![Engagement.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/23u69FcvcG5LfcjmTkCT6pGVGUziZL4xi3FRkHBL6smmwc3DPWjqA5nKnPat3vhptVLAE.png)

# <div class=phishy>Introduction</div>

Today, we’re diving into one of the most exciting parts of Splinterlands—deck building! If you’ve been following my journey, you might have noticed that I just spent some DEC to expand my deck [Why I just can't hold my DEC](https://peakd.com/hive-13323/@beaker007/why-i-just-cant-hold-my-dec). 
But how did I decide what to buy?

There are so many **summoners and units (monsters)** available, and let’s be honest—not all of us can afford to own them all. So where do you even start?

Let’s break it down step by step.

https://images.hive.blog/0x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/23wM4MRD5JGWraj7ftc8HBzQSBZSs3PH9V4oU9q8VWFm9Xo92Vk2fZTcfN1LE1FBofrc3.png

# <div class=phishy>Step 1: Modern or Wild?</div>

https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/EoyM8kTRpYhgM14wnyqfw2hdYpeseAXC3N4xqtd1gC4iWBDprCZKAD8VJp79x4vBbvU.png

First things first—you need to decide which format you want to play:

* Modern: Limited to the two latest editions. Right now, that’s Chaos Legion, Riftwatchers, and Rebellion. (FYI, Chaos Legion has a subset called the Soulbound Reward cards, while Rebellion does not.)
* Wild: Every card in the game is playable.
If you’re playing Wild, you can buy any card you want. But if you’re playing Modern, you need to focus on the eligible sets.

Important note: Modern cards also count in Wild, so you can technically play Wild even if you only own Modern cards. But there is a 2K DEC cost in playing wild!

https://images.hive.blog/0x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/23wM4MRD5JGWraj7ftc8HBzQSBZSs3PH9V4oU9q8VWFm9Xo92Vk2fZTcfN1LE1FBofrc3.png

# <div class=phishy>Step 2: What League Are You Playing?</div>
Next, consider which league you’re playing or aiming for:


![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/Eo45HgFEHjVDBNE8NPGsDdA6NknYzqawGUaMo4YDfFvGo4yUksYPoJHvUdRXxvMGFk7.png)


* Bronze → Diamond/Champion
The higher the league, the higher level cards you’ll need.

If you’re aiming for Gold league, for example, you’ll need summoners and monsters at level 5-6 for rares and level 3-4 for legendaries. Its not forced by splinterlands with league caps anymore (this was in the past) so this reference as guideline.

https://images.hive.blog/0x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/23wM4MRD5JGWraj7ftc8HBzQSBZSs3PH9V4oU9q8VWFm9Xo92Vk2fZTcfN1LE1FBofrc3.png

# <div class=phishy>Step 3: Check Your Summoner Levels</div>
Before buying monsters, look at your summoners. Are they strong enough for the league you want to play?


![Filter on summoners and in this case on rebellion](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/23tGyGiTefCCCFVomLdDJqBh11DadBvRBoxxwRcQDGGrS3jtTuX59Ti9NwDoSSkwDW1cq.png)


If not, upgrade your summoners first before spending DEC on monsters that you can’t even use at their full power.

In the image below you see the current complete set value of chaos legion.
https://images.hive.blog/0x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/23wM4MRD5JGWraj7ftc8HBzQSBZSs3PH9V4oU9q8VWFm9Xo92Vk2fZTcfN1LE1FBofrc3.png

# <div class=phishy>Step 4: Finding the Right Cards</div>
Now comes the hard part—choosing what to buy.

![srouce: https://www.splintercards.com/tool-set-value.html](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/23t7DBgzqCjeGjTyPpmkWocj6BWpFEM5fYg3X8vgQg2yfxKXuaPFJ4i9j3SU5hKYNgL6Y.png)



## <div class=phishy>Start with Chaos Legion</div>
If you’re a Modern player, Chaos Legion cards are usually the cheapest and easiest to get. But also be aware that they will rotate out next set release (Conclave Arcana) expected pre-sale in April.

## <div class=phishy>Analyze Your Weaknesses</div>
Look at your battle history—where do you lose the most?

I like tracking my best summoners and monsters so I can buy cards that synergize well or fill in my weak spots.
My most played summoners:

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/23tbHAEZM7mKkiqpBjuTQr5SG9tKLaZeW9QnN6Kh1XVU8ZE7iga7ZKaHdW3vbXamnoFjh.png)
My most played units:

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/23tv3umFjFi77NSJhwFNqWmbT9fK1ZGt8Norfmgq4djBVDqGNBUEn2dMV4eTyRhn7ekqp.png)


You can also check out @bravetofu ranking for card performance [splinterguide.com](https://splinterguide.com/list/monsters), but keep in mind that it’s algorithm-based, so always think for yourself—does this card fit my strategy?

![Top 10 of each rarity](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/23t8B1xtsBfjSSF9fGNpB8nwKrLUkT3dcyKAVvpD6fVFmB8v2TeCwcFiCtaAZnSw6jzEC.png)


![Sorted on diamond list](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/Eo8Z7FNBmgaQTmSWpvLW1ByJZo3fD2yNUKaWxcnXkab4UyXjvN3idBCndp5NKyDemGK.png)

@bravetofu, a small request can you make a dark theme 🤣, or point me where it is.

https://images.hive.blog/0x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/23wM4MRD5JGWraj7ftc8HBzQSBZSs3PH9V4oU9q8VWFm9Xo92Vk2fZTcfN1LE1FBofrc3.png

# <div class=phishy>Step 5: Buying the Cards</div>
Once you know what you want, how do you buy it?

## <div class=phishy>Buy Now or Place a Bid?</div>
You have two options:

1. Place a bid (wait for a lower price but risk not getting it).
2. Buy instantly (faster but possibly more expensive).

On PeakMonsters and Splex.gg, you can place a bid for the amount you're willing to pay:

* [Peakmonsters Market](https://peakmonsters.com/market)

![Make a Bid](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/23tRtDQVVNgbkdWSeBZmj8NCKpVeztAdHrhKG81bBXSfioTt89w4kwfTFCg37SakAZkJW.png)

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/23tGVdUJWxVjMm9X9ARMANfGTNiEGx9PDE3Qke9Yj3moJkqcLToqNztaZQJ8dKx6iYCnq.png)


* [Splex.gg Market](https://splex.gg/market)

![Splex Market](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/23tbM6izJtwjHMgbfCiu8aDQmSfFHeTaRQ4UdXezur9w264RBCYRVEzDyVmdR1KCAnCfS.png)

![Make a bid](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/Enyp3rkwr4Kpe9GNHWvZwPY7tJds5daM11ybPkLJdMnVvZdJRnPiYC2JcDVLHHY165i.png)


I’m not the most patient when it comes to buying cards, so I usually just buy instantly—often from https://monstermarket.io/

## <div class=phishy>Where to Buy?</div>
Here are some great marketplaces for Splinterlands cards:

* https://peakmonsters.com/market
* https://splex.gg/market
* https://splinterlands.aqualis.io/
* https://monstermarket.io/
* https://next.splinterlands.com/market/card-sales
* (And probably others I forgot—sorry!)

https://images.hive.blog/0x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/beaker007/23wM4MRD5JGWraj7ftc8HBzQSBZSs3PH9V4oU9q8VWFm9Xo92Vk2fZTcfN1LE1FBofrc3.png

# <div class=phishy>Closing Thoughts</div>
And there you have it—you’re now the proud owner of some new Splinterlands cards!

⚠️ Warning: This process is highly addictive—once you start, it’s hard to stop! 🤑 

![My Precious](https://media.tenor.com/fjfuuESJkCEAAAAC/my-precious.gif)


I hope this guide helps you scavenge the market and make smart buying decisions. If you have any extra tips, drop them in the comments! 🚀

<hr>


https://d36mxiodymuqjm.cloudfront.net/website/splinterlands_logo.png 

Do you also want to be part of this amazing play to earn game consider using my [referral](https://splinterlands.com?ref=beaker007) link.