How to Evolve Cards in Clash Royale (Full Guide)
A powerful new feature has arrived in Clash Royale that is set to reshape the battlefield forever: Card Evolutions. With the latest update, Supercell introduces an entirely new layer of strategy — allowing select cards to transform into their enhanced evolved forms.
If you’re wondering how to evolve cards in Clash Royale, what you need to do, and where to find Evolution Shards, this complete guide will walk you through every step so you can unleash these upgraded troops with confidence.
What Are Card Evolutions in Clash Royale?
Card Evolutions are new mechanics that let specific troops gain powerful alternate forms after certain conditions are met. These evolved versions have unique abilities, enhanced stats, and even new visuals.
Whether it’s raged-up Barbarians or more explosive Firecrackers, evolution gives old cards new life — and introduces fresh strategic dynamics into deck building.
What Are Shards and How Do They Work?
To evolve a card, you’ll need special Evolution Shards — a new type of magic item used solely for unlocking evolution. There are two types:
Troop-Specific Evolution Shards
These shards are tied to one troop type. For example:
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Barbarian Shard can only be used to evolve Barbarians
You’ll need a specific number of shards to evolve a card (e.g. 6 for Barbarians).
Wild Shards
These are universal and can be used to evolve any troop that is part of the evolution system. They are rarer but extremely valuable.
Where to Get Evolution Shards
Here’s where you can find Evolution Shards and Wild Shards:
Troop-Specific Shards:
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Pass Royale
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Season Shop
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Challenges
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Shop Offers
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Path of Legends
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Level Up Chest (after Level 50)
Wild Shards:
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Shop
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Season Shop
👉 Note: Wild Shards cannot be earned through challenges or Pass Royale — they are mainly shop-exclusive items.
How to Evolve a Card Step-by-Step
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Select the card you want to evolve (e.g., Barbarians).
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Go to the Magic Items tab.
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If you have enough Evolution Shards, you’ll see the option to apply them.
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Tap “Evolve” — the card now gains its evolved form!
Now you’re ready to bring that evolved unit to the battlefield… almost.
Understanding the Evolution Slot
This is critical: You can only use one evolved card per deck, and it must be placed in the Evolution Slot in your deck editor.
You’ll find this special slot in the top left of your deck screen. If you don’t place your evolved card in this slot, it will not appear evolved in battle, even if you’ve unlocked it.
Only One Slot: Choose Wisely
Because you can only have one evolved card active per match, you must choose which one offers the most value based on your deck composition and current meta.
Do you want control from Firecracker, backline pressure from Royal Giant, or explosive melee with Barbarians? This restriction adds deep strategic layers to deck building.
How Evolutions Work In-Game
Even if you evolve a card, it won’t appear evolved the first time you play it in a match.
Here’s how it works:
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The first time you play an evolved card, it appears in its normal form.
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After one full card cycle, the next time you play it, it is evolved.
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It then alternates every cycle: normal > evolved > normal > evolved…
This “card cycle” mechanic ensures balance and makes it predictable when your evolved troops are coming.
Example: Evolving Barbarians
Let’s say you evolve Barbarians:
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First cycle: Normal Barbarians spawn.
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Second cycle: Evolved Barbarians enter the arena with rage effects and different visuals.
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Third cycle: Back to normal.
Evolved Barbarians look more intimidating and deal increased melee damage with bonus speed on spawn, creating huge pressure when timed correctly.
Visual and Power Differences
Evolved cards:
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Look distinct with new artwork and animations.
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Often have enhanced mechanics, like:
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Firecracker: Wider blast radius
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Skeletons: Come back to life once
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Royal Giant: Fires two shots
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Barbarians: Rage on deploy
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They retain their elixir cost, but their value skyrockets — especially when timed for critical trades.
Strategy Tips Using Evolved Cards
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Cycle strategically: Play your first copy early so your second is evolved during the push.
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Bait spells: Use evolved cards to soak spells like Log or Arrows and protect your win condition.
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Adapt decks: Use troops that cycle well to get to your evolved version faster.
Are Evolutions Pay-to-Win?
Not necessarily. While Wild Shards are shop-exclusive, troop-specific Evolution Shards are widely available via:
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Challenges
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Pass Royale
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Level rewards
Even free-to-play players can evolve cards — it just requires smart progression and patience.
Tips for Earning Shards Efficiently
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Max out Pass Royale each season.
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Participate in all Challenges.
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Check the Season Shop daily.
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Reach Level 50+ for Level Up Chests.
This will slowly but surely earn you all the shards you need to evolve your favorite troop.
Conclusion: Master Evolution and Dominate the Arena
Card Evolutions are more than a gimmick — they’re a true game-changer. By understanding how to evolve cards, where to get shards, and how to use the evolution slot strategically, you gain a massive edge in matches.
So whether you’re looking to climb Path of Legends or crush a local tournament, mastering evolution mechanics is essential in 2025.
FAQs About Clash Royale Card Evolutions
How do you evolve a card in Clash Royale?
Use Evolution Shards from the Magic Items menu once you’ve collected enough for a specific card.
Can I use multiple evolved cards in one deck?
No. Only one evolved card can be active in battle, and it must be placed in the Evolution Slot.
How do I get Wild Shards?
Only available through the Shop and Season Shop.
What happens if I play the evolved card first in battle?
It spawns as the normal version. The evolved form only appears after one card cycle.
Do evolved cards cost more elixir?
No. Evolved cards have the same cost as their base version.