Getting Started
Can I progress without spending money?
No. A spellbook ($10) is required to begin earning meaningful rewards. However, you can easily earn it back within your first month if you play your cards right. Diamond league players can earn around $2 every few days.
When registering, you can choose to input a referrer. Some people like @bravetofu run great affiliate programs where you can get a headstart by using their referral code and asking them for cards.
Join the Community
Many players are happy to help you get started - join the Discord server: Splinterlands Discord
Your First Month in Splinterlands
Getting Started Checklist
- Buy the Spellbook ($10)
- Join a guild (free bonuses: SPS, glint, and merits)
- IMPORTANT: Download Hive Keychain
- Climb from Wood to Bronze (no rentals needed)
- Progress to Gold league
- Start renting SPS and better cards
Glint Shop Priorities
- 300 Minor chests
- 150 Major chests
- 2000 Merits
- 10 rare draws
- 100 common draws
Do not buy energy until soulbound is maxed!
Rental Recommendations
Rental Tips
- Time your rentals around Brawls to earn more SPS (about 15 hours before)
- Only rent when you have 50 energy to maximize earnings
- Rent SPS to hit 10x Glint multiplier whenever it drops below 8x
- Before End of Season (EOS), intentionally drop rating to start lower next season for more League Advancement chests
Bronze to Gold Strategy
Use the Tofu Spam deck (8-12 DEC/Day, don't rent if over 15 DEC per day):
View Deck on PeakmonstersThis deck uses simple but effective tactics - just use Tofu and throw your cards at the opponent.
Game Basics
Battle Structure
- Each battle has a mana cap that limits total card cost
- You must choose one summoner and up to 6 monster cards
- Your summoner's element determines which cards you can use
- Battles are automatic once cards are placed
Types of Cards
Tank
High health units that protect your team from damage, usually placed in first position
- Diemonshark - Water tank
- Baakjira - Water tank
- Cursed Windeku - Death tank
- Arkemis the Bear - Neutral tank
Backline Taunt
Spreads damage between tank and itself, usually placed in back or second position
- Iziar - Draws attacks to protect other unit, also has martyr to buff adjacent units
- Mycelic Slipspawn - Helps tank survive longer
Healers
Support units that keep your team alive
- Tank Healers (middle position):
- Merdaali Guardian
- Venari Crystalsmith
- Backline Healers (middle/back):
- Angelic Mandarin
- Queen Mycelia
Weapons Trainer
Boosts attack of adjacent units - one of the most powerful mechanics
- Kulu Mastermind
- Daarg Deadblast
- Rage
- Aves Sturgis
Positioning Guide
Card position is crucial for victory. Here are the key rules:
Attack Rules
- Melee Units: Can only attack from first position (unless they have special abilities)
- Ranged Units: Can attack from any position except first (unless they have Close Range)
- Magic Units: Can attack from any position
Target Selection
- Most units target the first enemy position by default
- Sneak ability targets the last enemy unit
- Opportunity targets the lowest health enemy
- Units in first position must attack the first enemy
Essential Tools & Resources
Peakmonsters
Essential third-party tool for:
- Buying/selling cards
- Renting cards in/out
- Creating decks
- Managing your collection
Game Currencies
DEC & Credits
Used for buying and renting cards and packs. 1000 credits = $1 USD
SPS
Reward currency needed for earning more Glint/SPS from wins. Can be claimed daily from the SPS menu.