> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.runehero.io/rune-hero/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.runehero.io/rune-hero/economy/seasonal-prize-pool.md).

# Seasonal Prize Pool

The Seasonal Prize Pool connects Rune Hero’s in-game economy with player rewards.

Each season starts with an official contribution, grows through in-game purchases, and supports both the current season and the season that follows.

### How the Prize Pool Is Built

At the beginning of each season, the official team provides a **Base Prize Pool**.

During the season, **100% of in-game purchase revenue is added to the prize pool**.

The final prize pool is calculated as:

**Official Base Prize Pool + 100% of In-Game Purchase Revenue**

The size of the prize pool therefore depends on the official starting contribution and the level of in-game purchase activity during that season.

### End-of-Season Allocation

At the end of the season, the final prize pool is divided into two parts:

| Allocation | Purpose                                                                             |
| ---------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **80%**    | Distributed for the current season according to the published seasonal reward rules |
| **20%**    | Carried forward as the seed for the next season’s prize pool                        |

This allows the current season to reward eligible players while also giving the next season an existing foundation.

#### Example

If the final prize pool is **100,000 USDT**:

* **80,000 USDT** is allocated to the current season’s reward distribution;
* **20,000 USDT** becomes the seed for the next season’s prize pool.

The next season can then begin with this carried-forward amount plus a new official contribution.

### Player Eligibility

The 80% current-season allocation is distributed among players who meet that season’s published eligibility requirements.

Before settlement, the season rules will specify:

* Who is eligible to participate;
* How player shares are calculated;
* The settlement deadline and snapshot rules;
* When and how rewards can be claimed;
* Any limits, exclusions, or disqualification conditions.

The distribution formula may vary between seasons and will be published as part of the relevant season rules.

### Hero Badge Benefit

The **Hero Badge** increases its holder’s share of the seasonal reward distribution.

The exact increase, activation requirements, snapshot timing, and applicable limits will be defined in the Hero Badge and current season rules.

Owning a Hero Badge does not guarantee a fixed reward amount. The final result depends on the size of the prize pool, the distribution formula, the number of eligible participants, and the rules of that season.

### Building the Next Season

The 20% carried forward from the current season becomes the starting seed for the next season.

The next prize pool will then continue to grow through:

* The carried-forward seed;
* A new official contribution;
* In-game purchase revenue generated during the new season.

This structure connects each season to the next and is designed to create a stronger long-term seasonal economy.