Russia Blocks Clash Royale, Players Turn to VPN to Play
The Finnish game studio Supercell has blocked access to the popular mobile title Clash Royale for users in Russia. A report from Socialbitesca’s correspondent confirmed the restriction after attempting to launch the game on an iPhone. When the device detects the new regional block, a message appears stating that the current location does not permit login. Users report that activating a VPN allows the game to sign in and remain playable, suggesting the restriction is location-based rather than an outright removal of the title from devices in the region.
Historical context shows that in 2022 Supercell removed all of its games from the Russian App Store. However, at that time the titles remained accessible to players who had already downloaded them before the removal, as the apps could still function without a VPN. The latest development marks a more deliberate ban on new logins from Russian IP addresses, signaling a shift in how Supercell enforces geographic availability across its portfolio.
The issue also touches another Supercell project. In March, Russians were given limited access to Clash of Clans, another hallmark title from the same developer. Reports indicate that residents of Belarus faced a similar blockage, highlighting how regional restrictions can extend beyond a single country and affect neighboring markets as well.
Clash Royale centers on real time player versus player battles. Each match requires defending one’s own towers while simultaneously attacking the opponent by deploying a collection of unique cards. These strategic battles demand quick decision making and careful card management. Since its release in 2016, the game has remained a flagship title for Supercell, contributing to the studio’s strong standing in the mobile gaming scene and maintaining a loyal global player base.
In practice, players in Russia who previously owned or installed Clash Royale before any blocks often report that they can continue to play if they route traffic through a VPN or use other location-masking tools. This pattern aligns with broader regulatory and distribution strategies that various developers deploy to balance regional compliance with ongoing player engagement. The evolving policy may prompt players to seek alternative methods to access a game while the publisher weighs its options for future regional availability. While these circumstantial workarounds exist, they are not official solutions and carry potential risks for user accounts and device security. Source attribution is provided by Socialbitesca and related regional reports.”