Learning how to play Brawl Stars is quick once you understand its twin-stick combat, fast 3-on-3 matches, and trophy-based progression. Brawl Stars is a free top-down arena shooter from Supercell, the studio behind Clash of Clans and Clash Royale. Matches last only a couple of minutes, so it is easy to pick up between tasks — but mastering the dozens of Brawlers, their Supers, and each game mode is what keeps players coming back. This guide walks you through every step, from installing the app to winning your first matches.
You do not need any prior experience with shooters to enjoy Brawl Stars. The controls are intentionally streamlined for touchscreens, and the game eases you in with a short tutorial. Below is everything you need to get started.
What you need to get started
- An iOS or Android device (phone or tablet) — Brawl Stars is a mobile game.
- A stable internet connection, since all matches are played online against real players or bots.
- A free Supercell ID (optional but recommended) so you can save and recover your progress across devices.
- About 10 minutes for the in-game tutorial, which introduces movement and your first Brawler, Shelly.
How to play Brawl Stars step by step
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Step 1: Download Brawl Stars for free
Brawl Stars is free to download and play. On an iPhone or iPad, open the App Store; on Android, open Google Play. Search for "Brawl Stars" by Supercell and tap GET or Install. Once it finishes downloading, open the app and follow the short tutorial, which teaches you the basics with your starting Brawler. The game is free, but it offers optional in-app purchases.
Get Brawl Stars free from the App Store on iOS or Google Play on Android. -
Step 2: Learn the twin-stick controls
Brawl Stars uses a classic twin-stick layout. The left joystick moves your Brawler around the arena. The right joystick aims and fires your basic attack — drag it to aim precisely and release to shoot, or simply tap the screen for a quick auto-aimed shot at the nearest enemy. Spend your first matches just getting comfortable moving and shooting at the same time, since good positioning matters as much as accuracy.
Move with the left stick and aim or fire with the right stick. -
Step 3: Master attacks, Supers, and abilities
Every Brawler has four things to manage. Your basic attack uses ammo that reloads automatically over a few seconds. Landing attacks fills your Super meter; once charged, the Super button glows and unleashes a powerful move unique to each Brawler. As you level a Brawler up, you also unlock Gadgets (a limited-use ability you trigger manually) and a Star Power (a passive boost available at higher levels). Knowing when to spend your Super often decides who wins a fight.
Land hits to charge your Super, then combine it with Gadgets and Star Powers. -
Step 4: Pick a game mode and play
From the main menu, tap the mode selector to choose how you want to play. Gem Grab is the signature 3-on-3 mode where your team collects and holds ten gems. Showdown is a solo or duo battle royale. Brawl Ball is a 3-on-3 soccer-style mode, and Knockout tasks you with wiping out the enemy team. New players should start with Gem Grab to learn objectives and teamwork, then tap PLAY to enter a match.
Select a mode like Gem Grab, then hit PLAY to jump into a match. -
Step 5: Win matches and climb the Trophy Road
Winning matches earns trophies for the Brawler you used. As your total trophies grow, you progress along the Trophy Road, which unlocks new Brawlers, coins, and other rewards. Losing costs a few trophies, so the goal is to win more than you lose over time. Focus on the objective rather than only chasing kills, stick with teammates, and use bushes for cover to climb steadily.
Each win adds trophies and pushes you further along the Trophy Road.
Beginner tips
- Play the objective. In Gem Grab, holding gems wins games — do not run off chasing enemies and leave your team a player short.
- Use bushes. Tall grass hides you from enemies, making it perfect for ambushes and surviving low on health.
- Save your Super for the right moment. A well-timed Super can swing a fight or secure an objective; wasting it leaves you vulnerable.
- Learn a few Brawlers well. Rather than spreading thin, get comfortable with two or three Brawlers across different roles.
- Watch your ammo. Firing your last shot at the wrong time leaves you defenseless while it reloads, so keep at least one in reserve in a duel.
Troubleshooting
The game keeps disconnecting
Brawl Stars requires a steady online connection. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, close background apps, and make sure the app is updated to the latest version in your store.
My controls feel unresponsive
Check your control settings in the in-game options. You can switch between tap-to-shoot and joystick aiming, and adjust the joystick sensitivity to suit your thumbs.
I lost my progress on a new phone
Connect a free Supercell ID under the in-game settings. It links your account to your email so you can recover and play your progress on any device.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brawl Stars free to play?
Yes. Brawl Stars is free to download and play on iOS and Android, with optional in-app purchases for cosmetics and progression boosts that are never required to enjoy the game.
How do you aim in Brawl Stars?
Use the right joystick: drag it in the direction you want to shoot for precise aiming, then release to fire. You can also tap the screen for a quick auto-aimed shot at the closest enemy.
What is the best game mode for beginners?
Gem Grab is the recommended starting mode. It teaches teamwork and objective play in a forgiving 3-on-3 format, which builds the fundamentals you will use everywhere else.
How do you get new Brawlers?
You unlock new Brawlers mainly by progressing along the Trophy Road and through the in-game Starr Road and shop. Playing matches and earning rewards steadily expands your roster.
Can you play Brawl Stars with friends?
Yes. You can create or join a team from the main menu and invite friends to play modes together, which is one of the best ways to win and climb faster.
Final thoughts
That is all it takes to start playing Brawl Stars: download the free app, get comfortable moving with the left stick and shooting with the right, charge and time your Super, pick a beginner-friendly mode like Gem Grab, and win matches to climb the Trophy Road. The deeper you go, the more you will appreciate each Brawler's quirks and team strategies. For the latest updates and official details, visit the official Brawl Stars website.
