What Are Discord Orbs?
Discord Orbs is a virtual currency system launched globally on July 14, 2025, following a seven-week beta testing period. It’s a digital reward that users can earn by completing “Quests” on the platform, and subsequently redeem in Discord’s Shop for premium benefits without spending real money.
This initiative marks an important point in Discord’s evolution as a platform, offering an alternative way to access premium features and customization without requiring traditional payment methods.
How Do Orbs Work?
The Reward System
Discord Orbs are based on a simple three-step model:
1. Accept a Quest Quests are optional promotional activities where brands invite users to interact with their content. These activities can include:
- Watching promotional videos for games or products
- Trying game demos
- Interacting with brand content
- Completing specific advertiser-related tasks
2. Complete the Quest Once you accept a Quest, you must fulfill its specific requirements. Most Quests are designed to be completed in just a few minutes.
3. Claim Your Orbs Upon completing the Quest, press “Claim Reward” to add the Orbs to your account. Most Quests award 700 Orbs, though this amount may vary by campaign.
Where to Find Available Quests
On Desktop/Browser:
- A Quest bar appears in the bottom-left corner of the app when you’re eligible
- Go to Settings → Quests
- You’ll receive notifications when Quests are available to you
On Mobile Devices:
- Tap your avatar → Settings → Quests
- Tap your avatar → Orbs Balance
- Use the “Earn Orbs” button
What Can You Buy With Orbs?
Discord has created an exclusive Orbs shop with several types of rewards:
Nitro Credits
Cost: 1,400 Orbs = 3 days of Discord Nitro
This is the most valuable reward in the system. Discord Nitro normally costs $10 USD per month and includes:
- Higher quality streaming
- Larger file upload limits
- Custom emojis across all servers
- Free server boosts
- Animated avatar and custom profile banner
Nitro credits allow users to try these premium features without payment commitment.
Orbs-Exclusive Badges and Cosmetics
Orbs Apprentice Badge
- Cost: 120 Orbs
- Permanent badge that appears on your profile
- Shows you participate in the Orbs system
Avatar Decorations and Profile Effects
- More than 7 exclusive decorations available
- Individual prices around 3,500 Orbs
- Example: The “Infinite Swirl” bundle costs 8,900 Orbs
Main Shop Items
In addition to exclusives, many popular items from regular Shop collections can now be purchased with Orbs, offering an alternative to spending real money.
How to Redeem Your Orbs
On Desktop/Browser:
- Go to the Shop tab
- Select the “Orbs Exclusives” tab at the top
- Browse available items and redeem them
You can also view all Orbs-compatible items in the “Shop All” tab.
On Mobile:
- Tap your avatar
- Select Orbs Balance
- Tap “Redeem Orbs in Shop”
- Browse available items
Important Limitations
You Cannot:
Transfer Orbs Between Accounts Orbs are permanently linked to the account that earned them. It’s not possible to send them to other users.
Gift Orbs There’s no functionality to gift Orbs to friends or family.
Trade Orbs Selling or trading Orbs violates Discord’s terms of service. This restriction is designed to prevent black markets and malicious practices.
Convert Orbs to Real Money Orbs have no monetary value outside Discord’s ecosystem.
You Can:
- Earn Orbs on both desktop and mobile
- Accumulate Orbs without time limit (they don’t expire)
- Redeem Orbs for multiple types of rewards
- Use Orbs on Orbs Exclusives items and other Shop items
Beta Period Results
During the seven-week beta test, Discord collected impressive data on the system’s performance:
Usage Metrics:
- Millions of Orbs earned and redeemed
- 16x increase in first-time Shop purchasers
- 79% of purchasers had never bought anything in Discord’s Shop before
- 70% of participants were not Nitro members
User Perception:
According to Discord’s internal surveys in 2025:
- Over 50% of users who interacted with Quests in the past month say Quests improve their Discord experience
- Users actively seek out new Quests to complete
- 82% of surveyed users in 2024 wanted virtual currency on the platform
- 46% said it would improve their overall experience
Why Discord Created This System
Benefits for Users
Access to Premium Features Without Payment: Orbs democratize access to Discord Nitro and other customization elements, allowing users who cannot or do not want to pay to experience premium features.
“Gameplay” Experience With Advertising: Unlike traditional ads that interrupt, Quests feel like optional missions you can complete to earn rewards, similar to an achievement system.
Greater Customization: More ways to customize your profile and Discord experience without financial barriers.
Benefits for Discord
Revenue Diversification: With a potential IPO (initial public offering) reported for late 2025, Discord needs to demonstrate multiple revenue streams beyond Nitro subscriptions.
Shop Engagement: Data shows many users had never purchased anything in Discord’s Shop. Orbs introduced them to the shopping ecosystem.
Scalable Advertising Model: Demonstrates to potential investors that Discord can sustain an advertising model that users actually appreciate.
Benefits for Advertisers
Campaign Simplicity: Before Orbs, advertisers had to create their own unique rewards (custom Discord cosmetics) for each campaign. Now they can simply offer Orbs, which all users value.
Higher Participation Rate: Since Orbs are universally desired, Quest acceptance and completion rates are higher.
Authenticity: Quests allow brands to feel “part of the mission” rather than an interruption, which improves brand perception.
Context: Evolution of Advertising on Discord
Discord launched its advertising program approximately one year before introducing Orbs. The Quest system was the first step, where brands could offer specific rewards (like themed avatar decorations) for completing promotional activities.
Chronological Evolution:
- 2024: Launch of Quest system with brand-specific rewards
- May 2025: Orbs announcement and beta test beginning with limited users
- July 14, 2025: Global Orbs launch for over 200 million monthly active users
- August 2025+: Continued expansion of redemption options and new Quest formats (like Arena Quests)
According to Peter Sellis, Senior Vice President of Product at Discord: “By rewarding players with something they value, Discord is giving brands the ability to create an advertising experience that feels like gameplay.”
Differences From Other Virtual Currency Systems
Comparison with Similar Platforms:
Twitch Bits:
- Purchased with real money
- Used to support streamers
- Cannot be earned for free consistently
Microsoft Rewards:
- Earned by using Microsoft services (Bing searches, etc.)
- More general system, not specific to gaming/communication
- Similarity: both offer premium subscriptions as rewards
Robux (Roblox):
- Primarily purchased with real money
- Can be earned by creating content, but it’s more difficult
- Have an exchange market (Developer Exchange)
Discord Orbs:
- 100% free (cannot be purchased)
- Specifically earned through engagement with advertising
- Non-transferable and non-tradable
- Focused on customization and premium rewards
Considerations and Terms of Use
Legal Requirements
To use Discord Orbs, you must agree to the Discord Orbs Terms included in Discord’s Paid Services Terms.
Availability
Platforms: Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux), Web Browser, iOS, Android Regions: Global launch available in all regions where Discord operates Age: Must meet Discord’s age requirements (13+ in most regions)
Support
If you have issues with your Orbs, contact Discord Support directly for assistance with any Orbs-related concerns.
Future of Orbs
Discord has indicated it will continue:
- Expanding redemption options: More items and rewards available with Orbs
- Improving rewards for Nitro subscribers: Exclusive offers and special discounts
- Introducing new Quest formats: Like Arena Quests and possible game integrations
- Growing the advertising ecosystem: While maintaining focus on user experience
Tips to Maximize Your Orbs
- Check available Quests regularly: Quests change frequently, so check daily
- Complete Quests on both platforms: Some Quests are exclusive to desktop or mobile
- Save up for big rewards: If you want Nitro, save 1,400 Orbs before spending
- Take advantage of bundles: Like the Infinite Swirl bundle that offers reduced pricing
- Don’t leave Quests unclaimed: Make sure to press “Claim Reward” after completing each Quest
Community Criticism and Concerns
Although Orbs have been generally well received, some users have expressed concerns:
Common Concerns:
- Advertising nature: Some users feel Discord is becoming too commercial
- Reward value: 1,400 Orbs for only 3 days of Nitro may seem low considering it requires completing approximately 2 Quests
- Quest availability: Quests aren’t always available, which can frustrate users wanting to earn Orbs
- Non-transferability: The inability to gift Orbs to friends limits the social aspect
Positive Response:
- Many users appreciate the opportunity to access Nitro without paying
- The system is completely optional
- Quests aren’t intrusive if you choose not to participate
- Real alternative to customize Discord without spending money
Conclusion
Discord Orbs represents an interesting experiment in how platforms can integrate advertising in ways that benefit both users and advertisers. By offering tangible and valuable rewards for voluntary engagement with advertising content, Discord has created a system where:
- Users get access to premium features without payment
- Advertisers get genuine and measurable engagement
- Discord diversifies its revenue while keeping the service free
The system’s success (16x increase in first-time purchasers, millions of Orbs redeemed) suggests this model could be the future of monetization on gaming-focused communication platforms.
For Discord’s over 200 million monthly active users, Orbs offer a legitimate and accessible way to experience Discord Nitro and customize their profiles without needing a credit card or financial commitments.
Official Sources:
- Discord Blog: “Reward Your Play: Complete Quests. Earn Orbs. Get Sweet Stuff.” (July 14, 2025)
- Discord Support: “Discord Orbs FAQ”
- Discord Press Release: “Discord Launches Orbs Globally” (July 14, 2025)
- TechCrunch: “Discord’s virtual reward, ‘Orbs,’ launches out of beta” (July 14, 2025)
- TechCrunch: “Discord explores virtual rewards for its ad product” (May 28, 2025)
Article last updated: December 2025
