Hi there,

It feels great to be back with another post!
In the last article, I wrote about how Why Splinterlands Has Survived 7+ Years. If you did not get the chance to read that yet and interested, please feel free to read it and let me know your thoughts.

Today I wanted to focus on one of the specific section from that article and one of the latest addition to the game to to improve the new player experience - Frontier Mode.

For years, blockchain gaming promised big things — own your assets, play-to-earn, and community-driven ecosystems. But the entry barrier to games are just too high compared to Web2 games.
Let's be realistic, there are many web2 games that are available at a one time purchase cost of fraction of what it player were asked to buy NFTs or stake tokens before even learning the game.
And I am not saying Splinterlands is different in this aspect. Many of us were finding it difficult to keep up with the game contents and stay relevant with the constant need of purchasing new cards, buy land plots and maintain them, buy and stake SPS, buy DEC and so on.

In June 2025, Splinterlands launched Campaign Mode to improve the new player experience. At first, many of us weren’t sure how much this would change the onboarding journey.

Then, in August 2025, came Frontier Mode, a true free-to-play gateway that removes all barriers. For the first time, players can play for free and earn as they learn — the perfect way to encourage newcomers to join the ecosystem.

What Changes Does Frontier Mode Bring

With Frontier Mode, we don’t need to spend first or figure out wallets changing the conventional Web3 model by making Splinterlands feel like a traditional online game:

• Free to play from day one – no SPS staking or NFT purchase required.
• Earn as you learn – matches can reward Foundation Set cards, so you grow your collection while practicing.
• Beginner campaigns included – a guided path that trains players before they face veterans.

How It Works

Now that we know what Frontier mode is and how this changes things. Let me share a simple walkthrough of five simple steps that shows exactly how a brand-new player moves from signing up to earning real cards in Splinterlands.

1. Sign up with a free account.
2. Play the campaign, a series of tutorials that teach mechanics.
3. Unlock Frontier battles once you’re ready.
4. Compete with starter decks (no purchase required).
5. Earn rewards — Foundation Set cards drop as you win, expanding your collection.

It’s simple, familiar, and welcoming to new players — exactly what onboarding should feel like.

Why Frontier Matters

Frontier isn’t just another format - it’s a gateway that finally brings the new player experience we always needed in Splinterlands. It removes the risk of upfront costs, provides a safe and guided environment where learning is rewarded, and focuses on a gameplay experience that Web2 gamers already know.

But at the same time, Frontier goes further by offering NFT rewards while you learn. This makes the early journey not only engaging but also rewarding in a tangible way.

Conclusion

With the introduction of Frontier mode, Splinterlands has proven that free-to-play and play-to-own can work together. Frontier lowers the walls, removes the risks, and makes the first step into Web3 gaming simple and rewarding.
If you’ve ever thought about trying Web3 gaming but weren’t sure where to begin, this is your chance. Jump in, play for free, and discover Splinterlands.