[02/03/2025] - Splinterlands Starter Packs: Are They Worth It?

Key Updates

• Starter Pack Pricing Proposal

  • A proposal suggests reducing the price of starter packs to $1 or 1,000 DEC, instead of the originally proposed $5 or 5,000 DEC.
  • The proposal is still in the draft phase, but it is passing convincingly.

• What’s Inside the Starter Pack?

  • Only Commons and Rares—No Gold Foils, Epics, or Legendaries.
  • Some critics argue that the value of the packs could be lower than the purchase price, especially compared to individual card purchases.

• Analyzing Pack Value

  • Cheapest Rare: 11 cents
  • Cheapest Common: 5 cents
  • Worst-Case Pack Value (1 Rare + 4 Commons): ~31 cents
  • With the current DEC price below peg, packs could cost $0.65-$0.70, but their resale value remains uncertain.

Could a Jackpot Element Improve Sales?

• Introducing a Small "Jackpot" Incentive

  • A suggestion has been made to add a tiny chance of a bonus item, such as:
    • Gold Foil Cards (drop rate of 0.5% or less).
    • Rarely, a higher-tier card (though not Epics or Legendaries).
  • This could improve perceived value and encourage impulse purchases.

• Impact of Gold Foils

  • Cheapest Gold Foil Common: ~71 cents
  • Most Expensive Gold Foil Card: $451
  • A jackpot pull could make starter packs significantly more appealing.

How This Affects New Players & The Market

• Lower Entry Costs for New Players

  • $1 price point makes it easier for new users to try the game.
  • Could increase player retention and card circulation.

• Market Implications

  • More starter packs = More Commons & Rares flooding the market.
  • A jackpot system could help offset concerns about decreasing card values.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

• The proposal is gaining strong support, but feedback is still being gathered.
• If approved, expect starter packs to drop to $1 (or 1,000 DEC) soon.
• Adding a jackpot element could be the key to boosting sales and engagement.