Clash Royale Guide: Top 13 Must-Upgrade Cards for Level 15 Dominance

Clash Royale tests strategy, creativity, and quick thinking. Decks must hit Level 15, and competing players must earn 15 Victory Chests, as this is the top step in deck progression exit. One must hold on to Level 15 decks, as competition is fierce at the top, and the lower-level cards will hold the deck back, potentially burning off the strategic combinations. Level 15 will also allow one to fully unlock all strategic combinations to defend and attack during matches.

For leaderboard players and competition players, Clash Royale boosting is an industry standard to keep their rank. While climbing with a lower-level deck will always be the longest-lasting, some recommend boosting to keep pace with the evolving game and have cards ready for a competitive Clash Royale match. Understanding which cards need upgrades can be the ticket to a player stuck at mid-ladder and climbing to Level 15.

1. Phoenix

The Phoenix has quickly risen to the top of the usage charts due to its self-revival mechanic and solid DPS. At Level 15, the Phoenix becomes a nightmare for opponents who fail to properly manage their spells or DPS output. It synergizes well in both control and beatdown decks and requires specific counters, making it a go-to upgrade for longevity in any meta.

2. Monk

A champion with a built-in damage reflection ability and defensive knockback makes Monk an elite choice. His ability allows him to stall pushes and reflect ranged damage, which is invaluable in the current spell-heavy environment. If you’re building any control-oriented deck, Monk at Level 15 is a top-tier anchor unit.

3. Skeletons

This may seem surprising, but upgrading a 1-elixir card like Skeletons can yield massive value. They cycle quickly, provide defensive distractions, and even contribute to DPS when supported. In a meta where quick cycling is key, max-level Skeletons become more than just filler—they’re tools of precision.

Clash Royale boosting strategies often prioritize fast-cycle decks because they offer consistent wins when played well. Having Level 15 Skeletons ensures your cycle isn’t disadvantaged, especially when going up against higher-damage troops.

4. Firecracker

Firecracker provides incredible value with her long-range and chain damage. At higher levels, she survives more spell interactions, making her a persistent threat if left unchecked. Firecracker fits in both control and bait decks and has become an essential support card in many competitive lineups.

5. Ice Spirit

Another cheap cycle card that brings value far beyond its cost. The Ice Spirit freezes enemy troops and buildings for long enough to shift the tide of a battle. At Level 15, the freeze duration and damage are enough to shut down key enemy pushes, especially when timed correctly with other defenses.

6. Cannon Cart

Once considered niche, the Cannon Cart now sees widespread use due to its durability and transition from defense to offense. It survives spell combos better at Level 15 and is ideal for double-lane pressure. It’s often paired with cards like Miner, Royal Hogs, or Goblin Drill for high-pressure deck variants.

7. Electro Wizard

The Electro Wizard offers a reliable stun mechanic that’s useful for resetting Sparky, Inferno Dragon, and even stalling champions. His spawn zap and two-lane coverage make him a well-rounded support card. With higher-level health and zap damage, the Level 15 Electro Wizard survives longer and neutralizes threats more efficiently.

8. Log

Spell cards may seem like less urgent upgrade targets, but The Log is an exception. Its ability to clear swarms and knock back troops like Prince, Goblin Barrel, and Wall Breakers makes it a staple in countless decks. Level 15 Log guarantees the elimination of high-level Goblins and provides better tower chip damage, crucial in tight matches.

9. Lightning

With many decks using heavy back-end support units like Musketeer, Wizard, or Witch, Lightning remains a viable spell to clear clustered troops. At Level 15, Lightning’s damage is enough to eliminate many mid-health threats and ensure you’re not left with low-HP cleanup jobs. It’s a core spell in Golem, Giant Double Prince, and other beatdown decks.

10. Archers

The February 2023 balance update gave Archer’s new life. Their improved damage and fire rate made them popular in X-Bow and Mortar decks. Archers are strong on defense and do well behind tanks or siege units. A Level 15 Archer duo becomes extremely hard to remove efficiently without overcommitting.

Clash Royale players often rely on decks that use Archers because of their low cost and high value. They scale well with level upgrades, especially in tightly contested ladder games.

11. Goblin Drill

As a win condition, Goblin Drill offers stealthy, tower-targeting pressure that forces awkward counters from the opponent. It works in bait and control decks, synergizing well with Firecracker and Log bait strategies. Leveling it up increases the health of the drill and damage from spawned goblins, making it harder to ignore.

12. Valkyrie

An excellent mid-cost troop, Valkyrie provides ground splash damage and tankiness in one. She’s a great counter to swarm units and bridge spam and holds her own against mini tanks like Knight or Dark Prince. At Level 15, Valkyrie can absorb more hits and survive key spell interactions, keeping your defenses solid and pushes strong.

13. Magic Archer

The Magic Archer’s value lies in geometry. His piercing attacks can clear multiple troops or provide chip damage from afar. At Level 15, his shots deal enough damage to one-shot support units like Firecracker and Dart Goblin. High-skill players can take full advantage of his mechanics, making him one of the most rewarding cards to upgrade.

Strategic Considerations Before Upgrading

While the cards listed above are strong, choosing which to upgrade first depends on:

  1. Deck Compatibility – Focus on cards you actively use.
  2. Meta Relevance – Stay informed about the current balance changes and top-tier strategies.
  3. Champion Synergies – Some cards shine best when paired with champions (e.g., Phoenix with Monk or Valkyrie with Archer Queen).
  4. Elixir Curve – Maintaining a balanced deck ensures you can defend and counter-push effectively.

Before investing wild cards or gold, assess your deck’s role and versatility. Overcommitting to a niche strategy may limit your flexibility in higher-level play.

Cycle Deck Advantage at Level 15

Cycle decks benefit more from maxing out commons and rares since these cards appear frequently and synergize through fast rotations. Cards such as Skeletons, Ice Spirit, Archers, and Cannon offer a sense of cost efficiency and gains that become even greater with level upgrades. These decks are particularly amazing for Clash Royale boosting services as they allow advanced players to trophy grind in no time with effective, repeatable strategies.

Final Thoughts

Getting to Level 15 in Clash Royale is a lasting achievement that requires not only card prioritization but also a good deal of strategy. Given how expensive upgrades become, it is sensible to attend to the cards that provide the best utility, survivability, and synergism to the rest of your decks.