what's Samurai Warlords?

Samurai Warlords is a blockchain-based strategy and action game set in feudal Japan, deployed on the Base network. Players build and command customizable armies in a samurai-themed chess game, participating in AI skirmishes, multiplayer arena battles, and territory expansion. Core mechanics include resource management with ERC-1155 tokens (materials, components, essences) earned via gameplay or staking, used for crafting lootboxes, upgrades, and minting NFTs. Various NFT collections such as Elites (1,000 supply for premium staking), Generals (3,500 workhorse units), Heroes, and card decks (Eternal/Twilight/Genesis) enable ownership, trading on the marketplace, and enhanced rewards. The dual-token economy drives sustainability: $HONOR serves as the transferable governance and utility token for trading resources/NFTs, crafting, and DAO decisions; $VALOR is a non-transferable points-like token accrued through staking and active play, burned for lootboxes or unlocking rares to qualify for $HONOR airdrops. Free-to-play chess app provides entry, with on-chain integration for deeper progression, emphasizing skill-based retention over incentives.

Samurai Warlords founder Ryu Zanshin speaks on GameFi retention panel March 10, 2026.