Welcome to Splinterlands!
As a new player, you may be curious about some of the must-know information required to play successfully. You can enjoy most Splinterlands Features using a Free-to-Play Splinterlands Account. If you choose to purchase a Spellbook, next, backup your Keys, and install Hive Keychain! Spellbook or no, utilize this article as a starting point for your Splinterlands journey!
- Complete Book 1 of the Campaign, and review the How to Play page
- Learn about the Modern and Wild Formats
- Assess whether renting or buying cards is right for you
- Review information about how to earn and rise in the rankings.
- Explore and engage with the Splinterlands Community
- Reach out to tech support if you are ever in need of assistance
Learn How to Play
Explore Book 1 of the Campaign and earn your first set of cards! Dive into modern format for a few matches and review the How to Play section. It contains easy-to-follow explanations about the breakdown of cards and their stats, abilities, the battlefield, how to prepare for battle, and what to expect with combat.
- Review New Player Guide: Gameplay for additional guidance.
Use Practice mode to hone your skills against opponents of varying difficulty. Play a few matches to refine your strategy and build confidence. The practice option can be used at any time.
Be sure to check out the Academy Pages scattered throughout the Splinterlands site. Reveal important information by clicking the icon.
Ranked Play Formats
Next, determine whether you would like to play in the Modern or Wild Format. While Modern format only allows cards from the two most recent sets to be used, Wild format allows the use of all cards from all sets. Modern format is recommended for new players.
- Players who wish to try Splinterlands without renting cards or purchasing a Spellbook can progress through Campaign Mode and earn cards from the Foundations Set. These cards only allow players to earn Glint rewards.
- Players who wish to rent a variety of cards may enjoy Wild format. This format allows ALL cards to be used. View some suggestions in Rentable Game Changers. However, a Wild Pass is required to play this format.
- Survival Mode is an advanced format with high stakes. If your card dies here, it will be unusable until it is revived.
Buying and Renting Cards
When you purchase a Spellbook, you are granted 3000 credits to spend as you see fit within the Splinterlands ecosystem. While new players may be tempted to purchase cards outright, it may be most beneficial to rent. Consider renting a Modern Set for a quick and easy option!
Why rent as a new player?
- Efficiency: It's possible to rent more cards than you would be able to buy initially.
- Flexibility: Renting cards will allow you to maximize rewards.
- Higher rate of return: You can earn more rewards and advance faster with more cards.
- Explore: You're able to play with a variety of cards without the commitment of ownership, especially if you are debating whether to play in modern, wild, or both.
- Decrease buyer's remorse: You can rent and play with cards before buying to ensure they will be a good investment for you.
- Stimulate the rental economy: As your assets grow, you will benefit from placing cards up for rent as well.
- Cost-effective: Card rental fees are a mere fraction of card costs. Until your account begins generating returns, purchasing all of the cards required for successful play may be cost-prohibitive.
Whether you choose to rent or buy, loading your account with a variety of owned/rented versions of the is ideal.
Which Cards Are Best to Start With?
If you prefer to play in Modern Format, cards from the two most recent sets - currently Rebellion and Conclave Arcana are the ideal starting points. Use the various filters to sort by set, attack type, and element to locate the cards you desire.
Once you locate a desirable card, click it and use the For Rent to try the card out via Season Rental.
*Be sure to select cards that are playable in your preferred format.
**Consider full Deck Rentals via Peakmonsters as a quick and easy alternative to renting cards individually. You can sign into Peakmonsters with Hive Keychain.
Staking SPS
Splintershards, or SPS, is required to boost your rewards. You may still play Splinterlands without staked SPS, but higher rewards are attainable by staking SPS to your account. If you require staked SPS to increase your rewards multipliers and, therefore your SPS (and Glint) per battle, you can utilize the SPS Rental Market to bid on staked SPS. As you play Splinterlands, your SPS holdings will grow due to SPS rewards.
- SPS Rental Market: Requesting SPS
- The SPS DAO provides a 30-day SPS delegation with the purchase of a Spellbook.
You may also purchase SPS and then stake it directly to your account.
Now that you have completed the tutorial, selected a format, and have cards to play with and SPS staked, get on the Battlefield!
Though it may be tempting to play with the full intention of winning, know that gaining experience on the battlefield is very important and will help you later! Remember, moving up in the ranks will allow you to earn more sooner.
- Consider the Benefits of Joining a Guild
Stay up to date with all Splinterlands happenings, including news, deals, and community events..
Battling your way out of the lower leagues can be difficult, but the rewards are worth the struggle. If you find yourself in need of more information and assistance, we at tech support are always willing to help. Simply write a ticket detailing the issue and submit it to Submit a request – Splinterlands. You can seek feedback on your battles and strategy within the #gameplay-strategy section of our Discord.
When engaging online, be sure to follow our Basic Recommendations to Keep your Accounts Secure