What Gems Are Used For in Clash of Clans
Gems are the premium currency in Clash of Clans. They are used to speed up building and troop upgrades, buy resources, unlock additional builders, and purchase special items from the in-game shop. Builders are the most valuable use of Gems for most players, because having more builders running simultaneously is the single biggest factor in long-term progression speed.
Gems cannot be traded between players, and there is no official mechanism to send Gems to another account. Every Gem you accumulate is account-specific and tied to your Supercell ID.
Key Takeaways
- Clearing obstacles on your base map gives small but consistent Gem rewards
- Achievements are the highest single-source of free Gems in the game
- The Gem Mine in the Builder Base produces Gems passively at a slow rate
- Special events and seasonal content occasionally include Gem prizes
- No third-party tool can add Gems to your Clash of Clans account
Method 1: Clearing Obstacles
Trees, mushrooms, bushes, and other obstacles spawn regularly on your village map. Each one removed gives you between 0 and 6 Gems, with most giving 1 to 4. Gem-containing obstacles appear on a randomised schedule.
The practical value of this method is modest but completely passive. If you clear obstacles consistently every time you log in rather than letting them accumulate, you collect the Gems reliably without any extra effort. Some obstacles, such as special event decorations and Gemtrees, give larger Gem amounts.
Gemtrees are special seasonal trees that occasionally spawn and provide higher Gem rewards when removed. Keep an eye out for them during holiday and anniversary events.
Average Gems Per Source Per Month
Method 2: Achievements
Achievements are the most significant source of free Gems in the game. Each achievement has multiple tiers — bronze, silver, and gold — and completing each tier awards Gems. Some achievements give hundreds of Gems at the gold tier.
High-value achievements include reaching Town Hall milestones, winning multiplayer battles, donating troops, completing campaign levels, and upgrading buildings to certain levels. Many of these happen naturally as you play the game rather than requiring specific effort.
Open your achievement list and check which ones are close to completion. Prioritising those gives you Gem rewards sooner. The total Gems available across all achievements runs into the thousands if you complete them systematically over the course of your time playing.
Method 3: The Gem Mine
The Gem Mine is a building available in the Builder Base, which is the second village accessible after you unlock the Builder Boat. Once constructed, the Gem Mine produces Gems passively over time at a slow rate.
The mine's output increases as you upgrade it. At lower levels, it produces roughly one Gem per day. At higher levels, the rate improves. It is not a fast source, but it requires no active effort beyond collecting the output when it is full.
Upgrading the Gem Mine should be a priority in your Builder Base layout if consistent passive Gem income is a goal. Keeping currency for upgrades is easier if you understand how platforms like Google Play credits can offset what you choose to spend directly.
Method 4: Special Events and Clan Games
Supercell runs regular in-game events tied to holidays, game anniversaries, and balance updates. Some of these events include Gem rewards for completing specific in-game tasks within the event window.
Clan Games is a recurring team event where clan members collectively complete challenges to reach point milestones. Reaching certain tiers unlocks reward chests that can include Gems among other resources. Participating in Clan Games consistently each month adds a small but real source of free Gems over time.
Check the in-game events tab regularly so you do not miss limited-time reward windows.
Method 5: Builder Base Rewards and Trophy Road
The Builder Base has its own progression system separate from the main village. Competing in Versus Battles and climbing the Builder Base trophy ladder unlocks rewards at certain milestones, some of which include Gems.
The Builder Base is worth developing in parallel with your main village specifically because these rewards are available only through Builder Base progression.
What Not to Do
Generator websites that claim to add Gems directly to your Clash of Clans account do not work. Your Gem balance is stored on Supercell servers and no outside tool can access or change it. These sites exist to collect your Supercell ID credentials or make you install apps that generate revenue for their operators.
Modded APKs of Clash of Clans claim to provide unlimited Gems. Installing them violates the terms of service, risks a permanent ban, and often contains malware. Only download the game from the official Play Store or App Store.
Understanding how currency scams operate across mobile games is covered in our guide to avoiding mobile game currency scams, which explains every major scam type and how to recognise them.
Comparison Table: Free Gem Sources
| Source | Effort Required | Gems Per Month (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Achievements | Low (play normally) | Varies, 400+ initially | Best single source overall |
| Gem Mine | Very low (collect passively) | 30 to 90 | Increases with upgrades |
| Obstacle clearing | Very low | 30 to 70 | Consistent with regular login |
| Events and Clan Games | Medium | 50 to 150 | Varies by event type |
| Builder Base trophies | Medium | One-time milestone rewards | Complete these early |
FAQ
Can I transfer Gems between accounts? No. Gems are account-specific and cannot be transferred or gifted to another player.
Does the Gem Mine ever stop producing? The Gem Mine stops when its storage is full. Collect regularly to keep it producing. The storage capacity also increases when you upgrade the building.
How many Gems do I need to get a second builder? The second builder costs 500 Gems. Additional builders cost progressively more. Saving your achievement Gems specifically for builders is the most impactful use for new players.
Are there any safe codes or promotions for free Gems? Supercell occasionally runs limited-time offers through official channels, such as Google Play or App Store promotions that give Gems with a purchase. There are no redeemable codes for free Gems in the same way some other games have them.
How long does it take to earn enough Gems for a builder through free methods? For a new player completing high-value achievements, earning 500 Gems for the second builder can happen within the first few weeks. Subsequent builders require more Gems and take longer through free methods alone.