If you’re a dedicated Clash Royale player, you’ve likely come across a special visual feature called Star Levels. This system was introduced by Supercell to give your cards a more stylish appearance without impacting gameplay performance. In this guide, we’ll explore what Star Levels are, how you can unlock them, and why they are a great addition to your Clash Royale experience.
Understanding Star Levels in Clash Royale
What Are Star Levels?
Star Levels are visual enhancements for your cards in Clash Royale. They add unique animations, gold trims, and other cool visual effects that make your cards look more refined and eye-catching. Unlike card levels, Star Levels do not influence your card’s power or stats—they are purely cosmetic. This means your Star Level 3 Knight will perform just the same as a regular level 13 Knight but will certainly look more impressive on the battlefield.
Why Were Star Levels Introduced?
Supercell introduced Star Levels to give players more ways to personalize their decks. As you progress through the game, having a set of Star Level cards can be a fun way to show off your achievements and make your deck stand out in friendly battles, tournaments, or challenges.
How to Unlock Star Levels?
Unlocking Star Levels requires a specific in-game currency called Star Points. This currency can be earned through various in-game activities like upgrading cards, donating to your clanmates, or participating in battles. Let’s break down the process step-by-step.
Requirements for Unlocking Star Levels
- Minimum Card Level: To unlock the first Star Level for a card, it must be at least at level 7. For higher Star Levels, the card must be at an even higher level (e.g., level 10 or level 13).
- Star Points: Star Points are required to unlock each Star Level. The higher the Star Level, the more points you’ll need.
How to Earn Star Points?
Star Points can be earned by:
- Upgrading Cards: Each time you upgrade a card, you gain Star Points.
- Donating Cards: Donating cards to your clan also rewards you with Star Points.
- Max-Level Cards: If you receive cards for max-level cards (level 14), they will automatically convert into Star Points.
Different Star Levels Explained
Clash Royale features three distinct Star Levels, each providing unique visual changes:
Star Level 1
This level adds subtle visual changes, such as golden borders and small animations that make your card feel more dynamic.
Star Level 2
At Star Level 2, the card receives more pronounced golden embellishments and enhanced animations, making it even more eye-catching.
Star Level 3
The final Star Level provides the most intricate visual upgrades, such as unique particle effects and complete golden outfits for some troops.
Visual Upgrades with Star Levels
Unique Animations and Effects
Each Star Level adds new layers of animations to your cards. For instance, at Star Level 3, the Archer might shoot golden arrows, or the Electro Wizard might have electric sparks dancing around him. These changes are purely cosmetic but add a lot of personality to your cards.
Psychological Impact on Opponents
Having Star Level cards can sometimes intimidate opponents, making them believe you are a seasoned player. While this doesn’t alter the mechanics of the game, it can give you a psychological edge in some battles.
Star Points: The Key to Unlocking Star Levels
What Are Star Points?
Star Points are a special resource in Clash Royale, similar to Gold or Gems, but are exclusively used to unlock Star Levels. The more Star Points you have, the more cards you can upgrade to show off their shiny new looks.
How to Earn Star Points Quickly?
To accumulate Star Points faster, focus on:
- Participating in Battles: Winning battles and collecting rewards is a surefire way to gather more points.
- Donating to Your Clan: Consistently donating cards you don’t need is a great way to earn Star Points passively.
- Upgrading Your Cards: Whenever you upgrade a card, you receive Star Points based on the card’s rarity and level.
Impact of Star Levels on Game Strategy
Do Star Levels Change Gameplay?
No, Star Levels do not change how your cards perform. They don’t increase damage, health, or any other stats. They are purely for visual appeal and personalization.
Should You Focus on Star Levels or Card Levels First?
It’s generally recommended to prioritize upgrading your card levels over Star Levels if you want to perform better in battles. Higher card levels directly influence your deck’s strength, whereas Star Levels are purely cosmetic.
Which Cards Benefit Most from Star Levels?
Certain cards, especially those with unique designs or iconic appearances, benefit more from Star Levels. For example, the P.E.K.K.A, Electro Dragon, and Wizard have striking visual changes at Star Level 3 that make them look particularly stunning on the battlefield.
Star Levels vs. Card Levels: What’s the Difference?
Card Levels Explained
Card Levels determine the strength of your cards. A higher-level card will have more health, deal more damage, and perform better in battles compared to a lower-level card.
Key Differences
While Card Levels directly affect gameplay, Star Levels are purely aesthetic. It’s essential not to confuse the two—Star Levels won’t make your cards stronger, but they will make them look cooler!
Top Tips to Maximize Your Star Points
- Focus on Core Cards: Spend Star Points on cards you frequently use. This way, you’ll get the most out of your Star Level upgrades.
- Max-Level Cards: Once you’ve maxed out a card, any excess cards received will convert into Star Points, making it easier to save up for Star Level upgrades.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Star Levels
Misallocating Star Points
Don’t waste Star Points on cards you rarely use or only upgrade for collection purposes. Focus on your main deck first.
Prioritizing Star Levels over Card Levels
Avoid putting too much emphasis on Star Levels before your main cards are at a competitive level. Card Levels should be your primary focus for gameplay effectiveness.
