A popular mobile strategy game, Clash Royale’s active player base shows the game is well-designed, and the idiosyncratic progression system still remains Gold, cards, and trophy wins climbing the ladder. Star Points and Star Levels, however, add additional customization and are completely self-contained progression metrics that don’t affect the competition. Stars translate to visual upgrades that level up the cards to look great out on the battlefield.
Many players think that the Star Points expansion is a minor visual upgrade of little value. But once players get to learn the Star Points System, the strategy shifts to earning Gold, and upgrading cards becomes a preference order choice. This, of course, is where player-deployed progression shortcuts come in, with systems like Clash Royale boosting services. But Gold boosting to sleepless advancement misses most incremental progress visual milestones.
What Are Star Points in Clash Royale?
Star Points are a special currency designed purely for visual upgrades. They don’t increase damage, hitpoints, or card performance. Instead, they allow you to upgrade individual cards’ appearances through a system called Star Levels.
When you upgrade a card using Star Points, it gains golden animations, unique textures, or distinctive decorations. The higher the Star Level, the more visually enhanced the card becomes. This ensures your favorite units—whether they are Hog Rider, Electro Wizard, or Baby Dragon—look more polished and premium when placed on the battlefield.
Key Functions of Star Points:
- Unlock cosmetic upgrades
- Let you stand out in battles
- Showcase progression without affecting balance
- Provide a gold sink once your cards reach max level
Star Points are especially important for players who’ve maxed many cards and still want meaningful rewards from their continued grind.
How to Earn Star Points

Clash Royale gives you multiple ways to collect Star Points, and most of them occur naturally while playing.
1. Upgrading Cards (When King Level 6+)
After reaching King Level 6, every time you upgrade a card using regular gold, you earn Star Points in return. This makes leveling up cards your primary source.
2. Donating Cards
Donations are one of the most efficient long-term methods. Every card you donate to a clanmate gives you Star Points. Regular and Epic donations both count, though Epics reward more.
3. Collecting Max-Level Cards
When a card is already maxed (Level 14), any extra copies you collect are automatically converted into Star Points instead of being stored as extras.
4. Opening Chests
Chests indirectly grant Star Points because they include cards. Any maxed card inside a chest instantly turns into Star Points.
If you’re consistently upgrading, donating, and opening chests, you’ll accumulate Star Points quickly over time.
What Are Star Levels?

Star Levels are the cosmetic upgrade tiers you unlock using Star Points. They change how your cards look, but not how they function.
Star Levels Breakdown:
- Star Level 1: Adds golden accents or shine to the card’s visuals
- Star Level 2: Enhances textures and effects more noticeably
- Star Level 3: Applies the most dramatic cosmetic changes
Not all cards have three Star Levels—some only have one or two—but Supercell continues adding new cosmetic options for popular units.
The best part: Star Levels remain active even if you temporarily lower the card’s level (such as in certain tournament modes). You can always enjoy your cosmetic upgrades regardless of competitive settings.
How Many Star Points Do You Need?
Costs vary based on the Star Level tier:
- Star Level 1: ~5,000 Star Points
- Star Level 2: ~10,000 Star Points
- Star Level 3: ~20,000 Star Points or more
These numbers may shift slightly depending on card rarity, but the general structure remains the same. Legendary cards typically require more Star Points due to their premium value.
Which Cards Should You Upgrade First?
Because Star Points are purely cosmetic, there’s no “correct” answer. Still, most players upgrade cards they use frequently, especially win conditions.
Recommended Cards to Star Up:
- Win conditions, such as Hog Rider, Giant, Royal Giant, Ram Rider
- High-impact support, like Musketeer, Wizard, Electro Wizard
- Popular splash units, such as Valkyrie or Baby Dragon
- Swarm cards with noticeable animations, like Skeleton Army
Cosmetic upgrades are more satisfying when applied to cards that appear often in battles. Your opponent will see your stylish upgrades frequently, giving your deck a more confident presence.
Why Star Levels Matter to Players

Even though Star Levels don’t improve gameplay performance, they carry emotional and prestige value. In competitive games, standing out visually can be as rewarding as climbing the trophy ladder.
Star Levels Offer:
- Personalization: Tailor your deck to look unique
- Prestige: Show opponents you’ve progressed far
- Motivation: Keeps grinding rewarding, even past max-level cards
- Visual satisfaction: More exciting gameplay animations
For many in the Clash Royale community, Star Levels have become a form of personal identity. They help players express their favorite decks and long-term dedication to the game.
Tips to Earn Star Points Faster
Earning Star Points doesn’t have to feel slow. With a few smart habits, you can maximize your income.
1. Donate Daily
Join an active clan and donate every chance you get. Donations are the fastest passive source of Star Points.
2. Upgrade Cards Even if You Don’t Use Them
If you have extra gold, upgrading unused cards still gives you Star Points.
3. Continue Opening Chests
Even if you’re at high levels, regularly cycling through chests turns extra cards into Star Points.
4. Participate in Events
Seasonal challenges and game modes often reward cards, indirectly generating more Star Points.
Are Star Points Worth It?
Definitely, if personalization matters to you. Star Points are something you unlock later on that give your deck that individualized touch. They don’t contribute to wins and losses, but give additional sparkle to your collection.
From a purely cosmetic perspective, Star Levels are something players complete to show off their long-term dedication to Clash Royale.
FAQs
- Do Star Levels make a difference in the way you battle?
No, you are not able to influence troop stats, gameplay performance, or the balancing of the game in any way with Star Levels.
- How do I start earning Star Points?
Star Points are accumulated by players automatically after reaching King Level 6.
- Are there Star Levels I can take off?
No, once Star Levels are gained there can be no taking off of these permanent cosmetic additions.
- Are there three Star Levels for every card?
Not at this point. Some cards have just one, others have two or three, and new cards are added by Supercell on a regular basis.
- What gives the quickest earning of Star Points?
Regular donation of cards gives the quickest earning of Star Points, and in after that the collection of cards, along with upgrading them, and finding them in Chests.
