# Connecting Your Wallet

## Set Up Your Web3 Wallet to Start Earning

To play 8-Bit Arcade and earn cryptocurrency, you need a Web3 wallet. This guide walks you through the complete setup process.

## What is a Web3 Wallet?

A **Web3 wallet** is a digital wallet that:

* Stores your cryptocurrency (like 8BIT tokens)
* Connects to decentralized applications (dApps)
* Signs blockchain transactions
* Proves ownership of your address

**Think of it as:** Your login + bank account for the blockchain.

## Recommended Wallet: MetaMask

**MetaMask** is the most popular Web3 wallet:

* ✅ Free and open-source
* ✅ Browser extension + mobile app
* ✅ Supports Arbitrum network
* ✅ Trusted by millions
* ✅ Easy to use

## Step-by-Step Setup Guide

### Step 1: Install MetaMask

#### On Desktop (Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge)

1. Visit [**metamask.io**](https://metamask.io)
2. Click **"Download"**
3. Select your browser
4. Click **"Install MetaMask for \[Browser]"**
5. Add extension to your browser
6. Pin extension for easy access

#### On Mobile (iOS/Android)

1. Download **MetaMask** from:
   * [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/metamask/id1438144202)
   * [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.metamask)
2. Install and open the app

### Step 2: Create Your Wallet

1. Open MetaMask extension/app
2. Click **"Create a new wallet"**
3. Agree to terms of service
4. Create a **strong password**
   * At least 8 characters
   * Mix of letters, numbers, symbols
   * Store safely (password manager recommended)

### Step 3: Secure Your Recovery Phrase

> ⚠️ **CRITICAL:** Your recovery phrase is the master key to your wallet. Anyone with this phrase can access your funds.

1. MetaMask will show you a **12-word recovery phrase**
2. **Write it down on paper** (do NOT save digitally)
3. Store in a **safe place** (fireproof safe, safety deposit box)
4. **Never share** with anyone (8-Bit Arcade will never ask for it)
5. Confirm by entering words in correct order

**Example Recovery Phrase:**

```
witch collapse practice feed shame open despair creek road again ice least
```

**Security Tips:**

* ❌ Don't screenshot or save on computer
* ❌ Don't store in cloud (Google Drive, iCloud, etc.)
* ❌ Don't email to yourself
* ❌ Don't tell anyone, even "support"
* ✅ Write on paper, store safely
* ✅ Consider metal backup for fire protection
* ✅ Make multiple copies in different secure locations

### Step 4: Add Arbitrum One Network

8-Bit Arcade runs on **Arbitrum One**, an Ethereum Layer 2 network.

#### Automatic Method (Easiest)

1. Visit [**8bitarcade.games**](https://8bitarcade.games)
2. Click **"Connect Wallet"**
3. MetaMask will prompt: **"Add Arbitrum One network?"**
4. Click **"Approve"**
5. Network added automatically! ✅

#### Manual Method

If automatic method doesn't work:

1. Open MetaMask
2. Click network dropdown (top center)
3. Click **"Add Network"** or **"Add Network Manually"**
4. Enter Arbitrum One details:

| Field               | Value                          |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| **Network Name**    | Arbitrum One                   |
| **RPC URL**         | <https://arb1.arbitrum.io/rpc> |
| **Chain ID**        | 42161                          |
| **Currency Symbol** | ETH                            |
| **Block Explorer**  | <https://arbiscan.io>          |

5. Click **"Save"**
6. Switch to Arbitrum One network

### Step 5: Get ETH on Arbitrum

You need a small amount of ETH for gas fees (\~$1-$5 worth).

#### Option A: Bridge from Ethereum

1. Visit [**bridge.arbitrum.io**](https://bridge.arbitrum.io)
2. Connect MetaMask (on Ethereum mainnet)
3. Enter amount of ETH to bridge
4. Confirm transaction
5. Wait \~10 minutes for bridge to complete
6. ETH appears on Arbitrum One

#### Option B: Buy Direct on Arbitrum

1. Use centralized exchange (Binance, Coinbase, Kraken)
2. Buy ETH
3. Withdraw to your MetaMask address
4. **Select "Arbitrum One" as withdrawal network**
5. Wait for confirmation
6. ETH appears in your Arbitrum wallet

#### Option C: Use a Fiat On-Ramp

1. Open MetaMask
2. Click **"Buy"**
3. Select provider (Transak, MoonPay, etc.)
4. Choose **Arbitrum network**
5. Purchase ETH with credit/debit card
6. Funds arrive in minutes

### Step 6: Connect to 8-Bit Arcade

1. Visit [**play.8bitarcade.games**](https://play.8bitarcade.games)
2. Click **"Connect Wallet"** (top right)
3. Select **"MetaMask"**
4. MetaMask popup appears
5. Review connection request
6. Click **"Connect"**
7. Success! Your address appears in top right

## Alternative Wallets

While MetaMask is recommended, these wallets also work:

### Coinbase Wallet

* Good for Coinbase users
* Mobile and browser extension
* Similar setup process

### WalletConnect

* Universal protocol for mobile wallets
* Works with Trust Wallet, Rainbow, Argent, and 100+ others
* Scan QR code to connect

### Rabby Wallet

* Advanced features
* Multi-chain support
* Good for experienced users

### How to Connect with WalletConnect

1. Click **"Connect Wallet"** on 8-Bit Arcade
2. Select **"WalletConnect"**
3. QR code appears
4. Open your mobile wallet app
5. Scan QR code
6. Approve connection
7. Connected!

## Troubleshooting

### "Wrong Network" Error

**Problem:** MetaMask is on wrong network

**Solution:**

1. Open MetaMask
2. Click network dropdown
3. Select **"Arbitrum One"**
4. Refresh page

### "Insufficient Funds for Gas"

**Problem:** Not enough ETH for transaction fees

**Solution:**

* Get more ETH on Arbitrum (see Step 5)
* Gas fees are typically $0.10-$0.50 on Arbitrum

### "Connection Failed"

**Problem:** Browser blocking popup

**Solution:**

1. Allow popups for 8bitarcade.games
2. Refresh page and try again
3. Make sure MetaMask extension is enabled

### "Transaction Stuck"

**Problem:** Transaction not confirming

**Solution:**

1. Open MetaMask
2. Click on pending transaction
3. Click **"Speed Up"** to increase gas
4. Or wait (usually resolves in a few minutes)

## Wallet Security Best Practices

### ✅ DO:

* Use strong, unique password
* Write down recovery phrase on paper
* Store recovery phrase in safe place
* Enable MetaMask password/biometric lock
* Double-check website URLs before connecting
* Use hardware wallet for large amounts (Ledger, Trezor)
* Keep software updated

### ❌ DON'T:

* Share your recovery phrase with ANYONE
* Save recovery phrase digitally
* Use the same password as other accounts
* Click suspicious links in DMs
* Connect wallet to unknown websites
* Leave wallet unlocked when away

## Common Scams to Avoid

### Fake Support DMs

* ❌ Real support never DMs you first
* ❌ Real support never asks for recovery phrase
* ❌ Real support never asks for private keys

**If you receive a DM:**

1. Ignore and report
2. Never click links
3. Use official support channels only

### Phishing Websites

* ❌ Fake websites that look like 8-Bit Arcade
* ❌ Steal your wallet info

**Protection:**

* Bookmark **play.8bitarcade.games**
* Double-check URL before connecting
* Look for HTTPS padlock

### Approval Scams

* ❌ Malicious contracts request unlimited token approvals
* ❌ Can drain your wallet

**Protection:**

* Only connect to trusted sites
* Review all transaction approvals
* Use [Revoke.cash](https://revoke.cash) to check/revoke approvals

## Understanding Gas Fees

**Gas fees** are small transaction costs on blockchain:

| Network          | Typical Gas Fee |
| ---------------- | --------------- |
| Ethereum         | $5-$50          |
| **Arbitrum One** | **$0.10-$0.50** |

**On 8-Bit Arcade:**

* Score submission: \~$0.10
* Tournament entry: \~$0.20
* Claiming rewards: \~$0.15

**Why Arbitrum is Great:**

* 10-100x cheaper than Ethereum
* Same security as Ethereum
* Transactions confirm in seconds

## Mobile Gaming

### Using MetaMask Mobile

1. Open MetaMask mobile app
2. Open browser (inside MetaMask app)
3. Navigate to **play.8bitarcade.games**
4. Wallet auto-connects
5. Play games on mobile!

### Using WalletConnect

1. Open **play.8bitarcade.games** in regular browser
2. Click **"Connect Wallet"**
3. Select **"WalletConnect"**
4. Scan QR with wallet app
5. Approve connection
6. Play games in browser, sign with wallet app

## Ready to Play?

Now that your wallet is connected:

1. ✅ [Choose a game to play](https://docs.8bitarcade.games/games/game-library)
2. ✅ [Learn the controls](https://docs.8bitarcade.games/games/controls)
3. ✅ [Start earning daily rewards](https://docs.8bitarcade.games/earning-crypto/daily-rewards)
4. ✅ [Enter your first tournament](https://docs.8bitarcade.games/earning-crypto/tournaments)

## Need Help?

* [Troubleshooting Guide](https://docs.8bitarcade.games/support/troubleshooting)
* [FAQ](https://docs.8bitarcade.games/support/faq)
* [Contact Support](https://docs.8bitarcade.games/support/contact)
* [MetaMask Support](https://support.metamask.io)

***

*8-Bit Arcade will never ask for your recovery phrase or private keys. Keep them secret and secure.*
