Hey Splinterlands warriors, this week’s challenge is a unique one—it’s about reflecting on my journey in Splinterlands. I’ll share my story here, even though it’s been almost four years since I started.

I still remember clearly how I first met Splinterlands during the pandemic. It was 2021, and everyone was stuck at home. Outdoor activities were restricted, and as someone who can’t sit still, I started looking for entertainment. Little did I know I’d stumble upon this blockchain-based NFT game, which back then still had its old-school name: Steemmonsters. But by the time I found it, it had already rebranded to the much cooler Splinterlands.
What hooked me instantly? Well, I used to play Yu-Gi-Oh! cards as a kid, so when I saw Splinterlands’ battle system and deck-building mechanics, it felt like a childhood reunion—but digital and with earning potential. And yes, the rewards were real, especially back when you could use cards you didn’t even own yet and earn chests for every win.
This is where my story began. The early days were wild. We could use unowned cards, and winning battles gave us chests with cards inside. My first-ever card pull? NIGHTMARE. A Common Death element card… but with a GOLD FOIL! Man, that felt like getting a brand-new bike as a kid. I still keep it to this day. Even though its value has dropped, emotionally, it’s priceless. Like a kid’s first coloring contest trophy—meaningless to others, but for me, it was the start of everything.
I also have a funny memory from opening my first (and only) Azmare Dice pack. I bought it with 3,000 DEC I’d saved up from battles. No high expectations—just wanted to expand my collection and burn some potions. But I was still as nervous as opening a holiday gift. The result? Nothing spectacular, but it still made me grin. It was the first time I felt like my time invested in the game had truly “produced something.”
Over time, my strategies evolved. I went from button-mashing to analyzing opponents like a football coach. I started focusing on collecting and upgrading Summoner cards—they’re the key. The higher your Summoner’s level, the stronger the team you can field. I’d often use RARE DRAW packs with Glint from season rewards to level up my Summoners to level 5 or 6. The difference in battle performance? Massive.
After boosting my Summoners, I began hunting for monsters that fit my playstyle. For example, when running Water decks, I’d look for monsters that complemented each other’s weaknesses. Trust me, not every team needs Legendary cards. Even Commons and Rares can be deadly if you position them smartly. I’ve beaten opponents with expensive decks using budget-but-well-structured teams.
Now, after four years with Splinterlands, I’ve collected over 326 cards and have 194,000 collection power. I’ve climbed to Diamond League (though I sometimes drop back to Gold—life’s full of ups and downs, right? 😅). That climb let me stack SPS and start staking for long-term growth.
What keeps me hooked isn’t just the cards—it’s the community. There’s so much insight to gain from fellow players. I was once a clueless newbie too, but by reading others’ experiences, studying battle histories, and chatting in the community, I learned to adapt quickly. New players: don’t hesitate to join the community, read guides, and ask questions. No shame—everyone starts somewhere!
My tips for aspiring legends:
- Focus on Summoners first.
- Don’t underestimate Commons and Rares.
- Upgrade cards gradually.
- Use the rental system if you don’t own all cards yet.
- Most importantly: enjoy the process.
Splinterlands isn’t just about winning or losing. For me, it’s about community, strategy, and an undying collector’s spirit. I hope this game gains even more traction, especially once the mobile version drops.

If you want to go legendary in Splinterlands, remember this—play smart, learn constantly, and find joy in the grind. Whether you’re opening packs, saving Glint, or battling in the trenches, your journey is your own.
And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll look back at your own Gold Foil Nightmare and smile, just like I do.
See you in the arena, Summoners.
Talk about Splinterlands,
If you haven't tried out this fantastic game called Splinterlands yet, I invite you to Join.
It's free, but you'll need to invest in a beginning deck or buy gaming cards to gain real assets like cards and tokens.
If you already joined the splinterlands, and are looking for a place to grow. We need YOU. We are a chill, social guild looking for a few more active members! If you think you might be a fit, join us in our Discord
Thanks for sharing! - @mango-juice
