Are Discord Orbs Too Good to Be True?

Summary

Discord recently introduced a new 'orbs' feature, offering users free Nitro, profile badges, avatar decorations, and more through completing quests. However, the feature comes with some catches, including the potential for low orb efficiency, possible future limitations, and the risk of exploitative practices. While some might view it as a scam or ripoff, the orbs offer long-term rewards for users willing to engage with quests. Additionally, there’s an ongoing concern about potential black-market trading and scam attempts surrounding the orbs system. Despite the drawbacks, the feature remains a tempting, albeit flawed, offering for Discord users.

Takeaways

• 😀 Discord has launched a new orbs feature that lets users earn in-game currency (orbs) by completing quests and watching ads.
• 🎮 The orbs can be used to buy profile badges, avatar decorations, effects, and even Discord Nitro credits for a limited time.
• 💸 The orbs feature is part of Discord's strategy to make money through advertisements from partnered games, rather than direct sales.
• ⚖️ While orbs are free, there is a catch – using them for Discord Nitro offers less value compared to other items in the shop, making it a 'ripoff' by design.
• 📈 The efficiency of orbs varies, with some items costing more orbs for a similar dollar value. The more efficient orbs are used for avatar decorations or profile effects.
• 🔒 Discord imposes limits on the number of quests users can complete per day, particularly for younger users, to maintain control over orb distribution.
• 🚫 Discord strictly prohibits the use of automated bots to gather orbs, with the risk of account penalties for those caught.
• 📅 Discord may alter the number of orbs users can earn per quest or limit orb availability, which could affect how long it takes to redeem items.
• 🎯 There is an exploit available (through a script) that lets users automatically complete quests and earn orbs faster, though it violates Discord's terms of service.
• ⚠️ Discord has made it impossible to trade or share orbs, preventing a black market for orbs from forming. This could discourage users from gaming the system.
• 👾 Despite restrictions, the orbs system is seen as a popular feature with few complaints, though users are still concerned about its potential for exploitation or scam attempts.

Q & A

What is Discord's new orbs feature?

Discord's orbs feature allows users to earn and collect orbs by completing quests. These orbs can be used to purchase profile badges, avatar decorations, profile effects, and even Discord Nitro credits. The orbs are earned through watching videos, playing games, or completing tasks within the Discord platform.

How do users earn Discord orbs?

Users can earn Discord orbs by completing quests such as watching videos, playing games for a set amount of time, or engaging with other activities on Discord. For example, completing a video quest can give users 150 orbs.

What items can be purchased with Discord orbs?

Discord orbs can be used to purchase various items in the Discord shop, including avatar decorations, profile effects, nameplates, and badges. Some exclusive items are only available for orbs, such as a special Discord badge or Nitro credits.

Is there a limit to the number of orbs that can be earned each day?

Yes, there is a limit for users between the ages of 13 and 17, who can only complete three quests per day. For adults, there seems to be no such restriction.

Can you buy every item in the Discord shop with orbs?

No, not all items in the Discord shop can be purchased with orbs. For example, items in partnered shops, like Skibbidity Toilet-themed items, cannot be bought with orbs. Some items are restricted due to contractual reasons.

Why is Discord offering orbs as a feature?

Discord offers orbs as a way to incentivize users to interact with advertisements. Companies pay Discord to place ads in quests, and users earn orbs as a reward for engaging with these ads. Discord benefits from the ad revenue while providing users with free items in return.

What is the main drawback of using Discord orbs for Discord Nitro credits?

The main drawback is that the value of Discord Nitro credits in orbs is less efficient compared to other items. For example, 1,400 orbs are required for just 3 days of Nitro, while you could use the same amount of orbs to get a permanent avatar decoration or profile effect.

What concerns are there about the balance of the Discord orbs system?

One concern is that Discord can adjust the difficulty of earning orbs by modifying quest rewards or adding limitations on the number of orbs that can be earned. This could make it harder for users to collect orbs and may affect the overall balance of the system.

What exploit exists to get Discord orbs faster?

There is an exploit where users can use a script to automate the completion of quests without having to interact with them manually. This involves pasting code into the Discord console, allowing users to bypass watching ads or playing games for the required time.

What is Discord's stance on the potential for a black market involving orbs?

Discord has made efforts to prevent a black market for orbs by prohibiting the sharing or trading of orbs between users. They have implemented measures to stop the exchange of orbs for real money, and any such activity may lead to account penalties.