rewrite this title How to Prepare for Monad: The High-Speed EVM Layer-1 Blockchain – Decrypt

A new layer-1 blockchain is set to rival Ethereum and Solana. Here’s how you can prepare. 

After years of building and more than $225 million raised, Monad officially unveiled its testnet on February 19. 

The high-performance Ethereum Virtual Machine layer-1 network aims to rival the speed and scalability that Solana offers, while interacting with the vast Ethereum ecosystem and its applications and protocols. 

It does so by using parallel execution, in other words, executing transactions that don’t depend on each other at the same time, boasting more than 10,000 transactions per second in the process. 

Before the highly-anticipated debut of its mainnet, here’s how you can prepare for Monad. 

Dig deep on testnet

The Monad Testnet is the first version of the network that is publicly available for users. On day one of its start, a variety of apps and protocols were available, allowing users to get a feel for the upcoming mainnet while potentially earning along the way. 

The project encourages users to engage with Monad’s testnet using a fresh browser, and fresh wallet for the most secure experience. 

Acquiring testnet tokens

To interact on testnet, users will need testnet Monad tokens which users can acquire from the Monad faucet. Testnet tokens do not have any economic value, but allow individuals to facilitate transactions with apps and protocols on the development network. 

The faucet allows any EVM address to claim Monad testnet tokens every 12 hours. Those with a verified role in the Monad Discord may be eligible to claim a larger share of tokens when using the faucet. 

Additionally, in the hope of getting users to engage with Monad testnet, the project sent more than 8.8 million EVM addresses some testnet tokens in advance based on their on-chain activity with other blockchains. 

To check your balance, users can add the Monad Testnet to any EVM compatible wallet. Some popular wallets, like Phantom and Backpack, already provide native support for Monad and its testnet. 

Engage with apps on testnet

Monad’s testnet has a robust ecosystem of apps, which can all be found in the network’s directory. In addition to gaining familiarity with the user experience of the highly-anticipated blockchain, users may also be eligible to earn from points programs or NFT whitelists by participating with the applications. 

Gaming

Monad’s testnet is home to a handful of gaming applications, some of which are native only to Monad–like Rug Rumble, a gamified memecoin trading experience and LootGO, a walk-to-earn social app. 

Other gaming apps on the chain include Plato, Anterris, and the popular Ethereum social fantasy game, Fantasy Top.

NFTs

Monad has been vocal about its intentions for a successful NFT ecosystem, partnering with an NFT ambassador as early as April 2024 and hosting NFT hackathons as recently as January 2025. 

As such, the network is already partnered with major NFT infrastructure players like OpenSea and Magic Eden, who will be ready to support collectible endeavors from day one. 

A variety of testnet NFTs like MonBois, Skrumpets, and LaMouch have already minted and can be traded. Plus, whitelists from collections like MeowwNads, Chog, and others can be earned via testnet activity.

Social, betting, meme coins and more 

More consumer focused applications–like prediction markets, social applications, and token launchpads are also available on testnet. 

Examples include Kizzy, Nad.fun, and Bean Exchange. 

What benefits exist for gaining exposure to Monad? 

In December, the network officially unveiled the Monad Foundation, an independent organization designed to propel the future “development and adoption” of the Monad blockchain. 

Though it is not explicitly stated, the creation of a foundation in Web3 is often followed by the creation and distribution of a token. Furthermore, with the unveiling of its development network and “testnet MON” tokens–users are continuing to speculate on a Monad token airdrop. 

However, no official information has been provided thus far, and participating with testnet is not a guarantee of any future rewards.