Splinterlands is an amazing game, but it can be challenging for new players. New players have to master the strategic aspects of the game, such as optimizing their battle lineup,and they also have to master the economics of the game and identify the best cards to put in their deck. They've got to learn how different rule sets can affect the cards they want to play.
Playing against more experienced opponents who also have stronger decks can be an incredibly frustrating experience for many new players. Thankfully, the Frontier mode addresses many of these concerns and provides a phenomenal onboarding experience to help players learn the basics of the game while competing with a standard set of cards that ensures everyone is on the same level. In today's post, I'm going to be sharing my experience playing in the Frontier format and describing why I think this format is such a massive win for both new and experienced players.
What Is Frontier ??
Let's start off with the basics by defining the Frontier format. Frontier is a free-to-play format where everyone battles using the same set of Foundations cards. The beauty of this format is that everyone is on a level playing field. It doesn't matter if this is your first time trying Splinterlands or if you've been playing since the game launched. You can't just buy your way to victory by renting some super expensive cards and steamrolling your opponents. In the Frontier format, strategy, intuition, and a little bit of luck are essential for success!
But Is It Fun?
A lot of times, free-to-play tutorials are watered-down versions of the real game that aren't fun or exciting, but the Frontier format is different. As you can see from this screenshot of one of my matches, this battle had both the Armored Up and Holy Protection ruleset. All splinters were available for play, and there were 46 mana available. The combination of multiple rule sets, a sufficient mana count, and the availability of all Splinters meant that this match was an accurate representation of what a new player might experience later on in the modern format. At the same time, the rule sets, Splinters available, and the mana cap varies depending on the match. So Frontier players also get to experience the changing rule sets that make Splinterlands so unique.
The key point here is that Frontier format isn't a simplified version of modern that gets boring after a few matches. Rather, it is a great introduction that captures the complexity players will encounter as they advance in their journey.
Is It Worth It?
Splinterlands is a blockchain-based NFT trading card game that allows players to earn cryptocurrency rewards and NFTs for winning matches. This is an essential aspect of the game that distinguishes Splinterlands from other online games. New players might not understand the benefits of play-to-earn. However, the Frontier format gives players a taste of the satisfaction that comes from winning matches and earning rewards.
Check out this sweet Colossus Raider that I got from winning some matches in the Frontier format.
Analysis
As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, I think the Frontier format is an incredible part of the game that will benefit new and experienced players alike. I play most of the time in modern, but there are times when I'll have a series of losses in a row to opponents with more powerful decks. When stuff like this happens, it's such a relief to be able to jump back to the Foundations format and enter some matches where I know I'm going to play against opponents with similarly powerful decks.
I also think the Foundations format will benefit the future of the game. In my opinion, it strikes a perfect balance between giving new players a taste of the game and providing meaningful rewards without creating loopholes that allow bots to exploit the format and drain value from the game.
Join Me In Splinterlands!!
In summary, I think the Foundations format is a stellar example of the team's ongoing commitment to providing a fun, engaging gameplay experience for players of all levels. It creates a safe space for new players to learn the basics of the game and earn meaningful rewards, and it also provides a way for experienced players to hone their skillset and think about the strategies required to win matches when they can't rely on their most powerful cards. If you're curious about the new Frontier format or Splinterlands in general, I'd like to invite you to join me in the game using this link.
Disclaimer
As a US resident, I am required to disclose that I might receive a benefit, such as a reward or incentive, if you join Splinterlands using my affiliate link. This is not a financial advice post.All image credits belong to Spliterlands.