Clash of Clans

Clash of Clans is a strategy game from Supercell in which you build a village, train an army and attack other players’ villages to collect resources. It has been one of the best-known mobile strategy games for many years. The game blends base building, resource management and battle planning, and it is designed to be played in short sessions spread across the day, because many tasks, such as construction and training, take real time to complete.

Building your village
You begin with a small base and a few builders. As you collect gold, elixir and other resources, you construct buildings such as mines, collectors, storages, barracks and defences. Each building can be upgraded, and some upgrades take hours or days. A larger town hall unlocks more advanced buildings and troops. You must balance growth with protection. A strong economy supports your army, but weak defences make your village an easy target.

Battles and troops
You attack other villages by placing troops on the map. Your units move and fight automatically, so planning matters more than reflexes. You choose which troops to bring, where to drop them and when to use spells. A successful attack earns resources and trophies, which raise your league. Defensive buildings, walls and traps protect your own village when other players attack.

Clans and clan wars
Joining a clan lets you chat with other players, donate troops and take part in clan wars, where two clans compete in coordinated attacks. This social side is an important part of the game. A good clan can help you learn strategies and share units. As with any online community, protect your privacy, avoid sharing personal details and use the report features if someone behaves badly.

Tips for new players
Upgrade your resource collectors early. Do not rush your town hall upgrade, since a higher level makes you face stronger opponents. Keep your builders busy so that you do not waste time. Learn the strengths of each troop type and mix them well. Join an active clan, and take part in events that give free rewards.

Time, gems and purchases
Because many actions take time, you can speed them up with gems, the premium currency. Gems can be earned slowly or purchased. This is the main way the game earns revenue, and spending can become significant. Decide on limits before you play, and consider using device spending controls if children play. You do not need to spend to enjoy the game, but progress will be slower.

Age suitability
The cartoon style is bright and not graphic, but the game includes battles and online chat. Check the age rating and review the settings for children. Be careful of scam websites that promise free gems, since they often aim to steal accounts.

Who it suits
It suits players who enjoy planning, collecting and long-term goals, and who are comfortable with a slow pace. It is less suited to people who want fast action.

How it compares
Compared with Clash Royale, it is a slower base-building game. Compared with Hay Day, it is competitive and includes battles.

Our take
Clash of Clans is a deep, long-lasting strategy game. Use the official store link on this page when you are ready to install it.