In-Game Currencies: What Are They and Why Do Gamers Buy Them?
12 February 2025Introduction
Coins, gems, cash, candies, and more. Whatever your game calls them, in-game currencies have one primary purpose: to create some kind of economy inside the game. With enough of these credits, you can shop for exclusive items in the game’s marketplace.
This article explains how the various types of in-game currencies work. Read on to learn how you can earn and use them to improve your gaming experience.
Types of In-Game Currencies
There are many types of in-game currencies, and arguably the most popular ones are soft and hard currencies. Here are some ways each type is obtained and used when playing games:
Soft Currency
Soft currencies are the most accessible type of in-game currency. In many cases, they are automatically given to the player as they go through the game and unlock achievements, such as defeating a boss or reaching a new level. There are also instances when players earn soft currencies by simply waiting, like in idle games.
While soft currencies are very easy to earn and sometimes even given for free, they are still quite valuable. Like other types of currencies, they can be used to purchase certain items in the game’s marketplace. If you have enough, you can buy basic avatar skins, armor, weapons, and other products that can make your in-game character stronger or more visually appealing.
Hard Currency
Compared to soft currencies, hard currencies are much more challenging to obtain, let alone accumulate. They are usually considered more valuable, and with enough of them, you can purchase various items that you cannot buy with soft currency. A few examples are battle gear with distinct features or powers that strengthen your in-game character. You can also trade hard currency for unique avatar skins that aren’t available for trade using soft currencies.
When you start a game, you typically get a combination of soft and hard currency so you can see how they work. With the little hard currency you have at the beginning, you might already notice how it differs from the soft one. The intention of the developer is to make you want hard currencies, so you work and play hard to earn them.
Like soft currencies, you can obtain hard currency by playing the game. However, they are usually rare and typically only given during special events or through loot boxes. Another way to get hard currency is to buy them in the game’s mobile app or through official game stores.
Other Currencies
Game economies are quite complex, so there are other currencies that you might encounter while playing. There are different ways to obtain and use them, depending on the game itself. Here are a few examples:
- Medium Currency – This is typically the combination of soft and hard currencies. They are not too easy to obtain, but you do not necessarily have to use real-world money to accumulate them.
- Energy Currency – Many gamers don’t realize that their energy in the game is also a form of currency. Some games call them “lives” or “moves.” Energy currency limits a player’s game time, so if they run out, they can either wait for their energy to replenish or buy them in the game’s marketplace.
- Feature Currency – Feature currencies are a special type that can only be earned by doing specific activities or using a particular mode in the game.
- Event Currency – Like feature currencies, event currencies can only be earned through a specific activity. In this case, it’s by joining in-game events.
- Social Currency – Social currencies are points gamers earn as they socialize in the game. It is prevalent among multiplayer, sandbox, and social-simulation games.
Different developers might use other types of currencies besides the ones listed here. What’s essential for you as a player is to pay close attention as they are being explained in the tutorial of the game. This way, you will learn how to obtain and use these currencies properly to get the most out of what you’re playing.
Buying Mobile Game Currencies
Money in games can be obtained through different means. In many cases, playing for a few hours can help you earn a lot of soft currencies that can be used to trade and purchase various items in the game’s marketplace.
Hard currencies, however, are harder to get. You rarely get to earn them by playing the game, so the more convenient way to obtain them is by buying them with real-world money. It’s usually a hassle-free transaction as long as you have enough cash for the available currency packages.
DITO Telecommunity has made it easier for gamers to purchase in-game money
- Download the DITO App and register an account.
- On the main page, select “App Subscription” and choose the game you wish to buy hard currencies for.
- Follow the in-app instructions, and wait for the confirmation of your purchase.
- Enter your email address, and wait for the voucher code to be sent.
- You will receive a notification that your purchase has been successful.
Conclusion
Different types of in-game currencies help players enjoy games more. Some are harder to obtain than others, but they can readily be purchased using real-world money.
DITO subscribers have it easy. By using the DITO App, they can trade their regular load to buy hard currencies for some of their favorite games. This is a great way to quickly replenish their game credits and enjoy the game without too much interruption. For more information, feel free to get in touch with us!