> ## 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.

# Mint your first pixel

> Buy a pixel, pick a faction, join the war

Minting is how you enter BasePixel. Each pixel is a unique ERC-721 NFT with a fixed coordinate on the 1000×1000 map.

## Before you start

You need:

* A Base-compatible wallet ([Coinbase Wallet](https://www.coinbase.com/wallet), [MetaMask](https://metamask.io/), [Rainbow](https://rainbow.me/), etc.)
* At least **0.0015 ETH** on Base (0.001 for the pixel + \~0.0005 for gas)
* A few minutes

If you don't have ETH on Base yet, [bridge from Ethereum](https://bridge.base.org/) or buy directly through Coinbase.

## Step-by-step

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open BasePixel">
    Go to [basepixel.io](https://basepixel.io). Connect your wallet using the button in the top-right.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find an empty pixel">
    The map shows the entire 1,000,000-pixel battlefield. Empty pixels are dim gray. Red and Blue pixels are already owned.

    Use your mouse wheel or pinch to zoom in. Drag to pan around. Find a spot that feels right.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click the pixel">
    A panel opens on the right showing the pixel's coordinates and current state (empty / owned / contested). For empty pixels, you'll see a Mint option.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick your faction">
    Choose **Red** or **Blue**. This is permanent for this pixel — you can't switch factions later. Look at the global stats on top to see which side needs more soldiers.

    <Tip>
      Strategy tip: minting deep inside friendly territory is safer (your neighbors defend you). Minting on the frontier is riskier but more strategic — you become a forward outpost.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm and pay 0.001 ETH">
    Click **Mint Pixel**. Your wallet pops up. Approve the transaction.

    Wait \~2 seconds for Base to confirm. Done.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find your pixel in your wallet">
    The pixel is now an NFT in your wallet. View it on [OpenSea](https://opensea.io/) or in your "My Pixels" page on basepixel.io.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What you get

Your minted pixel is an ERC-721 NFT with these properties:

| Property        | Value                                                         |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Coordinates** | Permanent (e.g. 458, 312)                                     |
| **Faction**     | Permanent (Red or Blue)                                       |
| **Layout**      | None at mint — commit a 9-unit formation before fighting      |
| **Status**      | Unaction (default — you decide when to fight)                 |
| **Color**       | Faction color in Action mode; any 24-bit RGB in Unaction mode |

## Where the money goes

When you mint for 0.001 ETH:

```
0.001 ETH (mint price)
   └── 0.001 ETH → Platform (ops + dev)
```

V1.2 retired the per-pixel insurance bond, so the entire mint price flows to the protocol treasury. Battle stakes come from the per-battle attack fee instead — see [Battle](/play/battle).

## What happens next?

You just minted. By default, your pixel is in **Unaction mode** — invincible but inert. You have three choices:

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Stay in Unaction" icon="palette" href="/play/action-mode">
    Use it as a canvas. Paint it any color. Collect more pixels and build art.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Switch to Action" icon="swords" href="/play/battle">
    Join the war. You can attack enemies and earn bounties — but you're also vulnerable.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Mint more pixels" icon="plus" href="/play/mint">
    Build a base. Multiple pixels means a stronger position. Some players own thousands.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Costs at a glance

| Action                   | Cost                           | Refundable?                                          |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| Mint a pixel             | 0.001 ETH                      | Stays in the pixel as bounty                         |
| Toggle Action ↔ Unaction | Free (gas only)                | —                                                    |
| Change pixel color       | Free (gas only, Unaction only) | —                                                    |
| Attack an enemy pixel    | 0.0005 ETH                     | Yes, you take the conquered pixel's bounty           |
| Redeem a lost pixel      | 0.0005 ETH                     | Partial — half goes to the conqueror as compensation |

<Note>
  All costs are denominated in ETH on Base. There's no native token to buy. You don't need to hold any project token to play.
</Note>