Clash Royale | What Do Star Levels Do?

Featured image for our article focused on what star levels do on Clash Royale.

In the ever-changing world of Clash Royale, players are continuously seeking ways to distinguish themselves on the battlefield, not just through their skill or strategies but also in the visual layer of their favorite cards.

Star Levels is a feature that has been introduced to inject another layer of customization and prestige into this dynamic game. Star Levels are used to upgrade the appearance of their cards, giving them unique skins, animations, and deployment effects that make them stand out on the battlefield. Whilst the appearance of Star Levels is purely cosmetic, they represent a player’s dedication, achievements, and personal style within the Clash Royale universe.

In this guide, we will take a look into what Star Levels do, how they are unlocked, and the strategic prestige that they can bring to your gaming experience. Whether you are new to Clash Royale or a seasoned pro, understanding Star Levels will add a new layer to how you play and display your prowess in Clash Royale.

The Basics of Star Levels

Star Levels are a fascinating feature in Clash Royale that has been designed to enchance the visual appearance of the game’s cards which bring an extra layer of excitement and customization to the arena. Unlike standard card upgrades, Star Levels do not affect the stats or performance of cards in battles. Instead, they offer a unique cosmetic upgrade, making your cards look more formidable and unique on the battlefield.

Here’s a closer look at the fundamentals of Star Levels:

  • What Are Star Levels? Star Levels allow players to upgrade the appearance of their cards once they have reached King Level 9. The card must be Card Level 7 or above to upgrade the Star Level of the card, this in turn will alter the visual appearance of the card. Some cards have a maximum of 3 Star Levels, while others only have 2 Star Levels.
  • Visual Appeal Without Stat Changes: Star Levels only alter the visual appearance of a unit. This will not alter the card’s damage, health, speed, or any other performance metric. This ensures that the game maintains its balance and fairness, with victories still hugely influenced by strategy, deck choice, and skill.
  • Unlocking Star Levels: To unlock Star Levels you must reach King Level 9. Once you have reached this milestone you will start collecting Star Points which are used to unlock and upgrade Star Levels for eligible cards. Star Points are earned through various in-game activities, which we will explore in more detail in the following sections.
An image showing the effects of Star Level 2 in Clash Royale.
Star Levels effects can be previewed by pressing on the Stars.

Understanding the basics of Star Levels in Clash Royale sets the foundation for appreciating the role that they play in-game. They offer a way for you to showcase your achievements, personalize your deck, and show your dedication to specific units on the battlefield.

Unlocking Star Levels

Unlocking Star Levels in Clash Royale is a milestone that should be celebrated as it signifies a player’s dedication and journey in the arena. Once you have hit King Level 9, the path to decorating your cards with unique aesthetics begins.

Here’s how you can unlock and advance through the Star Levels:

  • Reaching King Level 9: The first step to unlocking Star Levels in Clash Royale is to reach King Level 9. This level unlocks the ability to earn and use Star Points, which are essential for upgrading the Star Level of your cards.
  • Earning Star Points: Star Points are the essential currency that is used to upgrade Star Levels, and there are several different ways to accumulate them. You can earn Star Points through opening Chests, or by upgrading and donating cards in the game.
  • Upgrading Cards with Star Points: When you have earned the right amount of Star Points players can begin to upgrade the Star Levels of eligible cards. Each card requires a specific amount of Star Points to upgrade to the next Star Level, with the cost increasing at each subsequent level.
  • Choosing Cards to Upgrade: Not all cards may be eligible to upgrade to Star Levels immediately. Players should prioritize which cards to upgrade first based on their preferred decks and also the visual enhancements they desire. Prioritizing frequently used cards will result in more memorable battles and add a significant visual impact to your deck.
An image showing the Executioner unit reaching Star Level 2 in Clash Royale.
Executioner Reaching Star Level 2

Unlocking Star Levels in Clash Royale is a testament to a player’s commitment in the arena. By earning and using Star Points, players can personalize their experience and level up their visual impact on the battlefield.

Visual Enhancements and Effects

Star Levels introduce a wealth of visual enhancements that affect how your favorite cards can look in Clash Royale. As cards ascend throughout Star Levels, they will unlock unique skins, animations, and deployment effects.

Here’s what these upgrades entail:

  • Unique Card Skins: Each Star Level upgrade can introduce a new skin for the card, adding colorful designs, glowing effects, or thematic alterations that can reflect the card’s enhanced status.
  • Enhanced Animations: Some cards will receive upgraded animations once their Star Level increases, making their actions in the arena more eye-catching. These upgraded animations can include elaborate attack animations or special effects when the card is played.
  • Distinct Deployment Effects: Unlocking higher Star Levels can also unlock special deployment effects. When a card is dropped in the arena, the enhanced effects can range from unique sounds to visually striking animations.
  • Cumulative Enhancements: It is important to understand that visual upgrades accumulate with each Star Level. This means that as a card progresses to the next level, it retains the previous enhancements that it has already received.

Real Examples:

  • Giant at Star Level 1: The Giant gains a golden glow once they are dropped on the battlefield, making his appearance in the arena more imposing.
  • Baby Dragon at Star Level 2: Not only does the Baby Dragon feature a golden glow once they have been dropped the Baby Dragon now has golden horns located on the top of its head.
  • Hog Rider at Star Level 3: The Hog Rider boasts a visually upgraded Hog, complete with glowing eyes and enhanced armor. The Hog Rider also leaves behind a trail of golden sparks upon deployment, highlighting his entry onto the battlefield.
An image showing the effects of a Hog Rider at Star Level 3 in Clash Royale.
The Hog Rider at Star Level 3 features a golden glow and enhanced armor.

These examples show how Star Levels can transform your favorite cards, adding a layer of customization and prestige that can reflect your journey and achievements in Clash Royale. Whether it’s the imposing presence of a Giant, the refined elegance of the Baby Dragon, or the dramatic entrance of a Hog Rider, Star Levels bring a new lease of life to your cards in new and exciting ways.


Star levels in Clash Royale represent much more than just a cosmetic upgrade; they show a player’s journey, strategy, and in-game achievements. By personalizing the appearance of units, Star Levels add a layer of depth and prestige that can be showcased in the arena.

Remember, the path to enhancing your favorite cards with Star Levels is as rewarding as it is visually stunning. Leveling up cards feels like you are mastering and further completing a card’s progression in-game. Star Levels offer something for all players whether you are looking to intimidate opponents with a visually enhanced deck or simply enjoy the aesthetics of the game.

Keep challenging yourself in battles, participating in events, and contributing to your clan to accumulate Star Points efficiently. So, as you continue your journey in Clash Royale, consider the strategic and aesthetic benefits of Star Levels and how they can elevate your gaming experience.

We encourage you to revisit our game section for more tips, strategies, and updates on all things Clash Royale.

Navigate to the Clash Royale game guide section of the website

If you are interested in further upgrading the appearance of your favorite cards in Clash Royale check out our article on Evolution Shards here.

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