Incentivized testnet (ITN) serves as the final test phase in Shardeum’s development, focusing on rigorous testing of prototype networks and featuring a pre-determined reward structure. This phase involves the community stress testing the network while our engineers address and resolve any issues that arise resulting in a more robust and secure Shardeum. As we prepare for the mainnet launch, where real-world assets will be managed, this period is vital. It also brings us closer to our mission of enabling decentralization for everyone by making blockchain technology and Web3 accessible and affordable.
Similar to major software releases, testnets are often named following themes chosen by the community. Shardeum’s community prefers names of famous monuments, symbolizing collective achievements and contributions that resonate widely with its community. Previous phases were named Liberty and Sphinx. The name Atomium was voted by the community for incentivized testnet to continue this tradition. (The ‘Atomium’ testnet, inspired by the iconic structure’s symbolism of innovation, exemplifies Shardeum’s transformative solutions for decentralized blockchain technology and its accessibility).
Shardeum is a permissionless network which means anyone can participate in network operations, whether it is transferring coins or running a node, in return for potential rewards. However, participants from certain countries, including sanctioned territories, are not eligible to participate in incentivized testnet. Additionally, all participants must continue to meet the ongoing eligibility requirements as outlined in our terms page, which we encourage you to review.
Stage 4 is set to run for approximately 4 weeks, subject to network requirements. The Stage 4 quest campaign includes two types of tasks — On-chain and Validator tasks. These tasks are similar to those in the previous stages, allowing both returning and new participants to easily engage and complete them.
Atomium stage 4 campaign includes on-chain tasks and validator tasks, each sub-divided into further levels.
Notes:
With the code freeze implemented, ITN stage 4 will be the final phase before mainnet. For on-chain tasks, you’ll have the opportunity to help test the network’s performance under increased load. This means you can transfer larger amounts of test SHM, play more games and quizzes, with higher daily attempt limits. Therefore, Stage 4 offers the perfect chance to existing and new participants to maximize your XP points, climb up the leaderboard, for a chance to win exciting rewards.
The validator tasks in Stage 4 are also largely unchanged. You can find more details about it in the FAQ section of the validator task page.
Absolutely! Please visit our validator page and consult the FAQ section, where you can find answers to common questions. For any other specific inquiries, feel free to ask on our Discord channel for clarification.
The validator tasks in Stage 4 remain largely the same. Shardeum uses Proof of Stake consensus mechanism for sybil deterrence and enhanced network security. Thus, beyond the basic requirements like minimum hardware and staking amount, it’s critical that users adhere to additional best practices to ensure the network operates smoothly. If nodes fail to meet these standards, a portion of their staked tokens will be slashed and/or they risk getting evicted. In the case of the Stage 4 validator quest campaign, your node will be evicted if it fails to meet any of the following:
Currently, only the activities listed on the quest pages are eligible for rewards. Tasks performed outside of these listed activities will not qualify for ITN rewards unless specified otherwise.
No, a single wallet address can only operate one validator.
It can take up to a few minutes for the network to fully verify your completion status for certain complex tasks. Please refer to the task instructions for the specific waiting times required for these activities on the quest page. This waiting period is necessary to ensure your smooth flow of participating in the quest campaign.
Yes, to earn points from this level in stage 4, it is necessary for users who participated in these tasks during previous stages to complete them again.
You can find the endpoints of the Atomium network here.
To participate in the incentivized testnet campaign, ensure you are connected to the Atomium network. If you’re currently on the Sphinx network, first remove it from your MetaMask network settings. After removing the Sphinx network, click “Connect Wallet” in the top right corner to switch to the Atomium network. You can delete the Sphinx network by following this instruction.
Go to MetaMask settings > Networks > Select Shardeum Sphinx > Click on Delete
You can also manually add the Atomium network using the RPC endpoint shared above. This is especially for existing Shardeum users. New users should have no problem connecting to Atomium network when they connect the wallet.
Following these steps will typically resolve the issues you reported:
Throughout the Stage 4 quest campaign, we will progressively release new on-chain tasks to the community. There will be plenty of opportunities to engage, so stay tuned and make the most of the upcoming tasks!
Please note that both the schedule of activities and the points awarded for task completion will dynamically adapt throughout the testnet. These adjustments are designed to foster consistent participation across all stages & rewarding early participants.
If your preferred EVM wallet isn’t listed among the available options, you can use WalletConnect. Simply select WalletConnect, scan the QR code, and log in to connect your wallet to the Atomium network.
Nodes that are found to engage in dishonest practices or attempt to manipulate the system on Shardeum will be disqualified from the incentivized testnet campaign.
This is applicable for all testnet participants. They must adhere to the rules and instructions provided for the quests, maintaining ethical practices and avoiding any fraudulent activities, including the use of bots, which will result in disqualification from earning rewards.
As you can find in our airdrop phase 1 article. we have allocated 3,296,500 tokens in total for incentivized testnet, benefitting both on-chain contributors and validators.
Upon meeting the eligibility requirements, you will have a chance to earn one or more of the following rewards:
One of the common criteria to win rewards such as badges, point multipliers and airdrops across our campaigns include – High performers who stand out while fulfilling the minimum eligibility criteria for each category. However to ensure wider participation, rewards will also be distributed to individuals who are randomly chosen from a pool of users meeting predefined criteria. This approach broadens the opportunity for rewards, ensuring that all eligible participants have a chance to benefit.
The combined leaderboard for all on-chain and validator tasks will be released after the Stage 4 quest campaign.
We recently implemented code freeze, which effectively positions ITN Stage 4 as the final phase prior to mainnet. Following the successful completion of incentivized testnet and the resolution of issues identified during the testnet by our engineering team, Shardeum will proceed with the launch of its mainnet. You can find our updated roadmap here.
The official announcement will be made closer to the mainnet launch.
Participating in this incentivized testnet offers significant benefits beyond the immediate rewards. As a Layer 1 blockchain designed for global Web3 adoption and decentralization, Shardeum commits to its foundational principle of being open, collaborative, and community-driven (OCC). Over 51% of SHM coins are earmarked for node operators, emphasizing our community-centric approach. By joining us, you contribute to solving the scalability trilemma once and for all and advancing the Web3 ecosystem.
Beyond rewards, we also have exciting plans for validators who supported us during our testnet phases, which we will announce shortly. Therefore, make the most of this opportunity to stress test the network by performing on-chain tasks and operating validator nodes in stage 4 campaign.
