So, the January 2026 update for Brawl Stars just dropped, and honestly? It’s kind of a lot to process. Between the massive "Buffies" system overhaul and the health buffs across the board, the meta is basically a kaleidoscope right now. But the one thing everyone is actually screaming about in the Discord servers is the new brawler in Brawl Stars: Glowbert.
If you haven’t seen him yet, picture a marine biologist who clearly spent way too much time in the Starr Park Aquarium and decided to start wearing a somewhat disturbing, glowing fish costume. He’s creepy. He’s weird. And he is a Mythic Support brawler who is about to make your life either very easy or incredibly annoying, depending on whose side he’s on.
Glowbert’s Kit: Not Your Average Support
Most support brawlers in this game are pretty straightforward. You’ve got Poco with the big heals or Max with the speed. Glowbert? He’s different. His main attack, Glowbeam, doesn’t just hit someone and vanish. It attaches. Think of it like a tether. Once you land that shot, a beam connects you to the target.
If that target is an enemy, they take damage over time. If it’s a teammate, they get healed. The wild part is that he can actually have two tethers going at once—one for a friend and one for a foe. You’re basically playing a mini-game of "stay in line of sight" because the second you go behind a wall or step too far away, the beam snaps. It’s a high-skill ceiling mechanic that rewards players who actually know how to position themselves without getting deleted.
Creep from the Deep: The Super That Ruins Pushes
We’ve all been there. You’re holding the gems, and an aggressive Edgar or a Hypercharged Shelly comes screaming toward you. Usually, that’s game over. But Glowbert’s Super, Creep from the Deep, is a literal "get away from me" button.
When he pops it, he reveals his face from under that fish mask. It’s so unsettling that nearby enemies are hit with a "fear" effect. They lose control and run away for a few seconds. They can’t attack. They can’t use gadgets. They just... flee. It also deals about 1,500 damage and slows down incoming projectiles. It’s a massive counter-dive tool. If you’re playing Hot Zone or trying to protect a Gem carrier, Glowbert is basically a required pick now.
Gadgets and Star Powers to Watch
The community is already debating the "best" build, but here is what the top players are leaning toward:
- Slippery Saviour (Gadget): This is his dash. It’s not just for escaping; it heals Glowbert and nearby allies for 2,500 health. In 3v3 modes like Brawl Ball, this is a literal life-saver.
- Abiotic Ecosystem (Star Power): This one is for the pro-coordinated teams. It ramps up the effectiveness of the tethers the longer they stay connected.
- Parasitism (Star Power): If you’re playing with randoms (bless your soul), take this. It gives Glowbert more self-sustain, making him less reliant on his team to protect him while he’s tethered.
Why 2026 is the Year of the Support
For the longest time, Brawl Stars was dominated by "assassin meta" or "sniper meta." But with the introduction of Pierce (the legendary sniper who also arrived recently) and now Glowbert, the game is shifting. The developers added "Buffies"—those little power-up items you get from the Claw Machine—and it’s clear they want matches to last longer and feel more strategic.
Most brawlers just got a health buff to compensate for the higher damage output from Buffied gadgets. Glowbert fits perfectly into this "slower" game. He isn't going to 1v3 a team by clicking his red button three times. He wins by wearing you down. It’s a war of attrition. Honestly, it’s refreshing, even if getting "feared" by a guy in a fish suit feels a bit personal.
Is Glowbert Actually Good?
The short answer? Yes. But he isn't for everyone.
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If you like playing Mortis and dashing into the fray, you will probably hate Glowbert. He requires patience. You have to maintain line of sight. You have to watch your teammates’ health bars and the enemy’s positioning simultaneously. He’s currently sitting in the A-tier or S-tier for modes like Gem Grab and Hot Zone, but he struggles in Solo Showdown because he lacks that "burst" potential to finish people off quickly.
Actionable Insights for Glowbert Players:
- Don't Chase: Your beam has a limit. If an enemy runs away, let them. Breaking your own positioning just to keep a tether active usually gets you killed.
- Save the Super: Don't just use your Super for damage. Use it to interrupt Hypercharges or to peel for your Marksman.
- Abuse the Walls: Use the "Slippery Saviour" dash to reposition around corners. Glowbert is most dangerous when he’s just out of reach but still tethered.
- Farm the Claw Machine: Make sure you’re grabbing his "Star Buffie" as soon as possible. The added utility to his Star Powers makes a noticeable difference in high-rank gameplay.
The game is changing fast. If you're looking to climb the ranks this season, mastering the new brawler in Brawl Stars is the fastest way to do it. Just maybe... don't look too closely at the face under the mask.