Playing Splinterlands in 2025 is still as exciting as it was in 2020 or 2021; the only difference is probably the sour taste of the marketing dipping, assets not gaining or retaining value, and possibly some changes that are now present but were not in 2021.
The game's core remains, but there have been numerous changes. When it comes to web3 games, many people profess to love them but then hate them once the money stops flowing.
Over the years, I have seen many people profess their love for the game, only to have it change when the money is no longer available. I believe there is nothing wrong with admitting that you play the game for money, especially if that is what you really do.
I am not saying you can not love something while not doing it for money. Web3 games have historically struggled to maintain a certain level of stability, particularly during bear markets, and Splinterlands is no exception.
Loss
For me, I am 90% down on my initial investment, but my assets remain in the game. I have reached the point where we play both for fun and because of the sunk cost fallacy.
Sunk Cost Fallacy
Although most people who are now playing due to the sunk cost fallacy are still hoping the game can pull a "2021," even if it doesn't, if assets in the game can do an x5 or x6 (which is very possible given that alt season is likely to arrive in a month or two), it would probably be a win.
Yes, I agree that the game may have lost some of its excitement, but I believe that some of it remains.
Accumulating Cards Is Fun
So let us get down to business. Thanks to my new guild, I have been receiving more Gladius packs, and as a result, I have been increasing the level of my Gladius cards, and it is always fun leveling up these cards only to discover that they now have some exciting new abilities.
Over the course of the week, I opened six packs containing thirty cards. Unfortunately, there were no EPIC or legendary cards, let alone GFL, just a bunch of common and rare cards, which was disappointing; however, increasing the level of these common cards unlocks new abilities for them.
So, as the level increases, you never know what to expect from these cards, but you will be surprised. This week, I upgraded three cards to the next level.
New Level, New Abilities
Gladius Cards
The Alivin Crusher now has the retaliation ability, which is extremely useful. The Hugo strongsword also has a heal ability; both are now at level 5. The Ajax lightfoot has increased range damage.
For a card with 4 Mana, I think having 3 range damage is amazing, and it makes it easier to get bloodlusted in games. I have yet to test these cards, but I am confident my opponents will feel the heat.
I play in wild and have encountered a lot of max level cards and summoners, making it difficult for me to accumulate SPS.
Main Goal
My main goal for my cards right now is to accumulate as much SPS as possible before alt season begins, which is why I joined a new guild and am also very excited to win my games. 4.5/10 win ratio is poor in my opinion, and I hope to improve.
Although some days are good and others are not. I simply want to ensure that there are more good days than bad in terms of winning and earning SPS.
Soulbound Cards
Common Cards
I have also been collecting soulbound cards, and the majority of my common cards are at levels 5 and 6. Although I have not gotten any of them to level 7, I believe it is difficult and requires a lot of Glint per game to level up your cards quickly.
These are some of my favorite common cards. I use the cards frequently, and it is convenient to have them here.
Rare Cards
The next category is rare cards. These cards have insane value, especially given their abilities. I would have said they were the most valuable set, but then I remembered Olivia is in the epic set.
Rare cards should be the most valuable in the game. I have my rares at level 5 and 6, though some are still at level 4.
EPIC Cards
However, my favourite set is the EPIC cards. These cards are devastatingly good. Two of my favorites are the Halfing refugee and Olivia of the Brook.
There is one crazy thing I always do with Olivia. I am always biased toward it. Sometimes there is no reason for me to have it in a game, but I put it there to mirror my opponent's abilities. Sometimes it works brilliantly, and other times I get carried away and get beaten.
Finally
These are some of the most enjoyable aspects of the game, and they are one of the reasons I continue to play it despite the sunk cost fallacy bias. How about you, what are your favorite aspects of playing the game?
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Interested in some more of my works
Is it Easy To Make Money?
Nigeria: A Unique Business Market & Industry
Virtual Bank Apps In Nigeria: An Experience Of Gamification
How To Find The Next "BIG" Meme Coin
Personal Finance: Achieving Intentional "Saving" Goals
Playing The Survival Game: Human Nature In Introspection
"Un-PAYING" The Debt You Owe
