Building a F2P Deck 

As a Free-to-Play (F2P) player in Clash Royale, optimizing your resources and making strategic decisions is crucial for building a competitive deck without relying heavily on purchasing in-game resources. With the right strategies and considerations, you can construct a formidable free-to-play (F2P) deck that can hold its own even against opponents who have spent more time and money into their accounts. Here are key considerations to guide you in constructing a free-to-play (F2P) deck properly:

Level up cards from different rarities and roles 

To make the most of your resources, focus on leveling up cards that fulfill different roles and come from various rarities. This approach allows you to have a versatile collection of cards and enables you to switch up your deck without facing difficulties. For example, a well-rounded deck could include cards like Archers (Common), Inferno Tower (Rare), X-Bow (Epic), Log (Legendary), and Little Prince (Champion). By diversifying your card collection, you have more options for building different decks while efficiently leveling up cards.

The cards on the image above should serve as an example showing varying rarities and types. Goblins (Common) are effective and cheap countermeasures against other ground cards. Musketeer (Rare) is a decent DPS, Ranged, and Anti-Air Troop and can be vital during defense. Wall Breakers (Epic) are cheap Win Conditions that can punish opponents quickly especially when cycled. Log (Legendary) is a reliable small spell that damages or delays ground troops especially swarms. And Mighty Miner (Champion) is a great Tank and DPS that immediately demolishes other ground troops. Being free-to-play (F2P) is knowing how important it is to efficiently upgrade based on variety and synergy.

Choose F2P-Friendly cards 

When selecting cards for your deck, consider F2P-friendly options that are easily upgradeable as a beginner. You may want to start with cards with lower rarities while considering its versatility in various decks. Cycle decks, characterized by their low average elixir cost, are primarily composed of low elixir Common and Rare cards that are optimal choices for F2P players who want to progress quicker. Cards like Hog Rider, Goblin Barrel, Miner, Balloon, or Goblin Drill are win conditions that are often found in F2P-friendly decks due to their versatility and compatibility with a range of support cards. Although the decks these cards belong to may require practice and skill to master, they offer a lot more range of mix-matching with F2P-friendly cards allowing you to adapt and develop your deck as a free to play.

The cards on the image above are mostly cards that are found in F2P decks, either because of their versatility or their accessibility. Other F2P-friendly cards can include the following: tanky splash cards that can neutralize higher level cards like Bowler and Executioner, cheap cards that don't rely on high card levels to be effective such as Skeletons and Ice Spirit, versatile spells that can be placed in almost any deck like Arrows or Log, and of course cards that have lower rarities. Prioritizing these kinds of cards will allow you to build varying decks more easily.

Upgrade the most impactful cards first

Prioritize upgrading cards that have the most impact on your deck's performance. In general, prioritize leveling up your win condition cards, such as your primary offensive troops and spells. Focus on increasing the level of these cards to enhance their effectiveness in damaging enemy towers. Once your win conditions are appropriately leveled, shift your attention towards upgrading high damaging spells, support cards, defensive buildings, tanks, swarms, and cycle cards; in that order. This strategic approach ensures that you allocate your limited resources to the most critical components of your deck.

The cards on the image above are some of the most impactful cards you will ever use when dabbling with Cycle decks. Win Conditions such as Hog Rider can still be useful when underlevelled, while also having the capability to hardcarry you when overlevelled. Spells such as Poison (Big Spell) and Log (Small Spell) are good options to upgrade since they can be a handful against inexperienced players. Buildings such as Cannon are a decent way to damage and distract cards; even the overlevelled ones.

Choose F2P decks/archetypes 

When exploring pre-made decks, consider F2P-friendly deck archetypes that align with your playstyle. Cycle decks, due to their reliance on lower rarity and flexible cards, are particularly suited for F2P players. These decks often include a combination of Common and Rare cards that usually fit in other cycle decks, allowing for easier card level progression. On the other hand, some archetypes like Bridge Spam decks may incorporate more Legendary cards, making them less F2P-friendly in terms of leveling up. By selecting archetypes that suit your available resources, you can build a competitive deck while maximizing your progression as a F2P player.

The cards on the image above form the solid and classic deck "2.6 Hog Cycle" dating back from the game's early years. Hog decks typically change as the meta shifts, but it still bears the same concept of "Control" and "Cycle"; them being the archetypes of most Hog decks. If you're unable to switch immediately to the F2P-friendly archetypes mentioned earlier, it is better to prioritize cards from your archetype of focus. Cycle decks typically make use of defensive buildings, damaging spells, ranged supports, fast-paced Win Conditions, and of course cheap Cycle cards. While Beatdown and Control decks bear similarities since they focus on tanky or heavier Win Conditions, swarmy or tanky support cards, and of course spells that complement it. It is important to learn first from pre-built decks before you decide what cards to upgrade next.

Never upgrade cards at random 

Avoid the common mistake of upgrading cards without considering their compatibility within a deck. Randomly upgrading cards from different spectrums can create an inconsistent and ineffective deck. Always evaluate how cards synergize with each other that also fits into a cohesive strategy. Upgrading cards that align with your preferred archetypes and playstyle ensures that your resources are utilized efficiently and maximizes the overall strength of your deck.

The cards on the image above are cards placed randomly in a single deck showing no viable synergy whatsoever. When upgrading cards systematically, usually you look for variety; variety in card rarities, variety in card types/roles, and variety in synergy. Avoid focusing on cards that do not synergize in one single deck. Also avoid upgrading cards that aren't easy to build decks on. Cards such as X-Bow and Royal Giant are Win Conditions that require a specific set of cards that complement it. Not adequately knowing how to use it properly will only hinder your card selection's progress.

Use your resources properly

Efficient resource management is key for F2P players. Prioritize spending your gold on upgrading cards that fit into multiple decks. Save your gems for special challenges or limited-time offers that provide valuable cards or resources. Regularly participate in events, clan wars, and quests to maximize your resource gains. Avoid spending gold and gems on unnecessary items or upgrades, and focus on cards that you can use immediately or for the long term.

Common mistakes in resource allocation may include: levelling up random or irrelevant cards, improperly using Magic Items, and not hoarding rewards promptly. Some of the resources in Clash Royale are difficult to obtain, especially those that can significantly boost your progress. It is always important to consistently grind while planning ahead on where to spend your resources on as a free-to-play (F2P).

Have the knowledge and skills necessary to use the deck

Simply having a well-built deck is not enough; you must also know how to use it effectively. Study how each card in your deck interacts with other cards while also practicing your deck in various situations. Watch replays of your matches to identify mistakes and areas for improvement. Learn from top players by watching their gameplay videos and adopting their strategies. Continuously hone your skills by participating in different game modes and challenges, and strive to understand the nuances of your deck to play it to its fullest potential. If you want to use X-Bow; a Win Condition that fits on F2P-friendly decks that requires more practice to master, you must have the skills to use it continuously. Always make sure you're able to use the decks you're planning to use.

It is always worth noting how decks can also vary when it comes to how easy and hard they are to use based on what the current meta is, what cards your deck has, and how viable they can be against other dominating cards. Being a free-to-play (F2P) requires you to have common sense when it comes to what is what within the game.

As a reference, JuicyJ's playlist contains his F2P series wherein he plans to progress a brand new account while efficiently upgrading F2P-friendly cards by making use of the available resources the average player can also get:

JuicyJ was able to efficiently create a F2P deck with underlevelled cards which allowed him to progress his F2P account quickly. It should be noted that he is an experienced player where the deck he is using requires a certain amount of skill:

Mars' video (2023) was able to perfectly summarize how to easily max cards in your deck especially as a F2P:

OOfro's video shows what cards to upgrade first especially as a F2P:

By following these strategies, you can build a competitive deck as a free-to-play (F2P) player that utilizes your resources effectively and maximizes your chances of success in Clash Royale. Remember to focus on leveling up impactful cards, choose F2P-friendly options, diversify your card collection, and prioritize compatibility and synergy within your deck. With dedication and strategic decision-making, you can rise through the ranks and dominate against other players with your deck.