FAM Newsletter #27 10/14/2024 - Wicford

Greetings, FAM members and Web3 Community!

Welcome to this week's edition of the FAM newsletter! This week, we feature an insightful interview with Wicford, where he shares his fascinating Web3 journey and what he’s learned along the way. Additionally, we dive into part 1 of our Off The Grid strategy series, taking a closer look at how cyberlimbs and guns function in the game and how to use them effectively. As always, stay tuned for the latest updates in the FAM Guild Activities section, and if you haven’t already, join us in FAM’s Discord to stay connected with the community! Prepare for a week filled with strategies, stories, and exciting updates!

Ready to Dive into Illuvium?
If you're new to Illuvium and eager to start your adventure, we'd love to help! Use this referral link to get started: https://illuvium.io/open-beta?alliance=MRS369FAMTV and experience the excitement of this groundbreaking Web3 game. See you in the Overworld!

Let’s Talk Off The Grid: Beginners Guide Part 1 - Understanding Cyberlimbs and Guns

Off The Grid (OTG) is a free-to-play multiplayer shooter that brings a fresh twist to the battle royale genre by blending extraction mechanics and strategic cyberpunk customization. Now available in early access for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X, OTG stands out for its innovative gameplay, particularly through its unique Cyberlimbs system and wide array of Guns. For newer players, understanding these elements is key to thriving in the intense, fast-paced combat that OTG offers. By leveraging the expertise of veteran players and working closely with guild mates, you can sharpen your strategies and make the most of your time in this dynamic shooter.

At the core of OTG’s gameplay is the Cyberlimbs system, which allows players to swap out their cybernetic arms and legs mid-match to unlock special abilities. These cyberlimbs, found throughout the battlefield, provide advantages like ballistic shields, increased sprint speed, or invisibility. Unlike other shooters where your abilities are fixed, OTG encourages players to adapt by swapping limbs based on the needs of the moment. However, the ability to swap limbs adds another layer of strategy: knowing when to pause and change your setup is just as important as what you choose. This is where veteran players come in—those who participated in OTG’s early beta have a deep understanding of where to find the best cyberlimbs and how to effectively combine them with weapons. Teaming up with them or tapping into their knowledge is invaluable as you refine your combat strategies.

The versatility of Cyberlimbs is one of OTG’s standout features, offering 13 different types of arm cyberlimbs and 4 types of leg upgrades. For example, arms like the Ranged Missile offer long-range offensive power, while Invisibility allows you to disappear from sight, creating opportunities for stealthier approaches. Legs like the Jump Boost help you cover more ground quickly, while Sprint Boost allows for rapid movement to escape or rush objectives. When playing with experienced players or guild mates, they can help guide you on how to balance offensive and defensive cyberlimbs depending on the situation. While learning the game, it’s wise to take your time and experiment with different abilities to find a playstyle that works best for you. Veteran players are also familiar with which loot boxes often contain cyberlimbs, giving you a head start in finding the most useful upgrades.

OTG’s gunplay is another area where working with seasoned players can be incredibly beneficial. The game offers 21 different weapons across seven categories: assault rifles, submachine guns, shotguns, sniper rifles, pistols, and more. Weapons come in varying rarities, with higher-tier guns allowing for more attachment slots, further enhancing their effectiveness. For new players, understanding which guns to prioritize and how to conserve ammo can be challenging, but veterans can point out where to find specific weapon types and what attachments to look for. Additionally, they can assist in setting up prebuilt loadout cases—customized weapons and cyberlimbs that you can call in during a match using in-game currency. Gathering enough currency during a round to call in these prebuilt loadouts can give you a powerful advantage, and experienced players often have tips for efficiently collecting and spending in-game cash.

One of the biggest advantages in OTG is the ability to collaborate with friends, guild mates, or more experienced players. Running missions and battles with a team increases your chances of success as you can coordinate strategies, share resources, and cover each other during intense firefights. If you're playing solo, take the game slow, focusing on learning the map, identifying key loot box locations, and understanding how to best use your cyberlimbs and weapons. Jumping into combat without this knowledge can put you at a disadvantage. Veteran players can often offer strategic insights during matches, such as which areas are most likely to contain valuable loot or how to effectively approach missions as they unfold.

Speaking of missions, OTG has a variety of objectives that unfold throughout the match. While this article focuses on Cyberlimbs and Guns, understanding missions is a critical aspect of mastering OTG. Veteran players often have insider knowledge on how these missions work, where to go, and what rewards to focus on. While we plan to cover mission strategies in more detail in future articles, for now, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with experienced players during matches. Discussing mission objectives, planning before engagements, and adapting during battles can significantly increase your chances of success.

For newer players, the key takeaway is to focus on survival first. Learn how to use Cyberlimbs effectively, experiment with different weapons, and pay attention to how veteran players approach each match. This slower, methodical approach will allow you to improve steadily without feeling overwhelmed. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, start thinking about how to incorporate missions into your strategy. Guild mates and experienced friends will make this transition easier, helping you understand the nuances of the game and providing support in combat.

In conclusion, Off The Grid offers a rich and layered gameplay experience, where Cyberlimbs and Guns work together to create endless strategic possibilities. For newer players, success comes from understanding how to adapt, leveraging the knowledge of veteran players, and working as a team to maximize your effectiveness. The more you collaborate and learn from those with early access experience, the better you’ll be equipped to handle OTG’s ever-evolving battlefield.

FAM Guild Activities Update

FAM RENTALS ARE BACK! Headed up by our Community Manager, ExoticMTG, FAM is back to offering rentals to our members! While marketplace discounts are currently deactivated, we will be offering up to 10% discount on initial postings for all inventory (while supplies last). Please be mindful of the rules — you can read all the rules for rentals in the #fam-guild-rentals channel. Take advantage of these low market prices with an additional 10% off while the opportunity is still here!

The FAM Stream Team continues to offer 24/7 content for all Web3 games! If you're interested in learning more about Big Time, World Shards, Illuvium, BossFighters or any of the other FAM favorites, visit a FAM streamer live; you can find who is streaming now at https://famguild.com. They are ready to answer your questions and share in the journey providing you with immediate access to play, quality insights, and shared experiences in all aspects of Web3 gaming.

The current list of FAM discord channels dedicated to supporting our favorite Web3 projects* includes Big Time, BOSSFIGHTERS, Illuvium, Off The Grid, Lumiterra, MetalCore, XOCIETY, World Shards, UNIOVERSE, Shrapnel, Hunters On Chain, Nyan Heroes, Guild of Guardians, Seraph, Night Crows, Entropia, RavenQuest, and Earth From Another Sun.
*Note: We have game leaders within each of these spaces; if you would like to know more information about any of these games, start the conversation in any of the dedicated channels!

Always stay up to date by visiting our continuously improving website (https://famguild.com), watching the FAM Stream Team (broadcasting 24/7 on Twitch), and being a part of the FAM discord.

Spotlight FAM Community Member: Wicford

Wicford’s introduction to Web3 gaming happened on September 29, 2022, when he won a Big Time access pass during a giveaway hosted by DollieDaddy on the DownToQuest Twitch channel. "I remember counting the days to log in after winning the giveaway," he recalls, reflecting on the excitement of gaining access to the game. The concept of owning in-game assets was particularly appealing to him, something he had not encountered in traditional Web2 gaming. Once he started playing Big Time, it quickly became a daily routine. His passion for the game and its unique offering pulled him deeper into the Web3 gaming world.

What intrigued Wicford the most about Web3 gaming was the concept of player ownership, specifically the use of NFTs within games. "I can’t imagine spending money on a Web2 game after seeing what Web3 gaming options are out there now," he explains. He believes that the future of gaming lies in giving players ownership of the items they find or earn, which will gradually shift mindsets and draw more players into Web3 gaming. For Wicford, this ownership mechanic is not just an exciting feature but a natural progression for the gaming industry as a whole, and he looks forward to seeing it become the standard.

Twitch became a key resource for Wicford during his early days in Web3 gaming. "I learned so much by watching and listening to what streamers and others were saying," he says. As he became more familiar with the Web3 space, Wicford connected with like-minded players such as Rune3ater, who introduced him to ExoticMTG and eventually helped him join the Norsty Realms guild. "Joining the guild was the best thing I’ve done in my Web3 journey," he shares, noting how the guild experience opened up a world of opportunities. His involvement with the FAM guild has furthered his education, surrounding him with knowledgeable players who continue to inspire and guide him.

Initially, Wicford was hesitant about investing in Web3 gaming, a reluctance driven by fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD). "I missed out on some opportunities due to FUD," he admits. However, a turning point came when he saw the Big Time economy launch and witnessed the excitement surrounding it. "Seeing the market blow up and the enthusiasm among players told me that this was the future of gaming," he explains. This realization made him more confident in investing in games he enjoys, and it has been a major milestone in his journey as both a player and investor in Web3.

Wicford’s main participation in the Web3 community revolves around Twitch, where he supports guild streamers and interacts with fellow gamers. "I love the platform and enjoy tuning in to support our guild streamers," he says, emphasizing the role that community engagement plays in his Web3 journey. Twitch has not only allowed him to build connections with other players but has also enabled him to support projects he cares about, providing a sense of belonging in the Web3 gaming space. His dedication to fostering these relationships and staying active in the community has enriched his experience in Web3.

Big Time has had the most significant impact on Wicford, shaping his perspective on Web3 gaming. "The fact that Big Time was one of the first Web3 games of its kind made it easy to stand behind and get excited about," he shares. As one of the pioneering games in the space, Big Time became a model for what Web3 gaming could achieve, and Wicford was drawn to its innovative play-to-earn (P2E) mechanics and player ownership features. This project stands out not only for its gameplay but for its role in proving that Web3 gaming has the potential to revolutionize the industry.

When asked about the future of Web3, Wicford is optimistic. He believes that traditional Web2 developers will eventually integrate Web3 technology into their games, pushing innovation and advancing the entire crypto gaming sphere. "Player ownership seems like the next logical step," he notes, emphasizing that Web3 adoption is on the horizon. He likens this progression to the way Bitcoin was initially slow to gain acceptance but eventually became a key investment for firms. Wicford is confident that the adoption of Web3 in gaming will happen more quickly, as the technology offers compelling benefits for players and developers alike.

Balancing Web3 gaming with other aspects of his life is something Wicford is still learning to manage. "I enjoy the Web3 grind but spend the rest of my spare time hanging out with my wife, working in the yard, dog sitting, and studying technology and security," he says. He credits his wife for being supportive and understanding of his Web3 activities, allowing him to indulge in his passion while still maintaining a healthy balance between gaming and his personal life. While he acknowledges that moderation is a work in progress, Wicford is determined to continue improving his time management skills to achieve a more harmonious lifestyle.

Wicford has been working on a new book focused on securing your online data and identity, an increasingly important topic in today’s digital world. As a special offer for the FAM community, he’s making the book available for free to all FAM members! Wicford is eager to share his knowledge on how to protect your personal information online and is offering free PDF copies to anyone interested. To receive your copy, simply send an email to [email protected], and Wicford will send it your way. Whether you're looking to safeguard your online presence or deepen your understanding of digital security, don’t miss out on this invaluable resource from one of our own!

This interview was not recorded but you can find out more about Wicford by finding him in FAM’s discord:
FAM Discord - https://discord.gg/CEzuKDW57j

Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community. Your passion and engagement are what make the FAM Guild truly extraordinary. Let's keep building, exploring, and achieving together in the exciting world of Web3 Gaming.

Until next time, game on, FAM!

The FAM Guild Team