Overview
Clash Royale is a real-time strategy, collectible card, and tower defense mobile game developed and published by Supercell (creators of Clash of Clans).
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Release date: March 2, 2016 (global)
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Platforms: iOS, Android
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Genre: Real-time strategy, tower defense, card-based multiplayer
Core Gameplay
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Matches are 1v1 or 2v2 real-time battles lasting 3 minutes, plus overtime if tied.
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Players use a deck of 8 cards chosen from their collection.
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Cards are played onto a small battlefield divided by a river, spawning troops or buildings or casting spells.
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Each player has three towers: two Crown Towers and one King Tower. Destroying the King Tower ends the match instantly.
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Victory is decided by who destroys more towers or takes the King Tower.
Elixir System
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Each player has 10 Elixir maximum.
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Elixir regenerates over time and is spent to play cards (cost ranges 1–9 Elixir).
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Efficient elixir management and card rotation are key to victory.
Card System
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Card types:
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Troops – Units that move and attack (e.g., Knight, Archers, P.E.K.K.A.)
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Buildings – Structures with effects or that spawn troops (e.g., Cannon, Inferno Tower)
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Spells – Instant or timed effects (e.g., Fireball, Zap, Lightning)
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Rarities: Common, Rare, Epic, Legendary, Champion.
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Levels: Cards can be upgraded using duplicates and Gold.
Arenas
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Players progress through Arenas based on their Trophy count.
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Each Arena unlocks new cards and rewards.
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Path of Legends (ranked mode) uses a separate progression system with leagues and ranks.
Game Modes
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1v1 Ladder: Standard ranked play (trophy-based).
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2v2: Cooperative matches with a friend or random teammate.
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Special Challenges & Events: Limited-time modes with unique rules.
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Draft Mode: Players choose cards alternately from pairs offered.
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Tournaments: Custom events with capped levels.
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Clan Wars 2: Clan-based progression and rewards.
Clans
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Players can join or create Clans (up to 50 members).
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Clans enable donating cards, chatting, and participating in Clan Wars.
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Clan Wars 2 involves building war decks, sailing a warship, and earning Clan Trophies.
Progression and Economy
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Currencies:
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Gold: Upgrades cards and buys shop items.
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Gems: Premium currency, used to buy chests or speed up progress.
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Star Points: Cosmetic upgrades for max-level cards.
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Wild Cards: Substitute for any card of the same rarity.
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Chests: Reward system that grants cards, gold, and more.
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Pass Royale: Paid season pass offering exclusive rewards and perks.
Seasons and Updates
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The game runs in monthly seasons, each with a theme, balance changes, and sometimes new cards or modes.
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Balance updates ensure competitive fairness, adjusting troop stats or mechanics.
Competitive Play and Esports
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Clash Royale had official esports leagues such as the Clash Royale League (CRL).
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Competitive formats often use best-of-three sets with multiple decks.
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Top players and teams compete globally for prize pools and recognition.
Strategy and Meta
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Deck Archetypes:
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Beatdown: Build big pushes (e.g., Golem, Giant).
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Cycle: Use cheap cards to pressure and outcycle (e.g., Hog Rider, Miner).
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Control: Defend efficiently, counterattack (e.g., X-Bow, Mortar).
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Siege: Long-range win conditions that pressure from a distance.
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Spell Bait: Force opponents to waste spells (e.g., Goblin Barrel decks).
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Key Concepts: Card rotation, elixir trading, positive elixir trades, timing, and tower targeting.
Developer and Community
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Developed by Supercell, headquartered in Helsinki, Finland.
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The game shares its universe with Clash of Clans.
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Active content creators, community tournaments, and balance discussions keep it popular.
Monetization
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Free-to-play with in-app purchases for Gems, Pass Royale, and bundles.
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Players can progress without spending money but at a slower rate.
Legacy and Impact
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Clash Royale has been praised for blending strategy, card collecting, and quick PvP battles.
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It’s one of the most successful mobile esports titles and has maintained strong player engagement since 2016.
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Known for its balance of skill, timing, and adaptability.
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