El Primo in Brawl Stars is a powerhouse bruiser who excels in close combat, making him a force to be reckoned with when played correctly. He dominates control-based strategies with his high health, solid damage potential, and ability to get right into the heart of the fight. However, like any brawler, using him effectively means understanding his Star Powers, Gadgets, and Gears. Building El Primo around these three core aspects will maximize his potential in every match.
El Primo’s Role and Positioning in Brawl Stars
El Primo fits the role of an aggressive tank. His high hit points (HP) allow him to absorb massive damage while dishing out close-range punches that chunk down opponents. He’s perfect for game modes that require dominance over a specific area, like Gem Grab, Brawl Ball, or Showdown. With his Super, "Flying Elbow Drop," El Primo can engage from a distance, catching enemies off guard and launching himself into battle.
Position him as the frontline in team games, but don’t let that fool you into playing recklessly. The key to playing El Primo effectively is knowing when to engage and when to retreat. With no long-range capabilities, a poorly timed engagement will leave him vulnerable. But if timed well, his Super allows him to chase fleeing enemies or escape tough situations.
Building El Primo: Star Powers
El Primo's Star Powers are critical to enhancing his aggressive playstyle. Depending on your game mode and personal preference, here’s how each Star Power can elevate his performance:
El Fuego: This Star Power adds burn damage to his Super, dealing an extra 1,200 damage over 4 seconds to enemies hit by his Flying Elbow Drop. This provides consistent pressure on opponents and is especially useful in Showdown or Brawl Ball, where El Primo focuses on eliminating specific targets or zoning enemies. The extra burn damage makes it harder for enemies to recover after being hit by his Super.
Meteor Rush: This Star Power gives El Primo a 25% speed boost for 4 seconds after using his Super. This transforms him into a relentless chaser. The increased movement speed lets El Primo not only close gaps quickly but also reposition in tight situations. This Star Power pairs excellently with Gem Grab and Bounty, where controlling the map and chasing down critical opponents is vital.
Best Gadgets for El Primo
Gadgets add versatility to El Primo’s gameplay, allowing him to either initiate more aggressively or control the enemy’s movement. Choose the gadget based on your needs during a match:
Suplex Supplement: This gadget lets El Primo throw the nearest enemy behind him. It’s an excellent crowd-control tool, particularly in modes like Brawl Ball and Heist, where positioning can make or break the game. Pulling an enemy brawler out of position or throwing them away from key objectives can create crucial openings. Use this to break up formations or force a strong enemy into your team’s range.
Asteroid Belt: This gadget calls down a meteor to strike a targeted area, dealing 2,000 damage and destroying obstacles. In maps with significant terrain, an Asteroid Belt can open up pathways or disrupt enemies hiding behind walls. It’s especially effective in Siege or Heist, where map control is essential. Use it to zone enemies, create openings, or simply pressure enemies trying to retreat.
Optimal Gears for El Primo
Gears fine-tune El Primo’s strengths and can push his power even further. Each game mode and strategy may require a slight tweak, but the following Gears synergize best with his close-range tank role:
Damage Gear: El Primo thrives in close quarters, and with the Damage Gear, he becomes even more dangerous as he sustains damage. This Gear increases his damage output by 10% when his HP is below 50%. It encourages aggressive play—take a few hits, then dish out even more pain.
Health Gear: El Primo already has massive HP but with the Health Gear, his survivability skyrockets. It regenerates health faster when he’s out of combat, which makes it ideal for modes like Showdown or Brawl Ball, where longevity and staying in the fight matter. It ensures El Primo can constantly re-enter combat with a solid health pool.
Speed Gear: Positioning matters, and with the Speed Gear, El Primo can rotate faster across bushes or tight corners. This gear works well in modes like Gem Grab and Hot Zone, where moving between objectives or pressuring enemies quickly is essential. It also adds value to Meteor Rush, making El Primo a nearly unstoppable force when chasing down opponents after using his Super.
Using El Primo in Brawl Stars can be a blast, but only if you know how to make the most of his strengths and abilities. He’s a close-range brawler with tanky health, so it’s all about playing smart while staying aggressive. If you want to dominate the battlefield with him, here are six tips to improve your El Primo gameplay, along with a look at which game modes he excels in and some advice on the proper use of Brawl Stars gems.
6 Tips to Use El Primo Effectively
Stick to Close Quarters
El Primo’s punches only deal damage up close, so your goal should always be to close the gap between you and the enemy. Use cover and bushes to hide your approach, then strike when they least expect it. Don’t waste time trying to hit from a distance—it’s a losing battle for El Primo.
Time Your Super
His Flying Elbow Drop Super is a game-changer, but only if you use it wisely. Use it to engage a group of enemies, escape a bad situation, or finish off an opponent. Don’t spam it the moment it’s ready. Look for the best opportunity to land it on multiple targets or key enemy brawlers. Timing is everything.
Zone Your Enemies
El Primo thrives in zone control situations. Force enemies into tight spaces where you can easily punch them down. In modes like Gem Grab or Brawl Ball, use your presence to pressure opponents away from objectives, and don’t let them get comfortable in the open.
Use Gadgets for Tactical Advantage
El Primo’s gadgets can turn the tide of a match. Suplex Supplement can isolate an enemy, throwing them into a bad position or out of the fight. Asteroid belts can destroy enemy cover, especially if they’re relying on walls for safety. Use these gadgets strategically to disrupt their plans and create openings.
Play to Your Game Mode
El Primo shines in certain game modes more than others. He excels in Brawl Ball, Gem Grab, and Showdown. In Brawl Ball, his ability to control the field and body block is crucial. In Gem Grab, his durability makes him perfect for holding gems. Showdown works well for him because of his ability to dominate in close-quarters combat and survive longer.
Don’t Be Reckless
While El Primo can take a lot of damage, don’t charge into battle without thinking. You’re not invincible, and smart players will kite you from a distance. Always have a plan for how to engage, and know when to fall back if you’re getting overwhelmed. Play around your Super and gadgets, and don’t overcommit without a clear win in sight.
Which Game Modes Suit El Primo Best?
El Primo is best suited for Brawl Ball, Gem Grab, and Showdown. Here’s why:
Brawl Ball: El Primo’s tackiness and ability to control space make him excellent for offense and defense. He can punch the ball carrier or use his Super to knock back defenders, opening the way for his team to score.
Gem Grab: His job here is to control the center and collect gems. El Primo’s durability lets him stay in the fight longer, and his Super can help clear out enemies trying to challenge your team’s gem carrier.
Showdown: El Primo’s high health and close-range dominance shine in this mode, especially in maps with lots of cover. He can hide, ambush, and win most one-on-one fights, making him a strong contender in both solo and duo Showdown.
These modes suit El Primo because they revolve around map control, objectives, and the ability to engage or disengage with the enemy team. He can’t handle long-range fights well, so avoid modes like Bounty, where ranged brawlers dominate.
What Are Brawl Stars Gems and How Should You Use Them?
In Brawl Stars, gems are the premium currency, used to buy special in-game items like Brawler Skins, Brawl Passes, and Mega Boxes. You can get gems from in-game offers, buying them directly, or occasionally as rewards from events and the Brawl Pass.
The most practical use of gems in the game is unlocking the Brawl Pass. The Brawl Pass offers far better value than spending gems on random boxes since it guarantees rewards like new brawlers, skins, and exclusive content as you progress. Prioritize getting the Brawl Pass over spending gems on boxes or cosmetics, especially if you want to get the most out of your investment in the game.
If you’re free-to-play and don’t spend money on gems, saving them up for special limited-time offers or big ticket items (like a discounted Mega Box) is usually the smartest strategy. Don’t waste gems on impulse purchases—plan your spending around the best offers, and avoid using them on small, short-term rewards. Patience pays off when it comes to gems in Brawl Stars.
Proper Use of Brawl Stars Gems
Buy the Brawl Pass: The best bang for your gems. It unlocks tons of rewards, including exclusive skins and brawlers, and gives you progress throughout the season.
Save for Special Offers: Now and then, Brawl Stars runs limited-time offers that are better than normal gem prices. Wait for these deals if you’re patient enough.
Avoid Buying Boxes with Gems: Mega Boxes and Big Boxes might seem tempting, but they’re a gamble. You’re better off using gems on the Brawl Pass, where the rewards are more consistent and reliable.
Skip Instant Gratification: Don’t blow gems on things like rushing upgrades or buying skins right away. Think about the long-term benefits and where those gems will bring the most value. Due to its multiple uses in the game, some players will choose to buy Brawl Stars gems for sale at mmowow.
In Brawl Stars, El Primo is a force to be reckoned with when used in the right modes and with smart play. Combine those strategies with a solid understanding of how to manage your gems efficiently, and you’ll find success in no time. Knowing when to strike, how to engage, and when to save will keep you ahead of the competition, both on the battlefield and in the shop.
