Pixcape Games is back with another new reward-packed playtest event to win NFTs in through their flagship title Hive Invasion. Titled as the “Break the Hive” event, testers this time around not only have a chance of being rewarded through gameplay, but also through bug reporting as well, albeit in a much shorter timespan than previous test sessions.

What Is Hive Invasion?

Hive Invasion is a browser-based roguelite from Pixcape Games that takes place in a world overrun by a fusion of artificial intelligence and biological matter. Players step into the role of Echo-9 operatives, who are cybernetic soldiers tasked with fighting back against the Hive, an adaptive and evolving swarm that mutates with every new cycle.

The game combines top-down shooter action with roguelite progression systems for a Vampire Survivors-like on-chain gaming experience. Players must eliminate endless waves of enemies, upgrade weapons and abilities, and adapt their builds to survive as long as possible. Each run grows progressively harder as the Hive mutates, adding new layers of difficulty.

Developed in Unity, Hive Invasion is playable directly on web browsers as a free to play title during limited playtest events. These playtests serve as both public tests and competitive events, offering players rewards such as NFTs, in-game DUST currency, and access to the studio’s evolving ecosystem.

Over time, Hive Invasion has been updated with several systems that deepen gameplay, including the Level Up system, customizable loadouts, and now the new Lobby system that serves as a command hub between missions. Recent updates have also integrated the Somnia network, laying groundwork for cross-platform connections and blockchain-driven rewards.

The latest event, referred to as “Break the Hive,” is a shorter but nonetheless intense event that challenges players to push the system itself to its limits for a chance at winning some rewards along the way, for free.

What Is the Break the Hive Event?

The “Break the Hive” event is the newest playtest session for Hive Invasion. Running from November 10 to November 12, 1 PM UTC, this event tasks players not only with surviving waves of enemies but also with actively testing the stability of the game’s underlying system.

Unlike previous playtests that focused primarily on combat, this one offers players 2 different goals that are both accompanied by prizes. Participants can earn rewards through traditional skill-based leaderboard rankings or by uncovering vulnerabilities in the game’s infrastructure. Echo-9 operatives must fight to achieve the highest kill counts in PvE gameplay while exploring the boundaries of what the Hive allows, uncovering and reporting flaws, bugs, exploits within its mechanics.

A total of 4 Pixcape Genesis Pass NFTs are available as prizes during the event:

  • Top 2 players on the Kill Leaderboard will each receive 1 Genesis Pass NFT.
  • First 2 players who find and report valid vulnerabilities will also receive 1 Genesis Pass each.

The leaderboard rewards favor combat performance, while the bug bounty, which refers to players as System Breakers, rewards precision and insight.

System Breakers are described as players who uncover hidden flaws within the Hive’s code. These could include leaderboard manipulation, data exploits, or similar vulnerabilities. Reports must be submitted through the Pixcape Discord’s support section, including details on how the exploit was found and reproduced.

New Lobby System

New Updates & Playtest Highlights

The Break the Hive event follows directly after the major Playtest #5, which introduced several key systems and recorded record-breaking participation numbers. More than 133k players joined the Hive for that 7-day long session, logging 45k total hours of gameplay with 16,800 daily active users.

Based on the data collected, Pixcape has rolled out several gameplay and progression updates that now seem to be active in the current event. These include upgrades to the Level Up System, the introduction of a new Lobby System, gameplay improvements, and a surprise system.

The Level Up system defines player progression through incremental stat boosts such as health, damage, armor, and movement speed. In the latest update, progression paths have been expanded, with higher levels providing additional skill slots and strategic build variety. Returning players from earlier playtests also receive automatic upgrades to ensure parity with new entrants.

Before entering the battlefield, all Echo-9 operatives now begin in the new Lobby, serving as the game’s preparation hub. Players can manage their arsenal, select loadouts, check leaderboard positions, and mint earned skills through the Claim Station. This hub also includes access to achievements through the Codex and the Play Portal for mission launches.

The game’s structure follows a Stage-based progression system, where each run is divided into escalating difficulty tiers. Stage 3 introduces a boss encounter, and those who succeed unlock the Endless Wave, a survival challenge with increasing difficulty and reward potential.

Pixcape Games has also confirmed that new mission-based NPCs and expanded lore elements are in development for future updates, signaling the game’s move toward a more connected and narrative-driven world. They are also testing out new event structures in an effort to bring players “more meaningful rewards” that are said to range from “in-game bonuses to Dust and NFT perks.”

How to Win NFTs in Break the Hive Event

Anyone can attempt to win NFTs in the Break the Hive event for free by playing Hive Invasion on a web browser through the game’s official website while trying to get the highest kill count possible or and find and report valid bugs along the way.

For pure skill-based gameplay, players compete to achieve the highest kill counts between November 10 and November 12. The top 2 players on this kill-based leaderboard at the end of the event will each win 1 Pixcape Genesis Pass NFT. The leaderboard is automatically tracked by wallet address, though players can choose to display custom names.

Combat efficiency, survival time, and weapon upgrades directly influence leaderboard position. Players are advised to explore weapon upgrade zones, manage fuel carefully, and use rerolls strategically to optimize their loadouts.

Chests, first introduced in Playtest #4, remain an important mechanic. Each chest contains random skills or buffs that can be minted for 2 $SOMI tokens, up to 3 per player. These chests might drastically change the outcome of a run by providing new ways to adapt and survive.

The System Breaker category is open to players who identify valid vulnerabilities or exploits within the game. The first 2 players to report verified issues will each earn 1 Genesis Pass NFT.

To report a vulnerability, players must open a ticket in the official Pixcape Games Discord server under the support section, including details on how the exploit works and how it can be reproduced. Reports are reviewed for authenticity before any rewards are granted.

Whether you’re a returning player or newcomer that enjoys these types of roguelites, then be sure to start playing Hive Invasion soon to increase your chances of winning NFTs during this limited test event that ends on November 12 at 1 PM UTC.