Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based NFT game inspired by the Pokémon series, where players can collect, breed, battle, and trade digital pets known as Axies. While online NFT games have been around since at least 2017, Axie Infinity stands out due to its massive success, boasting a multi-billion dollar market capitalization and projected annual revenue exceeding one billion dollars.
This article covers everything you need to know about one of 2021’s most popular blockchain games.
Introduction to Axie Infinity
Axie Infinity is a flexible, open-ended digital pet game where players collect, raise, and battle creatures called Axies. Built on blockchain technology, it offers a fun and accessible introduction to the possibilities of decentralized systems. The game has become a major gateway into the blockchain industry, especially in developing countries.
As of August 2021, Axie Infinity was the number one Ethereum-based gaming DApp by weekly on-chain volume and one of the top three by active users, with over 100,000 weekly participants.
The Two Core Tokens: AXS and SLP
Two primary tokens power the Axie Infinity ecosystem:
- Axie Infinity Shards (AXS): The platform’s native governance token. Holders can participate in decentralized organization decisions, such as fund allocation and development priorities.
- Smooth Love Potion (SLP): An in-game token earned through gameplay. It is primarily used for breeding new Axies.
Both AXS and SLP are ERC-20 tokens tradable on the Ethereum network.
Development and Team
Axie Infinity was developed by Sky Mavis, a tech-focused game studio. The team is led by Trung Nguyen (CEO), Aleksander Larsen (COO), and Viet Anh Ho (CTO). The project raised $2.97 million in its final token sale stage on Binance Launchpad.
Use Cases for AXS
Although AXS is currently used for breeding Axies, additional functionalities are planned:
Staking Rewards
AXS holders will soon be able to stake their tokens to earn a share of inflationary AXS rewards. This feature is expected to launch in late 2021.
Governance
Axie Infinity is transitioning to a decentralized governance model. By October 2023, Sky Mavis will no longer hold majority voting power. Token holders will influence decisions regarding fund usage and feature development.
Purchase Eligibility
Holding AXS may become a requirement for participating in future sales of Axies, land, or items.
How Axie Infinity Works
Axie Infinity is a tactical battle game where each Axie is a unique ERC-721 NFT. Each creature has four stats:
- Health
- Morale
- Skill
- Speed
These attributes determine battle performance, including damage output, turn order, and resilience.
Classes and Body Parts
Axies belong to one of six classes: Aquatic, Beast, Bird, Bug, Plant, or Reptile. There are also three secret classes: Dawn, Dusk, and Mech. Each class has strengths and weaknesses against others.
Each Axie has six body parts: Back, Ears, Eyes, Horns, Mouth, and Tail. Each part (except Eyes and Ears) grants unique abilities that impact gameplay.
Breeding Mechanics
Axies can be bred to create rare and powerful combinations. Breeding costs 4 AXS plus varying amounts of SLP—150 SLP for the first breed, increasing to 3,150 SLP by the seventh (and final) breed.
Each body part has three genes: Dominant (D), Recessive (R1), and Minor Recessive (R2). Dominant genes have a 37.5% chance of being passed down, compared to 9.375% for Recessive and 3.125% for Minor Recessive genes.
Public calculators are available to predict offspring traits.
Rare Axies and Market Value
The rarest Axies possess Mystic parts, found only in early-generation Origin Axies. Some of these have sold for hundreds of ETH. For example, one Mystic Axie was listed for 5,000 ETH as of August 2021.
Land and Resources
In-game resources, including land, are tokenized and tradable. Lunacia, the game’s world, consists of 90,601 land plots across seven types: Savannah, Forest, Arctic, Mystic, Genesis, Lunar Land, and Map.
The upcoming Lunacia SDK will allow players and developers to create custom experiences using Axie Infinity assets.
Technology and Infrastructure
Although primarily built on Ethereum, Axie Infinity uses Ronin, a high-speed sidechain. Ronin improves gameplay by increasing transaction speed and minimizing gas fees while maintaining Ethereum’s security.
Play-to-Earn Model
Axie Infinity pioneered the "play-to-earn" model, allowing users to earn AXS, SLP, and rare items through gameplay. However, new players must acquire at least three Axies to start, which can cost between $70 and $250 each—posing a significant entry barrier.
Scholarship Programs
To address cost barriers, scholarship programs have emerged. Managers lend Axie teams to Scholars, who earn SLP and share profits with Managers. This system enables broader participation without violating the game’s anti-multi-accounting rules.
Managers must ensure Scholars comply with terms to avoid temporary or permanent bans.
Roadmap and Future Developments
Since its 2018 launch, Axie Infinity has continuously evolved. Key upcoming features include:
- Land gameplay (expected in early 2022)
- Lunacia SDK alpha test (late 2022)
Breeding, battling, and card strategy modes are fully operational.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Axie Infinity?
Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based game where players collect, breed, and battle digital pets called Axies. It incorporates NFTs and a play-to-earn model.
How do you earn money in Axie Infinity?
Players earn SLP and AXS tokens through winning battles, completing adventures, and participating in arena matches. These tokens can be sold on cryptocurrency exchanges.
What are the costs to start playing?
New players need at least three Axies, which can cost $200–$750 or more. Scholarships allow players to borrow Axies in exchange for a share of earnings.
What is the role of AXS and SLP?
AXS is used for governance and breeding, while SLP is used for breeding new Axies. Both tokens can be traded on exchanges.
Can Axies be traded or sold?
Yes, Axies are NFTs and can be traded on marketplaces like the official Axie Infinity marketplace.
Is Axie Infinity free to play?
No, players must purchase Axies to start. Scholarship programs offer an alternative by lending Axies to players.
What is Ronin?
Ronin is a custom Ethereum sidechain built for Axie Infinity. It reduces transaction costs and improves speed.
Axie Infinity has reshaped gaming by merging entertainment with income-generating opportunities. Its innovative use of blockchain technology offers a glimpse into the future of decentralized gaming economies. 👉 Explore play-to-earn strategies
Whether you're a player, investor, or developer, understanding Axie Infinity provides valuable insight into the evolving world of NFT-based gaming.