Bots in Splinterlands: A Player's Perspective on a Controversial Issue

As a passionate Splinterlands player, I have had the opportunity to experience the game from two vastly different perspectives – playing manually and utilizing a bot.

The topic of using bots in Splinterlands has been a subject of heated debate within the community.
That is why in this blog post, I aim to share my experiences and opinions on this controversial issue, with the hope of fostering open discussions and encouraging a healthy dialogue among community members.

My Journey: Two Years of Playing Myself

For two years, I played Splinterlands the traditional way – by myself. During this time, I relished the challenge of outsmarting opponents, developing strategies, and constantly learning new techniques.

The game kept my brain active, allowing me to exercise my creativity as I experimented with diverse card combinations and tactics. There was a sense of personal satisfaction in knowing that my victories were a testament to my skills and ingenuity.

The Shift: Two Months with a Bot

After two years of manual play, I decided to try using a bot to play Splinterlands on my behalf.

This decision was driven by curiosity and a desire to explore an alternative way of experiencing the game and save time to focus on other things, such as tournaments, brawls or deck upgrading.

The bot provided several advantages: it saved me time, eliminated the guilt of skipping a day of rewards, and offered consistent matchmaking.

Pros and Cons: Playing Yourself vs. Using a Bot

To provide a fair analysis, I've compiled a list of the pros and cons I've experienced while playing Splinterlands both manually and with a bot:

Manual Play:

Pros:

• Keeps your brain active and engaged
• Allows for creativity with diverse card combinations
• Offers a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction
• Helps develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

Cons:

• Can be time-consuming
• May lead to burnout or guilt when skipping play sessions
• Matchmaking may be inconsistent

Using a Bot:

Pros:

• Saves time
• Eliminates guilt when skipping play sessions
• Provides consistent matchmaking
• Enables passive rewards and progression

Cons:

• Lacks the personal satisfaction of manual victories
• No opportunity to develop strategic thinking or problem-solving skills
• May contribute to a less authentic gaming experience

My Stance: Combine the Best of Both Worlds

As a player who has experienced both sides of the debate, I find myself amazed by the possibilities offered by bots in Splinterlands.

The time saved and the consistent matchmaking provided by bots are undeniable benefits. However, I cannot ignore the sense of personal satisfaction and the development of strategic thinking that comes with manual play.

The use of bots is a double-edged sword. On one hand, they offer convenience and can level the playing field for those with limited time. On the other hand, they may contribute to a less authentic gaming experience, potentially undermining the essence of what makes Splinterlands so engaging.

Luckily, the impact of bots on Splinterlands has diminished over time, thanks to significant changes in the game's reward system and the introduction of the current energy system. These updates have helped curb the potential for bots to exploit the game economy, ensuring a more balanced and fair gaming experience for all players.

The energy system, in particular, has been effective in preventing bots from gaining an unfair advantage, as it imposes limits on the number of games that can be played within a certain timeframe and encourages burning DEC if you wish to continue.

As a result, the concerns surrounding bot usage have become less pressing, what leads me to a conclusion that they should remain part of the game.

For me, embracing both manual play and bot-assisted gaming may be the best approach for Splinterlands players. By combining the personal satisfaction, strategic thinking, and social aspects of manual play with the time-saving benefits and consistent matchmaking provided by bots, players can enjoy a well-rounded gaming experience that caters to their unique needs and preferences.

By striking a balance between these two methods, we can continue to foster an inclusive and thriving community that supports the growth and success of Splinterlands for years to come.

Final Thoughts

The debate surrounding the use of bots in Splinterlands is complex and multifaceted. I believe there is merit to both sides of the argument.

My hope is that this blog post will encourage open discussions and foster a healthy dialogue among community members, as we collectively navigate the ever-evolving world of web3 gaming.

Ultimately, it is through these conversations and the sharing of diverse perspectives that we can work together to shape the future of Splinterlands, ensuring that it remains a captivating, engaging, and fair experience for all players.

By staying open-minded and receptive to new ideas, we can strike a balance that preserves the spirit of the game while embracing the innovations that technology offers.

What do you think? Is botting okay? Have you ever tried using a bot? Let me know in the comments.