Do star levels have any effect on gameplay in Clash Royale?

Yes, star levels do indeed have an effect on gameplay in Clash Royale, primarily from a cosmetic standpoint. They allow players to upgrade the visual appearance of their max-level cards, which can add prestige and a sense of accomplishment to their gaming experience. When a card reaches its maximum level, players can increase its star level using Star Points, which are earned by donating cards and upgrading your own card collection. While these enhancements do not alter the fundamental stats or abilities of the cards—meaning they don't provide any competitive advantage—they do grant them unique visual effects such as golden particle effects and animations that can make a player's deck stand out during battles.