Clash Royale resurges in popularity – The Hawk News
If you have ever thought about playing Clash Royale, you might want to put a time restriction on your phone because you just may fall victim to playing for hours on end.
Made by mobile game powerhouse Supercell, Clash Royale can be played on iOS or Android and offers a fun strategy game for card lovers. You can play online one-on-one battles, team up with a friend to play two-on-two, draft a deck and more.
The game is free but offers a $12 Pass Royale that gives the user rewards.
Originally released in 2016, the game has made a surge back to the No. 1 spot in strategy games in the iOS App Store. It currently has over 640 million downloads in the App Store alone, according to ActivePlayer, a game statistics website.
With the increase in live-streaming, it is easy for streamers to gain an audience playing Clash Royale and give the game publicity. Popular streamers like Jynxzi, Ryley and Bobby use their unique personalities to gain the attention of their viewers. Other social media accounts then post their clips onto Instagram and TikTok.
Denny Bae ’29, a member of St. Joe’s esports team, said Clash Royale got popular again because of a simple meme.
“I think it’s a pocket golem meme that went really viral,” Bae said. “And then people were like, ‘Oh, yeah, this game existed. Let me play a game or two.’”
From October 2024 to November 2025, Clash Royale has seen an increase in growth by 440% according to a growth metric on ActivePlayer. On average, there are 11.6 to 18.7 million iOS users and 7.5 to 12.5 million Google Play users who play Clash Royale daily.
Daily users play for an average of 14 minutes each session and log into the game four times a day according to Udonis, a mobile marketing data outlet. Whether it’s claiming a free chest, trying to climb in trophies or just killing time, Clash Royale presents an urge to click back into the game.
Vince Hatton ’27 said he likes to start off his day with some Clash Royale runs.
“In the morning, I like to make my breakfast and sip on my coffee and play some Clash Royale,” Hatton said.
One of the appeals of Clash Royale is the option to join a clan. Consisting of a maximum of 50 members, a clan works together to win clan wars, which offers desirable rewards if you win. You can also donate cards to other players in your clan, allowing them to upgrade their decks.
Hatton said being in a clan has more benefits than simple rewards.
“It’s like being part of a community,” Hatton said. “You just feel a part of something, even though it’s just a game.”
The game’s updates also keep it fresh, said David Bednarz ’27, another member of the St. Joe’s esports team.
“I think what they’re doing to the game with evolutions and all that and the crazy updates … is bringing back the hype to the game,” Bednarz said.