When you play a spell card or have your active ally attack, that ally will gain an experience point. After three experience points, they will rank up. At rank 2, a Skylander will get access to a unique ability card that is always drawn at the beginning of their turn. At rank 3, they will get a bonus attack.
Relics
Relics are passive effect cards that take up a space on the battlefield after they are played. While they are still standing, relics will provide a bonus to all your allies. Relics have health and can be targeted by your enemies. Always protect them.
Special conditions
Each realm and level have special conditions that will affect your Skylanders. For example, the Fire Realm gives all water-type Skylanders +10 extra attack power and fire-type Skylanders gain +30 maximum health. Examine all of the conditions before starting a level to develop the best mix to get the best advantage.
Stars
Each level has three stars that can be earned. The stars represent your Skylanders. If all of your Skylanders are not defeated in battle, you will earn all the stars. Earning all three stars on a level will reward you with bonus coins. Earn all the stars in an entire realm to get bonuses such as new card packs and more coins. When an ally gets too low in health, switch them out for another. Be careful of spell cards that can attack your allies that are being held in reserve.