The Axie Marketplace is the official platform for trading Axies, the NFT-based creatures central to play to earn pioneer, Axie Infinity. Axie Infinity offers a unique blend of experiences, allowing players to collect, breed, battle, and trade Axies. Each Axie is a unique digital asset stored on the blockchain, making them collectible items with varying rarities and traits. The Axie marketplace is where Lunacians can manage their assets such as trading Axies, land, breeding, staking, and many more. For this guide, we will simply show you how to purchase your first Axie. 

Step 1: Setting Up Your Ronin Wallet

To dive into the Axie ecosystem, the first step is securing a Ronin Wallet, tailored specifically for Axie Infinity transactions. Available as a browser extension and on mobile devices (Android and iOS), the Ronin Wallet is your gateway to engaging with the marketplace. Upon downloading, create a new wallet and safeguard your seed phrase meticulously.

Step 2: Creating Your Marketplace Account

Navigate to the Axie Marketplace and opt to sign up with an email and password, or link your Ronin Wallet directly for seamless transactions. Utilizing the Ronin Wallet login will prompt a sign-in message.

Step 3: Funding Your Ronin Wallet

Acquiring Ethereum (ETH) is a crucial step, as it's the primary currency for transactions within the marketplace. Purchase ETH from a cryptocurrency exchange and transfer it to your Ronin Wallet via the Ronin Bridge, mindful of the gas fees associated with bridging from the Ethereum Network to the Ronin Network.

Alternatively, purchasing $RON on a Centralized Exchange (CEX) and withdrawing directly to the Ronin Network can mitigate bridge fees. Utilize the Ronin Wallet's swap feature to convert $RON into ETH, or opt for Ramp to fund your wallet using credit/debit cards. Assets in the marketplace, typically listed in ETH prices, will appear as WETH (Wrapped Ether) in your wallet. Recent updates allow for the use of other Ronin assets (SLP, USDC, AXS, RON) for purchasing Axies, streamlining the process with simultaneous asset swapping.

Step 4: Navigating the Marketplace

With your wallet prepared, the Axie Marketplace awaits your exploration. Leverage search and filter tools to discover Axies that align with your strategic or collection goals, whether you're in pursuit of competitive tournament contenders or rare Mystic and Origin Axies. You can also filter Axies with the lowest and highest prices listed. 

Step 5: Selecting and Purchasing Your Axie

After navigating the diverse selection in the Axie Marketplace and identifying an Axie that captures your interest, delve into its specifics by clicking on its profile. Here, you're presented with an opportunity to make it your own. To initiate the purchase, simply hit the "Buy Now" button. You have several options on which asset to use to purchase the desired Axie (WETH, SLP, USDC, AXS, RON). This action triggers a prompt in your Ronin Wallet, asking for confirmation to complete the transaction and secure your new Axie. 

For those looking to potentially secure an Axie at a different price point, the marketplace also offers an "Offer" feature. This alternative allows you to propose a purchase price for the Axie of your choice. Your offer is sent to the current owner, and the transaction is only finalized if they accept your proposed amount.

Step 6: Manage Your New Axie

After the purchase, your new Axie will be accessible in your inventory on the Axie Infinity platform. From here, you can manage your Axies, prepare them for play to earn battles, or breed new ones.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, prospective players can confidently enter the vibrant world of Axie Infinity and acquire their desired digital creatures. Remember to conduct thorough research, stay informed about market trends, and exercise caution when making transactions. With dedication and strategic decision-making, players can build a formidable team of Axies and embark on exciting adventures within the Axie Infinity universe. So, dive into the marketplace, explore the possibilities, and let the quest for Axies begin!