Its not a pay to play game

As long as you improve, youre fine. People are complaining that this game is so difficult past builders workshop, but thats not the case. Of course, if you dont improve at this game, youre going to be stuck in builders workshop unless you spend money. Its not difficult to improve. I havent spent a cent on this game, and Im in Jungle Arena. Go online and look up some decks, or go to Clash TV in the actual app, and get inspired by top players strategies. Unfortunately, people think you can only get far in the game by paying real money, but you really dont have to.

Caramelatte about Clash Royale, v1.8.1