When I first stepped into Splinterlands, I didn’t know which battle format I’d enjoy the most. I tried Survival mode... definitely not for me since I don't have the card pool to even survive the first 2 rounds. The wild format requires pass which I'd rather use to spend on cards because I have a small card pool.
Over time, though, I found myself leaning toward Frontier and Modern. These two formats bring out the competitive strategist in me, and today I want to share why they’ve become my go-to choice for battles.
1. Human vs. Human — No Bots Allowed 🤖🚫
The first reason is simple but powerful: in Frontier and Modern, I know I’m playing against real people. There’s no bot farming, no scripts running in the background. Every lineup I face comes from another player who’s thinking, adapting, and strategizing just like me, which is what makes it "real". That makes every win more rewarding and every loss more meaningful, because I can reflect and learn from the choices a human opponent made.
2. Campaign Foundation Cards Carry Over 🃏
One of the best parts about grinding through Campaign mode is earning those free foundation cards. And the best part of it is that they’re usable in both Frontier and Modern battles. That means the effort I put into finishing Campaign chapters didn't go to waste and it helps me to the next battle formats. It feels like my early training is constantly paying off, whether I’m battling in Frontier or climbing the Modern format leaderboard.
3. Low Cost of Entry 💰
Another huge plus is accessibility. All I really needed to begin was the Spellbook, which came with credits, starter cards, and the ability to start earning rewards. Compared to other blockchain games, this is really affordable. Frontier and Modern formats don’t demand a huge investment to participate. For beginners like me, that’s an incredible way to dive in without worrying about being priced out.
4. Strategy Over Wallet Size 🎯
In these formats, positioning, summoner choice, and splinter selection matter far more than the raw power of any single card. I’ve won battles simply because I placed a Reach attacker in the right slot or protected a Range splinter in the backline. The rulesets constantly shift, forcing me to think creatively with the cards I already have. Every match feels like a puzzle to solve, not just a race to buy stronger cards.
5. No Legacy Card Domination 🛡
One thing that always worried me when I first joined was being crushed by “legacy” cards... those ultra-powerful, older cards that newer players like me can’t realistically have on their card pool. But in Frontier and Modern, that problem doesn’t exist. Everyone is working within the same boundaries, and it keeps the playing field fair. No instant wipeouts from cards that feel impossible to counter.
6. Fair Battles = Fun Battles 🎉
At the end of the day, the reason I log back in each night is because battles in these formats feel fair. Win or lose, I walk away knowing the outcome was determined by strategy, not by who had the older, overpowered collection. That’s what makes every victory feel hard-earned and every loss a valuable lesson.
Final Thoughts 🌟
Frontier and Modern formats have become my training ground, testing ground, and proving ground all in one. They challenge me to think smarter, play better, and constantly refine my tactics. The fact that they’re accessible, bot-free, and strategy-focused makes them the perfect home for players like me who want to play the game, not just grind it.
If you’re new to Splinterlands and wondering where to start after Campaign... my advice is simple: jump into Frontier or Modern. The fairness, strategy, and fun will keep you hooked. 🐲⚔
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