Is Frontier really the "Newbie Paradise" in Splinterlands?

Hi, Wizards! ⚔️

There’s something I often hear when I read “Hive” articles or when the team itself mentions it: they say that the “Frontier” format is the best way for new players to get started in Splinterlands, since we’re all required to use just one SET of cards—“Foundations”— But if this is really true and you’ve tried to climb the ranks in this game mode designed specifically for newcomers, you’ll realize that it’s actually more complicated than it seems.

This has led me to wonder and analyze what the real challenge might be for new players—or even the most experienced ones—when playing "Frontier." So, even though I haven't posted in a while due to personal reasons, I'm back to bring you the most detailed analysis possible on this topic, since I don't see anyone else discussing it. So, if we're ready, "warriors," let's dive right in.

Something that’s very common when playing in the “Frontier Format” is that, since we all play with a single SET of cards, we tend to face what are called “Mirror Matches” practically every day. All this means is that both players on the board use exactly the same cards—and often even in the same positions. However, what really sets one player’s gameplay apart from another’s—and affects the game’s difficulty—is that if one of these cards has even a single point higher in speed, health, or any other stat than the opponent’s, this alone largely determines the outcome of the battle..

Of course, this isn't the only factor; the above has a lot to do with the cards' level, since the higher the level, the better their stats and abilities might be, but an important factor that really determines the outcome of battles is placing units in the right positions, and this depends on the following:

Positioning is almost as important as the "Level" of the Cards

• Abilities: One very important thing to keep in mind when placing a card on the field is to use its abilities correctly. For example, if you have a card with the "Reach" ability on the field and you don't play it in the 2nd position, you're essentially wasting it, since its ability won't trigger. That’s why reading and understanding the effects of these abilities can determine whether you win or lose.

• Leveling Up Your Cards: One mistake I’ve made myself is not leveling up my cards; I don’t know, I like seeing the numbers on the cards, but this has cost me a lot of battles, since I can’t unlock abilities that could help me win. So, just as important as abilities is knowing that you have to level up your cards to become more competitive.

The Barriers to Collecting and Mastering New Mechanics

Many players make the mistake of sticking only to "Campaign" cards; in fact, that happened to me. However, you eventually realize that the “Foundations” deck is much more comprehensive than you might imagine, and to be competitive—and to avoid getting stuck in a rut and suffering an endless losing streak—you need to complete the Foundations deck, since any weaknesses you might have with those starting cards in other modes, you probably make up for them with “Rebellion” or “Arcane Conclave” cards, but in Frontier that doesn’t happen, so you absolutely must complete it.

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The New Mechanics

Knowing your cards’ stats is great, but it’s far from the best way to win. Since this is a strategy game that combines abilities and effects with modifiers—which are also based on the game’s existing abilities—you need to learn all these new mechanics, especially those most commonly used in game modes like “Modern,” where you’ll encounter cards with “Relentless Strike” or powerful cards that incorporate lineages and their abilities—something that completely changes how the game works.

While this can be difficult to master at first, you should keep in mind that many players have already mastered it, which is why you're on a losing streak; you need to learn and adapt to the new situation.

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Veterans on the rookies' field

This isn't anything new in a game; in fact, in Splinterlands, it's very common to see players who have already mastered the gameplay at a professional level playing in the "Frontier Format" to earn in-game rewards. This means that every day, beginners can face off against these players who know everything and have spent years analyzing battles, knowing their decks by heart, and knowing exactly which cards to use in battle.

However, that doesn't mean it's impossible to beat them—the trick is to look at their last 5 battles to see what they play most often and act accordingly. But, as I mentioned earlier, we need to learn not only the modifiers but also our cards' abilities.

Many would say that a lack of cards can lead to lost battles, but the reality is that it’s the least important factor—because even if you have a limited deck, if you have the right knowledge, you can make a difference on the battlefield. Of course, I’m not saying you shouldn’t complete your deck; in fact, you should. however, it’s not like you need them all at once—you can still win plenty of battles and climb the leagues.

So keep all of this in mind the next time you ask yourself why you lose so much in "Frontier Mode."