By GamGem ResearchLast updated 29 Oct 2026
Start here: new or returning?
Clash Royale Guides: Start Here, Catch Up, Learn the Words
New or returning, pick your path. Every change is dated and linked to the Supercell post it came from.
What changed while you were away
OfficialDated changes since Oct 2021 (18)
- CardsCard Evolutions arrive
Some cards gained an Evolution form. It sits in its own deck slot and switches on after the card has been played a set number of times.
For you: Check which Evolutions you own before copying a deck: the form changes how the card fights.
- CardsTower Troops
Each Crown Tower carries a Tower Troop that fights for you, in its own mandatory deck slot. The card data lists four: Tower Princess, Cannoneer, Dagger Duchess and Royal Chef.
For you: Pick your Tower Troop in the deck screen; it is a card of its own, not a King Tower upgrade.
- RewardsChest queue, timers and Chest Keys removed
Rewards arrive instantly after every battle: no chest queue and no timers. Chests already queued were opened for you. Chest Keys became Gold, 5,000 per key up to 30 keys (150,000 Gold).
For you: Ignore old guides about chest slots, timers and keys — rewards come after each battle.
- RewardsSeason Shop closed, Season Tokens removed
The Season Shop was closed in its old form and its rewards are shared across the game; Season Tokens were removed. Lucky Drops joined Battle Rewards, with a better chance of a new card; 3-star Lucky Drops now include Tower Troops.
For you: Old guides about spending Season Tokens no longer describe the game.
- ModesPath of Legends becomes Ranked; Trophy Road grows
Path of Legends was renamed Ranked and starts at Master I. Trophy Road grew to 10,000 Trophies, and Seasonal Arenas began at 10,000 Trophies in July 2025.
For you: Look for “Ranked” — guides that say Path of Legends mean the same mode.
Supercell post ↗ · checked Oct 24, 2026Trophy Road and Ranked
- RewardsLucky Chests replace Lucky Drops
Lucky Drops were replaced by Lucky Chests: Common (3 spins), Magic (4 spins, works like the old Lucky Drops) and Seasonal (contents change with the season). Champions also now cycle like other cards.
For you: When an old guide says “Lucky Drop”, read Lucky Chest.
- ProgressionCard level 16; Elite Wild Cards removed
Cards now go up to level 16. Elite Wild Cards were removed (leftovers became Gems, 1 per 20); Books became Wild Cards and Magic Coins became Gold; spare copies of a max-level card turn into Crystals.
For you: Plan upgrades with Wild Cards and Gold; there is no Elite level any more.
- CardsHeroes arrive
Heroes are a card form with an ability button you press in battle. Knight, Giant, Mini P.E.K.K.A. and Musketeer were the first.
For you: Heroes add +5 to your Collection Level each since May 2026 — note which ones you own.
- ModesTrophy Road grows to 14,000; Global Tournaments return
The February 2026 update announced Arenas 29–32, taking Trophy Road to 14,000 Trophies, with a 5-Star Lucky Chest and a 5-Star Evolution Box at its end. Global Tournaments are back.
For you: There is more road to climb than old guides say.
- CardsHeroes unlock earlier; fewer repeat max-level cards
Heroes unlock from Arena 5. Lucky Chests stop giving copies of cards you already have at max level: none below 60 max-level cards, and their drop weight cut by 90% above 60.
For you: You can get a Hero much earlier in Trophy Road than before.
- CardsHero Coins and the three special slots
You choose your next Hero with Hero Coins (formerly Hero Fragments; 200 to unlock one). Special deck slots dropped from four to three: Evolution, Hero (Heroes and Champions) and Wild (any of the three). On Trophy Road they unlock at Arena 3, 5 and 10.
For you: Ranked and events allow one Evolution, one Hero and one Wild slot — pick your three special cards.
- ProgressionKing’s Journey and XP replaced by Collection Level
King’s Journey and XP were removed. Your level is now the Collection Level: the levels of every card you own plus 5 for each Evolution and Hero form. Star Points and Star Levels stay.
For you: Upgrading many different cards now grows your level — breadth matters.
Supercell post ↗ · checked Oct 24, 2026Collection Level and upgrades
- ProgressionKing Tower Level now follows upgraded cards
King Tower Level 16 needs 14 cards at level 15 or higher; lower levels need 9–13 cards at lower levels. Tower Troops do not count. Clan, Deck Slots, Clan Wars and other features now unlock by Arena.
For you: Focus upgrades on the 14 cards you will actually play.
- ModesSeasonal Trophy Road returns in two parts
Seasonal Arena I is the plain climb. Seasonal Arena II bans the 8 cards you won with most in Arena I and lifts cards below level 15 to level 15.
For you: Have a second deck ready for Seasonal Arena II.
- ModesRanked Trophy requirement lowered to 13,000
Supercell said the requirement had been rising by 500 Trophies each season and lowered it to 13,000.
For you: If Ranked felt out of reach, check your Trophy Road count again.
- ModesMinion Academy season: Minion Giant and Hero Ice Wizard
A new card (Minion Giant), Hero Ice Wizard, a new game mode and a draw rule in Ultimate Champion: a draw costs half the Trophies a defeat would.
For you: A new card and a new Hero are in matches — look them up before facing them.
- CardsSeptember balance changes
Official balance post: 18 cards changed.
For you: If a favourite card feels different, check the balance page.
- CardsShocktober season
Hero Electro Wizard and an Electro Giant Evolution were added, with a Global Tournament and a 20-Win Challenge this month.
For you: New forms show up in matches — expect to see them.
No tracked changes in that window.
Your comeback snapshot
Official- King’s JourneythenCollection Levelnow
- Chest queuethenDirect rewardsnow
- Chest keythenNo keys needednow
- Season ShopthenRewards shared across the gamenow
How progression works now
- Collection Level = the levels of every card you own + 5 per Evolution and Hero form. Every upgrade adds 1.Supercell ↗
- King Tower 16 needs 14 cards at level 15 or higher. Tower Troops do not count.Supercell ↗
- Card level cap cards go up to level 16 (since 24 November 2025).Supercell ↗
- Evolutions & Heroes each owned form adds +5 Collection Level. Merge Tactics Rulers are the only cards left out.Supercell ↗
- Special slots one Evolution, one Hero and one Wild slot, unlocking at Arena 3, 5 and 10.Supercell ↗
- Features unlock by Arena now: Clan at Arena 1, Clan Wars at Arena 3, Card Mastery at Arena 4.Supercell ↗
King Tower levels: how many cards at which card level
| King Tower | Cards | At card level |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | — |
| 2 | 9 | 1+ |
| 3 | 9 | 2+ |
| 4 | 10 | 3+ |
| 5 | 10 | 4+ |
| 6 | 10 | 5+ |
| 7 | 10 | 6+ |
| 8 | 10 | 7+ |
| 9 | 10 | 8+ |
| 10 | 10 | 9+ |
| 11 | 10 | 10+ |
| 12 | 11 | 11+ |
| 13 | 11 | 12+ |
| 14 | 12 | 13+ |
| 15 | 13 | 14+ |
| 16 | 14 | 15+ |
Beginner path, step by step
What does this word mean?
Cycle
Deck Archetype
Playing cheap cards to get back to the cards you want faster.
Why it matters: Your win condition comes back every 4 plays — cheap cards make that faster.
Example: Play Skeletons + Ice Spirit to get Hog Rider back before their building returns.
Mistake it prevents: Waiting with a full hand while the opponent cycles their counter back.
Cards named:SkeletonsIce SpiritHog Rider
Related:
Source: Supercell post · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Browse decks
Bait
Deck Archetype
A deck that tempts the opponent into using a key counter (often a spell) so that another card can then do damage.
Why it matters: If they spend their spell on one bait card, your next one gets through.
Example: Princess draws The Log; then Goblin Barrel lands free.
Mistake it prevents: Using your one small spell on the first bait card you see.
Cards named:princessThe LogGoblin Barrel
Related:
Source: Clash Royale Wiki (CC BY-SA 3.0) · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Counters
Beatdown
Deck Archetype
A deck that builds big pushes to take down Crown Towers in one go.
Why it matters: You can take some tower damage early if your big push wins later.
Example: Giant at the back at 10 elixir, Musketeer behind it as it crosses.
Mistake it prevents: Sending the tank alone with no support.
Related:
Source: Clash Royale Wiki (CC BY-SA 3.0) · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Browse decks
Elixir trade
Elixir
Who comes out ahead on Elixir after an exchange of cards.
Why it matters: Every positive trade means a stronger next push.
Example: Their 5-elixir Barbarians die to your 4-elixir Fireball: +1 for you.
Mistake it prevents: Over-defending a cheap card with an expensive one.
Cards named:barbariansFireball
Related:
Source: Clash Royale Wiki (CC BY-SA 3.0) · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Does X beat Y?
Positive trade
Elixir
An interaction where the elixir you spent is lower than the elixir of the cards you removed.
Why it matters: Small positive trades add up to an extra card’s worth.
Example: Zap (2) kills Goblin Gang (3): +1.
Mistake it prevents: Chasing a trade so hard you lose tower health.
Cards named:Zapgoblin-gang
Related:
GamGem wording — no outside source
Leaking elixir
Elixir
Wasting Elixir by sitting on a full bar of 10: nothing more is produced until you spend some.
Why it matters: Wasted elixir is a free card for your opponent.
Example: At 10 elixir, play a cheap card at the back instead of waiting.
Mistake it prevents: Holding all cards “for the perfect moment”.
Related:
Source: Clash Royale Wiki (CC BY-SA 3.0) · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24
Win condition
Card Role
A card whose main job is to take down towers.
Why it matters: Every other card exists to help it land.
Example: Hog Rider is the win condition; Fireball clears what defends it.
Mistake it prevents: Using your win condition as a defender.
Related:
Source: Supercell post · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Check a deck
Counterpush
Placement
A push built from the troops that survived your defense.
Why it matters: Defenders you already paid for become a cheap attack.
Example: Your Valkyrie survives defending — add Hog Rider behind it.
Mistake it prevents: Starting a new push from scratch while survivors die.
Related:
Source: Clash Royale Wiki (CC BY-SA 3.0) · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24
Control
Deck Archetype
A deck that wins Elixir trades on defense so that its offense is easier.
Why it matters: Patience: let the opponent attack first.
Example: Defend with Hunter + Fisherman, then counterpush Royal Giant.
Mistake it prevents: Attacking first and losing the elixir edge.
Cards named:hunterfishermanRoyal Giant
Related:
Source: Clash Royale Wiki (CC BY-SA 3.0) · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Counters
Siege
Deck Archetype
A deck built around X-Bow or Mortar, buildings that hit towers from afar.
Bridge spam
Deck Archetype
A deck style that punishes the opponent's Elixir commitments with fast, cheap cards sent over the bridge.
Why it matters: Punishes opponents who drop an expensive card in the back.
Example: They play Golem in the back — Battle Ram + Bandit at the other bridge.
Mistake it prevents: Spamming when they still have elixir to answer.
Cards named:Golembattle-rambandit
Related:
Source: Supercell post · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24
Out-cycle
Core
Cycling faster than the opponent so your win condition returns while their answer is still in rotation.
Kite
Placement
Luring troops to the other lane by distracting them with another unit.
Why it matters: Both towers hit the kited troop.
Example: Ice Golem pulls Mega Knight to the middle.
Mistake it prevents: Kiting too late — the troop already locked the tower.
Cards named:ice-golemmega-knight
Related:
Source: Clash Royale Wiki (CC BY-SA 3.0) · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24
Pull
Placement
Luring a troop to a place where several towers can hit it.
Chip damage
Core
Small, repeated damage to a tower that adds up over time.
Overcommit
Elixir
Spending more elixir on a push than it needs, leaving no answer for the counterattack.
Why it matters: An empty bank invites a free push from them.
Example: Adding a third card to a push already won.
Mistake it prevents: Defending a 3-elixir card with 7 elixir.
Related:
GamGem wording — no outside source
Tank
Card Role
A troop with many hitpoints that can take several attacks.
Splash
Card Role
Damage that hits every unit in an area instead of one target.
Why it matters: Swarm decks fall apart without your splash.
Example: Valkyrie spins through Skeleton Army.
Mistake it prevents: Spending splash on a single troop.
Cards named:Valkyrieskeleton-army
Related:
Source: Supercell post · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24
Spell value
Elixir
The elixir or tower damage a spell gains, counting every target it hits.
King activation
Core
King Tower Activation: an attack that wakes the King's Tower so that its cannon joins the defense.
Why it matters: An activated King Tower makes defending much easier.
Example: Tornado pulls Hog Rider into the King Tower’s range.
Mistake it prevents: Hitting the King Tower with a stray spell for no reason (it activates theirs).
Related:
Source: Clash Royale Wiki (CC BY-SA 3.0) · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24
Double elixir
Core
The later phase of a battle in which elixir is produced twice as fast.
Why it matters: Big pushes and cycling get faster.
Example: Golem pushes become far scarier in double elixir.
Mistake it prevents: Playing as slowly as in single elixir.
Cards named:Golem
Related:
GamGem wording — no outside source
Collection Level
ProgressionPatch-dependent
The levels of every card you own plus 5 for each Evolution and Hero form; every upgrade adds 1. It replaced King’s Journey and XP on 26 May 2026.
Why it matters: Upgrading many cards raises it — not just your deck.
Example: 100 cards at level 11 plus 2 Evolutions: 1,100 + 10 = 1,110.
Mistake it prevents: Following old XP-based guides.
Related:
Source: Supercell post · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Upgrade costs
King Tower Level
ProgressionPatch-dependent
Since 26 May 2026 it follows how many cards you have upgraded to a level: level 16 needs 14 cards at level 15 or higher. Tower Troops do not count.
Why it matters: Pick 14 cards to push to level 15.
Example: 14 cards at level 15 → King Tower 16.
Mistake it prevents: Spreading upgrades too thin before King Tower 16.
Related:
Source: Supercell post · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Upgrade costs
Evolution
ProgressionPatch-dependent
An upgraded form of a card with extra effects, kept in an Evolution slot of your deck.
Why it matters: Changes how the card fights — check before copying a deck.
Example: Barbarians’ Evolution: each hit makes them swing and walk faster for a few seconds.
Mistake it prevents: Copying an Evolution deck without owning the Evolution.
Cards named:barbarians
Related:
Source: Supercell post · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Browse cards
Hero
ProgressionPatch-dependent
A card form with an ability button you press in battle.
Why it matters: Each owned Hero form adds +5 Collection Level.
Example: Hero Electro Wizard (October 2026 season).
Mistake it prevents: Assuming every card has a Hero form.
Related:
Source: Supercell post · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Browse cards
Tower Troop
ProgressionPatch-dependent
A card that stands on top of one of your Crown Towers and fights for you. It has its own mandatory slot in the Battle Deck; Royal Chef was the first offensive one.
Why it matters: It fights for you from the first second.
Example: Tower Princess is one; the card data also lists Cannoneer, Dagger Duchess and Royal Chef.
Mistake it prevents: Thinking it counts for King Tower 16.
Cards named:tower-princess
Related:
Source: Supercell post · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24
Mirror
Community Slang
Slang with two meanings: a repeated card play, or a same-deck matchup.
Why it matters: Context tells you which meaning.
Example: “Mirror match” in a tournament.
Mistake it prevents: Confusing the two meanings in advice.
Related:
GamGem wording — no outside source
Pump
Community Slang
Community name for the Elixir Collector card.
Why it matters: A pump means a bigger push later — punish it.
Example: “They pumped — go opposite lane.”
Mistake it prevents: Ignoring a pump until it pays off.
Cards named:elixir-collector
Related:
GamGem wording — no outside source
Negative trade
Elixir
An interaction where the elixir you spent is higher than the elixir of the cards you removed.
Champion
Card Role
A card rarity whose cards have unique features and abilities.
Why it matters: A deck holds one Champion, and it can go in the Hero or Wild slot.
Example: Little Prince or Archer Queen are Champions.
Mistake it prevents: Putting two Champions in one deck.
Cards named:little-princearcher-queen
Related:
Source: Supercell post · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Browse cards
4-card cycle
Elixir
The least Elixir a deck must spend to get back to a given card, e.g. the cost of its four cheapest cards. Short: FCC.
Why it matters: A lower number means your key card comes back sooner.
Example: Skeletons (1) + Ice Spirit (1) + Zap (2) + Knight (3) = 7.
Mistake it prevents: Counting your most expensive cards instead of the cheapest four.
Cards named:SkeletonsIce SpiritZapKnight
Related:
Source: Clash Royale Wiki (CC BY-SA 3.0) · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Check a deck
Average elixir
Elixir
The average Elixir cost of a deck's cards; a "2.6 Hog" deck averages 2.6. Short: AEC.
Why it matters: It tells you how fast you can play.
Example: A 2.6 Hog deck averages 2.6.
Mistake it prevents: Judging a deck by its average alone.
Related:
Source: Clash Royale Wiki (CC BY-SA 3.0) · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Check a deck
Small spell
Card Role
A damaging spell that costs 3 Elixir or less.
Big spell
Card Role
A damaging spell that costs 4 Elixir or more.
Anti-air
Card Role
A card that is good at dealing with air units.
Push
Placement
One or more cards sent together to damage the enemy's Crown Towers; big or small by the Elixir spent.
Ranked
ProgressionPatch-dependent
The competitive ladder with its own leagues; it was called Path of Legends before June 2025.
Why it matters: Old guides call it Path of Legends.
Example: It starts at Master I.
Mistake it prevents: Looking for “Path of Legends” in the game.
Related:
Source: Supercell post · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Trophy Road and Ranked
Trophy Road
ProgressionPatch-dependent
The ladder of Arenas where trophies from battles unlock Arenas and rewards.
Why it matters: Arenas unlock features, slots and rewards.
Example: The Hero slot unlocks at Arena 5.
Mistake it prevents: Treating it as the same ladder as Ranked.
Related:
Source: Supercell post · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Trophy Road and Ranked
Merge
Merge Tactics
Combining duplicate Merge Tactics troops into one stronger troop.
Why it matters: It is how your board gets stronger during a round.
Example: Two of the same troop on your board become one.
Mistake it prevents: Spending elixir on a third copy you cannot place.
Related:
Source: Supercell post · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Merge Tactics
Ruler
Merge Tactics
Your Merge Tactics base: it holds your Hit Points, deals damage to opponents when you win a round and gives an ability.
Why it matters: It holds your hit points and gives you an ability.
Example: Rulers are the only cards left out of Collection Level.
Mistake it prevents: Mixing up Rulers with King Tower upgrades.
Related:
Source: Supercell post · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Merge Tactics
Trait
Merge Tactics
A bonus a Merge Tactics troop carries; the more troops share it, the stronger it gets.
Why it matters: The more troops share one, the stronger it gets.
Example: Several troops sharing a trait make its bonus stronger.
Mistake it prevents: Picking troops one by one without checking traits.
Related:
Source: Supercell post · read it ↗, checked 2026-10-24 · Merge Tactics
No term matches. Try a shorter word, or clear the category.
First deck checklist
Deck styles at a glance
What's the difference?
Old name, new name
OfficialHow the ideas connect
Everything connects through elixir advantage: defend cheaply, then push. Links: Defend ↔ Elixir trade · Elixir trade ↔ Counterpush · Cycle ↔ Out-cycle · Out-cycle ↔ Win condition · Bait ↔ Spell value · Spell value ↔ Win condition · Elixir trade ↔ Out-cycle · Counterpush ↔ Win condition · Win condition ↔ Chip damage · Bait ↔ Cycle.
Recap: back since Oct 2021
Avg elixir 3.1
Card, arena and character art: Supercell Fan Kit (fankit.supercell.com), shown unchanged. Fan Kit · Fan Content Policy
Deck profile
Why this deck works
Missing: splash damage. The deck has an average elixir that is comfortable to learn. Swap a card to cover the gap.
Key next steps
Recommended reading
Sources- Release note — chest removalOFFICIALMar 31, 2025
- Release note — Lucky ChestsOFFICIALSep 26, 2025
- Card level 16, Elite Wild CardsOFFICIALNov 24, 2025
- Hero Coins, special slotsOFFICIALMar 16, 2026
- Collection Levels articleOFFICIALMay 13, 2026
- Seasonal Trophy RoadOFFICIALMay 21, 2026
- Ranked requirement postOFFICIALJul 14, 2026
- Season note: ShocktoberOFFICIALOct 5, 2026
- Glossary and release dates (CC BY-SA 3.0)WIKIOct 2026
- Plain wording, examples, checklistOct 2026
The timeline starts with Card Evolutions (June 2023); older changes are not tracked here.
Supercell said Ranked holds cards at level 15 until May 2026; no later post we read says whether that cap was lifted.
Only the July 2026 post states the Ranked Trophy requirement (13,000); the May and June numbers are not in any post we read.
Rules come from Supercell’s own posts; the plain wording, examples and the deck checklist are GamGem’s.
About this guide
Counts marked ≈ or ≥ and example decks are illustrative. Fan-made: not affiliated with or endorsed by Supercell.
Card statistics and mechanics: Clash Royale Wiki, licensed CC BY-SA 3.0. Figures reformatted, wording ours.
Quick answers
What is a positive elixir trade?
Spending less elixir to answer a card than your opponent spent to play it. Example from the card costs: a 3-elixir Knight that stops a 4-elixir Musketeer is a +1 trade.
What is a cycle deck?
A deck of cheap cards that rotates back to its win condition faster than the opponent can bring their counter back. In an eight-card deck a card you play returns after four others, so the cheaper those four are, the sooner it is back.
How is King Tower level calculated now?
Since 26 May 2026 it follows the cards you have upgraded: level 2 needs 9 cards at card level 1 or higher, and level 16 needs 14 cards at card level 15 or higher. Tower Troops do not count. Source: Supercell, 13 May 2026.
What is Collection Level?
The sum of the levels of every card you own, plus 5 for each Evolution and Hero form. It replaced XP and King’s Journey on 26 May 2026. Source: Supercell, 13 May 2026.
I last played years ago. What is gone?
Chest timers, the chest queue and Chest Keys (31 March 2025), the Season Shop and Season Tokens (31 March 2025), XP and King’s Journey (26 May 2026). Pick the month you left in the timeline above to see every change since, each with its date and source.
What should my first Clash Royale deck include?
GamGem’s first-deck checklist (our criteria, not a ranking of decks): 1 × win condition, 1 × tank / mini-tank, 1 × splash damage, 2 × air defense, 1 × spell (small), 1 × spell (big), 1 × defensive answer. Swap cards in the checklist on this page and each job is counted again, with the official elixir costs.
Do I need an account to use these guides?
No. The month you left, the steps you tick and the cards you swap stay in this browser only; nothing about you is sent to GamGem.