Key Points
- Splinterlands is a blockchain-based collectible card game where players can earn money by playing, with many reporting earnings of $100 or more per month.
- The exact number of players who have earned money is not publicly available, but it seems likely that a significant portion of the active player base, which includes tens of thousands of daily users, has earned some income.
- The game operates on the HIVE blockchain, with cross-chain compatibility for added flexibility.
Game Overview
Splinterlands is a digital trading card game that combines strategy and blockchain technology. Players collect cards representing monsters, spells, and weapons, and battle other players in fast-paced, automated matches. It’s free to play, but purchasing a $10 Summoner's Spellbook unlocks full play-to-earn features, including earning rewards like Dark Energy Crystals (DEC) and Splintershards (SPS).
Earning Potential
Players can earn money through winning battles, completing daily quests, participating in tournaments, and renting out cards. Earnings vary based on skill, time invested, and deck quality, with top players potentially earning $1,000–$2,000 monthly.
Blockchain Used
Splinterlands uses the HIVE blockchain for fast, low-cost transactions, and supports interactions with Ethereum, BNB Chain, and WAX for trading and staking.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Splinterlands and Player Earnings
Introduction
Splinterlands, formerly known as Steem Monsters, is a prominent blockchain-based collectible card game that has gained significant traction since its launch in 2018. Operating on the HIVE blockchain, it offers players the opportunity to collect, trade, and battle with digital cards, all while earning real money through its play-to-earn mechanics. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the game, explores how players can earn money, and examines the blockchain technology it uses, based on available data as of July 27, 2025.
Game Overview and Mechanics
Splinterlands is a digital trading card game that blends strategy with blockchain technology, appealing to fans of games like Magic: The Gathering and Hearthstone. Players build decks using cards that represent monsters, spells, and weapons, and engage in automated battles against other players. The game is designed for quick matches, typically lasting a few minutes, making it accessible for players with limited time.
Key Features:
- Card Collection: Players collect cards, each an NFT (non-fungible token), ensuring true ownership. Cards are categorized into summoners (which set team rules and provide bonuses) and monsters (the main battling units).
- Battle System: Each battle has a mana cap and randomized rulesets (e.g., elemental restrictions, modifiers), requiring strategic deck building. Battles are automated once teams are selected, but strategy lies in composition and formation.
- Leagues and Seasons: Players climb through leagues (Bronze to Champion) based on win rates, with seasons lasting two weeks. Higher leagues offer better rewards, including cards, packs, and tokens.
- Accessibility: The game is free to play, but purchasing a $10 Summoner's Spellbook is required to unlock play-to-earn features, such as earning rewards and participating in ranked battles.
Community and Engagement: Splinterlands has a large and active player base, with reports indicating tens of thousands of daily active users. This vibrant community ensures constant opportunities for battles and trading, enhancing the game's ecosystem.
Earning Money in Splinterlands
Splinterlands is renowned for its play-to-earn model, allowing players to earn real money through various in-game activities. While the exact number of players who have earned money is not publicly documented, research suggests that a significant portion of active players, particularly those who invest time and resources, have generated income. Below are the primary methods of earning:
Battle Rewards:
- Players earn Dark Energy Crystals (DEC), the in-game currency, for each battle won. The amount depends on the player's league and win streak, with higher leagues offering more DEC.
- Splintershards (SPS), the governance token, is also earned per battle win, with earnings influenced by the player's rank and league.
Daily Quests:
- Completing daily quests, which involve tasks like winning a certain number of battles or using specific cards, rewards players with DEC and occasionally cards or packs. This is a consistent way for players to accumulate earnings.
Season Rewards:
- At the end of each two-week season, players receive rewards based on their highest league and season points. These rewards include DEC, SPS, and card packs, with higher ranks yielding more valuable items.
Tournaments:
- Players can enter tournaments for a DEC fee, competing for prizes like rare cards, DEC, and SPS. Tournaments often have specific rulesets, requiring strategic deck adjustments, and can be lucrative for skilled players.
Card Renting:
- Players with valuable cards can rent them out to others for a daily fee in DEC. This passive income stream is particularly beneficial for players with rare or high-level cards, allowing them to earn without active play. Marketplaces like PeakMonsters facilitate this process.
Card Trading:
- Players can buy and sell cards on the in-game marketplace or third-party platforms. Rare and high-level cards, especially those in demand, can fetch high prices, providing another avenue for profit.
Staking SPS:
- SPS can be staked to earn additional SPS as rewards, with staking also granting voting power for game governance proposals. This long-term strategy can enhance earnings for players holding significant SPS.
Reported Earnings:
- Player reports indicate a wide range of earnings, with many achieving $100 or more per month. For instance, some players earn $20–$30 daily during peak periods, while top-ranked players and tournament winners report monthly earnings of $1,000–$2,000. These figures depend on factors like deck quality, league rank, and time investment.
- New players may find initial earnings lower, but consistent play and reinvestment can increase earning potential over time.
Challenges and Considerations:
- Earning significant money often requires an initial investment, such as buying cards or renting stronger decks, which can act as a barrier for new players.
- The game's reward pools are divided among winners, meaning earnings depend on the number of players and league level, adding variability.
Number of Players Who Have Earned Money
The exact number of players who have earned money in Splinterlands is not publicly available, as the game does not disclose specific statistics on earnings. However, the evidence leans toward a substantial portion of the player base engaging in play-to-earn activities. Key points include:
- Player Base Size: Reports from sources like DappRadar indicate Splinterlands had tens of thousands of daily active users, with some data suggesting over 6,000 daily active players in recent years. Given the play-to-earn model, it seems likely that many of these players have earned some income, especially those who purchased the Summoner's Spellbook.
- Community Reports: Player forums, blogs, and social media posts (e.g., on Hive, Reddit, and Publish0x) show numerous accounts of earnings, with players sharing monthly totals and strategies. This suggests a large, active subset of earners, though exact numbers are elusive.
- Accessibility: The $10 entry fee for the Summoner's Spellbook means that players who invest this amount are likely to engage in earning activities, potentially accounting for a significant percentage of the active user base.
While precise figures are unavailable, the game's popularity and the prevalence of earning reports suggest that thousands, if not tens of thousands, of players have likely earned money, particularly those in higher leagues and with competitive decks.
Blockchain Used: HIVE and Beyond
Splinterlands operates on the HIVE blockchain, a decentralized, open-source platform designed for social media and gaming applications. Its use of HIVE ensures fast transaction speeds and low fees, crucial for a game with frequent in-game transactions like card trading and battle rewards.
HIVE Blockchain:
- HIVE provides a robust infrastructure for dApps, ensuring all in-game assets are owned by players and not controlled by a central authority.
- It supports the game's economy, including the transfer of DEC and SPS, and facilitates the NFT nature of cards.
Cross-Chain Compatibility:
- Splinterlands extends beyond HIVE, offering cross-chain compatibility with blockchains like Ethereum, BNB Chain, and WAX. For example, players can wrap their NFTs on WAX for trading on popular NFT marketplaces, and SPS can be transferred to Ethereum or BNB Chain for staking or trading.
- This interoperability enhances the game's flexibility, allowing players to engage with broader crypto ecosystems.
Tokens and Economy:
- Dark Energy Crystals (DEC): The in-game currency, earned through gameplay and used for buying packs, renting cards, and entering tournaments. DEC can be sold for real money, making it a key earning mechanism.
- Splintershards (SPS): The governance token, earned through battles and staking, which also allows players to vote on game proposals.
- Credits: A newer token for in-game purchases, earned through referrals, redeemable for packs and rentals.
This blockchain integration ensures transparency, security, and player ownership, core to Splinterlands' appeal.
Conclusion
Splinterlands remains a leading play-to-earn game in 2025, offering players the chance to earn real money through strategic gameplay and blockchain technology. While the exact number of players who have earned money is not publicly available, research suggests a significant portion of its tens of thousands of daily active users have generated income, particularly those engaging with the game's earning mechanics. Operating on the HIVE blockchain with cross-chain compatibility, Splinterlands provides a dynamic and rewarding experience for players willing to invest time and resources.
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