The Open Network (TON) has garnered significant attention in recent months. Thanks to its unique features, robust ecosystem, and seamless integration with Telegram, TON offers exciting possibilities for both seasoned crypto enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

This guide serves as your launchpad into the world of TON, providing a comprehensive overview of the key areas you can explore and the benefits they offer.

1. Play and Earn: Diving into the World of TON Games

TON has established itself as a leader in play-to-earn gaming. Unlike traditional games where rewards are purely virtual, TON allows you to earn real crypto tokens by participating in engaging and interactive experiences. Here are two popular games to get you started:

Catizen: Calling all cat lovers and aspiring city planners! Catizen puts you at the helm of a virtual cat city. You'll develop your city, complete tasks, and participate in airdrop campaigns, all while earning Catizen coins (CAT) – the game's native currency. This strategic city-building experience boasts over 15 million users and a thriving in-game economy.
Hamster Kombat: Gear up for a different kind of battle in Hamster Kombat! Here, you take on the role of a hamster CEO tasked with growing your very own crypto exchange. By tapping a golden coin (similar to Notcoin), you'll earn in-game currency and utilize it to upgrade your exchange, leading to even greater earnings. The game's straightforward gameplay and real crypto rewards have attracted a massive 150 million player base. It's also set to launch a token airdrop in July, following the success of its predecessor, Notcoin.

These are just two examples of the many play-to-earn games available on TON. They offer a fun and engaging way to learn about cryptocurrencies and potentially earn rewards while playing.

2. Maximize Your Holdings: Exploring Liquid Staking

Staking is a fundamental aspect of Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchains like TON. By staking your TON coins, you contribute to the network's security and earn rewards in return. However, traditional staking often involves locking your tokens for a set period. This is where liquid staking comes in.

TON offers several liquid staking protocols like Tonstakers and Bemo Finance. These platforms allow you to stake your TON coins and receive a liquid representation of your stake in the form of a token. This token can be freely used in DeFi (Decentralized Finance) applications, allowing you to earn additional yield on your holdings.

Here's a breakdown of the benefits:

Earn Rewards: Similar to traditional staking, liquid staking allows you to earn rewards for contributing to the network's security.
Maintain Liquidity: Unlike traditional staking, there's no lock-up period with liquid staking. You can freely trade or use your liquid tokens, maximizing your flexibility.
Increased Yield: Some DeFi applications allow you to utilize your liquid tokens for liquidity provision, potentially generating additional returns beyond staking rewards.

3. Unleash the Power of Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs): Swapping with Ease

Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) are a cornerstone of any thriving DeFi ecosystem, and TON is no exception. DEXs enable users to swap cryptocurrencies directly with each other, eliminating the need for centralized intermediaries. Here are two notable DEXs on TON:

STON.fi: This user-friendly DEX boasts virtually zero fees, low slippage, and a clean interface. Built on the TON blockchain, STON.fi leverages sharding technology to facilitate millions of transactions per second, ensuring a smooth and speedy trading experience.
DeDust: DeDust goes beyond simple token swaps, offering features like bridging and staking its native token (SCALE) for additional rewards. Furthermore, DeDust allows users to provide liquidity on various pools with attractive APYs (Annual Percentage Yields), generating passive income.

By utilizing TON's DEXs, you gain greater control over your crypto assets and can explore a wide range of trading opportunities.

4. Earn Interest Through Money Markets: Lending and Borrowing on TON

TON's money markets provide users with opportunities to earn interest on their crypto holdings by lending them to others. This creates a win-win situation: lenders earn passive income, and borrowers gain access to liquidity. Here are two prominent money market platforms on TON:

Evaa Protocol: This platform allows users to lend and borrow various crypto assets, including TON, stTON (liquid staked TON), tsTON (another staked TON token), and USDT (Tether). Evaa Protocol offers competitive interest rates, making it an attractive option for generating passive income on your TON holdings.
DAOLama TON: This platform introduces a unique twist on traditional money markets: NFT lending. DAOLama TON currently supports over 35 NFT collections, allowing users to rent out their NFTs in exchange for TON. Additionally, the platform offers a "Buy Now, Pay Later" feature for NFTs, enabling you to acquire coveted collectibles without having to pay the full amount upfront.

5. Leverage Up Your Trades: Exploring Crypto Derivatives on TON

For experienced crypto users seeking advanced trading strategies, TON offers Storm Trade – a decentralized derivatives platform. This platform allows users to trade various crypto assets with leverage of up to 50x. Leverage can amplify both your potential profits and losses, so it's crucial to exercise caution and employ proper risk management techniques.

Benefits of Storm Trade:

High Leverage: Amplify your potential returns (and losses) by trading with leverage.
Direct Telegram Integration: Access Storm Trade's features conveniently through Telegram, making it highly accessible.
Earning Opportunities: Storm Trade offers ways to earn rewards beyond just trading, such as participating in tournaments or providing liquidity.

Remember, leverage trading carries significant risks and is best suited for experienced users with a strong understanding of the market.

Embrace the Future of Crypto with TON

TON's robust ecosystem, user-friendly applications, and seamless Telegram integration make it an attractive platform for both beginners and experienced crypto users. Whether you're seeking engaging play-to-earn games, lucrative staking opportunities, or powerful DeFi tools, TON offers a diverse range of possibilities. This guide serves as a stepping stone for your TON journey. As you explore further, remember to conduct your own research and exercise caution when interacting with unfamiliar platforms. Welcome to the world of TON – a dynamic and innovative blockchain ecosystem poised for continued growth.