Level 16 is the maximum normal card upgrade level in Clash Royale. It improves a card’s battle stats and requires Cards and Gold. It is different from Star Levels, which are cosmetic, and King Tower Level, which tracks player progression.
This guide covers the upgrade cost, the final upgrade step, and the difference between card levels and Tower Levels. For more tips, check our Clash Royale guides.
Clash Royale Level 16 Upgrade Costs by Rarity
Upgrading a card from Level 15 to Level 16 costs 120,000 Gold for every rarity, but the number of copies needed depends on the card’s rarity. These are the costs for the final upgrade only, not the total cost of upgrading a card from its starting level.
| Card rarity | Copies needed | Gold needed |
| Common | 7,500 | 120,000 |
| Rare | 1,400 | 120,000 |
| Epic | 180 | 120,000 |
| Legendary | 20 | 120,000 |
| Champion | 15 | 120,000 |
Source: Official Supercell Level 16 upgrade requirements.
The copies must match the card you are upgrading. You can use matching Wild Cards to make up for missing copies. Check the card’s upgrade panel in-game before publishing to confirm the costs are still current.
Requirements and Steps to Upgrade a Card to Level 16
- Select a Level 15 card.
- Open its upgrade panel.
- Check the required card copies and Gold.
- Use matching Wild Cards if needed.
- Confirm the upgrade once you have enough resources.
Card copies and Gold are separate requirements. Elite Wild Cards are no longer used for upgrades. Check the in-game panel for the current cost.
Card Level 16 vs King Tower Level 16
- Card Level: Controls an individual card’s battle stats.
- King Tower Level: Controls your tower level and Tower Troop level cap. Reaching Level 16 requires 14 cards at Level 15 or higher, excluding Tower Troops.
- Collection Level: Tracks collection progress. Card upgrades add one level, while owned Hero and Evolution forms provide additional bonuses.
Does one Level 16 card unlock King Tower Level 16? No. You must meet the separate requirement of 14 qualifying cards at Level 15 or higher.
How Much Gold Does an Eight-Card Level 16 Deck Need?
If all eight cards are already Level 15, upgrading them to Level 16 costs 960,000 Gold (8 x 120,000), plus the required card copies.
If some cards are already Clash Royale Level 16, count only the remaining upgrades. Cards below Level 15 will also need earlier upgrade costs. This calculation covers only the final upgrades, not the full cost of maxing a deck.
Which Level 16 Upgrade Should You Make First?
- Choose your main deck: Start with a card you regularly use in your preferred mode.
- Check its impact: Prioritise the upgrade if the extra stats could change an important interaction.
- Compare costs: Check the Gold and card copies needed before committing.
Do not prioritise a card just because it is Legendary or Champion. Upgrade what helps your deck most. If you are preparing a Ranked deck, focus on your main strategy. When planning four Clan War decks, check out our guide before spending Gold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Level 16 upgrades award Star Points?
No. Upgrades to Level 15 and above do not award Star Points. Star Levels are cosmetic and separate from card upgrades.
What happens to extra copies of a maxed card?
Extra copies of a Level 16 card convert into Crystals, which you can use for cosmetics.
Is the Gem price the same for every upgrade?
No. The Gem cost depends on the resources you still need. Check the in-game confirmation screen for your exact price.
Choose a card, check its missing copies and Gold, and confirm the cost before upgrading. Keep your Card Level, King Tower Level, and Collection Level goals separate when planning your Clash Royale Level 16 upgrades.