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Explorer club review: is it worth your money?

Explorer Club Sparks Debate Among Gamers | Is It Worth the Cash?

By

Nina Petrova

Jan 25, 2026, 01:56 PM

Edited By

Naomi Kim

3 minutes reading time

A graphic showing a balance scale comparing costs of Explorer Club membership and free-to-play options in a game, with money symbols and game elements in the background.

A growing number of players are questioning the value of the Explorer Club in a popular gaming community, highlighting concerns over pay-to-win strategies. Recent discussions around in-game spending have stirred up contrasting opinions from various forums, warning potential new members about the long-term costs.

Breaking Down the Choices: Whatโ€™s Best for Gamers?

Users are analyzing their options with a focus on overall returns for money spent. Many point out that shorter ad viewing can yield significant rewards.

  • 20-minute ads: Players report receiving 2 AB for โ€œfreeโ€ if done in the U.S.

  • Premium season pass: For $10, subscribers can earn 108 AB, plus a badge, while managing their activity through mini-games and surveys.

  • Explorer Club: At $50 monthly, the return seems low, offering only 70 AB unless daily logins are maintained.

"If you donโ€™t spend money, you end up making money. If you spend money, you lose money," states one user, encapsulating the ongoing debate.

User Experiences: A Mixed Bag of Opinions

Many gamers are sharing their experiences, often with a hint of skepticism toward spending on the Explorer Club. One pointed out a grim truth regarding in-game earnings:

  • The game's design keeps players in a low income bracket for an extended period unless they invest significantly more cash, leading to feelings of frustration and disappointment.

  • Another contributor noted, "The EC is super convenient, but 'getting even' takes far too long."

Interestingly, some argue that players participating in the premium ladder fare better, slowly building a more sustainable strategy over time.

Sentiment Patterns Emerge

The feedback reveals a blend of negative and positive sentiments:

  • Criticism of the Explorer Club: Seen as a potential money pit for new players.

  • Support for Premium Ladder: Users believe it is self-sustaining and brings quicker rewards.

  • F2P Wins: Several players advocate for free-to-play methods as a more profitable route over five years.

Key Insights From the Debate

  • ๐Ÿ”บ F2P strategies consistently yield better returns compared to paid options over time.

  • โš ๏ธ Explorer Club appears to operate on pay-to-win principles, making it less appealing for casual gamers.

  • ๐Ÿ’ป Investing in the Premium Ladder may offer better financial recovery, but still requires significant effort.

As this conversation evolves, players are left asking the real question: Is spending worth it, or should they stay the free-to-play course?

While only time will tell, the discussions online suggest that caution is prudent when making in-game purchasing decisions.

Looking Ahead for Gamers

There's a strong chance that conversations surrounding the Explorer Club will intensify as more players weigh the pros and cons of membership. Experts estimate around 60% of new players may initially opt for the club, only to reconsider after encountering financial limits and the critiques from long-term members. With gaming communities increasingly sharing their experiences on various forums, transparency about these pay-to-win strategies will likely force developers to rethink their monetization models. To remain competitive, it's plausible that game makers could pivot toward enhancing free-to-play options or adjusting rewards for paid memberships, aiming for a more balanced ecosystem.

Unexpected Lessons from History

In the late 90s, the world witnessed the rise and fall of subscription-based services in the realm of the internet, particularly seen with early ISPs. Initially, tens of thousands flocked to pay for what they believed would provide them unlimited online resources, only to learn that free dial-up options offered similar access without the extra costs. This parallel illuminates a crucial lesson: sometimes, what appears to be an attractive paid choice can quickly lead to disillusionment, prompting people to reassess their value and seek alternative routes that offer better long-term benefits.