> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.basepixel.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How it works

> The core game loop in 4 actions

BasePixel has four core actions. That's it. Master these and you understand the entire game.

## The core loop

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/basepixel-e336552a/En1i4EWfWnSkxajd/images/core-loop.svg?fit=max&auto=format&n=En1i4EWfWnSkxajd&q=85&s=99ddd8158102cccdaa23ff91f3a9f0f7" alt="BasePixel core loop: mint a pixel, enable action mode, attack or defend, then redeem if lost within 24 hours." width="680" height="480" data-path="images/core-loop.svg" />

## The economy

Every pixel costs **0.001 ETH** to mint. That ETH is split:

| Where it goes                          | Amount     |
| -------------------------------------- | ---------- |
| **Bounty Vault** (locked in the pixel) | 0.0005 ETH |
| **Platform** (ops + dev)               | 0.0005 ETH |

The Bounty Vault is the key innovation. **Every pixel has 0.0005 ETH locked inside, waiting to be claimed by whoever conquers it.**

## What happens when you conquer a pixel

<Steps>
  <Step title="You pay the conquest fee">
    Send 0.0005 ETH to attack. This refills the bounty vault for the next attacker.
  </Step>

  <Step title="You take the old bounty">
    The 0.0005 ETH that was locked in the conquered pixel is now yours.
  </Step>

  <Step title="You own the pixel">
    The NFT transfers to your wallet. Faction color flips to yours. You can now defend it (or paint it).
  </Step>
</Steps>

**Net cost: 0 ETH.** You pay 0.0005, you receive 0.0005. You walked away with a new pixel for free.

## What happens when you lose a pixel

Your pixel just got attacked. You have **24 hours** to reclaim it before the new owner can fortify.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Pay the redemption fee">
    Send 0.0005 ETH within 24 hours of losing it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Compensation goes to the conqueror">
    0.00025 ETH goes to whoever just took it from you.
  </Step>

  <Step title="The pixel returns to your wallet">
    Faction flips back. Status resets to Unaction (you decide when to re-enter the war).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Action vs Unaction

Every pixel has a switch:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Action mode" icon="swords" iconType="duotone">
    **Warrior mode.** You can attack enemies. They can attack you. The bounty is at stake.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Unaction mode" icon="palette" iconType="duotone">
    **Artist mode.** Immune to attacks. Can't attack others. Paint the pixel any 24-bit RGB color (16.7M shades).
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Tip>
  You can toggle modes anytime, with no cost. Some players run a few pixels in Action and the rest as art. Some build entire pixel art pieces and never fight. Both are valid playstyles.
</Tip>

## Continue reading

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Why AI?" icon="robot" href="/introduction/why-ai">
    The AI angle is the heart of BasePixel. Here's why.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Mint your first pixel" icon="play" href="/play/mint">
    Step-by-step guide to your first action.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>