Splinterlands has long been a game that rewards strategic thinking and adaptability. With the latest update, the old Practice Mode has evolved into the all-new Training Mode—a feature designed to let you experiment with decks, try out new tactics, and hone your skills against automated opponents without the risk of losing rating points. In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about Training Mode, how to access and use it, and some expert tips on making the most out of your training sessions.
How Training Mode Works and How to Access It
Training Mode introduces a streamlined, customizable environment that mirrors the thrill of competitive play while removing the pressure of ranking loss. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
Accessing Training Mode
Where to Find It:
To enter Training Mode, navigate to the upper right corner of your battle history screen, just below your account name.
Click on the “Training” option. This intuitive placement ensures that the new mode is just a click away from where you monitor your previous battles. The following screen will pop up:
Picking Difficulty Levels:
Use the first drop down to select the difficulty level of your practice mode.
- Easy: Perfect for beginners or when you want to focus on mastering the basics.
- Medium: Offers a balanced challenge to test and refine your strategies.
- Hard: Ideal for experienced players looking to push their limits and prepare for high-stakes ranked play.
This tiered system works similarly to Custom Challenges, offering a controlled environment where you can gradually increase the level of difficulty as your skills improve.
Card Collection Options:
Once inside Training Mode, you have the choice of playing with your actual card collection or switching to “Ghost” mode.
All Cards: Use all the cards you own, which is great for practicing with familiar assets this is an equivalent of playing in Wild League.
Modern: Use all of your Modern League, just like playing in Modern League
Ghost Cards: Gain access to every card in the game—even those you haven’t purchased. This is particularly useful for exploring potential deck synergies and testing out strategies before committing to a new purchase.
Ghost Modern: Use all of the Modern cards available in Splinterlands. I am also using this feature to learn how to better use Tofu summoner before committing to renting this expensive summoner.
This dual-option system is one of the standout features of Training Mode, allowing both casual testing and in-depth experimentation without financial risk.
Summoner Level Caps:
An essential aspect of Training Mode is the option to choose your Summoner level cap. Different caps adjust the stats and abilities of your units, simulating various competitive scenarios. This customization helps you prepare for matches in your current league or experiment with advanced tactics.
The Benefits of Playing Against Automated Opponents
Training Mode is more than just a practice arena—it is a comprehensive tool for growth. Here is why using Training Mode can give your gameplay a significant boost:
Skill Progression:
By facing automated opponents that match various skill levels, you can gradually scale your challenge. Start on Easy to build foundational skills, and move to Medium or Hard as you refine your tactics. This progression ensures that you’re never overwhelmed while continuously pushing your boundaries.
Risk-Free Environment:
One of the most appealing aspects is that Training Mode doesn’t affect your rating or cost you resources. It’s a safe space for trial and error, meaning you can experiment with daring strategies or new cards without worrying about a loss impacting your competitive standing.
Strategy Refinement:
With access to the full Ghost collection, you’re free to experiment with different deck configurations, identify potent card synergies, and adjust your strategy without any commitment. This flexibility is critical for developing a great understanding of game mechanics and preparing for the unpredictability of ranked battles.
Targeted Practice:
Whether you want to master new rulesets, experiment with high mana caps, or focus on restricted elements, Training Mode allows you to tailor each battle to your specific learning objectives.
Tips for Using Training Mode Effectively
Maximize your training sessions by incorporating these expert tips:
Set Clear Goals
Focus on Specific Areas:
Before jumping into battle, decide on one aspect of your gameplay to improve. Whether it’s refining your card synergy, mastering a particular deck archetype, or understanding new rulesets, having a clear goal can guide your experimentation and make post-battle analysis more productive.
Experiment with Ghost Cards
Try Before You Buy:
Use Ghost mode to test out cards you’re considering purchasing. This “try before you commit” approach helps you assess whether a new card fits your playstyle or deck strategy.
Discover Synergies:
With access to every card in the game, you can experiment with unusual combinations and unearth strategies that might not be apparent when limited by your current collection. Often, these experiments can reveal hidden strengths in your deck composition.
Analyze Battles
Review and Reflect:
After each battle, take the time to review what happened. Analyze your wins and losses to pinpoint where your strategy excelled and where it faltered. Understanding these dynamics is key to improving and adapting your approach in future matches.
Identify Patterns:
Look for recurring issues in your gameplay. Are there specific rulesets or mana caps that consistently give you trouble? Use these insights to focus your training efforts more effectively.
Simulate Challenging Scenarios
Push Your Limits:
Don’t be afraid to create challenging setups in Training Mode. Experiment with uncommon or counter-intuitive strategies to prepare for unexpected scenarios in ranked matches. The more you expose yourself to difficult situations, the better prepared you’ll be when the stakes are high.
Experimenting with Ghost Cards: Refining New Strategies
One of the most exciting features of Training Mode is the Ghost Cards option. This mode unlocks the entire card library, letting you experiment without limitations. Here’s how to take full advantage of it:
Optimize Your Deck:
Use Ghost mode to build and test decks that leverage cards you might not own. This not only helps in identifying potential upgrades for your collection but also allows you to experiment with synergies that could be game-changers in competitive play.
Expand Your Card Knowledge:
Familiarize yourself with rare or high-level cards by trying them out in different scenarios. Even if you don’t plan to purchase or rent every card immediately, understanding their strengths and weaknesses can give you a strategic edge.
Strategic Experimentation:
Ghost Cards are perfect for risk-free innovation. Create experimental decks that might seem unorthodox at first glance and see how they fare against automated opponents. Often, these experiments lead to creative strategies that can be adapted for ranked battles.
Final Thoughts
Training Mode in Splinterlands is an evolution from the old Practice Mode. By offering a customizable, risk-free environment to test and refine your strategies, it allows you to push your gameplay to the next level. From setting clear training goals to experimenting with Ghost Cards and analyzing battle outcomes, every aspect of this mode is designed to help you grow as a player.
As you explore Training Mode, remember that every battle—win or lose—is a learning opportunity. Embrace the challenge, experiment boldly, and refine your tactics. After all, the best strategies are born from a willingness to try new things and learn from every experience.
Have you given the new Training Mode a spin yet? Share your experiences and favorite tips in the comments below. Happy training, and see you on the battlefield!
If you wonder what is the best way to get involved you can use my link to begin your Splinterlands and HIVE journey.
