I’ve always liked the idea of getting into a game right after it launches. There’s something fun about being part of a community when everything’s still fresh, when players are still figuring things out, and when you can watch the game evolve in real time. That’s what drew me to Crownrend, a new game on the Hive blockchain. After a couple of play sessions, I’ve got some thoughts to share.
What Is Crownrend?
Crownrend is an incremental idle game with some strategic and competitive elements thrown in. Think of those games where you’re constantly upgrading your stats to earn more currency, which you then use to upgrade your stats even further. It’s that kind of loop, but with a twist: you can attack other players and raid their currency. The whole thing is wrapped in a medieval fantasy setting, which is simple but works for the style of game.
Getting Started: $10 and You’re In
To start playing, you need to make an initial purchase of around $10. This gets you access to the game and lets you start upgrading your stats. I felt like it was a fair entry point, similar to other Blockchain games. Plus, knowing the game’s currency is a Hive Engine token adds a layer of potential value for anyone who’s into blockchain stuff.
My First Play Session
I jumped in with no real expectations, and honestly? It was a good time. The interface is super simple—just a clean webpage with everything laid out clearly. There’s no tutorial, but the game doesn’t really need one. Within a few minutes, I was upgrading my stats, collecting currency, and eyeing the raiding tab like, ''Do I really want to start stealing from people right away?''
I did.
Raiding is where the game starts to feel less idle and more competitive. It’s a fun dynamic because it forces you to think about protecting your resources while also making you want to go after someone else’s. My first raid was successful—I snagged a decent chunk of currency—and it immediately clicked why this feature keeps the game interesting. It’s not just about passive upgrades; there’s a little bit of tension and strategy involved.
There's a more detailed beginner guide here.
Blockchain Stuff Without the Headache
One thing I really appreciate about Crownrend is how it handles the blockchain side of things. The in-game currency is tied to Hive Engine, but you don’t need to know anything about tokens or crypto to enjoy the game. It’s just… there, in the background, and you can engage with it as much or as little as you want. I didn’t feel like I had to manage a wallet or study tokenomics to have fun, which is refreshing compared to some other blockchain games I’ve tried.
What’s Good and What’s Not
What I Liked:
- The gameplay loop is simple but satisfying. Upgrading stats and raiding other players is fun without being overly complicated.
- The UI is clean and easy to navigate. No lag, no bugs—just a smooth experience.
- Hive integration is unobtrusive. It’s there if you want it, but you’re not forced to dive into blockchain mechanics.
What Could Be Better:
- The lack of a tutorial might be confusing for some players. It’s simple enough to figure out, but a little guidance wouldn’t hurt.
- Right now, the medieval fantasy theme feels pretty light. It’s not a huge deal, but I’d love to see more world-building as the game develops.
Final Thoughts: A Solid Start
Crownrend is a chill game with just enough strategy and competition to keep me coming back. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys incremental games and wants to dip their toes into blockchain gaming without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, getting in early means you have a chance to see the game grow and evolve, which is always fun.
If you’re on Hive and looking for a new game to try, I’d say give Crownrend a shot. And hey, if you’ve already started playing, let me know how your raids are going—are you crushing it, or are you the one getting raided?