The development of blockchain technology and the growing adoption of nonfungible tokens (NFTs) are two factors that have contributed to the proliferation of play-to-earn collectible games. Play-to-earn (P2E) games allow players to gain benefits by participating in the game, such as in-game currency and items.
This creates a new dynamic where players can profit from their in-game actions, enhancing the fun and purpose of the gaming experience. Additionally, the usage of NFTs and blockchain technology in play-to-earn games gives players greater ownership and scarcity, which increases demand and can result in higher prices for exclusive in-game commodities. Play-to-earn games like Splinterlands are thus attracting a wider audience of players and investors.
This article will explain what makes Splinterlands unique, how to play it, how to earn money playing Splinterlands and the future prospects of the free-to-play NFT card game.
What is Splinterlands?
Splinterlands is a decentralized, blockchain-based game built on top of the Steem blockchain. Splinterlands is developed and maintained by a team led by its CEO and creator, Jonathan Barnard. The team is based in the United States and works on the development and growth of the game and its community.
The game has many distinct cards, each with special skills and traits. There are two types of cards in Splinterlands: Summoners and Monsters, which may be found in Splinterlands Booster Packs.
Unique digital cards stored on the blockchain can be bought, collected, traded and used in battle by players. In a turn-based game with a fantasy theme, players can construct decks using their collection of cards and engage in combat with other players. Additionally, the game features a tournament system where players can compete for incentives and prizes.
In-game cards and items in Splinterlands can be purchased using the STEEM cryptocurrency, with the game’s native token, Dark Energy Crystals (DEC), earned by playing or bought and used as an in-game currency.
How does Splinterlands work?
Blockchain technology powers the digital collectible card game Splinterlands, which uses NFTs to represent its in-game assets, including cards, game items and other virtual assets. As a result, the game’s transactions and the cards’ ownership are tracked on a distributed ledger, increasing their transparency and security.
Players can obtain cards through purchases made in-game, opening booster packs, or winning them in competitions. Fire, Water, Earth, Dragon, Life, and Death, also called splinters, are six sources of magic in the Splinterlands. A distinct fantasy creature with various stats and abilities appears on each card. Players can use these cards to create decks that they can use to compete against other players in games.
In Splinterlands, strategy and chance are combined to create the gameplay. Each player uses mana crystals, in turn, to cast spells and summon creatures that they can use to both attack and defend against their foes.
Each game is distinct and unpredictable since it is determined by a set of rules and a series of random events. By winning games and participating in competitions, players can earn rewards in the form of in-game currency and new cards.
Players can gain rewards in addition to casual and competitive play by participating in daily missions and competitions and holding particular cards. A marketplace is another game feature where players may purchase and sell cards. Overall, Splinterlands is a fun and interesting game that gives players a sense of ownership and replayability.
What is STEEM used for?
STEEM is the native cryptocurrency of the Steem blockchain — a decentralized social media platform that rewards users for creating and curating content. Users that create, curate and comment on the content are rewarded with STEEM on the Steem blockchain, which uses a proof-of-stake consensus method.
Users can also earn additional rewards through Steem Power, a token that gives users more influence on the platform and a share of the rewards distributed to content creators. Users can also earn Steem Dollars, a stablecoin pegged to the value of the U.S. dollar. Furthermore, players can use STEEM to buy in-game items in the Splinterlands game and other products and services on the Steem blockchain.
How to play Splinterlands?
The steps to playing Splinterlands include the following:
- Create an account: To play Splinterlands; one must register for a Steem account. Users can accomplish this by registering on Steemit, a platform that enables people to create accounts and engage with the blockchain.
- Buy cards: After creating an account, one can use STEEM to buy cards from the in-game shop. Users can also acquire cards by participating in tournaments and other activities.
- Create a deck: After acquiring a set of cards, users can choose the cards they want to employ in combat. It is crucial to select a balance of cards that will operate well together because each card has a different set of powers and traits.
- Battle: Users can begin combat with other players after their deck is prepared. Battles take place on a virtual battlefield and are turn-based. Since each card has unique abilities and traits, applying strategy to outwit your adversary is critical.
- Leagues and competitions: Splinterlands hosts several ongoing leagues, competitions and events. Players can improve their ratings and win incentives and prizes by participating in them.
- Monster cards: Players can level up their monster cards in Splinterlands by using potions and utilizing them in combat. One’s monster card gets more potent the higher its level.
Users can download the game from the official website and play it on their PCs and mobile devices. Although it is free to play, players can use cryptocurrencies to buy in-game items and cards.
How to earn money with Splinterlands?
Splinterlands has several ways to earn money. Some of these ways include:
- Playing and winning tournaments: Players can participate in tournaments and win cash prizes.
- Selling cards: Players can buy and sell cards on the secondary market, such as on the Splinterlands website or other online marketplaces.
- Creating and selling custom card designs: Players can create custom designs for cards and sell them to other players.
- Leasing cards: Players can lease their powerful cards to other players for a fee.
- Staking: Players can stake their tokens to help secure the network and earn a return on their investment.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that the value of the in-game assets can fluctuate and there is no guarantee of earning money playing Splinterlands. That said, users should always do their own research and invest what they can afford to lose.
Where to buy STEEM cryptocurrency?
STEEM can be purchased on cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance, Huobi Global, Upbit and Bittrex. Additionally, decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Steem Engine and Steem Dex allow users to purchase STEEM.
Additionally, it is vital to keep in mind that some exchanges might not allow purchases of STEEM made with fiat money and instead require the use of a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ether (ETH) to make the purchase.
Here are the general steps to buy STEEM cryptocurrency:
- First, users will need to create an account on a cryptocurrency exchange that supports the purchase of STEEM, such as Binance, Huobi Global, Upbit and Bittrex.
- Next, they must verify their identity by providing personal information and proof of identity. This is a requirement for most exchanges to comply with Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Customer regulations.
- Once a user’s account is verified, they need to add a payment method. This can typically be done by linking a bank account or credit/debit card. Some exchanges also allow users to deposit cryptocurrency like BTC or ETH to buy STEEM.
- Once a user has added a payment method, they can place an order to buy STEEM. One can typically choose between a market order, which will buy STEEM at the prevailing market price, or a limit order, which allows them to set a specific price at which they want to buy STEEM.
- After filling the order, the STEEM will be credited to a user’s exchange account. They can then withdraw the STEEM to a wallet that supports its storage.
Related: Crypto trading basics: A beginner’s guide to cryptocurrency order types
However, certain exchanges may differ from the steps mentioned above; therefore, studying the exchange’s unique instructions and fees before registering and conducting any trades is crucial.
What is minting in Splinterlands?
Minting in the context of Splinterlands refers to the process of creating new cards and adding them to the game. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Users must first buy a summoner — a card that enables the creation of new cards. These are either obtainable through gameplay or may be purchased in the Splinterlands market.
- Users who own summoners can use them to create new cards. This is accomplished by “summoning” fresh cards via the summoner. Each summoner has a specific set of rules for how many and how often cards can be minted.
- Players can add the newly created card to their collection, use it in gaming, or sell it on the market after using the summoner to create it.
However, the Splinterlands game and market are constantly evolving; therefore, the method of producing new cards can change. Users should always check the Splinterlands website or community for the most recent information.
Is it worth investing in Splinterlands?
The game’s popularity and the value of its cards have been growing since its launch in 2019, with a thriving player and collector base. Moreover, deciding to invest in Splinterlands depends on market conditions and project performance, just like any other investment.
Numerous factors, including game updates and general trends in the gaming and cryptocurrency sectors, can impact the value of cards and the game’s popularity. However, buying any cryptocurrency, including Splinterlands, can be risky, so one should conduct their own research and carefully assess their risk tolerance before making a purchase.
The future of P2E collectible card games
The future of play-to-earn collectible card games is uncertain, but it is expected that they may continue growing in popularity. These games give players the thrill of creating and collecting one-of-a-kind virtual cards and the chance to get real-world value from in-game objects.
Play-to-earn crypto games may also be seen as an investment, where players can acquire valuable in-game items and sell them for real money. Furthermore, advancements in blockchain technology may open the door to play-to-earn experiences that are even safer and more transparent, along with the possibility of interoperability between various games.
However, other elements, such as player interest, competition from other gaming genres and the regulatory environment, will impact how well play-to-earn collectible card games perform. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor market trends and new technological developments before making investment decisions.
