# Learn to Play

As a **Summoner**, you stand on the brink of glory. The battlefields of Splinterlands are not conquered with fast reflexes, but with a keen mind and an unyielding will. This is an auto-battler experience where every choice - from the **Archon** you choose to the **units** you field, is a strategic move that determines your fate.

Fear not, for the path to mastery is well-lit. Below you'll find the knowledge and tools of a seasoned veteran, from your first steps to the secrets of the most powerful champions.

## [The Campaign](https://splinterlands.com/campaign): Your Initiation

Every legend begins with a single step. **The Campaign** is your initiation, an official tutorial designed to teach you the fundamentals of combat and strategy. It's here that you will learn the core lessons of Praetoria.

**To begin your journey:**

* Click or hover over the **Play** icon in the top menu bar.
* Select **Campaign** from the menu or click the word **Campaign** from the dropdown.

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In the Campaign, you'll experience interactive challenges that teach you:

* How to build your team by selecting your **Archon**, the elemental master that leads your army, and a powerful lineup of **units**.
* How the battle's **Mana Cap**, **Elements**, and **Battle Rules** shape the conflict.
* The unique strengths of each card and how their **abilities** can turn the tide of war.

Complete your Campaign, and you will be ready to begin your true adventure.

## The Codex of Knowledge: In-Game Help & Guides

The world of Splinterlands is vast and filled with intricate mechanics. To succeed, you must master them. The **Academy Panel**, easily found by the book icon in the top right corner of the site, is your personal library of knowledge. Within its pages, you can seek wisdom on everything from elemental affinities to powerful card abilities and dynamic Battle Rules. This is your first stop when a question arises on the battlefield.

<figure><img src="https://1865200006-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MTqLt1UcMaV6ezLJUdy%2Fuploads%2FvmP9yUB7JJ7XEzJnJ9MB%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4c457f0a-b508-4b28-9e66-88590533a532" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Sacred Scrolls: The Wisdom of the Elders

Some knowledge is best learned from those who have come before. These official scrolls offer powerful insights for Summoners of all levels::

* [Battling In Splinterlands – Splinterlands](https://support.splinterlands.com/hc/en-us/articles/13364584250516-Battling-In-Splinterlands)
* [New Player Guide: Gameplay – Splinterlands](https://support.splinterlands.com/hc/en-us/articles/11780878408852-New-Player-Guide-Gameplay)
* [Getting Started – Splinterlands](https://support.splinterlands.com/hc/en-us/categories/13363848902548-Getting-Started)
* [Gameplay & Rewards – Splinterlands](https://support.splinterlands.com/hc/en-us/categories/6237452583572-Gameplay-Rewards)

If your questions are still unanswered, our [Support team](https://support.splinterlands.com/hc/en-us/articles/12135245825428-How-Do-I-Request-Clarification-About-a-Battle-from-Tech-Support) is always ready to lend a helping hand.

## Forge Your Skills: Practice & Challenge Battles

Sharpen your skills in a **safe training ground**, or test your mettle against worthy rivals in head-to-head duels.

**Practice Battles**: Enter the **Practice Arena** for unranked battles. There is no pressure, no trophies to lose. Only pure strategy.

* **Perfect for:** Testing new cards, experimenting with team ideas, and exploring how different Battle Rules change your tactics.

<figure><img src="https://1865200006-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MTqLt1UcMaV6ezLJUdy%2Fuploads%2Fjul6GZJ4RWkbka9Ro2du%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b60ab7fb-c1bd-433e-9fe1-aa5862b506fb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Player Challenges**: To face a friend or rival directly, click the **Challenge** button from the battle landing page.

<figure><img src="https://1865200006-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MTqLt1UcMaV6ezLJUdy%2Fuploads%2FMcyUI5QlScsDZU9XQkgP%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=414e4d42-54f9-4ae9-b221-210cbc9503a5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Standard Challenges**: Type in your opponent’s username and choose the battle’s limits. These duels are for pride, not for your rating.

<figure><img src="https://1865200006-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MTqLt1UcMaV6ezLJUdy%2Fuploads%2FvW6eIysXyhBU9oXEC7GL%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b6989119-3bcf-4894-b0e1-d787e225328d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Custom Challenges**: For a small fee of 10 DEC/Credits, you can craft the perfect showdown. You can set the exact Mana Cap, active Elements, and specific Battle Rules to create the ultimate test of skill.

<figure><img src="https://1865200006-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MTqLt1UcMaV6ezLJUdy%2Fuploads%2FQfGyjzzvbzpvdIjTfgBs%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=008399b3-b5a8-436c-b714-67af0908134c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Learn From the Legends: Replays & Leaderboards

To become a champion, you must study the champions. The history of every season is a library of invaluable lessons.

* **Watch Top Battles**: Go to the [**Season Activity**](https://splinterlands.com/season-activity/modern/match-history) and click [**Top Battles**](https://splinterlands.com/season-activity/modern/top-battles). Here, you can review the high-level games of the current and past season, filtering by **Frontier, Modern, Wild, or Survival** formats. Observe the strategies that lead to victory at the pinnacle of competition.

<figure><img src="https://1865200006-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MTqLt1UcMaV6ezLJUdy%2Fuploads%2FxmcBBCBIn1Wp0J93HAMv%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d1c17a0d-efb3-495c-ad1e-efb3f477a76d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Explore the Leaderboards**: The [**Leaderboard**](https://splinterlands.com/season-activity/modern/leaderboard) is where you can find the names of those who have risen to the top. Click on any player to view their stats and watch replays of their most recent matches. Use the search bar to find any warrior's battle history and learn from their triumphs and defeats.

<figure><img src="https://1865200006-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MTqLt1UcMaV6ezLJUdy%2Fuploads%2F1CI4gx970k0lDGrxj4iM%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2a902efa-01ca-48ce-9bd3-21f5f98ba388" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Join the Circle of Summoners: Official Discord

Every hero needs allies. Join the [**official Splinterlands Discord**](https://discord.gg/splinterlands) fellow players, ask questions, and discover the secrets of the most seasoned minds in the realm. This is where the community of Praetoria truly thrives.

* Connect with community veterans and helpful moderators.
* Get personalized deck-building tips and match reviews.
* Catch exclusive sneak peeks at upcoming events and updates.
* The Town Hall