Blockchain games still have the problem that getting started is somewhat cumbersome. A download and registration alone are often not enough for players, even in America or England. Instead, a few extra steps are required. We have created a guide for Axie Infinity that allows players to get started more easily and explains the most important key points. It is advantageous if you are already somewhat familiar with cryptocurrencies.
Step 1: Download MetaMask
Axie Infinity can be played on desktop PC, smartphone and tablet. The first thing that is important is the browser. This should be compatible with the MetaMask wallet. This works best with the Google Chrome browser. MetaMask wallet is an important browser wallet for many dApp applications running on Ethereum. It automatically connects to the game. Install MetaMask only from the official site, scams, hacks and rip-offs have unfortunately become commonplace. Also, keep the private key safe.
Step 2: Log in to Axies Infinity
Next, go to the Axie Infinity marketplace. Then click on “Login” at the top right of the bar. You can now choose to log in with email and a password or with the MetaMask wallet. Simply explained, proceed as follows:
- Select the MetaMask wallet and thus connect the wallet to your account.
- After that, a window will open where you will enter your name.
- You will also get access to the dashboard, where you will enter your email address and a password. You will need this for easy login without having to open the wallet right away.
- You will then receive an activation code sent to your email for confirmation.
Step 3: Create Ronin Wallet
The Ronin wallet is a so-called side-chain developed by Sky Mavis, the company behind the blockchain game Axie Infinity. The company developed this wallet for fast and cheap transactions outside the Ethereum network. The wallet is also an extension for Google Chrome. You can get the Ronin wallet here. Do not download the wallet from any other website for security reasons.
Then click on the extension and start with “I’m new. Let’s get set up!” to start the setup process. Then create a secure password and write down the Seed Phrase. Keep the Seed Phrase safe, you will need it in case you need to recover your wallet. Confirm the Seed Phrase and the process is complete. Then you just need to connect the Ronin wallet to your account. You can find the “Attach Ronin to Account” option in your game dashboard.
Step 4: Buy Axies
In order to start playing, you will need at least 3 Axies. You can get your first Axies from the Axie marketplace, even if you are playing in England or the USA. The easiest way to trade is to use Google Chrome and MetaMask wallet. You trade the digital monsters using Ether (ETH). You can buy the cryptocurrencies on almost any exchange, including Binance, Coinbase or Bitpanda. Axies are not cheap, be aware of that. Apart from the monsters, you can also buy land, items and “bundles” in the marketplace. Here’s how:
- You send the Ether to MetaMask’s wallet first.
- Then transfer the ETH to the Ronin wallet using the Ronin bridge.
- You can then use these to buy the Axies.
- After that, you just need to confirm the purchase process and the Axies will be yours.
Step 5: Download the game
Important in the Axie Infinity guide: in order to play the blockchain game (see our list with the best play to earn games) you now still need to download the app. Here you can download the app for the respective operating system directly:
The process is a bit more complex on macOS, so the creators have provided their own instructions. After downloading and installing the game, access the program and log in.
Step 6: Choose Adventure Mode or PvP Arena
Axie Infinity currently offers two game modes: adventure and arena. In both modes, players can win the two cryptocurrencies AXS and SLP. The explanation for Axie is as follows:
- “Adventure” is a PvE mode, Axies compete against computer-controlled monsters here. Players can win a maximum of 50 SLP per day in Adventure mode. There are 36 levels in total, in which the team has to compete against different monsters. In addition, the monsters receive experience points (EXP) through the fights, through which they level up and become stronger.
- In the arena, players fight PvP battles. This is where teams compete against each other. Also in the arena, your teams earn AXS, SLP and experience points. This mode is aimed more at experienced players. Here it depends on the right composition of the team. How often you can fight battles in a day depends on your energy level.
Step 7: Create teams (Defenders & Attackers)
A team always consists of 3 Axies. One creature takes the role of “Defender” and protects the team, while the other two are “Attackers” and deal damage. Different creature classes are better suited for certain roles, but in the end it also depends on the individual characteristics.
Monster Classes and Card Combinations
After following the steps outlined in the Axie guide above, you’re good to go for the game. We wish you a lot of fun while playing. However, there are some more aspects of the blockchain game to consider. Thus, the monsters are divided into different classes:
- Beetle
- Animal
- Reptilian
- Aquatic
- Plant
- Bird
Then there are three “secret” classes. Certain classes do better against other classes. Beasts do more damage against plants and reptiles. Aquatic creatures have an advantage over beetles and beasts. In addition, each class has certain base stats. Beasts, for example, have high speed and morale.
An important game element are the cards. Each class has its own set of cards, further divided into body parts (tail, back, mouth and horn). With the cards you attack the opponent, strengthen your axie, heal damage and some more. The cards are part of a monster’s genetic code and one of the reasons why certain Axies are so valuable.
How to breed monsters in Axie Infinity
To breed new Axies, you need the two cryptocurrencies AXS (Axie Infinity Shards) and SLP (Smooth Love Potion). The amount of AXS varies all the time. The amount of SLP depends on how many times you have already bred a monster. Both cryptocurrencies can be earned by playing the Blockchain Game.
An Axie can reproduce a maximum of 7 times. With each time, the cost of SLP increases. Since this process requires two monsters, the SLP cost for the partner adds up. Currently, a first cross costs 600 SLP (for one Axie). So you have to play for a while to get the necessary Smooth Love Potions together.
Crossing monsters – not so easy
The crossbreeding system in Axies Infinity is more complex than it might seem at first. The Axies have recessive, weak recessive and dominant genes. These genes determine the class, mutations, body parts and thus the effectiveness of the monsters. Careful selection of suitable mates results in strong and valuable creatures that can be profitably sold in the marketplace. So the crossing of monsters wants to be well thought out.
What is a browser wallet?
To play Axie Infintiy, you need cryptos and thus a secure wallet. A browser wallet is also called a "hot wallet" because it is constantly connected to the Internet. It is considered easy to use, but it is less secure because the browser provides an additional gateway for hackers. Therefore, in a browser wallet you should only store cryptocurrencies that you plan to use for something in the near future. They are not suitable as permanent storage. More about the importance of a wallet
You need the Chrome browser or a similar browser, the MetaMask wallet and the Ronin wallet. You will also need some Ether (ETH) to buy the first Axies. Three Monsters are necessary to form a team and pass the first battles.
The cheaper Axies are priced at 0.010 ETH, the equivalent of 50 US dollars. Enough to get started and to celebrate your first successes in PvE mode. Some monsters are worth several thousand US dollars. These are the particularly strong creatures with valuable genes.
Currently there are two game modes: Adventure Mode and Arena Mode. In Adventure Mode, Axies compete against computer-controlled monsters in various levels. In Arena Mode, your team fights against another player’s team. In both modes you can earn experience points, AXS and SLP.