Clash of Clans May 2026 update adds a second Builder Base Builder, earlier Hero unlock, and Gold Pass improvements

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Story Highlights

  • Clash of Clans May update adds a second permanent Builder for Builder Base progression.
  • Barbarian King now unlocks much earlier, starting from Town Hall 4 progression.
  • Gold Pass improvements and returning-player events arrive alongside May balance adjustments.

Supercell has released the May 2026 update for Clash of Clans. This update focuses on making the game easier to progress in, especially for new players, and improving the Builder Base. It comes after two recent announcements where Supercell detailed changes to Clan War Leagues, game balancing, and what’s coming next for the game.

Clash of Clans May 2026 update: All you need to know

Second builder joins the Builder Base

The newest update introduces an extra Builder for your Builder Base, and you can unlock them sooner than before. This new Builder becomes available in the shop at Builder Hall level 2. Once unlocked, you’ll be able to work on one more Builder Base upgrade at a time.

There’s a catch: you need to have all five of the standard Home Village Builders unlocked before you can get the Builder Base Builder. Basically, you must first max out your regular builders before you can purchase the new one.

Barbarian King now unlocks earlier

Here’s a big change: the Barbarian King is now available much earlier in the game! Instead of unlocking at Town Hall 7, you can get him at Town Hall 4. The Hero Hall will also be available earlier, at Town Hall 4, to match this change.

Supercell noticed that new players felt it took too long to get their first Hero – they weren’t getting one until they reached Town Hall 7, which felt too late in the game. To fix this, they’ve made Heroes available much earlier. The way it works is a little different at the beginning of the game, though, at lower Town Hall levels.

Town Hall Barbarian King Status
TH4 King unlocks at reduced strength
TH5 Stats increase further
TH6 Full Level 1 King stats
TH7 Normal Hero upgrades begin

When you first get the Barbarian King at Town Hall 4, he’ll be at about half strength compared to a fully upgraded Level 1 King, and his starting equipment won’t be very powerful. The good news is, his stats will improve automatically as you upgrade your Town Hall. Importantly, this doesn’t change how quickly you can upgrade your Heroes with Dark Elixir – you’ll still start upgrading them at Town Hall 7.

Gold Pass improvements arrive in the May update

Supercell is updating the Gold Pass with two improvements. Previously, if you purchased the Gold Pass partway through the month, you wouldn’t receive bonus points from Stamp Cards you’d already filled. Now, starting with the June Gold Pass, you’ll automatically get those missing bonus points when you upgrade.

We’ve added a new perk for Gold Pass owners! If you renew your Gold Pass each month, you’ll now get a bonus Stamp right away as a thank you for your continued support.

Returning players get new engagement events

This update includes a helpful system for players returning to the game after a break. When you log back in after being away from Clash of Clans, you’ll see a special event with challenges, rewards, and boosts to quickly help you catch up and get back into the action.

This May’s update includes the balance changes Supercell first discussed in their second State of Gameplay post. You can find a full list of those changes and the reasons behind them in my article about the balance update.

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2026-05-26 13:11