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| What Does Increasing Star Level Do in Clash Royale? |
What does increasing star level do in Clash Royale? Learn how Star Levels work, what they change, and whether upgrading them is worth it.
Clash Royale players often notice a Star Level option once a card reaches its maximum upgrade level. This naturally raises an important question: what does increasing star level do in Clash Royale, and is it actually worth your hard-earned resources? The short answer is that Star Levels are cosmetic enhancements, but the full story is more nuanced and deeply tied to progression, prestige, and long-term gameplay satisfaction.
This in-depth guide explains everything you need to know about Star Levels in Clash Royale, how they work, what benefits they offer, what they don’t do, and when upgrading them makes sense for different types of players.
Understanding Star Levels in Clash Royale
Star Levels are a cosmetic progression system introduced by Supercell to give maxed-out cards additional visual flair. Once a card reaches its maximum card level (currently Level 14 for most cards), players unlock the ability to spend Star Points to increase that card’s Star Level.
Unlike standard upgrades, Star Levels do not increase damage, hitpoints, or abilities. Instead, they exist to reward long-term players with unique visuals that showcase dedication and experience.
What Does Increasing Star Level Do in Clash Royale?
At its core, increasing Star Level in Clash Royale enhances a card’s appearance only. Here’s exactly what changes:
- Gold-accented character models
- Shiny or animated details on troops and buildings
- Golden projectiles or attacks for some cards
- Visual upgrades to deploy animations
These effects make cards stand out on the battlefield, especially in competitive matches or friendly battles.
Importantly, Star Levels provide zero gameplay advantage. A Star Level 3 card performs identically to a Star Level 0 card in terms of stats and mechanics.
Star Level Breakdown: What Each Level Adds
Not every card has the same Star Level structure, but most follow a similar pattern.
Star Level 1
- Minor gold highlights
- Subtle visual upgrades
- Often the most noticeable jump from the base look
Star Level 2
- More pronounced gold effects
- Enhanced animations or attacks
- Additional visual polish
Star Level 3 (if available)
- Fully “golden” or premium appearance
- Maximum cosmetic prestige
- Often unique to specific cards
Some cards only have one or two Star Levels, while others go all the way to Star Level 3.
How to Get Star Points
To increase Star Level, you need Star Points, a special currency in Clash Royale.
You can earn Star Points by:
- Donating max-level cards to clanmates
- Upgrading cards that are already maxed
- Converting overflow cards after reaching max level
Supercell explains the Star Point system in detail on the official Clash Royale site, which is the most reliable source for current mechanics and updates.
Do Star Levels Affect Gameplay or Matchmaking?
This is one of the most common misconceptions.
Star Levels do not:
- Increase card strength
- Improve win rates
- Affect matchmaking
- Unlock hidden abilities
Matchmaking in Clash Royale is based on trophies, card levels, and King Tower level, not Star Levels. A fully starred deck does not intimidate the matchmaking system—it only looks impressive.
Are Star Levels Worth Upgrading?
Whether Star Levels are “worth it” depends entirely on your playstyle and goals.
Star Levels Are Worth It If:
- You are a long-term or maxed player
- You play ladder or Clan Wars regularly
- You enjoy visual customization and prestige
- You want your favorite deck to stand out
Star Levels Are Not Worth It If:
- You are still upgrading core cards
- You lack sufficient Star Points
- You prioritize progression efficiency
- You are free-to-play and resource-limited
For newer players, it’s usually better to focus on card upgrades and deck optimization before investing in Star Levels.
Best Cards to Upgrade Star Levels First
Since Star Points are limited, smart prioritization matters.
Consider starring cards that:
- Appear in your main ladder deck
- Are frequently used across multiple decks
- Have highly visible visual effects (e.g., spells or win conditions)
Popular examples include:
- Hog Rider
- Mega Knight
- Electro Wizard
- Fireball
- Rocket
Cards with spells often have flashy golden projectiles, making their Star Levels more noticeable during matches.
Star Levels in Competitive and Esports Play
In professional Clash Royale esports, Star Levels are common—but purely cosmetic. High-level players often use Star Levels to signal experience and deck mastery, not power.
According to competitive insights shared through Supercell’s official esports channels and Clash Royale League updates, Star Levels have no impact on tournament balance, ensuring fair competition.
Common Myths About Star Levels
Let’s clear up a few persistent myths:
-
Myth: Star Levels make cards stronger
Reality: Stats remain unchanged -
Myth: Star Levels affect win probability
Reality: Skill, deck synergy, and strategy matter -
Myth: Opponents fear Star Level decks
Reality: Visuals may impress, but mechanics decide games
Understanding this helps players avoid wasting resources based on false assumptions.
Visual Customization and Player Psychology
While Star Levels don’t alter gameplay, they do influence player perception. Gold-enhanced cards can:
- Boost player confidence
- Increase enjoyment and immersion
- Signal long-term commitment to the game
Psychologically, feeling proud of your deck can improve focus and decision-making, even if the effect is indirect.
How Star Levels Fit Into Clash Royale Progression
Star Levels represent endgame progression. Once cards are maxed and resources overflow, Star Levels give players something meaningful to invest in without disrupting balance.
This design philosophy aligns with Supercell’s broader approach to fair-to-play systems, which you can explore further through their official developer updates and blogs.
Tips for Using Star Points Wisely
To maximize value:
- Prioritize one deck before spreading Star Points
- Avoid starring cards you rarely use
- Save Star Points for cards with multiple Star Levels
- Don’t rush—Star Points accumulate over time
If you’re managing multiple decks, focus on universally strong cards first.
Future of Star Levels: Will They Ever Change Gameplay?
As of now, Supercell has consistently maintained that Star Levels will remain cosmetic-only. Any change that introduces power advantages would disrupt competitive integrity.
For the latest updates and confirmations, always rely on announcements from Clash Royale’s official channels rather than rumors or third-party speculation.
Final Verdict: What Does Increasing Star Level Do in Clash Royale?
Increasing Star Level in Clash Royale enhances visual appearance, prestige, and personalization, but it does not make your cards stronger. Star Levels are best viewed as a reward for dedication rather than a path to competitive advantage.
If you’re a maxed or near-max player who values aesthetics and identity, Star Levels are a satisfying upgrade. If progression is still your priority, you can safely ignore them without falling behind.
Ready to Upgrade Smarter?
If you want to improve your performance, focus first on deck synergy, card levels, and strategy mastery. Once those are solid, Star Levels become the perfect finishing touch.
Explore more advanced Clash Royale guides and optimization tips to get the most out of every match.
