In renal cell carcinoma (RCC), we identified conserved metabolic<sup>high</sup><i>UBE2C+</i> cancer cells linked to poor outcomes, metabolic reprogramming and low differentiation, and <i>PLK1+</i> NK cells, plasma cells, and <i>CDC20</i>+ macrophages associated with advanced stages and unfavorable prognosis. Here, PLK1 is linked to hereditary clear cell renal cell carcinoma.