Splinterlands is a collectible card game built on the Hive blockchain. In the game, players collect, trade, and battle with unique digital cards featuring various fantasy creatures and characters. Each card is represented as a non-fungible token (NFT), which means that it is a unique digital asset that cannot be replicated or exchanged for an identical item. Players can earn in-game rewards and cryptocurrency through gameplay and by trading their cards on the open market. The game also uses a decentralized system of blockchain technology, which allows for transparent, secure and fast transactions.

There are several ways to obtain more cards in Splinterlands:

Purchasing cards: Players can purchase cards directly from other players on the open market using the in-game currency or cryptocurrency.

Earning cards: Players can earn cards by participating in in-game tournaments and events, or by completing certain in-game quests.

Card packs: Players can purchase card packs that contain a random selection of cards. The packs can be bought with in-game currency or cryptocurrency.

Summoner's spellbook: Each player has a Summoner's spellbook where they can earn cards by winning battles and completing quests. Players can upgrade their spellbook to unlock more powerful cards.

Card fusion: Players can use multiple cards to fuse them into one new card. The new card will have abilities and levels that are an average of the fused cards.

Seasonal quest: Players can take part in the seasonal quest and earn cards by completing the quest objectives.

It's worth noting that some of the cards are more rare than others, and therefore, more valuable. Some cards are also considered more powerful than others, and players may need to use specific strategies to obtain them.

In Splinterlands, players can buy cards using a variety of mechanisms. One of the main ways to buy cards is through the in-game marketplace. The marketplace allows players to buy and sell cards with other players using the in-game currency, called DEC (Dark Energy Crystals), or cryptocurrency like HIVE.

Another way to buy cards is through card packs. Card packs can be purchased with in-game currency or cryptocurrency and contain a random selection of cards. The packs can be bought in different types and rarity levels, which can contain different cards.

Another mechanism is through the "Summoner's spellbook" which players can earn cards by winning battles and completing quests. Players can upgrade their spellbook to unlock more powerful cards.

Lastly, players can also buy cards through the "card fusion" mechanism, where players can use multiple cards to fuse them into one new card. The new card will have abilities and levels that are an average of the fused cards.

It's worth noting that the prices of cards can fluctuate depending on the demand and rarity of the card. Some cards are considered more powerful or valuable than others, and as such, they may be more expensive to buy.

In Splinterlands, the "renting mechanism" allows players to temporarily use a card that they don't own. This can be useful for players who are looking to test out a new strategy or try out a specific card before committing to purchasing it.

To rent a card, a player would need to find another player who is willing to lend out their card for a specific period of time. The lender will set the rental fee, which is usually paid in the in-game currency or cryptocurrency.

Once the rental period is over, the player will need to return the card to the lender and cannot use the card in the future.

It's worth noting that the rental fee and period of time may vary depending on the rarity and value of the card, and the lender's discretion. Renting cards can be an effective way for players to test out new strategies or try out different cards before committing to purchasing them.

When considering whether to rent or buy a card in Splinterlands, there are a few things to consider:

Frequency of use: If you plan to use a card frequently in the future, buying it may be a better option as it will give you more flexibility to use the card in any battles you want, as many times as you want.

Budget: Renting a card can be a cost-effective way to experiment with different cards without having to spend a lot of money on buying them. However, if you have the budget to buy a card, it may be a better investment in the long run.

Collection value: If you are looking to build a collection of valuable cards, buying cards can be a good option as it will allow you to own the card and potentially sell it later on for a profit if the card's value increases.

Risk tolerance: Renting a card can be a good way to try out a card before you decide to buy it, it reduces the risk of buying a card that you may not like or that may not fit your strategy.

Temporary use: If you only need a card for a specific event, quest or tournament, renting a card for the duration of the event can be a more cost-effective option than buying it.

Time-period: consider the duration of the rental period and how long you will need the card for, if the rental period is shorter than the time you need the card, buying the card is the best option.

Ultimately, the decision between renting or buying a card will depend on the individual player's goals, budget, and playstyle. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

In summary, renting or buying a card in the game Splinterlands depends on the individual player's goals, budget, and playstyle.

Buying a card can be a good option for players who plan to use the card frequently in the future, or for those who are looking to build a collection of valuable cards. When you buy a card, you own it and can use it in any battles you want, as many times as you want, and you can also sell it later on for a profit if the card's value increases.

Renting a card, on the other hand, can be a good option for players who are looking to test out a new strategy or try out a specific card before committing to purchasing it. Renting a card can be a cost-effective way to experiment with different cards without having to spend a lot of money on buying them. Additionally, renting a card can also be a good way to try out a card before you decide to buy it.

Ultimately, the decision between renting or buying a card will depend on the individual player's goals and budget, how frequently the card is used, the collection value, the risk tolerance and the time-period. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.