> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rivalryze.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.rivalryze.com/gems-and-wallet/how-to-earn-gems.md).

# How to Earn Gems

Gems are the platform currency on RivalRyze. You'll need them to enter Contests, and you can spend them in the [Shop](/the-shop/gift-cards.md). Here's every way to earn them.

## 1. The signup bonus

New accounts receive a starter gem balance automatically. You'll see it in your wallet the moment you finish creating your account — no action needed.

This is meant to cover your first one or two Contest entries so you can start competing immediately.

## 2. Winning Contests (the main source)

The biggest source of gems is winning Contests you join. When a Contest ends and you've won, the full prize pool is transferred to your wallet automatically.

The prize pool is made up of:

* All entry fees from joiners (including yours)
* The host's optional boost
* Any donations made during the Contest

See [Entry Fees, Prize Pools & Donations](/contests/entry-fees-and-prizes.md) for how the math works.

{% hint style="success" %}
Pick Contests where you have a real edge — your strongest games, your most-played platforms — to maximize your win rate. Contests with fewer joiners often have better odds even if the prize pool is smaller.
{% endhint %}

## 3. The daily claim

You can claim a small gem reward once per day from your dashboard. It's free — just log in and click **Claim**.

The reward grows with **claim streaks**: claim several days in a row and the daily amount increases. Miss a day and the streak resets.

This is meant to keep regular players topped up without having to win every Contest.

## 4. Contest refunds

If a Contest you joined gets cancelled before it starts, your entry fee is refunded to your wallet automatically. Same goes if you leave a Contest before it starts.

This isn't "earning" gems exactly — it's getting back what you spent — but it shows up as a credit in your transaction history.

## 5. Reward programs

RivalRyze occasionally runs **reward programs** — recurring bonuses tied to specific behaviors:

* Streak-based programs (e.g., 7-day login streak)
* Cumulative programs (e.g., 100 achievements unlocked this month)
* Seasonal events

Active reward programs appear on your dashboard under **Rewards**. Each program shows its goal and current progress.

## 6. Tips and shoutouts (if enabled)

In some Discord servers, members can tip other players gems for a great play, a tournament win, or a community contribution. If you receive a tip, it lands in your wallet with a message from the sender.

## What gems are NOT

* **Gems are not refundable for real money.** Once earned, they live in your RivalRyze wallet and can be spent inside the platform (Contest fees, Shop, donations) — but they're not convertible back to cash.
* **Gems don't expire.** A balance you earn today is still there a year from now.
* **Gems are tied to your account.** They can't be transferred to other players directly (other than via donations to a Contest's prize pool, which goes to the winner).

## Want to spend them?

* [Spend on Contest entry fees](/gems-and-wallet/how-to-spend-gems.md) — the main use case.
* [Spend in the Shop](/the-shop/gift-cards.md) — gift cards, cosmetics, and game codes (requires Supporter or Pro tier).