I’m positive this has always been either a small thought or a big dream for many aspiring gamers like myself. But aside from playing the game, many players don’t know where to begin. That’s what I’m here for—to point you in the right direction and shed some light on this grey topic. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about Brawl Stars, from improving your gameplay to choosing the optimal device and play style.

Setup

One of the most important factors is what device you play on. For the longest time, I used an iPhone 6 and later an iPhone 13. However, there are two main issues with this setup:

  • Screen Size: A smaller screen means less of the map is visible and the game graphics appear smaller.
  • Refresh Rate: Most iPhones (aside from the Pro and Pro Max versions of iPhone 13-16) only run at 60 hertz instead of 120 hertz. Hertz measures how many images you see per second—the more, the better.

So, what device should you use? Here is a list of all the devices that run at 120 hertz:

  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st–4th generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd–6th generation)
  • iPhone 13–16 Pro or Pro Max versions

Note: The iPad Pro is the only iPad that can run 120 hertz; neither the iPad Air nor the iPad Mini support it.

What device do the pros use? Most pros opt for either the iPad Pro 11-inch or the 12.9-inch, depending on what feels most comfortable in their hands. If you prefer not to use an iPad, one of the iPhones listed above is also a good choice.

Advantages of 120 Hertz

Playing at 120 hertz gives you a significant edge—better movement, smoother aiming, and faster gameplay are crucial factors in Brawl Stars.

Ethernet Connection

An Ethernet connection allows you to connect directly to your network. This can improve your in-game movement, aiming, and overall gameplay. However, it does require an Ethernet cable to plug into your WiFi router.

Finger Sleeves

Brawl Stars is a hands-on-screen game, meaning you’re not using a controller or keyboard. The texture of your finger matters. Some players may not notice, but I’ve experienced my fingers becoming either too sticky or too sweaty, which can affect responsiveness. Finger sleeves provide a consistent level of friction and are sweat-proof—making them a perfect solution.

Watch the Pros

There’s a lot you can learn by watching the pros. They not only share tips and tricks but also display the current meta of the game. Remember: they know what they’re doing, and studying their gameplay can help improve your own.

Time Commitment

Professional players often invest between 4 to 12 hours a day in practice. While it might be hard to match that schedule, it’s important to make up for the lost time with focused practice.

Fast Improvement

To improve quickly, you must be intentional with your training. Simply pushing trophies for an hour or two a day won’t cut it. Scrimmaging is one of the fastest ways to improve because it simulates the competitive scene. Playing against better opponents will expose your weaknesses and show you what you need to work on.

Time x2 & the Competitive Scene

The competitive season lasts about 5–6 months (excluding world final qualifiers and finals), so it takes time, perseverance, and daily grind to push through. To join the competitive scene, every month the Championship Challenge is available. Only players who reach 15 wins before accumulating 3–4 losses (depending on the month) advance to round two—the main competitive arena.

Teammates

Since Brawl Stars is a 3v3 team game, surrounding yourself with skilled teammates and consistently working with them is essential. If you don’t have Discord yet, download it to find teammates. Discord is the primary platform for communication among Brawl Stars players—and gamers in general.

3rd Party Tournaments

Competing in third-party tournaments is another excellent way to improve your gameplay. These tournaments often mimic the competitive scene, allowing you to face different pros from across your region. While they might not always offer huge prize pools, some tournaments can award prizes in the thousands.

Conclusion

The biggest challenge in reaching your dream is commitment. Are you all in? From your device setup to your intentional gameplay, every detail counts. In Brawl Stars, limitations can be the difference between winning and losing a match. Good luck, and I’ll see you at the top soon!