Official wording
Displayed earnings remain in-game values.
TerraMine's July 27 terms state that TerraBucks and in-game items cannot be exchanged for real money. The displayed USD balance is described separately as an accumulated in-game value subject to payout terms that will be published before the feature becomes available.
That wording means the balance shown in the app should not yet be treated like money held in a bank, PayPal account or withdrawable wallet.
Unknowns
The important payout details are still missing.
- Minimum withdrawal amount
- Supported countries and age requirements
- Identity or tax verification
- Fees and processing time
- Rules for suspicious, inactive or terminated accounts
- Whether rates can change before redemption
This page will be updated when TerraMine publishes those rules or when users can independently verify completed withdrawals.
Practical strategy
Treat earnings as a game score for now.
Continue free-to-play if you enjoy the map, mini-games and community. Use the earnings calculator for scenarios, but do not purchase virtual goods based on a projected payback period.
A future cash-out announcement is not the same as a completed, repeatable withdrawal.