbing
- Prioritize Pavlova or Candy Apple if you lack multiple DPS options
- Always check starting time priority (2s or 3s start) on tanks and control units
- The Paper Charm treasure is crucial for cleansing debuffs in this mode
- Higher promotions drastically increase performance because base stats matter more than usual
The current Arcade Arena is all about smart bursts and control. With fewer overpowered cookies available, team building matters more than ever. Try the comps above, adjust based on your cookie levels, and refine your toppings to climb faster. Have your own Epic-Only lineup that’s been winning matches? Share your results and experiments, and keep pushing through the season.