AXIE Infinity - the most popular web3 game

Axie Infinity describes itself as a Pokemon and Tamagotchi-inspired game that utilizes Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to represent unique creatures, abilities, land plots, and other in-game assets.

Players can earn two tokens, Axie Infinity Shards (AXS) and Small Love Potions (SLP), by playing Axie Infinity in either Adventure or Arena modes. AXS serves as a governance token, allowing token holders to vote on the future development of the gaming experience. SLP is the in-game token used to breed Axies.

How Does Axie Infinity Work?

Axie Infinity’s core gameplay focuses on battling and breeding Axies, the unique creatures at the heart of the Axie Infinity experience. Axies are defined by specific characteristics, such as class and body parts, used to differentiate them from other Axies and determine their level of rarity.

Gameplay

Like other turn-based games, Axies are meant to battle, and four statistics determine their effectiveness in combat:

• Health determines the amount of damage an Axie can take before being knocked out.
• Speed determines turn order, with the fastest Axies attacking first.
• Skill adds damage when an Axie plays multiple ability cards simultaneously.
• Morale increases an Axie’s critical strike chance, determining its ability to knock out an opponent.

Battles

Axie Infinity players face their Axies off against other players in battles of three versus three by using various tactics and strategies to position their Axie on the board. Central to this gameplay is the Axie’s Ability Cards, which determine the attack moves Axies can perform to drain the health of their competitors. Each Ability Card is unique to their respective Axie, depending on their body configuration and class.

Battling in arena matches and tournaments is the best way to level up Axies and earn Axie Infinity Shards (AXS) and Small Love Potion (SLP). But players can also take a more adventure-based approach to their experience. By exploring the Axie Infinity world and battling the in-game non-player combatants called Chimera, players earn additional tokens and rare treasures that can be used to progress their characters.

Breeding

Axies can create new offspring with unique characteristics and capabilities like their real-world counterparts. Axies can breed up to seven times, requiring more SLP each breeding event. After five days of development, new Axie offspring can be used for battle, further breeding with other partners, or put up for sale in the Axie Infinity Marketplace.

Land

Axie Infinity does not limit players to only being able to collect and trade creatures. It also allows players to purchase plots of land that serve as homes for Axies, called Lunacias. Developers can also create unique games within these plots through the Lunacia software development kit. Players can upgrade the plots over time with the resources and crafted ingredients they find while on in-game adventures.

DISADVANTAGES OF AXIE INFINITY

And here’s why you may have second thoughts about entering the digital pet universe.

Capped earnings

As we discussed, players can earn AXS and SLPs by completing daily quests, finishing tasks, and winning PVP battles. However, the developers have capped how much a player can earn daily from these activities.

Moreover, you must put in time and effort to earn something from the game. For instance, you will have to play a few adventure stages, complete daily tasks, and play a few PVP battles to earn 40 to 50 SLPs. To make a steady stream of income, consistency is needed. Unfortunately, only some have the time to play.

High entry cost

Like many other similar P2E games, Axie Infinity has an entry cost. Before you start playing, you have to buy three Axies. Initially, those three Axies would cost you around $500. However, the sudden popularity has increased the exact cost at least two to three times.

This acts as a barrier to entry. However, some players simply hire other players to play the game on their behalf. So if you would rather not invest in Axies just yet, you can look for players who will lend you their Axies.

Economic uncertainty

The controversy surrounding cryptos and NFTs is no secret. Some experts and observers have expressed concerns regarding the surging trade of NFTs. Many believe it to be an economic bubble bloated by the hype. Of course, we cannot comment on whether this is true.

The volatility of cryptocurrencies further fuels this skepticism. Even though Bitcoin and Ether have seen a significant increase in their prices over the years, we cannot overlook the sudden fluctuations.

Closing thoughts

Axie Infinity looks like a great game and concept. Still, if you don't have the time to invest in a game like this or a passion for the Tamagotchi concept play style, this might not be the game for you; as said earlier, there is quite a high entry cost, and you will spend quite some hours before you actually start making some earnings in this game.

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