How to get keys in Brawl Stars

Supercell has repeatedly modified Brawl Stars' progression system and now introduced a Vault based reward system with Keys as the central element. The update includes the shift of reward acquisition from random drop to controlled selection, thereby changing how players plan upgrades, unlock brawlers, and collect cosmetics. Understanding Brawl Stars How to Get Keys has become a must for seasonal progression.

What the Key System Changes in Brawl Stars

Keys are the tokens that grant access to the Brawl Stars Brawl Pass Vault. Instead of getting rewards automatically, players open Vault parts and pick the items they want. A Key is associated with a reward category and, thus, cross-use between different categories is not allowed. So, if a player uses a Resource Key to unlock a Vault tier, he/she can choose Coins or Power Points, but not Brawler unlocks or access to skins. The system thus adds the element of conscious decision, leading to progression.

Key Categories and Their Vault Access

Resource Keys and Upgrade Control Resource Keys open the Vault of upgrade materials. For example, a player who is only preparing one brawler for Ranked can take Coins from the Vault instead of Power Points if they are given at random. This makes it possible to upgrade concentrates without any leftover resources.

Brawler Keys and Rarity Selection

The Brawler Key gives access to the selection pool of brawlers while the other Key types do not. The player who has only Resource or Skin Keys cannot unlock a brawler, no matter how available it is in the Vault.

Every Brawler Key is a Key, but not every Key can be a Brawler Key. This is the point that defines which Vault sections are opened at each level.

Skin Keys and Cosmetic Access

Skin Keys are the keys that open the door to cosmetic rewards.

With these Keys, it is possible to get the current or previous Brawl Pass skins and chromas. They do not influence the strength of progression, but they are useful for players who are focused on collecting.

Buffie Keys and Competitive Preparation

Buffie Keys gives access to Buffies.

These are the ones that the competitive players usually take advantage of when they are about to start a ranked game, as the choice of Buffie can change the dynamics of the match.

To understand how Keys and Vault access fit into the broader progression overhaul, it is worth reviewing Brawl Stars Brawl Pass Rework Explained: New Prices, Vaults, and More for full context on the system changes.

Brawl Stars: How to Get Keys Through Seasonal Progression

Getting Keys is solely through the Brawl Pass. They have nothing to do with wins in matches, trophies, or Starr Drops.

Free Track Distribution

The non-paying Brawl Pass track gives a small number of Resource Keys. These are available at certain levels reached through XP gained from quests and matches.

Paid Brawl Pass Allocation

The common paid pass increases Key access. Players at the higher tiers get Brawler Keys and Skin Keys, thus making it easier to choose rewards.

Brawl Pass Plus Expansion

Brawl Pass Plus, on the other hand, raises the total number of Keys in a season. Players on this track get extra Key types at the tiers that free or standard tracks might not offer any.

This tier-based allocation defines Brawl Stars How to Get Keys at every progression level.

How XP Converts Into Keys

Brawl Pass tiers unlock Keys; they are also the means through which XP is gained for tier advancement.

XP sources include:

• Daily quests
• Seasonal quests
• Limited-time events

Playing matches in specific modes, that is, winning as a part of completing objectives, progresses the tier, which then releases Keys. Playing, without completing quests, slows down Key acquisition.

Vault Spending Rules and Key Management

Access to the Vault is regulated very strictly:

• The majority of the rewards come with just one Key
• While two Keys are needed for some older cosmetic bundles
• Keys can be retained throughout the entire tier system

A player can get a Skin Key, but he could choose not to use it until a certain cosmetic that he likes becomes available later in the season.

What Keys Are Not Given For

You do not get Keys from:

• Starr Drops
• Trophy milestones
• Match rewards alone
• Direct gem purchases

For instance, grinding Showdown without active quests will get you more trophies, but at the same time, it will not allow you to access the Vault.

Strategic Impact of the Key System

The Key model changes the whole concept, and players will have to use their minds rather than luck. Players can coordinate their Vault choices with their short-term targets, like leveling up a single brawler for Ranked play, rather than distributing their resources throughout

the whole roster.

This system is a big plus for players who complete the quests regularly and make their spending decisions wisely, but on the other hand, it does not reward players who just play a lot.

The Vault and Key system heralds a new era of controlled progression. Brawl Stars How to Get Keys is not a matter of luck anymore, but rather of systematic seasonal advancement. Players who are familiar with Key types, tier placements, and Vault restrictions can enjoy the

benefits of faster progression and more efficient rewards throughout the seasons. For players evaluating long-term value, the Key and Vault system directly ties into premium pass decisions, which makes understanding progression essential before deciding on the Brawl Stars Steampunk Brawl Pass January 2026: Should You Buy It?