Moonfrost, a farming RPG developed by Oxalis Games, has entered its Early Access phase as of July 16 at 11 AM UTC. This launch is available exclusively through the Open Loot launcher for players who hold either a Gnome Key or a Frost Hunter License. Early Access introduces a range of new gameplay features, with full web3 functionality and play and earn mechanics set to follow shortly after launch.
Moonfrost Early Access Launches
A new phase in Moonfrost's development
Moonfrost blends relaxing RPG gameplay with seasonal progression and world-building mechanics. Players explore a story-driven world where they plant crops, mine resources, chop wood, and fish. The game features a building system that lets users decorate and personalize their homes while interacting with various non-playable characters.
After a period of alpha testing and a successful OG Mystery Box NFT sale, the Early Access phase marks a major step in the game's development roadmap. Initially gated by NFT ownership, the Early Access version will last for about one month before the game becomes available as a free-to-play title.
At that point, Moonfrost will expand to platforms such as the Epic Games Store for Windows PCs. A mobile version is also in development, though no release date has been confirmed. The developers have indicated a continued focus on delivering a consistent and functional blockchain-based experience, particularly on PC.
Moonfrost Early Access Launches
Key features introduced in Early Access
The current Early Access build includes several new additions to core gameplay. These include a new map, a new playable character, fishing, basic cooking, and village rebuilding. The update also adds a task log, collection album, multi-track task system, and an order system designed to give players daily resource delivery goals.
Completing these orders rewards players with Sil, the in-game soft currency used for purchases. Occasionally, players may encounter Special Orders that offer CRYO, $FROST tokens, and Craftcoins, which are used to craft non-NFT items. While the web3 features form a critical part of the long-term gameplay model, they are not yet active at launch.
The developers announced on Discord that these elements will be temporarily disabled to ensure server stability and address any critical issues. No official timeline has been provided for when these features will be enabled, but the development team has indicated it will be a priority following the launch window.
Moonfrost Early Access Launches
Understanding Moonfrost's play and earn model
Once fully activated, Moonfrost's play and earn system will center around Frost Tools, CRYO, and $FROST tokens. Players will be able to earn CRYO, a non-tradable off-chain currency, by completing in-game activities such as fishing, mining, and woodcutting with specific Frost Tools. These tools differ from regular ones in that they have a Luck attribute, which affects the likelihood and amount of rewards earned during gameplay.
Eventually, after the game's token generation event (TGE), $FROST will replace CRYO as the primary reward currency. At that point, CRYO will no longer be distributed but will remain usable for in-game purchases. To craft a Frost Tool, players must first obtain a FROSTprint and a Frost Workbench of equal or greater rarity.
These items can be earned through gameplay, discovered in Mystery Boxes, or purchased and rented from the Open Loot Marketplace. The crafting process also requires a base version of the tool and a quantity of Liquid Luck, a premium in-game currency that is primarily purchased but can also be obtained through certain in-game rewards. Tools crafted in this way retain the stats of the base item while gaining the ability to earn web3 rewards.
Moonfrost Early Access Launches
Access and system requirements
To play Moonfrost Early Access, users must own a Gnome Key NFT, which currently has a floor price of $9.90 on the Open Loot marketplace. Only one Gnome Key can be used per account, and it serves as an access pass to the current version of the game.
An official installation guide is available to assist players in setting up the game. Minimum system requirements include Windows 7, an Intel Core i3 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a GTX 1660 Ti or AMD RX 580 graphics card. For an optimal experience, Windows 11, an Intel Core i5 CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and a RTX 2070 Super or AMD RX 5700 XT GPU are recommended.
The role of web3 in Moonfrost's gameplay
The web3 component in Moonfrost is optional, allowing players to experience the game fully without engaging in blockchain-based features. However, those who choose to participate in the play and earn system can potentially access additional layers of gameplay through ownership and crafting of NFTs, earning CRYO and, eventually, $FROST tokens.
Frost Tools and other related assets are part of a broader in-game economy that includes various rarity levels, upgrade mechanics, and collectible items. These assets add value to gameplay for users interested in blockchain integration but remain separate from the core experience.
Moonfrost Early Access Launches
Looking ahead
Moonfrost's Early Access launch signals the beginning of a new phase in the development of blockchain-integrated gaming. While the game is designed to be enjoyed as a traditional farming RPG, the inclusion of web3 elements offers additional incentives for players who wish to engage with play and earn mechanics. As the developers work to stabilize the servers and gradually activate these features, players can expect a more comprehensive version of the economy to become available in the near future.
