FAM Newsletter #28 10/21/2024 - Brokebackbrad

Greetings, FAM members and Web3 Community!

Welcome to this week's edition of the FAM newsletter! This week, we sit down with Brokebackbrad to explore his Web3 journey and gain insights into his experiences in the space. We’re also excited to bring you part 2 of our Off The Grid strategy series, where we dive into how missions and objectives work and how you can optimize your gameplay. As always, stay up to date with the latest in the FAM Guild Activities section, and if you haven’t already, make sure to join us in FAM’s Discord to stay connected! Get ready for a week filled with strategy, stories, and community 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 2 - Understanding Teardrop Ops

Teardrop Ops are pivotal missions within Off The Grid (OTG) that can be completed during matches to give players a tactical advantage, boost their in-game currency, and secure powerful rewards. These missions, which range from sabotaging enemy equipment to collecting cyberlimb parts, are designed to offer both strategic depth and variety. New players who learn to master these ops will have a greater chance of thriving in OTG’s fast-paced, competitive environment. Each mission comes with unique objectives and challenges that require players to adapt their playstyle. Here’s a breakdown of the key Teardrop Ops you will encounter and strategies to succeed in each.

Corporate Sabotage is one of the more challenging ops, requiring players to plant explosives at three specific points around the map. The key to completing this mission is stealth—players should avoid confrontation and focus on quickly planting the C4 and escaping the blast radius. Since these bomb sites are often located in high-traffic zones, it’s important to choose routes that minimize exposure to enemies. Using cyberlimbs like Sprint Boost for increased mobility can help players plant the bombs and escape quickly. This mission is best completed early in the match when fewer enemies are likely to be patrolling the map.

Another critical mission is the Netrunner op, where players must hack terminals to complete objectives. The Netrunner op rewards players with in-game currency and reveals the location of the next safe zone, making it an essential op for those looking to gain a tactical advantage. Players should prioritize finding these terminals and hack them quickly to ensure they remain one step ahead of the shrinking zone. Netrunner missions are ideal for solo players who want to avoid combat while still contributing to their team’s success. The ability to plan ahead using the revealed safe zones is especially valuable during the late stages of a match.

In Bounty Hunter, players must track down and eliminate a specific target from an opposing team. This op requires precision and stealth, as engaging in unnecessary firefights can compromise the mission. The marked player is usually well-equipped, so players should wait for the right moment to strike. Abilities like invisibility or long-range weapons can give players the upper hand in this op. It’s crucial to approach the mission cautiously, avoiding detection while closing in on the target. Completing a Bounty Hunter op not only earns valuable rewards but also eliminates a key player from the enemy team.

The Cyberlimb Hunt is a treasure-hunt-style mission where players must find crates containing valuable cyberlimb parts scattered across the map. Collecting cyberlimbs early in the game provides players with powerful upgrades that enhance mobility or combat abilities. This op is a great way for players to improve their chances of success by boosting their character’s performance early in the match. However, these crates are often located in contested areas, so players should remain vigilant and avoid engaging with enemies until they’ve secured the parts. Prioritizing mobility cyberlimbs early on can help players cover more ground efficiently while staying out of harm’s way.

In Sky Navigator, players must fly through a series of checkpoints using their jetpacks. The key to this op is mastering the jetpack mechanics, ensuring you have enough fuel to reach each checkpoint without being shot down by enemies. Timing is crucial, as being in the air leaves you vulnerable to attacks from ground-based players. To mitigate this risk, try to fly at higher altitudes and take advantage of buildings and other structures to avoid enemy fire. Successfully completing Sky Navigator missions rewards players with additional currency and can be a fun, mobility-focused diversion during a match.

Drone Plunder involves shooting down flying drones and collecting the valuable loot they drop. These drones are visible to all players on the map, making this op highly competitive. Once a drone is destroyed, players must quickly move in to claim the loot while defending themselves from other players trying to do the same. Speed and precision are key—use fast-firing weapons to take down the drone before others can react, and then be ready for a fight as you retrieve the rewards. This op provides some of the best loot in the game, making it a high-risk, high-reward mission.

Finally, the Hex Collector op focuses on finding Hexes—valuable items found in loot crates—and extracting them at designated Hextractor points. The challenge in this op lies in defending the extraction point while the Hex is being processed, as other players will be alerted to your location. Successfully extracting Hexes can grant rare weapons, cyberlimbs, and cosmetic upgrades, making this one of the most lucrative ops in OTG. Timing is everything, as initiating an extraction too early can make you an easy target for other teams. Make sure to have a strong loadout and enough teammates to defend the extraction site before starting the process.

For new players, mastering Teardrop Ops is critical to long-term success in Off The Grid. Always work closely with your teammates to maximize your chances, especially in high-stakes missions like Corporate Sabotage and Hex Collector. Each mission carries its own risks and rewards, so choose ops that suit your playstyle—stealthy players may prefer Netrunner or Cyberlimb Hunt, while aggressive players might find success with Bounty Hunter or Drone Plunder. Always keep an eye on the map to stay ahead of the shrinking zone and extraction points. Lastly, use your cyberlimbs wisely to enhance your mobility, combat abilities, or defense as the situation requires.

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: Brokebackbrad

Brokebackbrad’s introduction to crypto dates back to 2014, thanks to an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. "The first time I ever heard about crypto, and bitcoin, was on Joe Rogan’s podcast," he recalls. Rogan had hosted Andreas Antonopoulos, a prominent advocate for blockchain technology, who described the potential of internet money. Intrigued by the concept, Brokebackbrad tried to buy bitcoin immediately but struggled with the complicated process at the time. Frustrated, he gave up, but the idea of digital currencies stayed with him. Several years later, in 2019, his friend Dan finally convinced him to open a Coinbase account. "To say it changed the way I viewed the world is an understatement," Brokebackbrad says. He was amazed that a platform like Coinbase would pay users crypto to learn about crypto, and that moment marked a shift in his perspective. By the end of 2019, Dan introduced him to Lost Relics, a blockchain game, sparking Brokebackbrad’s journey into the world of Web3 gaming. "That was my first step into the blockchain gaming space," he recalls.

What drew Brokebackbrad further into blockchain gaming (BCG) was the idea of owning in-game assets that could be traded or sold for real-world value. "The idea that you own your items in a game, secured in a crypto wallet, linked to real currency, and that you can trade or sell with other users… was very different from the games I came from," he explains. Having played RuneScape since 2001, Brokebackbrad had seen how developers could limit players’ freedom in game economies, which is why the shift to blockchain gaming felt empowering to him. "The freedom to do as you wish with your items instead of the limits devs subjugate you to… was the first thing that admittedly pulled me into BCG," he says. The transparency and player control offered by blockchain technology stood in stark contrast to the centralized control of traditional gaming, giving him a newfound sense of autonomy in the gaming world.

However, Brokebackbrad quickly realized that Web3 was not without its risks. His experiences navigating the crypto space taught him to be cautious, as there were many pitfalls waiting for unsuspecting newcomers. "There are some real blood-thirsty people out there that I’d feel like a liar if I just sat here and ignored," he admits, referring to the rampant scams and predatory behavior that plague the crypto and blockchain gaming space. Over time, he became more discerning about which platforms and communities to trust. While he remains cautious, he found a home in the FAM guild. "What I’ve seen from FAM feels different," he says, noting how the guild’s supportive atmosphere sets it apart from the more toxic ecosystems he encountered early on. "I respect Avarupter’s advice, so when he recommended FAM, that already spoke volumes and they did not disappoint," he adds, appreciating the camaraderie and sense of belonging.

One of Brokebackbrad’s most difficult lessons came from his involvement with Gala Games, a project he was deeply passionate about before its downturn. "Watching the rise and fall of Gala was a jarring wake-up call that no project is too big to fall," he reflects. His emotional investment in Gala clouded his judgment, and he ignored red flags along the way. "I saw what I wanted to see and ignored all the evidence to the contrary," he admits, acknowledging that this experience was a turning point in his Web3 journey. It taught him the importance of being critical and not letting enthusiasm blind him to the realities of a project’s trajectory.

Streaming has been a consistent part of Brokebackbrad’s journey since 2016, and it has shaped much of his experience in Web3 gaming. "My entire time spent in blockchain gaming, I’ve done it with a camera on," he shares. Streaming adds another layer to the excitement for him, even though it can come with its own pressures. "Streaming specifically BCG can be high-risk, high-reward depending on your personality," he notes. For Brokebackbrad, being live on camera during gameplay doesn’t just elevate the experience—it also connects him with viewers and fellow gamers, creating a more dynamic and engaging environment.

Looking ahead, Brokebackbrad is cautiously optimistic about the future of Web3 gaming. He’s recently become invested in WorldShards, a game introduced to him by FAM, which has taken up 70% of his gaming time. "I’m hooked. I’m cheering for the devs because I think they have something special," he shares, hopeful that the game will continue to grow. He’s also impressed by the OpenLoot ecosystem, which he believes could revolutionize blockchain gaming by ensuring there is "no dead content." "That is revolutionary in videogames and an idea I only realized was needed for BCG sustainability," he explains, highlighting how this could solve a key issue for many Web3 games.

For beginners entering the Web3 and blockchain gaming space, Brokebackbrad offers a wealth of advice. First and foremost, he emphasizes the importance of setting limits. "Budget how much you’re allowed to spend in the space, and whatever that number is, take 20% and put it back in your wallet," he advises. He stresses the importance of not getting too caught up in the hype and being prepared to make mistakes. "You’re going to miss opportunities, you’re going to make mistakes, and that’s OK. What’s not OK is saddling yourself with all your regrets," he says, cautioning newcomers against letting their failures weigh them down. He also advises players to invest in games they actually enjoy, not just because they think the NFTs or tokens will "go to the moon." Finally, Brokebackbrad gives an unexpected piece of advice: "Luck is real, and it’s a skill, not a birthright." He encourages players to embrace the randomness of the Web3 space and stay open to opportunities that might seem far-fetched.

Outside of gaming, Brokebackbrad’s life is deeply rooted in his family. He lives with his parents to help care for his father, who has Alzheimer’s. "I really couldn’t forgive myself knowing my mom had to put my dad in a home because she couldn’t take care of him alone," he says. Caring for his parents is a priority for him, and it has shaped much of his daily life. Beyond that, he has six miniature schnauzers who constantly demand his attention and keep him active. Health is also a major focus for Brokebackbrad, particularly when it comes to mental performance. "I’m big on health and supplements for the sole purpose of making my brain function at its highest possible level," he explains, adding that this focus on self-improvement has been a long-standing part of his life. For Brokebackbrad, finding balance between gaming, family responsibilities, and personal well-being is key to maintaining a fulfilling life.

This interview was not recorded but you can find out more about Brokebackbrad by joining his socials here:
X - https://x.com/brokebackbradTV 
Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/brokebackbrad 
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@brokebackbradTV 
Discord - https://discord.gg/PTy55SNc 

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