ScarQuest, a play-and-earn strategy game, has entered its open beta phase, now accessible on Steam and mobile platforms. Players can participate in raids, defend their bases, and earn various rewards. The game’s roadmap indicates that features such as land importing and exporting will be available soon, along with other Web3 functionalities like token and NFT trading on the game’s marketplace.
In the open beta, players can start by downloading the game on either PC via Steam or mobile devices through the Play Store or App Store. They have the option to play with a guest account or connect their X profile, which allows progress to be saved across different platforms. This feature facilitates seamless gameplay transition from mobile to PC and vice versa.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
The core gameplay involves building and defending a base while raiding others. During raids, players deploy upgradable troops from one side of the enemy’s base, with heroes automatically advancing to fight enemy units and defenses. The goal is to destroy the final structure within a time limit. Troops are deployed by spending energy, which recharges over time. Each unit has unique strengths and weaknesses, making it crucial to create a balanced deck to tackle various sci-fi fortresses and armies.
Successful raids reward players with in-game loot from the raided bases. To defend against such attacks, players must fortify their bases using different units and fortifications across three combat tiles. These tiles can be swapped to alter the terrain strategically. The game also offers automated defense setups and a field test option to evaluate the base’s defensive capabilities. If a player is online during a raid on their base, they can join the match to reinforce their defenses using various skills to hinder the attackers.
Progression and Rewards
As players engage in raids and base defense, they complete tasks to earn rewards and advance through the ranks. These rewards include supply boxes containing new cards and the in-game token $VEL. This token is used for listing NFTs on the game’s marketplace, purchasing items in the game store, and unlocking new buildings. Although $VEL tokens and NFTs can be earned, the ability to import and export these assets will be introduced later in the open beta. Once available, players will be able to trade on the official NFT marketplace using both the on-chain $SCAR token and the in-game $VEL currency.
Roadmap and Future Features
The developers have outlined a two-part roadmap for the beta phase to provide the community with an overview of upcoming features. The first part focuses on enhancing the early-game user experience, optimizing server load, and refining in-app purchase functionality based on player feedback. Additionally, three new features will be introduced: Hero Skill Reforging, land import/export, and limited-time arenas. Hero Skill Reforging will allow players to strengthen their heroes using resources, while land import/export will enable landholders to integrate their plots into the game, earning in-game resources from players mining on their land. Limited-time arenas will offer competitive events where players can win prizes using entry tickets.
The second part of the roadmap aims to expand the in-game economy and make it more accessible to Web2 gamers. New heroes will be added to the game, and players will gain the ability to purchase NFTs and $SCAR directly through an upcoming in-game exchange. Additionally, a land rental feature will be introduced, allowing landholders to earn passive income by leasing their plots to other players who wish to advance more quickly.
Conclusion
ScarQuest’s open beta launch marks a significant step in the evolution of play-and-earn gaming, integrating Web3 features and offering a comprehensive gaming experience. With a detailed roadmap and exciting new functionalities on the horizon, the game is set to attract both Web2 and Web3 gamers, fostering a vibrant and dynamic community. The developers’ commitment to improving gameplay and expanding the game’s economy suggests that ScarQuest will continue to evolve, providing players with new opportunities to engage and succeed in the game.