Introduction: What is Roots & Loots and Why Everyone’s Talking About It
Roots & Loots is a blockchain game built on Polygon that combines classic farming mechanics with deep crafting systems, NFT utilities, and a real economy. Unlike most Web3 projects where NFTs remain decorative, here every Founder Scroll and Flag provides measurable in-game advantages that directly impact progression speed and profitability.
The game is currently in CAT2 Internal Testing – a closed test for Founder Scroll holders, Crown, and OG role owners. I’m personally participating in the testing and can confirm: the system works, NFT bonuses are active, and progress is genuinely noticeable.
Important note: Access to the game is currently done through Discord authorization, not a wallet connection. This simplifies the login process during the testing phase.
Game Basics: Getting Started in Roots & Loots
Technical Requirements
- Discord account – for game authorization
- MetaMask wallet – for NFT verification and future transactions
- Polygon network – switch via MetaMask settings. Learn more about Polygon network
- Starter pack (provided free):
- House
- Trees (4 units)
- Mine
- Workbench
- 2 Axes
- 2 Pickaxes
- 10 FLT (in-game currency)
Official Links
- Game (CAT2): roots-and-loots-frontend-v2.onrender.com
- Discord: discord.gg/ATc35PH3
- Twitter: @RootsandLoots
- Whitepaper: roots-and-loots.gitbook.io
- NFT Marketplace:
- Play to Earn Listing: playtoearn.com/blockchaingame/roots-and-loots
Three Specialization Branches: How to Progress Efficiently
🌽 Planting (Agriculture)
Goal: Grow plants on beds, unlock new crops, reduce energy costs.
Level Table
| Level | XP Required | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | Sunflower available |
| 2 | 600 | Pumpkin unlocked |
| 5 | 12,000 | Seeds -5% |
| 6 | 20,000 | Growth time -5%, Blueberry |
| 10 | 110,000 | Growth time -15%, Mandala |
| 12 | 185,000 | Seeds -25%, time -20% |
New bonuses (April 2026 patch):
- Level 5: −10% energy for planting/harvesting
- Level 11: −20% energy for planting/harvesting
Beds and Plants
- 16 beds – unlocked by branch level for resources + FLT (from 0 to 1000 FLT)
- 9 plant – from Sunflower (2 min) to Mandala (24 hours)
- Passive drop: 3% chance to get Worm (fishing bait) when harvesting
Action costs:
- Planting: 0.5 energy
- Harvesting: 0.5 energy
⛏️ Gathering (Resource Collection)
Goal: Chop trees, mine resources, reduce restoration time.
Level Table
| Level | XP Required | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 700 | Trees -10% |
| 4 | 3,500 | Resources +5%, trees -15%, +15 max energy |
| 8 | 19,500 | Resources +15%, trees -25%, +30 max energy |
| 12 | 55,000 | Resources +25%, restoration -35%, +50 max energy, −15% gathering energy |
Trees (4 units):
- Base time: 4 hours → 2.6 hours at level 12
- Drop: Wood (2-4), Planks (0-2)
- Cost: 3 energy/tree
Mine (once every 8 hours):
- Base time: 8 hours → 5.2 hours at level 12
- Drop: Clay, Stone, Salt (100%), Metal (25%), Gold (10%), Ruby (7.5%), Emerald (2.5%)
- Cost: 5 energy
🐄 Animal Husbandry
Goal: Breed animals, produce goods (eggs, milk, meat), reduce energy costs.
New bonuses (April 2026 patch):
- Level 3: −10% energy for feeding and product collection
- Level 7: −20% energy for healing
- Level 10: −30% energy for butchering
Barn – Required Building
In the latest update, full Barn support was added:
- All animal actions now depend on Barn unlock
- Lorenzo’s quests with animal resources won’t appear before Barn construction
- Improved UI: tabular view, sorting, product readiness timers
Action costs:
- Feeding: 1 energy
- Collecting products: 2 energy
- Healing: 4 energy
- Butchering: 8 energy (requires knife)
Energy System (Stamina): Managing Your Resource
Base Parameters
- Max stock: 100 units (base)
- Recovery: 1 unit/10 min (144 units/day)
- With bonuses: up to 190 units (100 + 50 Gathering lvl 12 + 40 NFT)
What’s New in April 17, 2026 Patch
Clickable energy bar now opens a window with active modifiers instead of Magic Well. Displays:
- Current energy bonuses
- Energy cost reductions from specializations
- NFT effects
Magic Well
Construction: 20 Wood, 10 Stone, 50 FLT, 1 hour, 20 energy
Usage:
- +35 energy once every 24 hours
- Activates when energy < 75% of maximum
Upgrades:
| Level | Resources | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5 Processed emerald, 3 Mandala, 400 FLT | +40 energy |
| 3 | 10 Processed ruby, 5 Gold ingot, 800 FLT | +45 energy |
NFT Economy: Founder Scroll and Flags
Founder’s Scroll – Flagship NFT
Active bonuses (since April 16, 2026 patch):
- +5% FLT from selling resources to NPC
- −10% cost for seed/tool pack restoration
- −10% time for construction/upgrades
- +1 quest per day from Lorenzo (4 instead of 3)
- +2 Royal Marks per quest
- Free reroll of all 9 quests once per day
- +10 max energy (lvl 1), +7.5 (lvl 2-3)
- −5% risk of animal/bee disease
- +1 pet slot (second pet without GT)
- 15% chance to preserve seed when planting
Unique pet: Primordial Guardian (free missions every 24h, 1% chance to drop legendary NFT fragment)
Visual privileges:
- Highlighted nickname in chat
- Private “Founders” chat tab
- Special badge
Flags – 4 Types of Utility NFTs
Sales launch: 500 units of each type, $15 per piece (at announcement)
My personal experience: I own all 4 flags and they work excellently. The bonuses trigger frequently and significantly accelerate progression.
Flag of Plants
- 20% chance after harvest to get a bonus plant (any unlocked) without cost
Flag of Gathering
- 15% chance +1 to each basic resource (Wood, Planks, Clay, Stone, Salt)
Flag of Animal Husbandry
- +1 HP/day to all animals
- −2% disease risk
Flag of Fishing
- Random buff for each session:
- 40%: +1 item in catch
- 35%: +10% rare fish chance
- 15%: doubled chest chance
- 10%: session is twice shorter
Flags + Pets Synergy
New mechanic (April 16, 2026 patch):
- Each placed flag gives +2.5% chance that after a paid mission, the pet will immediately go on a new one without spending a Golden Ticket
- Max chance: 10% with 4 flags
- Doesn’t work with Primordial Guardian (already free)
From my testing: With all 4 flags installed, I get free pet missions approximately once every 10 returns. This significantly saves GT in the long run.
Pets: Passive Income and Leveling
Pet Types
Free (choice of 1 out of 2):
- Same mechanics
- Drop: plants/animal resources (35%/35%), mine (20%), FLT 50-150 (1%), honey/worm (9%)
Paid ($10 USDT):
- More valuable resources (Rafflesia, Gold, Ruby, grapes, honey)
- FLT 150-300 (10%)
- Bonus: Glass bottle, Rope, Artificial fly (10%, at lvl 50 – 2 pcs)
New addition: Toad pet (available only to specific Discord account, switching without cooldown)
Leveling System
50 levels, XP through feeding:
| Resource | XP |
|---|---|
| Fish waste | +2 |
| Egg | +8 |
| Milk | +12 |
| Beef/Mutton | +20 |
| Royal jelly | +50 |
Energy Gingerbread (kitchen): +10 XP to pet, +15 energy to player, limit 3/day
Bonuses:
- Each level: +2% to base resource amount
- Level 10: −3% animal disease
- Level 25: +3% double harvest chance
- Level 40: +3% energy regeneration
- Level 50: +2% to all (+choice of specialization)
Sending on Mission
- Frequency: once every 24 hours
- Cost: 1 Golden Ticket
- Duration: 4 hours (works offline)
- 24h timer starts after pet returns
NPC Marketplace and Economy
The NPC marketplace in Roots & Loots operates on a package restoration system – a unique mechanic that separates it from traditional farming games. Understanding this economy is crucial for efficient resource management and FLT optimization.
How the Package System Works
Key mechanics:
- Seeds and tool recipes are sold in packages with limited quantities
- All packages start full at game launch
- When a package runs out, you must restore it using FLT or 1 Golden Ticket
- Each package restores independently
- Planting branch discounts apply to purchases only, not restoration costs
Seed Packages – Complete Price List
| Plant | Base Cost | Cost (12 lvl) | Seeds in Pack | NPC Sale Price | Restoration Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflower | 5 FLT | 3.25 FLT | 60 | 7 FLT | 84 FLT |
| Pumpkin | 10 FLT | 6.5 FLT | 40 | 15 FLT | 140 FLT |
| Corn | 15 FLT | 9.75 FLT | 30 | 25 FLT | 210 FLT |
| Cactus | 25 FLT | 16.25 FLT | 25 | 40 FLT | 262.5 FLT |
| Blueberry | 40 FLT | 26 FLT | 20 | 60 FLT | 280 FLT |
| Rafflesia | 60 FLT | 39 FLT | 15 | 90 FLT | 315 FLT |
| Rosemary | 80 FLT | 52 FLT | 12 | 120 FLT | 336 FLT |
| Lavender | 100 FLT | 65 FLT | 10 | 150 FLT | 350 FLT |
| Mandala | 150 FLT | 97.5 FLT | 8 | 225 FLT | 420 FLT |
Important: Planting branch discounts apply to purchases, but not to FLT restoration.
Tool Recipe Packages – Complete List
| Tool | Recipes in Pack | Restoration Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Axe | 20 | 80 FLT |
| Pickaxe | 15 | 120 FLT |
| Knife | 10 | 320 FLT |
| Bamboo fishing rod | 15 | 120 FLT |
| Durable fishing rod | 12 | 320 FLT |
| Fishing extrusion | 8 | 640 FLT |
Golden Tickets (GT)
Official packages:
- 5 GT = $0.5 USDT
- 11 GT = $1.0 USDT (+1 bonus)
- 25 GT = $2.0 USDT (maximum benefit)
Alternative sources:
- 1% chance from Treasure Chest (fishing)
- Reward for reaching level 12 in any branch
- Seasonal events (in development)
CAT2: Manual sales through Discord ticket until smart contract launch. All purchased GT will be preserved in case of reset.
Crafting and Construction
Workbench (Starter)
Recipes:
- Axe: 2 Wood, 15 min, 2 energy, 10 FLT
- Pickaxe: 4 Plank, 2 Stone, 25 min, 2 energy, 15 FLT
- Bamboo fishing rod: 10 Wood, 2 Rope, 30 min, 5 energy, 20 FLT
Forge
Construction: 15 Wood, 10 Stone, 5 Plank, 2 Clay, 100 FLT, 3 hours, 20 energy
Key recipes:
- Metal/Gold ingot: 1 Metal/Gold, 5 Wood, 2 hours
- Processed ruby/emerald: 1 Ruby/Emerald, 5 Wood, 2 hours
- Knife: 1 Metal ingot, 1 Ruby, 50 FLT
- Fishing extrusion: 3 Gold ingot, 1 Ruby, 5 Rope, 2h 50min, 150 FLT
Fixed (April 17, 2026 patch): Wine Jug is now correctly processed as a separate recipe without knife crafting limit.
Kitchen
Construction: 20 Wood, 10 Plank, 10 Stone, 5 Stone block, 2 Metal ingot, 3 hours, 20 energy
Simple dishes:
| Dish | Resources | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Blueberry pancakes | 5 Blueberry, 5 Sunflower, 5 Wood | +25 XP Planting |
| Pumpkin soup | 5 Pumpkin, 3 Corn, 5 Wood | +30 XP Gathering |
| Corn bread | 3 Flour, 2 Egg | +75 XP Animal Husbandry |
CAT2 Updates: Marketplace and Social System
Marketplace (April 16, 2026 Patch)
Functionality:
- Separate Create Listing tab
- Claim system for receiving earnings (partial sales tracked)
- Blacklist of prohibited resources
- Chat notifications for create/cancel/purchase
- Admin panel with system marketplace
Mechanics:
- Own listings visible in “All Goods” but can’t be purchased
- Fully sold listings disappear from general list
- All actions logged with descriptions
Social System (April 18, 2026 Patch)
Friends:
- Send/accept/decline requests
- Counters for friends/requests/blocks
- Incoming requests badge in HUD
Blocking:
- Automatic friendship termination
- Friend request blocking
- Message filtering in chat
Private Messages:
- Private tab in chat
- Send DMs by clicking username
- Context menu: Add Friend / Write Message / Block
Real-time updates: All changes sync instantly through game connection.
Recent Patches and Fixes (April 2026)
Patch April 17, 2026
Fixed:
- Duplicate actions from stale client state (harvesting already harvested plot, re-chopping tree)
- Knife errors during butchering (correct consumption, display)
- Wine Jug no longer inherits knife crafting limit
- Correct application of −15% gathering energy (Gathering lvl 12)
Improved:
- Barn: new tabular interface, sorting, timers
- Workshop/Craft: server time sync, action blocking when insufficient energy
- Magic Well: no longer stuck in waiting state
Patch April 16, 2026 (NFT Update)
Added:
- Founder Scroll and Flags fully integrated
- Energy/discount/speed bonuses apply correctly
- Private chat for founders
- Manual NFT verification in settings
- Flag synergy with pets (+2.5%/flag)
Fixed:
- Chat stability after idle periods
- NFT sync when wallet contents change
- NFT state updates without relogging
My CAT2 Testing Experience
I’ve been playing Roots & Loots since the CAT2 closed testing launch for OG. Flags have been added and work perfectly – bonuses trigger more often than I expected. Free bonus harvests from Flag of Plants, extra mine resources from Flag of Gathering, and 10% free pet mission chance (with all 4 flags) genuinely accelerate progress.
My current progress:
- Planting: level 7 (Cactus unlocked)
- Gathering: level 2 (Tree cooldown 10
What surprised me:
- Marketplace works stably, listings sell quickly (especially Processed emerald and Gold ingot)
- All 4 flags working together create a noticeable snowball effect – resources accumulate faster than anticipated
Issues:
- Occasional sync delays after mass actions (harvesting all beds at once)
- Golden Tickets currently purchased manually, creating support queue
Roadmap and Game Future
Already Implemented (CAT2)
✅ Three specialization branches (12 levels each)
✅ NFT utilities (Founder Scroll, Flags)
✅ Player marketplace + system NPC
✅ Social system (friends, blocks, DMs)
✅ Pets with leveling to 50 lvl
✅ Magic Spring (energy restoration)
✅ Barn and animal husbandry
In Development
🔄 Dungeon system (mentioned in Founder Scroll mechanics)
🔄 Guild system (Founder Scroll holders only)
🔄 Guild buildings (Apiary, Vineyard)
🔄 “Founder’s Legacy” quest chain
🔄 Founder’s Ring (legendary craft, 7 days)
🔄 “Heart of the Primordial” (collect 10 fragments)
Official Launch Plans
- Smart contract for automatic GT purchases
- NFT line expansion (interior items, exclusive recipes)
- Seasonal events with GT rewards
- Full PlayToEarn.com integration (already registered)
Roots & Loots FAQ
Q: Can I play for free?
A: Yes, starter pack is provided to all. For CAT2 access you need a role (Founder Scroll, Crown, OG, or win in giveaway).
Q: Is buying NFT mandatory?
A: No, but Founder Scroll and Flags give noticeable progression advantage.
Q: What happens to progress at mainnet launch?
A: Purchased GT are guaranteed to be preserved. Other CAT2 progress may be reset (to be confirmed).
Q: How to get CAT2 role?
A: Buy Founder Scroll, get Crown/OG role in Discord, or participate in giveaways.
Q: How much do Flags cost?
A: Starting price $15, 500 units each type. Current prices check on OpenSea.
Q: How does Discord login work?
A: During CAT2, you login through Discord OAuth instead of wallet connection. Your wallet is linked separately for NFT verification in settings.
Conclusion: Is Roots & Loots Worth Playing in 2026?
Pros:
- ✅ Real NFT utility (not decoration, but mechanics)
- ✅ Deep economy with 250+ recipes
- ✅ Active development (patches every 2-3 days)
- ✅ Low entry barrier (free starter pack)
- ✅ Polygon (cheap transactions)
- ✅ Discord login simplifies access
Cons:
- ❌ CAT2 only for select roles (for now)
- ❌ GT purchased manually (temporary)
- ❌ Possible progress wipe at mainnet transition
Bottom line: Roots & Loots is one of the few 2026 Web3 projects where NFTs actually work. If you’ve been looking for a farming game with real economy, progression, and social features – this is it. CAT2 shows the team takes balance seriously and listens to the community.
My verdict: 8.5/10. Recommended for founders and those ready to invest time in long-term strategy. Casual players better wait for official launch.
Track the Web3 gaming market on CoinMarketCap GameFiUseful Links:
- 🎮 Game (CAT2)
- 📘 Whitepaper
- 💬 Discord
- 🛒 NFT on OpenSea – Founder Scroll
- 🏴 NFT on OpenSea – Flags
- 🎯 PlayToEarn.com
Author: GQ, Web3 gaming blog gq-z.com. Published: April 20, 2026. All data is current as of writing.