The NFT community is perhaps one of the most inventive and dynamic groups of innovators. After all, the industry is never short of fresh ideas and strategies that engage the community, from video games to memes and even self-destructing NFTs. This time, the creative space has adapted the fun concept of mystery boxes.
Also known as blind boxes, these exciting packages are called such because there is no way of telling whether the contents are filled with common or high-rarity items. They also come in various forms, both physical and digital.
Because of its enticing mechanics, they have become highly coveted and have been used extensively in countless other industries like e-commerce, gaming, and even regular merchandise. One of its most successful applications is the highly popular Pokémon mystery packs.
When it comes to NFTs, a random yet unidentified token or combination of tokens with varying rarities can be obtained from the mystery boxes. What makes these boxes so appealing is the idea of possibly getting a one-of-a-kind item without spending a lot.
Aside from the thrill brought about by the possibility of getting a unique token, some mystery box owners choose to sell their unopened packs to other risk-takers who would wish to test their luck, especially enthusiasts and collectors in the community who aim to accumulate rare NFTs.
But, of course, there is no guarantee that the box will contain rare or legendary-level tokens. This element of uncertainty makes the experience much more fulfilling for those who ultimately find rare gems in the boxes.
The idea of bringing mystery boxes to the space emerged in 2021 at the height of the NFT market boom. Because of this, several ventures now issue mystery boxes to potential clients to attract a client base.
An example of this is Vogue Singapore’s collaboration with NFT platform Brytehall and NFKings Productions to offer NFT mystery boxes, including artwork depicting sunrises from 10 cities worldwide.
Purchasing a mystery box is very similar to buying a regular NFT. First, interested individuals need a crypto wallet that supports NFTs and the blockchain network used by the NFT mystery box of their choice. These wallets include Trust Wallet, MetaMask, and Coinbase Wallet, among others. To pay for transaction fees and the price of the mystery box, they will also need the chain’s native tokens.
Although mystery boxes provide the NFT space with an added layer of excitement, the community should not be too hasty in purchasing all the mystery boxes they come across. As it stands, there are still predatory forces who wish to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals.
Given this, collectors should exercise caution and use trusted sources. Moreover, people should remain vigilant and look out for common scams like messages from fake customers or technical support, fake giveaways, and counterfeit NFTs. Most importantly, seed phrases should be stored securely to prevent losing NFTs or cryptocurrency to scammers and fraudsters.
Whether mystery boxes are worth it or not is up entirely to preference. Some people might think that it is a waste of money, while others would argue that it is a fun activity that has the capacity to yield massive returns. But, at the end of the day, mystery boxes are an excellent strategy that makes the NFT experience more exhilarating and captivating.