> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://perpcord.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started

> Join PerpCord and start trading in minutes

## Joining the Game

Getting started with PerpCord is simple. Use the `/perp join` command in any channel where the bot is active.

```
/perp join
```

When you join, you'll receive **10,000 coins** to start trading. This is your paper trading balance - no real money is involved!

<Warning>
  You must accept the PerpCord terms first. The bot requires the **terms-accepted** Discord role before you can `/perp join` — without it you'll get an ephemeral error. Look for the terms-acceptance prompt in the server.
</Warning>

<Note>
  If you've played before, `/perp join` will show your current stats instead of creating a new account. After a monthly season reset, you'll need to `/perp join` again to be included in the new season.
</Note>

## Game Rounds

PerpCord runs quick **\~10 minute rounds** for action-packed trading. New rounds start automatically back-to-back, so there's always a game to play!

## Your First Trade

Once you've joined, you're ready to place your first trade. Here's how:

### Step 1: Check the Current Round

Use `/perp status` to see if there's an active trading round:

```
/perp status
```

This shows you:

* The current token being traded
* The entry price at round start
* Current price and price change
* Time remaining in the round
* Whether trading is open or closed

### Step 2: Decide Your Position

Before trading, decide:

* **LONG** - You think the price will go UP
* **SHORT** - You think the price will go DOWN

### Step 3: Place Your Trade

Use the `/perp trade` command:

```
/perp trade direction:LONG leverage:10 size:1000
```

Parameters:

* **direction** - LONG or SHORT
* **leverage** - 🐢 3× (chill), 🚀 10× (normal), ⚔️ 100× (risky), or 💣 250× (YOLO)
* **size** - How many coins to risk (must be less than your balance)

<Warning>
  You can only place **one trade per round**. Choose wisely!
</Warning>

### Step 4: Wait for Settlement

When the round ends, the bot automatically:

1. Fetches the final price
2. Calculates your profit or loss
3. Updates your balance
4. Announces the results

## Understanding Your Balance

Your balance is your virtual coin amount. Here's what affects it:

| Action                 | Effect                               |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Winning trade          | Balance increases by PnL             |
| Losing trade           | Balance decreases by PnL             |
| Daily wheel spin       | Can win bonus coins or profit boosts |
| Completing quests      | Earn quest rewards (200-1,000 coins) |
| Catching Pepes         | Earn bonus coins                     |
| Grabbing magic potions | Get profit boost charges             |

<Tip>
  Manage your balance carefully! If you lose too much, you can still recover - earning the **Comeback Kid** badge if you climb back from under 1,000 coins to over 10,000.
</Tip>

## Next Steps

Now that you've joined and understand the basics:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Learn Trading" icon="chart-line" href="/game-manual/trading">
    Deep dive into trading mechanics and leverage
  </Card>

  <Card title="Daily Features" icon="calendar" href="/game-manual/daily-features">
    Discover daily wheel spins, quests, and events
  </Card>

  <Card title="Leaderboard" icon="trophy" href="/game-manual/leaderboard">
    Compete for the top spot each season
  </Card>

  <Card title="Earn Badges" icon="medal" href="/game-manual/badges">
    See all badges you can earn
  </Card>
</CardGroup>