Welcome to the 2024 Axie Collector’s Guide! This guide is intended to serve as a starter pack for anyone looking to get into the glorious world of axie collecting. It should also be useful for seasoned veterans looking to expand their collection.
Right now, there are 12 million axies out there. Many of them share similar parts and appearances due to their popularity in our games. But how can one stand out from the crowd? That’s where collectible axies come in. They are a special type of axie valued for their unique looks, scarcity, and significant role in the Lunacia’s history. We’ll dive in and explore what makes them so special, and take a tour of the awesome sets we have so far. But first, here’s a primer on how collectibles work:
In an industry where day-to-day prices of collectibles can change a lot, you may want to have a trusty framework for collecting. This can help you stick to your guns in times of volatility, and make better decisions involving your collection. That’s what the Triple Threat framework is for.
The Triple Threat framework was developed by Axie Infinity co-founder Jeff “Jiho” Zirlin. It highlights three features of collectibles — Scarcity, Utility, and Aesthetics — and helps collectors use them to make better appraisals. While the framework is more of a rule of thumb than a trigonometry exam question, it has already helped many Axie collectors separate the signal from the noise.
Here’s how it works:
Scarcity: a measurement of quantity or availability
Scarcity is most often a measurement of a collectible’s total supply. For example, the axie in the image above is part of the Agamogenesis collection, which has a total supply of three. Yes, THREE! There are about 8 billion people in the world, but only three Agamogenesis axies. That gives this axie one of the highest scarcity scores in the Triple Threat framework. Scarcity exists not only at the top of various collections but also within each collection itself. For instance, one can find the rarer triple Mystic among the Mystic axies collection or the triple Shiny in the Summer axies collection.
It’s a good idea to consider the scarcity of an axie before adding it to your collection. Scarce collectibles tend to attract a lot of attention from collectors. The often fierce competition to acquire the collectible can drive up its price. Sometimes, external events can even induce scarcity in an otherwise abundant collectible. For example, the first axie to evolve a part may be more interesting to some collectors even if everything else about it is kind of plain.
Now, you may have noticed that Hauteclere has a funny-looking flip-flop on her back. That’s a perfect segway into the next input of the Triple Threat framework: Aesthetics.
Aesthetics: a measurement of beauty and artistic taste
Aesthetics is a measurement of a collectible’s appearance. Unlike Scarcity, this input can be subjective. For example, you might say that Axie #265 pictured above shows a more balanced visual composition than Hauteclere. The shell on its back complements the rest of its features rather than drawing attention away from them — unlike Hauteclere’s flip-flop!
People say that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, and collectors sometimes disagree on what makes up good aesthetics. However, it’s still worth thinking about how an axie looks before you buy it. Collectors will often assign a premium to collectibles that have interesting aesthetics. The reason is simple: they like how they look. Aesthetics can make a powerful statement.
Collectors can also transform their axie’s appearance by evolving its parts. More on that later!
You may have noticed that this axie has a much smaller ID number than Hauteclere: #265. That’s because it was the 265th axie ever born. This gives it an extra element of scarcity on top of its aesthetics. Two Triple Threat inputs in one? Not bad. Let’s move onto the last one: Utility.
Utility: a measurement of functionality and usefulness
Utility is a measurement of a collectible’s usefulness. Axies are more than NFTs — they battle each other in our card-battler games Origins and Classic. Every axie collectible has a set of cards that determine its performance on the battlefield. The axie pictured above has no significant scarcity, or any striking aesthetics to make it stand out. However, it comes with two Nutcracker cards. These cards can be deadly in the Origins arena when played within a Rage team! For that reason, collectors may want to acquire this axie.
On another note, in January 2024, we introduced NFT axies to our flagship land-based game Homeland. This was an important step towards integrating axies into infinite gaming experiences. We’re working on doing more of this. That means an axie’s utility can and will grow over time. Consider an axie’s utility today, and think about what it might do tomorrow.
Ronin Network is king of the gaming chains and Mystic Axies are the crown jewels of the ecosystem. These ultra-rare axies are the epitome of exclusivity, representing the pinnacle of collectibility in the Axie ecosystem.
Mystic axies trace their lineage back to the Origin axies, a limited collection of 4,088 axies released during a pre-sale event in 2018. What sets Mystic axies apart is their innate rarity—only about 30% of Origin axies possess at least one Mystic part. There are fewer than 1,400 of them in Lunacia. What’s more important is that these parts are forever limited in supply — Mystic parts can’t be inherited through breeding.
During the pre-sale event in 2018, these were the chances to roll Mystic axies:
Single Mystic: 25.04% chance (actual: 1141)
Double Mystic: 3.68% chance (actual: 213)
Triple Mystic: 0.28% chance (actual: 13)
Quad Mystic: 0.0127% chance (actual: 3)
Penta Mystic: 0.000299% chance or 1 in 333,453
Hexa Mystic: 1 in 34,012,224 chance
Mystic parts are more than rare—they’re visually stunning. These parts boast unique artwork that sets them apart from their normal counterparts, adding a dazzling visual element to your Axie collection. When someone scans your account, Mystic axies immediately catch the eye, showcasing your dedication to collecting the crème de la crème of the Axie world.
Not all Mystic parts are equal too. Some are rarer than others. Here’s a chart showcasing the supply count of Mystic parts:
Mystic axies also bestow unique benefits to their owners. Imagine owning a limited-edition Ferrari, and then adding custom, one-of-a-kind features that make it even more exclusive and desirable. These axies are not just rare collectibles; they are symbols of prestige and power in Lunacia. Here’s a list of perks that Mystic axie owners enjoy within the Axie ecosystem:
Access to the Mystic Mountain Discord channel
400 Fortune Slips per day from Atia’s Shrine
Guaranteed Radiant Spirit Shells upon ascension
Unique cosmetic variations for Parts Evolution
Access to a deeper axie progression
Unlimited Coco Consumption for AXP
When the Metamorph feature is released in Origins, collectible axies can morph their parts to change into specific cards without altering the parts’ appearance. Axies with higher collectible tier, such as Mystic, will be able to morph more parts.
Origins Rune & Charm Boxes
Tier 1 Collectible Chest for Collector’s Ticket rewards in Origins
3x Collectible Leaderboard Points multiplier in Origins
In addition, Mystic owners also get exclusive access to ecosystem rewards from Ronin Network partners who choose to do so. This includes private sales, airdrop programs, new features access, whitelist mints, and playtests. Mystic owners join the uppermost level of the Ronin Guild’s experimental membership system (powered by Guild.xyz) with the role of Ronin Mystic member.
Here are the recent airdrops and benefits given exclusively to Mystic owners since the launch of Ronin games and ecosystem partners:
Triple Threat Score: high scarcity, distinctive aesthetics, high utility (with more perks rolling out over time)
Once you have a Mystic Axie by your side, the adventures are just beginning! Set your Mystic Axie as your profile pic, and get ready to flex. It takes one to know one.
The Origin axies hold a special place in the Axie ecosystem as the very first axies ever released. Sold from February to April of 2018 with a limited supply of 4088, these axies symbolize Axie OG status. Origin axies are the cornerstone of the Axie movement, representing a significant piece of Lunacian history for their owners.
But this collection’s story doesn’t end there. Five years ago, a time before Ronin existed, we minted Axie Origin Coin (AOC) tokens on Ethereum. These AOC tokens held the power to give birth to new Origin axies. With 5 AOC tokens, you can bring a brand new Origin Axie to life. There were 1,375 unrolled AOC tokens left. On Jan 22nd this year, these tokens migrated to the Ronin Network. This migration marks a new chapter, allowing the birth of additional Origin axies with higher token ID numbers.
Holding Origin axies have the following benefits:
100 Fortune Slips per day from Atia’s Shrine
Chance to get Radiant Spirit Shells and special rewards (e.g. Mystic axies) from Garuda Shop via Fortune Slips
When the Metamorph feature is released in Origins, collectible axies can morph their parts to change into specific cards without altering the parts’ appearance. Axies with higher collectible tiers will be able to morph more parts.
Tier 2 Collectible Chest for Collector’s Ticket rewards in Origins
1.5x Collectible Leaderboard Points multiplier in Origins
Triple Threat Score: high scarcity, variable aesthetics, medium to high utility
While Mystic axies are technically Origin axies, they command a significantly higher floor price. As of today (June 2024), Mystic parts boast a floor price 10 times higher than normal Origin Axies! There are only 1,337 Mystic Axies compared to the 3,574 Origin Axies. It’s this lower supply that shows how rare and wanted Mystic Axies are in the ecosystem. Origin Axies, while more numerous, still offer much value and potential for strategic gameplay at an accessible price. Whether you seek the exclusivity of Mystic Axies or the versatility of Origin Axies, each offers unique advantages, opportunities and prestige. But there’s more collectibles on the line.
Xmas axies were born in the winters of 2018 and 2019 during special breeding events. Their exclusive parts are among the rarest in Lunacia. There only a few thousand of these axies, which cannot be created anymore.
32 Fortune Slips per day from Atia’s Shrine
Chance to get Radiant Spirit Shells and special rewards (e.g. Mystic axies) from Garuda Shop via Fortune Slips
When the Metamorph feature is released in Origins, collectible axies can morph their parts to change into specific cards without altering the parts’ appearance. Axies with higher collectible tiers will be able to morph more parts.
Tier 4 Collectible Chest for Collector’s Ticket rewards in Origins
.75x Collectible Leaderboard Points multiplier in Origins
Triple Threat Score: high scarcity, variable aesthetics, medium utility
Japanese axies were bred before Axie Infinity migrated to Ronin—meaning that all Japanese axies were bred on Ethereum! Their supply is capped—only 16,474 of them—and their unique Japanese-themed aesthetics stand out in the Arena.
Japanese axie holders enjoy the following utilities:
12 Fortune Slips per day from Atia’s Shrine
Chance to get Radiant Spirit Shells and special rewards (e.g. Mystic axies) from Garuda Shop via Fortune Slips
When the Metamorph feature is released in Origins, collectible axies can morph their parts to change into specific cards without altering the parts’ appearance. Axies with higher collectible tiers will be able to morph more parts.
Tier 6 Collectible Chest for Collector’s Ticket rewards in Origins
.75x Collectible Leaderboard Points multiplier in Origins
Triple Threat Score: medium scarcity, variable aesthetics, medium utility
Summer axies were born and bred during the summer of 2022, making them the most recent special collection. This collection features bright colors and beach-themed aesthetics. Their supply will remain fixed as their breeding window has passed, allowing their rarity to grow as a percentage of the overall Axie population.
There are also special Summer axie parts that are called Shiny. The Shiny version of these collection are much rarer than normal Summer parts.
For the Shiny Summer axies, holders get these benefits:
32 Fortune Slips per day from Atia’s Shrine
Chance to get Radiant Spirit Shells and special rewards (e.g. Mystic axies) from Garuda Shop via Fortune Slips
When the Metamorph feature is released in Origins, collectible axies can morph their parts to change into specific cards without altering the parts’ appearance. Axies with higher collectible tiers will be able to morph more parts.
Tier 5 Collectible Chest for Collector’s Ticket rewards in Origins
.75x Collectible Leaderboard Points multiplier in Origins
For normal Summer axies:
1 Fortune Slip per day from Atia’s Shrine
Chance to get Radiant Spirit Shells and special rewards (e.g. Mystic axies) from Garuda Shop via Fortune Slips
Chance to win Radiant Spirit Shell and special prizes in the Garuda Shrine Shop (e.g. Mystic axie)
When the Metamorph feature is released in Origins, collectible axies can morph their parts to change into specific cards without altering the parts’ appearance. Axies with higher collectible tiers will be able to morph more parts.
Tier 7 Collectible Chest for Collector’s Ticket rewards in Origins
Triple Threat Score: low scarcity, variable aesthetics, low to medium utility
Getting a rare and unique axie to call your own is one of the most rewarding goals in Axie Infinity. Let this guide serve as a valuable resource for you, whether you’re just starting out or already a seasoned collector. Since last year, we’ve shipped out updates to make collecting more fun and rewarding. AXP, Part Evolution, Fortune Slips, Bounty Board, Collectible Chests rewards—there’s no better time than now to jump in and start your collection. We’re also working on exciting new additions to collectible axies! Join the lively community of Axie collectors today!
