Splinterlands is a blockchain-based strategy card game where each card is a unique NFT. It combines the classic mechanics of collectible card games with a modern Play-to-Earn model, allowing players to not only compete but also earn.
If you want to know how the gameplay works, what strategies to use, and how you can make money from it, this guide is for you!
🎮 How does Splinterlands work? – Game mechanics
In Splinterlands, players fight automatic battles using pre-prepared decks of cards. Each fight is a 1v1 duel, in which tactical thinking and knowledge of cards count, because the fight itself is automatic.
Basic steps of each battle:
1️⃣ Splinter (elemental) choice
2️⃣ Deck Building
3️⃣ Combat (auto-simulation)
4️⃣ Rewards (SPS tokens, NFT cards, loot chests)
Sounds simple? On paper, yes, but the deeper you get into the game, the more you'll discover that every decision matters.
1️⃣ Splinter's Choice – In-Game Factions
Players choose one of six Splinters (elements) that define the fighting style:
🔥 Fire – powerful units with high attack but weaker defense.
💧 Water – Powerful magic and healing, perfect for controlling the battlefield.
🌿 Earth – durable units and regeneration, perfect for long fights.
⚡ Air – fast and skillful units, often with the ability to dodge.
💀 Death – drains the life of enemies and reduces their stats.
🛡️ Life – has strong defensive and strengthening abilities.
Each Splinter has its own unique dynamics and access to other units. Not every battle allows you to choose any Splinter, so players have to adapt their strategies to the situation.
2️⃣ Deck Building – How to Choose the Right Cards?
After choosing Splinter, the player creates a team by choosing cards with different properties.
Card types:
Summoners – The key card of each deck. They determine which units you can use and give them special bonuses (e.g. more health, additional attack).
Monster cards – these are units that fight in battle. Each has its own stats, special abilities, and position on the battlefield.
Card statistics:
✔ Mana Cost – how much mana it costs to deploy a card (the mana limit is set for each fight).
✔ Attack – can be hand-to-hand, ranged or magical.
✔ Speed – affects the order of attacks.
✔ Health – determines the number of hit points.
✔ Armor – additional protection against physical damage.
Each battle has a mana limit – the player must stay within the allotted mana budget by selecting the appropriate units.
3️⃣ Combat – How does the clash go?
Once the cards are selected, the fight takes place automatically. This means that you don't control the character in real time – it's all about strategic planning before the fight.
Key aspects of combat:
Units attack in order of Speed.
Ranged attacks can only strike from behind, and melee attacks must be at the front.
Magic ignores armor and hits the enemy's health directly.
Some units have special abilities, such as dodging, healing, or additional damage.
Battle duration:
⏳ Each fight lasts about 2-3 minutes – perfect for players who don't have time for long gaming sessions.
When the fight ends, you receive rewards based on your win, league, card level, and current season.
4️⃣ How to make money on Splinterlands?
Splinterlands offers a variety of ways to generate income, both for active players and those who prefer to reap passive returns.
🎁 1. Rewards from battles and tournaments
Ranked PvP – Each win in a PvP league earns SPS tokens and points towards seasonal rewards.
Loot Chest – Reward Chests earned daily and at the end of the season.
Tournaments – organized regularly, often with high prizes for the best.
💳 2. NFT Card Trading
Buy low, sell higher – card prices fluctuate, and some unique NFTs reach huge values.
Card Evolution – Combining duplicates allows you to level up your cards by increasing their value.
🏦 3. Staking SPS tokens
Hold SPS tokens and earn additional rewards.
Ability to vote on decisions about the future of the game.
🛠️ 4. Card rental – passive income
Don't play but have rare cards? You can rent them out to other players and earn passive income.
🚀 Strategies for new players
1️⃣ Invest in cheap but effective cards.
2️⃣ Play leaderboards every day to collect SPS tokens.
3️⃣ Don't sell all cards at once – some may increase in value.
4️⃣ Participate in tournaments and seasonal events.
5️⃣ Consider renting cards to earn money without actively playing.
Conclusion – Is Splinterlands worth playing?
Splinterlands is a game that rewards strategic thinking rather than just investing money. The combination of NFTs, Play-to-Earn, and card games offers a plethora of opportunities for players and investors alike.
✅ Short gameplay time (2-3 minutes per fight).
✅ Real card ownership with blockchain technology.
✅ A variety of ways to earn (PvP, staking, trading).
✅ Unique strategy and combat mechanics.
Is it worth it? If you like card games and are looking for a way to combine your gaming passion with earning – Splinterlands is the game for you.
🎮 What about you? What is your experience with Splinterlands? Share your strategy and ideas for earning! 🚀🔥