Splinterlands Ramblings... and a giveaway inside

Happy New Year everyone! After some well deserved vacations... back to my ramblings, and my giveaways as well!

I checked this week's theme for the social media challenge, and the prompt was "tips for beginners"... and I got myself thinking: is there any beginner actually trying the game nowadays AND sticking with it?

I'll explain: I've rented my card collection since I wasn't playing during the vacations, and since my time in the first couple weeks will be limited, the rental continues. But I have a few level 1/2 cards AND the soulbound and gladius cards, and I've tried playing a few games in modern format. I would say 95% of the time, the strategy is: pick a soulbound summoner and a strong gladius card - wait for the first couple kills - obliterate opponent. I win most games like this, and 99% of the games I lose is because of this same strategy. So, I ask: how can ANYONE start playing this game for the first time AND enjoy it, unless they're willing to rent a ton of cards (which probably requires already some knowledge), or spend a few hundred/thousand dollars in building a deck with a fighting chance? And even so, they maintain a huge disadvantage to any older player that already has soulbound and gladius leveled cards.

I keep seeing proposals that basically beat around the bush, but I honestly can't think of a long term solution for a decent new player experience (and retention!) unless some of the hard questions are answered and taken care of... and that will probably mean a total revamp on how these card/abilities work. Because unless there's an even playing field, I can't see the game getting a decent influx of new players.

Am I seeing this wrong? Am I missing something? Do let me know your opinion... and good luck for the giveaway!

By the way, if you haven't joined a guild yet and you're a dedicated player, our guild Roaring Twenties is at level 10! If you're thinking about joining in, you can check the info on the guild page, or reach us on discord here to discuss membership!

So, and who won this week's card?

For this next giveaway, the card that will be switching hands is...

Rules:

No upvote, follow or resteem required. Just comment! Or even better, tag a fellow player! Winner will be randomly chosen at post payout; good luck everyone!

Still haven't joined Splinterlands? In what planet do you live in? Click the banner below and join the fun! (It has my referral link; you can go directly to the website if you don't want to use it; either way... join in! 😎 )