The Open Network (TON) has emerged as one of the most dynamic blockchains in 2025, rapidly ascending to become a top-tier Layer-1 platform. Backed by seamless integration with Telegram — a messaging giant with over 900 million users — TON is bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3 like no other ecosystem today.
At the heart of this growth is its vibrant gaming and decentralized application scene, led by viral sensations like Notcoin (NOT), Catizen, and Hamster Kombat. These lightweight, play-to-earn games are built directly into Telegram, making blockchain participation effortless for mainstream users.
This guide explores everything you need to know about TON, Notcoin (NOT), and how you can strategically engage with the ecosystem — including practical methods to earn free NOT tokens through exchange promotions and automated trading strategies.
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What Is TON? The Open Network Explained
TON, short for The Open Network, is a high-performance, decentralized Layer-1 blockchain designed for scalability, speed, and mass adoption. Its native cryptocurrency, Toncoin (TON), powers transactions, secures the network via staking, and enables governance within the ecosystem.
Originally conceived by Telegram’s founders in 2018 under the name "Telegram Open Network," the project was halted in 2019 after regulatory challenges from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). However, an independent developer community revived it in 2021 as The Open Network, rebranding the original vision into a fully decentralized reality.
Since then, TON has regained strong ties with Telegram. In September 2023, Telegram officially launched TON Space, a built-in non-custodial Web3 wallet available to all users — instantly onboarding millions into the TON ecosystem without requiring additional downloads or complex setups.
This integration marks a pivotal moment: blockchain functionality now flows naturally within everyday messaging interactions.
Core Architecture and Technical Advantages
TON's performance edge comes from its innovative multi-layered architecture and dynamic sharding technology.
Multi-Layered Blockchain Design
- Masterchain: The central chain that maintains global network consensus, coordinates all other chains, and ensures security and consistency.
- Workchains: Parallel blockchains capable of running different types of smart contracts and transaction rules simultaneously, enhancing flexibility.
- Shardchains: Sub-chains that split workloads across multiple nodes, enabling parallel processing of transactions for higher throughput.
Dynamic Sharding
Unlike static sharding models, TON automatically adjusts the number of shardchains based on network load. This means the system can scale up during peak usage and consolidate during low activity — optimizing speed, efficiency, and cost.
These technical foundations allow TON to handle thousands of transactions per second with minimal fees, making it ideal for microtransactions, gaming, and social dApps.
TON Tokenomics: Supply and Inflation Model
- Initial supply: 5 billion TON
- Mining completion: All initial PoW-mined tokens were distributed by June 2022
- Current consensus mechanism: Proof-of-Stake (PoS), similar to Ethereum
- Annual inflation rate: ~0.6%, used to reward validators and secure the network
- Circulating supply (as of mid-2025): ~2.51 billion TON
- Total supply: No hard cap; grows gradually through staking rewards
This sustainable economic model supports long-term network security while avoiding sudden dilution.
Why TON Is Gaining Momentum in 2025
Seamless Integration With Telegram
With over 900 million active users, Telegram offers TON an unmatched onboarding advantage. Every Telegram user now has access to a built-in TON Space wallet, allowing them to send crypto, interact with dApps, and participate in games — all without leaving the app.
This frictionless experience lowers the barrier for non-crypto natives and accelerates Web3 adoption at scale.
Explosive Growth Metrics
- Market cap: Over $18 billion, ranking among top 10 cryptocurrencies
- Total Value Locked (TVL): Increased by more than 5,500% since early 2024, surpassing $700 million
- Daily active addresses: Exceeds Ethereum’s daily active count, reaching over 500,000
- Price performance: Up over 300% in the first half of 2024 alone
Even during broader market downturns, TON has shown resilience — falling only ~23% compared to Bitcoin’s ~26% drop and many altcoins losing over 50%.
These metrics reflect strong user engagement and growing confidence in the ecosystem.
The Rise of TON Gaming: How Notcoin Ignited Mass Adoption
What Is Notcoin (NOT)?
Notcoin is a Tap-to-Earn game built on the TON blockchain and fully integrated into Telegram. Players earn NOT tokens simply by tapping their screen — no upfront cost, no downloads, no wallet setup required.
Key features:
- Zero entry barrier
- Social mechanics (invite friends, form teams)
- Fully free-to-play with real token rewards
- Originally distributed via airdrop after game milestones
Notcoin attracted over 30 million users and 5 million daily active players, eventually listing on major exchanges like OKX and Binance — giving NOT liquidity and legitimacy.
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The Broader TON Gaming Ecosystem
Notcoin’s success sparked a wave of innovation across TON. According to TON.APP, there are now nearly 1,000 decentralized apps on the network — with around 200 being games.
Notable examples:
- Catizen: A cute cat-collecting game with over 25 million users
- Hamster Kombat: A clicker game that amassed over 200 million participants in just three months
These games share key traits:
- Simple gameplay
- Built-in social sharing
- Potential for future token airdrops
They serve as on-ramps for millions of new users into crypto — turning casual engagement into real economic participation.
How to Get Free NOT Tokens: Exchange Promotions & Strategies
While Notcoin itself is no longer active for new players, opportunities remain to earn NOT through exchange campaigns — especially on platforms like OKX.
One such initiative is the OKX NOT Airdrop Campaign, which rewards users who complete specific trading tasks involving NOT or TON.
Key Participation Requirements
To qualify:
- Create an OKX account
- Complete KYC verification
- Participate in designated campaigns
- Achieve minimum trading volume (e.g., $100+ in TON/NOT trades)
Rewards include:
- Up to 4,500,000 NOT shared among new users
- Tiered rewards based on trading volume
- Bonus incentives like USDT experience funds
But what if you're not an active trader?
You don’t need to manually place trades constantly. There’s a smarter way to meet volume requirements — using automation.
FAQ: Common Questions About TON and NOT
Q: Can I still earn NOT tokens for free?
A: Yes — while the original Notcoin game has ended mining phases for most users, exchange promotions like those on OKX offer legitimate ways to earn NOT by completing simple tasks.
Q: Do I need to pay money to join TON games?
A: No. Most TON-based games are completely free. You only need a Telegram account. Some may offer optional upgrades, but core gameplay remains accessible at no cost.
Q: Is TON related to Telegram officially?
A: While developed independently, TON is now officially supported by Telegram through features like TON Space wallet and domain integrations. The collaboration makes it de facto Telegram’s Web3 arm.
Q: How does grid trading help me earn more NOT?
A: Grid trading automates buying low and selling high within a set price range. It increases your trading volume passively — helping you meet campaign thresholds without constant monitoring.
Q: Is grid trading risky?
A: It carries moderate risk, especially in strong trending markets. However, when configured properly with stop-losses and conservative leverage, it can be a safe tool for generating activity-based rewards.
Q: Can I use grid bots on mobile?
A: Yes. Platforms like OKX offer full grid trading functionality via their mobile apps, allowing you to set up and manage bots on the go.
Boost Your Rewards With OKX Grid Trading
Meeting trading volume requirements doesn’t have to mean guessing market moves. Enter grid trading — an algorithmic strategy that profits from price volatility without predicting direction.
How Grid Trading Works
Imagine placing automated buy and sell orders across a range of prices:
- Set a price range (e.g., NOT between $0.012 and $0.020)
- Divide it into “grids” or levels
- The bot buys when price drops to a lower grid
- Sells when price rises to the next level
- Repeats continuously as price oscillates
Over time, these small profits accumulate — all while helping you build up trade volume for promotions.
Why Use Grid Trading for NOT Campaigns?
- ✅ Automated 24/7 execution
- ✅ Increases trading volume passively
- ✅ Ideal for volatile assets like NOT
- ✅ Reduces emotional decision-making
- ✅ Works well in sideways markets
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Step-by-Step: Setting Up Contract Grid Trading on OKX
OKX supports both spot grid and futures (contract) grid trading.
Here’s how to set up a futures grid bot for NOTUSDT:
- Open the OKX app → Go to “Trade” → Select “TradingBot”
- Choose “Futures Grid”
- Pick the trading pair:
NOTUSDT Select mode:
- AI Strategy (recommended for beginners)
- Manual Setup (for advanced users)
- Choose direction: Long (bullish), Short (bearish), or Neutral
- Set leverage (start with 2x–3x for safety)
- Input investment amount (must meet minimum threshold)
- Review estimated liquidation price
- Click “Create Strategy”
Once live, the bot will execute trades automatically within your defined range.
🔐 Safety Tips: Start small, monitor performance weekly, adjust ranges as needed, and avoid excessive leverage until experienced.
For those unfamiliar with derivatives, begin with spot grid trading — it uses actual funds without leverage, reducing risk while still contributing to volume goals.
Final Thoughts: Why Now Is the Time to Explore TON
TON represents one of the most promising convergence points between social platforms and blockchain technology. With Telegram’s massive user base, technical innovation, and a booming game-driven economy — it's positioned for sustained growth throughout 2025 and beyond.
Tokens like NOT, born from viral engagement models, showcase how real value can emerge from simple interactions. And with exchange-backed campaigns offering free token incentives, there's never been a better time to get involved.
Whether you're exploring games on Telegram or leveraging tools like grid bots on OKX to maximize participation, every step brings you closer to understanding the future of decentralized ecosystems.
Remember: always do your own research. Cryptocurrency investments carry risk, but informed participation opens doors to innovation and opportunity.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or endorsement of any product or service.