Martin JørgensenBrawl Stars is still one of the most addictive mobile games
Brawl Stars is a fast multiplayer action game from Supercell where you jump into short 3v3 and battle royale matches using characters that each have their own attacks, gadgets, and Super abilities.
We tested Brawl Stars on both Android and iPhone, and the first thing you notice is how quickly the game gets you into the next match. There’s almost no downtime, the controls feel great with your thumbs, and a round can be over in under three minutes. That makes Brawl Stars perfect for short breaks—but also a little dangerous if you only meant to play one game.
The game is free to download, but it includes in-app purchases. That’s worth keeping in mind, especially if kids are playing on a family tablet or phone. Supercell notes that in-app purchases can be disabled in your device settings, and we strongly recommend that for younger players.
Fast matches with more depth than you’d expect
On the surface, Brawl Stars seems simple: pick a brawler, jump into a match, and shoot, dodge, or score goals depending on the mode. But after a few hours it’s clear the game has more tactical depth than many other mobile titles.
Every brawler plays differently. Some excel at range, others need to get up close, and a few work best as support. You’ll quickly start thinking about maps, team compositions, and timing instead of just rushing forward.
During our test we swapped between Showdown, Gem Grab, and Brawl Ball, and Brawl Ball in particular works surprisingly well. It almost feels like a chaotic mini version of soccer mixed with an arena shooter, where a single misposition can cost the whole match.
Brawl Stars download for Android and iPhone
Brawl Stars can be downloaded officially via Google Play and the App Store. The game is developed by Supercell, the studio behind Clash of Clans and Clash Royale. On iOS, it takes up a fair bit of space, so it’s a good idea to download over Wi‑Fi—especially if you’re on an older iPhone or have limited mobile data.
Brawlers, skins, and progression
Brawl Stars builds much of its long-term fun around unlocking and upgrading brawlers. It works because each character feels like a fresh way to play. You don’t just get bigger numbers—you get new attack patterns, new tactical options, and new weaknesses.
Progression is also the game’s most debatable part. It’s free to start, and you can absolutely have fun without paying, but players who invest time—or money—naturally gain access to more options faster. You feel it most when you face opponents with stronger brawlers, better gadgets, or more experience.
Cosmetic skins are a big focus, and Supercell regularly updates the shop, events, and seasonal content. In recent official release notes, Supercell has mentioned bug fixes, balance changes, and tweaks to brawlers, gadgets, and technical issues on certain Android devices.
Is Brawl Stars good for kids?
Brawl Stars uses a cartoony style without realistic violence, but it’s still a competitive online game with in-app purchases and fast reward systems. On the App Store, it’s listed for ages 13+, which makes sense.
For kids in the United States, Brawl Stars is often a social game. You’ll see it during recess, after school, and with friends on Discord or in school clubs. The positive: matches are short and easy to grasp. The negative: the game uses many mechanics that tempt you into “just one more match.”
Our recommendation is simple: Brawl Stars is great for older kids and teens, but disable in-app purchases, talk about screen time, and watch whether the game starts taking up too much space in daily life.
Brawl Stars tier list and best brawler
There isn’t a single brawler that’s always best. It depends on the map, mode, team, and your playstyle. In Showdown, self-sufficient brawlers with solid survivability can be strong, while Brawl Ball often rewards picks with control, knockback, or high burst damage.
For beginners, we had the most success with characters that are easy to understand and don’t demand perfect timing from the very first match. That makes the learning curve more comfortable. Later, if you chase ranked or more serious play, it becomes more important to track the meta, balance changes, and which brawlers are currently performing best.
How Brawl Stars feels today
Brawl Stars doesn’t feel like an old mobile game kept on life support. It feels active, with events, skins, new seasons, balance tweaks, and a player base that’s still large enough for quick matchmaking most of the time.
It’s especially impressive how well Supercell has nailed the pace. There’s action almost immediately, but matches rarely last so long that they feel tiring. On the flip side, the menus, rewards, and many currencies can feel a bit messy for new players. The first time you open the game after a longer break, the screen can feel like a mini billboard of offers, events, quests, and season passes.
Top 5 Brawl Stars tips
Start with a few brawlers instead of constantly switching
It’s tempting to try everything, but you’ll improve faster if you truly learn 2–3 brawlers. Focus on range, reload time, and when their Super should actually be used.
Don’t hold your Super too long
Many new players wait for the perfect moment. It rarely comes. Use your Super to win an important duel, open up the map, or save a teammate when the fight is turning.
Play the objective—not just for kills
In Brawl Ball, Gem Grab, and Heist you’ll often lose if everyone chases eliminations. Watch the objective. Sometimes it’s better to hold position than to chase one low‑HP opponent.
Use bushes and walls proactively
Brawl Stars is all about positioning. Bushes enable surprise attacks, and walls protect you from long shots. On small maps, one good position often matters more than quick reflexes.
Keep an eye on balance changes
A brawler can go from mediocre to strong after an update. Supercell adjusts the game regularly, so it pays to keep up—especially if you play ranked or want to build a current Brawl Stars tier list.
