Introduction
Launched by Supercell in 2018, Brawl Stars rapidly rose to fame as one of the most polished mobile multiplayer games in the action and MOBA-lite genre. With its colorful cast of Brawlers, fast-paced matches, and polished mechanics, the game captured millions of users globally. However, beneath the surface of casual fun lies a complex progression system that has sparked ongoing debate. Over time, reviews have become increasingly polarized, with long-term players voicing concerns about balance, accessibility, and fairness.
This article takes a deep look at the evolution of Brawl Stars, specifically focusing on its progression mechanics—how players unlock content, upgrade characters, and advance in rank. We’ll explore how this system has changed, how it impacts player satisfaction, and what reviews across the community have said over the years.
1. The Early Days: Simplicity and Accessibility (2018)
When Brawl Stars first launched globally, its minimalist design philosophy was key to its initial success.
Minimal Barriers to Entry
Players could:
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Jump straight into battles with basic Brawlers
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Earn Trophies to unlock new game modes
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Experience consistent gameplay without overwhelming monetization
Community Praise
Early reviews highlighted the game’s:
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Smooth controls
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Quick matchmaking
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Lack of overt pay-to-win elements
The progression felt organic, with players rewarded primarily for skill and consistency.
2. The Trophy Road System (2019)
As the game matured, Supercell introduced the Trophy Road—a linear unlock system where Brawlers, skins, and resources could be acquired based on player performance.
A Reward for Engagement
The Trophy Road allowed players to earn:
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New Brawlers
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Star Points and Power Points
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Boxes (with random rewards)
Balancing Free-to-Play and Premium
While still fair to free players, the system began revealing the first signs of grind fatigue. Higher Trophy tiers required more time, and rewards plateaued in value.
3. The Rise of Randomness: Brawl Boxes (2020)
One of the most controversial systems in Brawl Stars was the loot-based Brawl Boxes, which became the primary method for unlocking Brawlers and upgrading them.
RNG Frustration
Brawl Boxes relied on luck, and the odds of pulling a Legendary Brawler were extremely low—sometimes under 0.1%.
Review Sentiment Shifts
The reviews turned more critical:
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“I’ve played for a year and still don’t have a Legendary.”
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“Great game, but the random unlocks make it frustrating.”
While exciting for short bursts, RNG-based progression began to alienate players who wanted more agency.
4. The Introduction of the Brawl Pass (2020)
In mid-2020, Supercell added the Brawl Pass, a premium seasonal pass that introduced a new model for unlocking rewards.
Structured Rewards
Each Brawl Pass season offered:
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A guaranteed Chromatic Brawler
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Exclusive skins
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Bonus boxes and coins
This provided a more predictable and satisfying progression track.
Mixed Reception
Reviews were divided:
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Positive: “Finally, a way to get rewards without relying on luck!”
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Negative: “Now you have to pay for every new Brawler…”
While the system improved predictability, it also solidified a freemium ceiling.
5. Power Creep and Balance Issues (2021)
As new Brawlers and gadgets were added regularly, balance became a growing concern.
More Tools, Less Fairness
New Brawlers often launched:
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Stronger than existing ones
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With unique abilities that countered older strategies
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For example, Stu, Belle, and Ash dominated the meta upon release
Community Backlash
Frequent reviews cited balance frustration:
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“The new Brawlers are always OP!”
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“You can’t compete unless you have the latest units.”
This created pressure to keep up—via grinding or spending.
6. Gears and Star Powers: Complexity Overload (2021–2022)
To deepen gameplay, Supercell added Gears—customizable upgrades—and Star Powers, which enhance Brawlers further.
Unlock and Upgrade Fatigue
Each Brawler now required:
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Power Points
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Coins
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Gear Tokens
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Scrap (for gear crafting)
This led to a progression bottleneck—too many resources, not enough ways to get them without spending.
Reviews Turn Sour
Many longtime fans left negative reviews, stating:
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“Too complicated for new players.”
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“I feel like I’m just grinding endlessly.”
What once was an accessible game became increasingly demanding.
7. The Pay-to-Win Accusations (2022)
With the complexity and monetization intersecting, the label “pay-to-win” began appearing more frequently in Brawl Stars reviews.
Monetization Critiques
Key points of criticism included:
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Premium Gears offering competitive advantages
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New Brawlers appearing behind paid passes
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Competitive imbalance between spenders and free players
Impact on Player Retention
Veteran players felt:
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Disenfranchised by constant spending pressure
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Overwhelmed by layers of progression
Meanwhile, new users faced a steep learning curve, making long-term growth harder.
8. Supercell’s Response: Brawl Box Removal (2023)
Facing mounting criticism, Supercell took a bold step in late 2023 by removing Brawl Boxes entirely and overhauling the progression system.
Moving to a Linear Unlock System
New players now:
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Unlock Brawlers through a clear path
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Have more control over resource allocation
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Experience less frustration from RNG
Positive Shift in Reviews
After the update, many Brawl Stars reviews praised:
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The improved fairness
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Greater control over Brawler selection
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More rewarding daily play
Though not perfect, the change marked a major step toward player-first design.
9. The State of Competitive Play (2023–2024)
Brawl Stars has also cultivated an esports scene, but progression barriers have bled into competitive accessibility.
Skill vs. Wallet
To compete seriously, players often need:
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High-level Brawlers with optimal Gears
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Knowledge of maps, modes, and counters
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A team of similarly invested players
Professional Scene Disconnect
The pro scene operates in a balanced environment, but casual ranked play remains unbalanced. This leads to frustration for high-skill free players who can’t match fully upgraded opponents.
10. Looking Ahead: Can Brawl Stars Sustain Its Core Audience?
As Brawl Stars enters its sixth year, it stands at a crossroads. The recent overhaul was promising, but long-term success depends on maintaining balance between monetization and fun.
What Players Want Now
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Simpler upgrade paths
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Fair, non-paywalled access to power
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More frequent balancing patches
Supercell’s Challenge
Supercell must:
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Continue refining progression
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Keep reviews trending positive
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Avoid falling back into pay-heavy mechanics
If they succeed, Brawl Stars could enjoy a decade-long lifespan like Clash of Clans. If not, they risk alienating their core base.
Conclusion
The journey of Brawl Stars has been one of brilliant ideas, joyful chaos, and controversial progression mechanics. While the game’s fast-paced action and polished design continue to win fans, its monetization and upgrade systems have long been a sticking point in both casual and competitive communities. Over the years, reviews have fluctuated based on how fair, accessible, and enjoyable the progression feels.
With the removal of Brawl Boxes and a renewed focus on player satisfaction, Supercell has demonstrated a willingness to listen and adapt. Still, the path ahead remains uncertain. If Brawl Stars can maintain its commitment to fair gameplay and continue innovating without overwhelming players, it has the potential to remain a top-tier mobile game for years to come.
