In Clash Royale, Star Levels are just cosmetic upgrades. These change the look of a card in combat with gold glows, particle effects, and premium textures but do not impact damage, HP, hit speed, range or any other stat. Mechanically a Star Level 3 card is the same as the same card at zero star. Star Points, a different currency obtained from duplicate cards, are used to unlock Star Levels, and you’ll need your card to be Level 7, 10, or 13 first.
What Are Star Levels in Clash Royale?
Star Levels are a cosmetic advancement system in Clash Royale that allows you to personalize the appearance of your cards as they achieve certain level milestones. Each card can have up to three Star Levels, and you unlock them by spending Star Points, a different currency than Gold or Gems.
The system exists completely for personalization and prestige. Supercell did Star Levels for cosmetic reasons as a way to balance the competitive scene. A card with any number of stars plays the exact same as an unstarred card at the same level.
You need to be at least King Level 9 to spend Star Points, and the card must be at Level 7, 10, or 13 to unlock each tier.
What Visual Changes Do Star Levels Provide?
Each Star Level unlocks progressively more impressive cosmetic effects:
| Star Level | Card Level Required | Visual Effect |
| Star Level 1 | Level 7 | Card glows bright gold when deployed |
| Star Level 2 | Level 10 | Golden particle effects + gold accents on armor and weapons |
| Star Level 3 | Level 13 (Max) | Full gold premium skin with glowing armor and rich textures |
Not all cards support all three tiers. Some can only reach Star Level 1 OR 2, check the in-game upgrade screen to confirm how many levels a card supports.
How to Unlock Star Levels
How to unlock Star Levels is a simple process, believe me, once you qualify the requirements. Reach King Level 9, this unlocks the ability to spend Star Points. Improve your card to at least Level 7, this is the basic required for Star Level 1. Accumulate enough Star Points for the tier you want. Go to the Cards tab in the main menu and select the card you want to upscale. Tap the Star Level button and confirm. The new look is permanent and applies across all game modes in one click automatically.
Star Level Costs and Requirements
Here is the same Star Point cost for each tier:
| Star Level | Required Card Level | Star Points Cost |
| Level 1 | Level 7 | 5,000 |
| Level 2 | Level 10 | 10,000 |
| Level 3 | Level 13 | 20,000 |
Important Note: Star Points are capped at 500,000 total. They can only be spent on Common, Rare, and Epic cards, Legendary cards use a different cosmetic upgrade system.
Do Star Levels Increase Damage, HP, or Any Stats?
Not at all. This is a very common misunderstanding about Star Levels.
Here is the same what Star Levels do and do not do:
What not to do:
- Increase damage output
- Increase hitpoints (HP)
- Improve hit speed or attack range
- Change movement speed
- Affect matchmaking in any way
- Give any competitive edge whatsoever
What to do:
- Change card appearance during battle
- Add a gold glow on deployment
- Unlock particle effects
- Give your deck a premium, personalized look
- Demonstrate commitment to long-term account to other players
A Star Level 3 Musketeer deals exactly the same damage and has exactly the same HP as a Star Level 0 Musketeer at the same card level. Seeing a starred card on the opponent’s side is no reason to worry, it’s purely cosmetic.
How to Earn Star Points
Star Points are earned passively as you play. Here are all the ways to collect them:
- Duplicate cards from chests: When you receive a card you already have max copies of, it converts into Star Points. Rarer cards yield far more.
- Card donations: Donating cards to clanmates generates Star Points over time.
- Pass Royale rewards: The seasonal battle pass includes Star Point bundles at various tiers.
- Shop and event offers: Occasional shop deals and special in-game events reward Star Points directly.
Star Points Earned Per Card Rarity
| Card Rarity | Star Points Per Duplicate |
| Common | 1 |
| Rare | 10 |
| Epic | 100 |
| Legendary | 1,000 |
Best Cards to Use Star Levels On
Not all Star Level upgrades are visually equally impressive. These cards are the most obvious makeover, and are worth focusing on if you use them frequently:
- P.E.K.K.A: Dramatic gold armor makeover, one of the best visual upgrades in the game
- Mega Knight: Gold decorations on the helmet and armor stand out during every combat
- Electro Wizard: Glowing particle effects look spectacular at Star Level 3
- Archer Queen: Premium golden bow and armor
- Electro Dragon: Gold scales and glowing effects make this troop look incredible
- Golden Knight: The Star Level skin making the already golden goldener
- Golem: Large unit size means every gold detail is easy to see during battles
- Fireball: A spell with a distinctively different golden explosion effect
Pro tip: Always start your win conditions and most-played cards first. A starred P.E.K.K.A in a bridge spam deck makes a bigger impression than starring a card you barely use.
Are Star Levels Worth It?
Whether Star Levels are beneficial spending depends entirely on your aim as a player.
Star Levels ARE worth it if:
- You have already maxed out your cure ladder deck.
- You enjoy visual customization and account customization as your personal.
- You regularly play one or two decks.
- You have built up a big Star Point balance with nothing to spend it on.
- You want your sign card to look premium on the battlefield.
Skip Star Levels for now if:
- Your card levels are under the competitive range.
- You are saving resources for Evolutions.
- You leave decks frequently and don’t have a signature card
- You are a newer player still building your collection
Star Levels are a late-game reward for dedicated players, not a necessity. Focus on card levels and Evolutions first. Once your deck is competitive, starring your favorite cards is a fun, consequence-free way to personalize your account.
FAQs
No. Star Levels are clearly cosmetic and have zero advantage on damage, HP, speed, or any gameplay device. A max starred card and a no star card of the same level perform recognized.
In the Clash Royal The maximum Star Level is 3, which needs the card to be at Level 13, and costs 20,000 Star Points. Not every card supports all three tiers.
Once you spend Star Points on a Star Level, it is permanent and cannot be changed. Choose carefully before spending.
You need to reach King Level 9 before you can spend Star Points to reach Star Levels.
The standard Star Point system works on Common, unique, and Epic cards only. Legendary cards have separate cosmetic upgrade paths in the game.
Yes, you can hold a maximum of 500,000 Star Points at any time. Spend them continuously so you do not reach the cap and waste earned points.
