Boosters can make difficult levels easier, but they are limited and should be used with clear intent. This guide explains when boosters are most helpful, how to choose the right type for a specific objective, and how to avoid using them in situations where a small change in strategy would be enough.
Know the Booster Categories
Candy Crush Saga boosters are generally divided into pre-level boosters and in-level boosters. Pre-level boosters activate at the start, such as a color bomb or a lollipop hammer, while in-level boosters can be used mid-level to adjust the board. Understanding when each category is most effective helps you avoid spending a booster on a problem that could have been solved with a few deliberate moves.
Pre-level boosters are best for levels where the initial board is highly blocked or when you need immediate access to a specific area, such as a locked section hiding jellies. In-level boosters are more flexible but should be saved for moments when you can clearly see how they will advance the objective.
Match the Booster to the Objective
The most common booster mistake is using a powerful effect that does not directly address the objective. For example, a color bomb can be useful for clearing a large number of a single color, but if your goal is to bring down ingredients, the priority should be opening columns and clearing blockers above exits. A striped candy or a vertical blast can be more valuable than a broad color clear in that scenario.
For “clear the jelly” levels, wrapped candies and striped combinations are effective because they hit multiple tiles and layers. For order levels that require a set number of special candies, using a booster that creates a special candy at the start can help you meet the requirement faster.
Use Boosters to Fix a Specific Bottleneck
A booster should solve a problem that the board is not letting you solve on your own. Examples include a single isolated jelly in a corner, a stubborn licorice lock blocking an ingredient path, or a last move where clearing a small cluster will complete the objective. In these cases, an in-level booster like a lollipop hammer or hand switch can provide a precise fix.
When you are still early in the level and the board is open, it can be better to avoid boosters and instead build special candies through normal matches. Boosters are most valuable when they remove obstacles or convert a near-win into a clear win.
Consider the Number of Moves Remaining
If you are consistently finishing levels with several moves left, boosters are likely unnecessary. Track how close you are getting to the objective on each attempt. If you are missing the goal by a single jelly layer or one ingredient, a targeted booster at the end might make sense. If you are far from the objective, the issue may be strategy rather than power.
In limited-move levels, you can use boosters to improve efficiency, but it is still important to confirm that the booster will create immediate progress. Using a booster too early can reduce flexibility and leave you with fewer options if the board shifts in an unexpected way.
Stacking Boosters Responsibly
Some players use multiple boosters at once, but stacking can be wasteful when a single booster would have been enough. If you want to use two boosters, make sure each provides a distinct benefit. For instance, a pre-level booster that creates a color bomb can be paired with a move that sets up a striped candy for a deliberate combination. If you do not have a plan for the interaction, it is better to use just one.
When you receive boosters from events or daily rewards, keep a small reserve rather than spending them immediately. This helps you handle unexpected difficult levels without relying on repeat attempts.
Practice Without Boosters First
A useful habit is to play a level a few times without boosters, especially if you are new to that level type. This gives you a chance to learn the board layout, identify the primary blockers, and see where special candies are most effective. Once you know the problem areas, you can decide whether a booster will actually solve the obstacle or just add temporary power.
This approach also preserves boosters for levels that are truly demanding rather than simply unfamiliar. Over time, this makes your booster inventory more reliable for critical moments.
Summary: Use Boosters With a Clear Plan
Boosters are best used to address specific blockers, complete near-finished objectives, or open locked areas at the start. By matching the booster to the objective and waiting for a clear bottleneck, you reduce waste and improve your overall success rate without relying on constant booster use.
Last Updated: February 14, 2025