How to Start Playing Axie Infinity

Are you ready to step into the Pokémon-inspired metaverse of Axie Infinity, where you can earn, battle, and trade digital creatures? With its play-to-earn model and booming popularity, Axie Infinity has become one of the top blockchain games, allowing players around the world to combine fun and financial rewards.

What is Axie Infinity?

Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based play-to-earn game built on the Ethereum blockchain. The game revolves around virtual pets called Axies, which players can collect, breed, and battle. Axie Infinity incorporates elements of the metaverse, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and cryptocurrency, creating a vibrant ecosystem that is as financially rewarding as it is entertaining.

Key highlights:

• Metaverse Integration: Explore Lunacia, the virtual world of Axie Infinity.
• Play-to-Earn Potential: Earn Axie Infinity Shards (AXS) and Smooth Love Potion (SLP) as you play.
• NFT Marketplace: Axies and in-game items can be traded as NFTs on the Axie Infinity Marketplace.

Understanding the Axie Infinity Ecosystem

To get started, it’s important to understand the key components of the Axie Infinity ecosystem:

1. Lunacia 

Lunacia is the Axie homeland, a digital world consisting of 90,601 land plots where Axies live and battle. Each plot is NFT-based, adding real-world value to in-game assets.

2. Axies 

Axies are the heart of the game. These digital creatures have unique characteristics including body components, stats, and classes. Players need a team of three Axies to start battling in the Adventure or Arena modes.

3. Ronin Sidechain 

To counter Ethereum’s slow transactions and high costs, Axie Infinity uses a sidechain called Ronin. It allows faster and gas-free transactions, making gameplay seamless.

4. Tokens (AXS and SLP) 

• Axie Infinity Shards (AXS) are used for governance and staking within the Axie ecosystem.
• Smooth Love Potion (SLP) is earned during gameplay and used for breeding Axies.

With this basic understanding in place, you’re ready to get started.

Getting Started with Axie Infinity 

Step 1. Setup Your Wallets 

To begin playing Axie Infinity, you’ll need two wallets:

• MetaMask Wallet (Ethereum-based): Stores ETH (used to buy Axies).
• Ronin Wallet (Axie-specific sidechain): Used for in-game transactions like buying Axies.

How to Set Up MetaMask:

1. Visit MetaMask.io and download the extension for your browser or app for mobile.
2. Create a wallet and securely store your seed phrase.
3. Transfer ETH to your MetaMask wallet.

How to Set Up Ronin Wallet:

1. Download the Ronin Wallet Extension via Google Chrome or Brave browser.
2. Follow the setup process, including creating a password and saving your seed phrase securely.
3. Use the Ronin Bridge to transfer ETH from MetaMask to Ronin.

Step 2. Create an Axie Infinity Account 

1. Visit the Axie Infinity Marketplace.
2. Log in using your Ronin Wallet.
3. Link your email and set up a password.

Step 3. Acquire Your First Axies 

To start battling, you’ll need a team of three Axies purchased from the marketplace. 

1. Browse the Axie Marketplace.
2. Use filters to select Axies with desired stats, classes, or body parts.
   • Pro Tip: Look for balanced Axies with high health or morale stats for beginners.
3. Purchase Axies using ETH in your Ronin Wallet.

Step 4. Download and Install the Game 

1. Go to Axie Infinity’s official website.
2. Download the game client for your preferred platform:
   • Windows
   • MacOS
   • Android
   • iOS (via TestFlight, currently limited)
3. Log in using your credentials or QR code.

Understanding Axie Characteristics 

Before jumping into the game, familiarize yourself with Axie characteristics. They’ll impact your strategy in battles.

Classes

There are nine Axie classes, including Reptile, Plant, Beast, Bird, and more. Each class has strengths and weaknesses based on a rock-paper-scissors dynamic.

Stats

Each Axie has four primary stats:

• Health (HP): Determines how much damage an Axie can take.
• Speed: Affects turn order in battles.
• Skill: Influences the effectiveness of combo moves.
• Morale: Impacts critical strike chances and last-stand potential.

Body Components

Axies have six body parts such as eyes, ears, horns, mouths, backs, and tails. These parts influence their moves/stats and boost battle performance.

Playing Axie Infinity 

1. Adventure Mode 

Complete missions against AI in Lunacia’s Adventure Mode to earn SLP and level up your Axies.

2. Arena Mode 

Battle other players in the Arena for higher rewards. This mode requires energy, a resource that regenerates daily.

3. Earning AXS and SLP 

• Winning battles in Arena rewards SLP tokens.
• Participate in governance and stake tokens to earn passive AXS income.

Trading on the Marketplace 

The Axie Marketplace is the go-to hub for trading NFTs like Axies and in-game items. You can:

• Buy and sell Axies.
• Purchase land plots or accessories to enhance gameplay.
• Trade SLP tokens earned during gameplay.

Tips and Strategies for Beginners 

1. Start with Balanced Teams

Invest in Axies that complement each other. For instance, pair a Tank Axie (high health) with two damage-dealing Axies. 

2. Focus on Learning the Game

Spend time in Adventure Mode before entering competitive Arena battles. This will enhance your gameplay skills without depleting resources.

3. Keep Track of Energy

Energy determines how many Arena or Adventure battles you can participate in daily. Plan your battles wisely.

4. Research the Marketplace

Check the Marketplace regularly to snag Axies with rare traits at good prices.

Begin Your Axie Journey 

Getting started with Axie Infinity opens up a world of adventure, earning potential, and fun. By understanding the ecosystem, setting up your accounts, and purchasing your first Axies, you’ll be ready to explore Lunacia and battle to earn rewards.

Take your first step today, and who knows? You might just become the next Axie champion!