What an NFT Actually Is: A Comprehensive Guide to Minting RPG Cards as NFTs
- Jason Kurtz
- Oct 2, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 20, 2025
Understanding NFTs
What an NFT Actually Is
The image file (your .png) is just a normal digital file — it can be copied infinitely.
The NFT itself is not the image; it’s a unique entry on the blockchain that states:
“Wallet X owns the official token that points to this image (or metadata).”
Think of it like this: Anyone can print the Mona Lisa at home. Only the Louvre owns the original — and the certificate of authenticity proves it. NFTs serve as that certificate of authenticity, but in a digital format.
Where the File Lives
The NFT’s metadata (name, description, properties) and link to the file are stored on the blockchain.
The actual image is often hosted on IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) or another decentralized storage system, ensuring it can’t just “disappear” if a website goes down.
Selling an NFT
When you sell your NFT:
You aren’t deleting the .png on your computer — you still have it.
What you lose is ownership of the blockchain token that points to that file.
Now the buyer’s wallet is listed as the official owner of that NFT.
So yes — you can still keep copies, use them in your game, or even show them off. But only the token holder can claim: “I own the official blockchain-certified edition #7 of this card.”
Important Distinction
NFT Owner = owns the token (collectible, tradable, resellable).
Creator (you) = always keeps the rights to the art (unless you explicitly transfer copyright).
That means you can still use your art in your RPG, reprint it, or even mint other NFT editions if you choose.
✅ So in plain words:
An NFT is like a digital trading card with a public ledger that states who owns it.
The art file can be copied, but the NFT ownership cannot — that’s the “non-fungible” part.
Quick Checklist: Mint RPG Cards as NFTs
Prep
OpenSea Setup
Go to opensea.io.
Click Connect Wallet → choose MetaMask.
Create a Collection
Click your profile icon → My Collections → Create a collection.
Upload Logo + Banner (represents your card set).
Give it a Name + Description.
Select Polygon as blockchain (cheap minting).
Save the collection.
Mint Your First NFT
Inside your collection → click Add Item.
Upload card artwork (your image).
Fill in the details:
- Name: (e.g., Knight of Ashen Flame).
- Description: (short story or RPG lore).
- Properties (optional): Attack, Defense, Rarity.
Choose Supply (1 = unique, or 10/100 for limited editions).
Confirm blockchain = Polygon.
Click Create → NFT minted ✅.
Optional: List for Sale
Open your new NFT → click Sell.
Set price (ETH or MATIC).
Confirm listing in MetaMask.
Done → NFT is live! 🎉
👉 That’s it! You can repeat the Mint Your First NFT steps for each card in your RPG set.
NFT Trading Card Best Practices Mini-Guide
Just for taking the time to read my blog, I’m also giving you Narrative Niche’s NFT Best Practices Mini-Guide. This guide includes pricing tips, rarity structures, and how to organize your cards into “packs” for collectors.
To give you the best advice possible on NFTs, imagine you’re a game designer and a collector. For this Mini-Guide, let’s say you have 32 characters (cards), 4 classes, and 4 card backs. You can treat this just like trading card games (Pokémon, Magic, etc.) but with NFT mechanics. Here’s a Best Practices Mini-Guide tailored for 32 character cards:
1. Rarity Structures
Collectors love rarity. Here’s a common breakdown you could use for 32 cards:
Common (C): 16 cards (50%) → high supply, easy to get.
Uncommon (U): 8 cards (25%) → moderate supply.
Rare (R): 6 cards (19%) → lower supply.
Legendary/Mythic (L): 2 cards (6%) → super scarce, showpiece cards.
💡 Tip: You can assign rarities based on artwork detail, card power, or lore importance.
2. Edition Sizes (Supply per Card)
Commons → 100 editions each
Uncommons → 50 editions each
Rares → 20 editions each
Legendaries → 1 or 5 editions (true 1/1 grails)
This creates scarcity and collector excitement, just like physical TCGs.
3. Pricing Tips
Think of your pricing tiers:
Commons → ~$1–5 (low entry, encourages bulk buying)
Uncommons → ~$10–20
Rares → ~$50–100
Legendaries → $250+ (flagship “collector” cards)
👉 Start low for your first drop. Early buyers are your biggest supporters. Once you build hype, you can raise prices on later editions.
4. Organizing into “Packs”
Instead of selling only single cards, you can bundle “packs” to mimic booster packs:
Basic Pack (3 cards) → 2 Common + 1 Uncommon ($10–15)
Advanced Pack (5 cards) → 3 Common + 1 Uncommon + 1 Rare ($25–30)
Elite Pack (7 cards) → 3 Common + 2 Uncommon + 1 Rare + 1 Legendary chance ($75–100)
On OpenSea, you can do this by:
Minting bundles (group NFTs into a package sale).
Selling “mystery packs” (one NFT that represents a pack, and you airdrop random cards to the buyer later).
Mystery packs = more work but super fun for collectors. Bundles = easier for beginners.
5. Card Backs by Class
Since you already have 4 classes with unique card backs, you can market this as:
“Warrior Class Set” (8 cards, Warrior card back)
“Mage Class Set” (8 cards, Mage card back)
“Rogue Class Set” (8 cards, Rogue card back)
“Cleric Class Set” (8 cards, Cleric card back)
Each class can have its own mini-collection inside OpenSea. Collectors might want “all 8 Warriors” or “all 32 across the four classes.”
6. Collector Incentives
Full Set Bonus: First collector to assemble all 32 cards gets a special bonus NFT (like a Golden Card Back).
Limited Edition Rewards: Legendary card owners get exclusive in-game perks when your RPG launches.
Numbered Editions: Make sure your NFTs are numbered (#1 of 100, #2 of 100, etc.) → adds prestige.
7. Presentation
Lore/Flavor Text: Add short RPG-style descriptions. It adds immersion and makes your NFTs feel like part of a world.
Visual Consistency: Use the 4 card backs to tie classes together; use borders, rarity symbols, or foil effects to make rarity feel real.
✅ Summary Strategy for 32 Character Cards:
32 total cards → divided into Commons, Uncommons, Rares, Legendaries.
Price them in tiers from $1 up to $250+.
Sell singles + bundles (packs).
Organize into Class-based mini-collections (4 card backs).
Reward collectors for completing sets.
This comprehensive guide should help you navigate the exciting world of NFTs and mint your RPG cards successfully!
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