Honestly, if you haven't logged into Brawl Stars recently, you're walking into a complete sandstorm. We're officially in Season 36, themed "Dark Sands," and it feels like Supercell decided to turn the chaos dial up to eleven. Between the arrival of the new Mythic Brawler, Finx, and some questionable balance changes, the community is basically split right down the middle. Some people love the Egyptian-noir aesthetic, while others are just trying to figure out how to stop getting deleted by a mummy.
It's a lot.
Usually, a new season is just a fresh coat of paint and some new skins. But Season 36 feels heavier. Maybe it’s the fact that we’ve had a string of high-impact releases lately, or maybe it’s just that Finx is legitimately terrifying to play against once he gets his momentum going. If you're looking for the typical "everything is great" corporate hype, you won't find it here. We're looking at what’s actually happening on the Starr Road right now.
The Finx Problem: Is Season 36 Brawl Stars Broken?
Let’s talk about the elephant—or rather, the multi-eyed creature—in the room. Finx joined the roster as a Mythic Brawler right at the start of the season. His kit is built around the idea that "you will never escape," and honestly, he lives up to that threat.
His main attack has this weird, lingering pressure that makes certain maps feel unplayable if you're using a low-mobility Brawler. When you pair him with the current "Dark Sands" map pool, which features a lot of tight corridors and sneaky bush placement, he becomes a nightmare. Supercell is clearly leaning into the "controller" archetype here, but Finx feels more like an assassin who just happens to have too much health.
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- The Mobility Meta: If you aren't playing someone with a dash or a jump, you're basically a sitting duck for Finx’s Super.
- Star Power Synergy: Most pros are currently running his first Star Power because the utility in Brawl Ball is just too good to pass up.
- The Counters: Believe it or not, Hank has actually seen a bit of a resurgence as a counter-pick because of his Hypercharge, but it’s still a rocky climb.
A lot of the "OG" players are complaining that the power creep is getting out of hand. You've got these new Brawlers coming in with three different mechanics in one attack, while older Brawlers like Bull are just... sitting there. It's a valid concern. If every new season introduces a "must-pick" Brawler to stay competitive, the game starts to feel more like a chore than a hobby.
Breaking Down the Dark Sands Brawl Pass
The rewards this time around are actually pretty decent, assuming you’re willing to grind. The Brawl Pass Plus is still the big ticket item at $9.99, and they’ve packed it with Egypt-themed cosmetics. The "Mummified Frank" skin is the level 50 reward, and it's probably one of the best Frank skins we've seen in years. It’s got these dusty, ethereal particles that actually make him look intimidating for once.
If you're sticking to the free track, don't expect a miracle. You’ll get about 8,000 Coins and 2,500 Power Points if you finish the whole thing. It sounds like a lot, but with the cost of Hypercharges and the new "Buffies" system looming over the economy, it barely covers a single Brawler upgrade.
We also saw the introduction of Chaos Drops. These are a new variant of Starr Drops that can "split" like sushi rolls—meaning one drop can turn into multiple rewards of the same rarity. It’s pure RNG, which can be exhilarating when you pull a Legendary, but it’s mostly just more Pins and Sprays for the average player.
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What's in the Pass?
- Mummified Frank (Skin): The centerpiece of the paid track.
- Charcoal & Papyrus Frank (Chromas): Exclusive to the Plus version.
- Finx Unlock: Available on the Starr Road, but the Pass gives you the Credits to speed it up.
- The "Mummified" Title: A new flex for your profile.
Why the Meta Feels So Weird Right Now
If you look at the top tier lists for Season 36, it's a bizarre mix. You have Squeak and Bea holding onto their spots because their crowd control is essential for stopping Finx. But then you have Brawlers like Janet and Stu coming back into favor because you absolutely need to be able to fly or dash away from the new "Dark Sands" environmental hazards.
The developers have also been playing around with "Buffies." If you haven't heard of them, they're basically permanent modifiers for your Gadgets and Star Powers. They don't add new buttons, which is nice, but they definitely add another layer of "what the heck just hit me?" to every match. Colt and Spike were among the first to get them, and seeing a Colt bullet suddenly steal your ammo because he has a "Gadget Buffie" is enough to make anyone tilt.
Supercell is trying to keep the game deep for veterans without making it too complex for casuals. It’s a tough tightrope walk. Honestly, sometimes it feels like they’re adding features just for the sake of adding them.
Practical Steps to Survive Season 36
If you're struggling to climb the Trophy Road this month, stop trying to play your old favorites. The "Dark Sands" maps are designed for the new mechanics.
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First, prioritize your Hypercharges. If you have a Brawler at Power Level 11 without a Hypercharge, you’re basically playing at a disadvantage in 3v3 modes. Focus your gold on Brawlers like Leon or Squeak who can actually influence the map.
Second, use the new UNO mode. It’s a bit of a meme, but it’s a great way to farm XP for the Brawl Pass without risking your main trophies. It’s faster, less stressful, and helps you clear those "Win 10 Battles" quests in half the time.
Lastly, keep an eye on the "Claw Machine." This is where the Buffies are stored. Since your first pull is free once you hit 1,000 trophies, make sure you use it on a Brawler you actually play. Don't waste your resources trying to max out everyone at once; pick three main Brawlers and stick with them until the meta shifts again in Season 37.
Actionable Insights for Season 36:
- Check your Starr Road progress; if you're close to a Mythic, save your Credits for Finx.
- Don't ignore the "Dark Sands" quest modifiers; they provide a 20% XP boost this season.
- Swap out your Gears. With the removal of Epic and Mythic gears for certain Brawlers, you might have a heap of refunded gold sitting in your inbox.
- Play Gem Grab on the new maps to learn the "sinkhole" mechanics before trying them in Power League.