The competitive Axie Infinity scene is buzzing with excitement as the Season 8 postseason concludes, crowning Nagipex from Japan as the Season 8 champion. With the torch now passed, Lunacians gear up for the Origins Season 9 Preseason, commencing today. Let's delve into the latest updates, new axies, and thrilling competitions awaiting players in this prelude to Season 9.

Season 9 Preseason

What is Axie Infinity Origins?

Axie Infinity Origins is a card-based strategy game where players collect, own, and use an infinite variety of creatures called Axies to battle. Players can take down evil Chimeras in the Adventure mode or challenge other players in the Arena to reach the top of the Leaderboard.

The web3 game is free to download and play on Android, PC, and MacOS devices. Three free non-NFT starter axies are available for everyone to utilize, enjoy, and get more acquainted with the game, with more available to be unlocked by playing the game. Starter axies are available to allow new players the opportunity to play Axie Infinity without first having to purchase axies. This allows users to test the product with absolutely no strings attached. 

Origins is part of the iconic and much loved non-fungible token (NFT) based online video game and IP Axie Infinity, developed by Vietnamese studio Sky Mavis and built on the Ronin Network. Known for its in-game economy which uses Ethereum-based cryptocurrencies. Players of Axie Infinity collect and mint NFTs which represent axolotl-inspired digital pets known as Axies. 

Season 9: Balancing Updates and Era-Based Testing

The Season 9 preseason introduces a slew of balancing updates aimed at refining gameplay and enhancing competitive fairness. This update focuses on level 2 parts and reworks most cards, with a specific emphasis on providing more utility for evolved axie parts. Furthermore, Runes and Charms have undergone refinement to ensure a balanced competitive environment.

Players can dive into the preseason action by experimenting with the new Runes and Charms through a series of unlocks scheduled over the testing period. This allows players to familiarize themselves with the changes before Season 9 officially begins. The preseason culminates with the Preseason Cup, offering players a chance to compete for AXS rewards while fine-tuning their strategies for the upcoming season.

Here's the R/C unlock schedule for the preseason:

• 29 May: Unlock Rare S8.5 Box
• 1 Jun: Unlock Epic S8.5 Box
• 5 Jun: Unlock Mystic S8.5 Box

Season 9 Test Kit

Season 9 Preseason Collectible Leaderboard

The Preseason Collectible Leaderboard kicks off alongside the preseason festivities, offering players the opportunity to showcase their collections and compete for AXS rewards. Collectible axies serve as entry tickets to this exclusive club, with players earning points for every win with stamina. The higher the rank and rarity of the axies in a player's collection, the more points they accrue.

To participate in the Collectible Leaderboard, players must be in the Boar rank or higher. Points are awarded based on rank and axie rarity, with multipliers applied to Mystic, Origin, and other collectible axie types. It's a chance for collectors to shine while engaging in thrilling battles.

Note: You must be in the Boar rank or higher to start earning points.

Season 9 Pre-Season Collectible Leaderboard

Rank Based Points

• Boar : 1
• Wolf : 2
• Bear : 4
• Tiger : 8
• Dragon : 16
• Challenger : 32

Collectible Axie Point Multiplier

• Mystic: 3x
• Origin: 1.5x
• MEO/Japanese/Xmas/Shiny: 0.75x

Example: A Challenger Ranked player has 1 Mystic, 1 Origin, and 1 Xmas Axie in their team

• Challenger Rank = 32 Points
• Collection Bonus = 1 + 3 + 1.5 + 0.75 = 6.25Base = 1Mystic = 3Origin = 1.5Xmas = 0.75
• Base = 1
• Mystic = 3
• Origin = 1.5
• Xmas = 0.75
• Total Points = 32 x 6.25 = 200

Bard and Machito: Available in the Shop Now

Joining the ranks of Starter Axies are Bard and Machito, ready to make their mark on the arena with their unique abilities. Players can acquire these new axies from the Origins Shop for 1,000 gems each. Whether swarming enemies with Bard's fan club or distracting them with Machito's groovy maraca beats, these new additions promise to add depth to gameplay strategies.

Starter Axie Bard

Starter Axie Machito

SLP Rewards Balancing

In line with ongoing efforts to maintain a balanced economy, SLP rewards undergo balancing adjustments. These changes, coupled with supply cap adjustments and the SLP Buyback Fund, aim to stabilize the SLP economy. Adjustments to SLP earnings during the offseason and regular season ensure a fair distribution of rewards across different ranks.

The following adjustments to SLP earnings in Origins are now live:

During the Offseason

• Boar : 0 SLP
• Wolf : 2 SLP
• Bear: 3 SLP
• Tiger: 5 SLP
• Dragon: 7 SLP
• Challenger: 10 SLP

During the Regular Season

• Boar : 0 SLP
• Wolf : 4 SLP
• Bear: 6 SLP
• Tiger: 10 SLP
• Dragon: 15 SLP
• Challenger: 20 SLP

QoL Improvements & Bug Fixes

Alongside gameplay updates, quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes enhance the overall player experience. New border styles for Level 1 and Level 2 cards add visual flair, while bug fixes address various gameplay issues, ensuring smoother gameplay for all participants.

Improvements and Bug Fixes 

Final Thoughts

As Lunacians embark on the Origins Season 9 Preseason journey, the development team eagerly awaits player feedback on the changes introduced. With the regular season looming on the horizon, players are encouraged to make the most of the preseason offerings, from free Runes and Charms test kits to the acquisition of new Starter Axies.

Whether climbing the ranks or competing in the Collectible Leaderboard, players are invited to test their skills and strategies in the arena. Stay tuned for more updates as the Origins Season 9 Preseason unfolds, and may the best Axie warriors prevail in the battles to come. See you in the arena!