STEPN is a Web3 fitness app that integrates NFTs to reward users for physical activities like walking, jogging, and running. It combines blockchain technology with fitness tracking to incentivize a healthier lifestyle through its novel play-to-earn model. Yawn Rong is one of the co-founders of STEPN. ^[1]

Overview

STEPN is a Web3 lifestyle app that blends game and social elements to make physical activity both health-beneficial and digitally rewarding. It gained recognition by securing 4th place at the Solana Ignition Hackathon 2021. Users can earn tokens and NFTs by walking, jogging, or running outdoors using Sneakers NFTs. These rewards can be used within the game or converted into other tokens. STEPN aims to encourage healthier lifestyles, contribute to climate change efforts, and promote integration into Web3. ^[1][2]

Sneaker NFTs

Sneakers NFTs in the app enable users to earn crypto (GST) by engaging in outdoor activities like walking, jogging, or running. These NFTs are designed as digital art and tools that encourage physical activity through tangible rewards (like tokens) and intangible benefits (such as improved health). Users can earn GST to level up their sneakers, mint new ones, and unlock various features, providing a sense of progression both within the app and in real life. Certain NFTs offer novel perks, such as airdropped sneakers during new realm launches for Genesis Sneaker holders. ^[3][4]

Sneaker Types

The app offers four types of Sneakers tailored to different exercise intensities and fitness levels. GST returns are influenced by factors such as Sneaker Efficiency, GPS signal, and randomization: ^[3]

• Walker: Optimal speed is 1-6 km/hr, with a return of 4 GST per 1 Energy spent.
• Jogger: Optimal speed is 4-10 km/hr, with a return of 5 GST per 1 Energy spent.
• Runner: Optimal speed is 8-20 km/hr, with a return of 6 GST per 1 Energy spent.
• Trainer: Optimal speed is 1-20 km/hr, with a return ranging from 4 to 6.25 GST per 1 Energy spent.

Sneakers Attributes

Sneaker attributes in STEPN impact performance and earnings: ^[3]

• Efficiency enhances GST earnings per Energy spent.
• Luck influences the frequency and quality of Mystery Box drops.
• Comfort affects both GMT earnings and the rate of HP decay.
• HP levels are crucial:
  • Below 100%, sneakers can't be listed or transferred.
  • Below 20%, they stop providing Energy in their Realm.
  • At 0%, they become unusable.
• Resilience determines Durability decay, with higher Resilience slowing this process. As Durability decreases, so does GST/GMT earning efficiency, significantly dropping at 50% and 20% Durability.

Rainbow Sneakers

Rainbow Sneakers exclusively earn GMT and are classified as Trainers with an optimal speed range of 1-20 km/hr. They contribute to the user's total energy consumption until their HP falls below 20%, at which point they cease providing it. Unlike other sneakers, Rainbow sneakers lack efficiency, luck, comfort, and resilience attributes. They start with 100% HP, which decreases with energy use and is not restorable. Once their HP reaches zero, they can no longer earn GMT. ^[3]

Rainbow Sneakers have four slots for Rainbow Gems, but removing these Gems destroys them. They cannot be minted, leveled up, repaired, or used in Sneaker Enhancement, nor can they drop Mystery Boxes. They can only be sold or transferred when their HP is 100%. Rainbow Sneakers can result from Enhancements, with Uncommon Sneaker Enhancements having a five times higher chance of producing a Rainbow Sneaker than Common ones. ^[3]

Genesis Sneakers

Genesis Sneakers, identified by IDs starting with "G" and a number between 1 and 20,000, have a limited supply and can be found across different STEPN Realms. These initial sneakers were not sold but were airdropped to early users as a reward for their early support and later designated as Genesis Sneakers. ^[3][4]

Gems & Sockets

Gems in STEPN enhance Sneaker Attributes when inserted into specific Sockets, which are unlocked at levels 5, 10, 15, and 20. The four Gem types correspond to different Attributes: ^[5]

• Yellow: Efficiency
• Blue: Luck
• Red: Comfort
• Purple: Resilience

Sneakers have four sockets, which are color-coded to match the attributes. Inserting a Gem into the matching Socket boosts the Sneaker's Attributes. While the Socket type is visible before unlocking, the quality—determined by the Sneaker's overall quality—remains hidden until the Socket is unlocked. Higher-quality Sockets enhance the Gem's effects more significantly. ^[5]

Rainbow Gems & Sockets

Rainbow Gems can be placed into Rainbow Sockets to boost Rainbow Power, but Rainbow Sockets do not have varying qualities. Rainbow Gems cannot be upgraded further. Upgrading three Gems of the same category may produce a Rainbow Gem at the same level, such as combining three Level 1 Efficiency Gems to get a Level 1 Rainbow Gem potentially. However, removing Gems from Rainbow Sneakers will destroy the Gems. ^[5]

Game Modules

Shoe-Minting

The Shoe-Minting Event (SME) allows users to create a new Shoebox using two Sneakers, Vintages (Parents), as blueprints. To initiate the process, both Sneakers must have full durability. Users can start the SME by selecting the Sneakers in the Mint tab. A Shoebox is instantly created and can be opened immediately. ^[6]

Each Sneaker can participate in up to seven SMEs, with the cost of each additional SME increasing based on the number of times the individual Vintage has been used. Costs for both Vintages are calculated separately and combined for the total Minting Cost. ^[6]

There is a 48-hour cooldown period after each SME for both Vintages, though they can still be used for movement during this time. The first two SMEs have the same cost, and there is a chance to receive an extra Shoebox during Minting. The likelihood of receiving multiple Shoeboxes increases with more Minting on a Sneaker. ^[6]

Sneakers Enhancement

By burning GST, GMT, and five low-quality Sneakers, users can enhance a Sneaker to a higher quality or potentially obtain a Rainbow Sneaker. The enhanced Sneaker will have attributes 20% higher than the original minimum and maximum parameters. To enhance their Sneakers, users should follow these rules: ^[7]

• Sneaker ID: The enhanced Sneaker will inherit the lowest Sneaker ID from the five burned Sneakers.
• Sneaker Type: The type of the enhanced Sneaker will be randomly chosen from the types of the five burned Sneakers.
• Gem Socket Types: Each Gem Socket type on the enhanced Sneaker will be selected randomly from those on the five burned Sneakers.
• Sneaker Skin: If no permanent Skin is applied, the enhanced Sneaker will randomly receive a Skin from the app's current selection. If a permanent Skin is used, the enhanced Sneaker will inherit it. Special Skins may be included during specific Skin events.
  • There is a small chance that the enhanced Sneaker will upgrade by two quality levels, from five common Sneakers to one rare Sneaker.
  • There is also a small chance that an enhanced Sneaker will become a Rainbow Sneaker.

Fusion System

The Fusion System allows users to enhance the base attributes of a Sneaker (Sneaker A) by burning another Sneaker (Sneaker B). Sneaker A's quality must be equal to or higher than Sneaker B's; Sneaker B cannot be higher quality. The following are the mechanics of attribute improvement: ^[8]

• If Sneaker B's attribute exceeds Sneaker A's, The new base attribute for Sneaker A will be randomly determined between the base attributes of Sneakers A and B.
• If Sneaker A's attribute exceeds Sneaker B's, The base attribute of Sneaker A remains unchanged.

HP System

The HP (Health Points) System represents the condition of a Sneaker. A newly minted Sneaker starts with 100% HP, which declines as users spend Energy and actively use the Sneaker for movement. However, HP does not decrease when the Sneaker is used solely for generating Energy. Sneakers with higher Comfort values, achieved through base Comfort, leveling up, or adding Comfort Gems, experience slower HP reduction. Additionally, higher quality Sneakers undergo slower HP reduction, while more Energy usage results in greater HP reduction. ^[9]

HP can be restored by burning GST and Comfort Gems, with costs increasing based on the Sneaker's quality. When HP falls below 100%, the Sneaker cannot be listed on the Marketplace or transferred. If HP drops below 20%, the Sneaker won't provide Energy in that Realm. When HP reaches 0, the Sneaker cannot be used for movement. A new Sneaker’s HP remains stable for the first 48 hours after opening a Shoebox unless it is transferred, listed, or traded within this period. Sneakers automatically restore to full HP when leveling up from Level 24 to 25. Rainbow Sneakers' HP cannot be restored. ^[9]

Realms

A Realm in STEPN is a server hosting a fork of the game, allowing users to experience the same gameplay in different digital environments. Realms can be built on new Layer 1 Blockchains or within STEPN's existing Blockchain, developed in collaboration with ecosystem partners to introduce new users and offer fresh value propositions. ^[10]

Each Realm has the flexibility to define its brand and community culture, including aspects like color themes, NFT visuals, utility tokens, and novel narratives. Ecosystem partners benefit from sharing royalty fees, increasing community engagement, and promoting organic growth aligned with their values. ^[10]

In-game utility tokens are specific to each Realm and cannot be transferred between them. Current STEPN Realms include the Solana Realm (based on Solana), BNB Realm (based on BNBChain), and APE Realm (based on Ethereum). ^[10]

STEPN GO

STEPN GO allows users to earn rewards by staying active with digital Sneakers that track fitness activities, offering tokens and rewards based on movement. The app's blockchain integration ensures a secure and transparent environment for interactions and transactions. New features of STEPN GO include the Haus System, which simplifies onboarding by allowing users to lend Sneakers to others without requiring crypto knowledge; the GGT Token, earned by walking or running with a Sneaker; customizable avatars with outfits crafted in-game; and an energy system where burning Sneakers increases the Energy Cap, helping sustain the in-game economy. ^[11][12]

The Haus

The Haus feature allows users to lend Sneakers to friends and family. For every 10 Energy used, users can generate a new Activation Code to gift Sneakers to a Buddy or lend them to a Guest. Users can also manage invites, lending, activation codes, guest management, and Haus tiers. Guests can only receive Common Sneakers, while Buddies can receive Sneakers of any quality. Energy shared with Guests comes from the Host's Energy Pool and does not affect the Host’s Daily Energy Cap. Hosts must use at least 2 Energy daily to collect earnings from the Haus; otherwise, earnings are sent to the Schadenfreude Pool. Earnings from Guests do not count toward the Host's Daily Earning Cap, and neither the Host nor the Guest can break their bond before the end of the duration. Each Haus can host up to five Guests. ^[13]

Haus Quality affects the style of the Haus Crest, which can be customized. The Haus can advance through five tiers, each offering a more prestigious Crest and additional perks: ^[13]

• Tier 1: Haus
• Tier 2: Manor
• Tier 3: Fortress
• Tier 4: Castle
• Tier 5: Palace

3D Avatar & Outfits

The 3D Avatar represents users in STEPN GO and upcoming FSL products and can be customized. Users can dress their Avatars with Outfits with three qualities: Common, Rare, and Legendary. Outfits are categorized into eight types, including Head Decorations, Face Decorations, and Sneakers. Outfits alter the Avatar's appearance on the Interactive Map and MoonBase. The quality of the Outfit affects its special effects: ^[14]

• Common Outfits: No special effect. Users can craft one free Common Outfit per day. Additional crafting requires burning GGT.
• Rare Outfits: Have a Silver Aura and require GGT for crafting.
• Legendary Outfits: Feature a Golden Aura and also require GGT for crafting.

Single Outfits are soul-bound, while Set Outfits are tradable. Outfit Fragments (OF), earned by moving with a high Charm value, are used for crafting. OF are not tradable, but individual and complete Set Outfits can be traded on the marketplace. Common Outfits can be crafted with a 100% success rate, and users receive one random Common Outfit per crafting. Rare and Legendary Outfits require more OF and GGT, with a lower success rate for crafting. ^[14]

Marketplace & DEX

STEPN GO features a Decentralized Marketplace where users can buy and sell items like Sneakers, Shoeboxes, Outfit Sets, Raw Stones, and Gems. To list items for sale, users navigate to their inventory and select the "List" option, ensuring the price is set accurately. The Marketplace imposes a 2% platform fee and a 4% royalty fee on transactions. ^[15]

The DEX in STEPN GO offers GGT/GMT trading pairs and liquidity. A decentralized liquidity pool will also be available for a limited time, with all proceeds periodically sent to the Schadenfreude Pool. ^[15]

Schadenfreude Pool & PVP

The Schadenfreude Pool collects funds from various sources, including earnings frozen from accounts flagged for cheating, reduced earnings from Paper Feet, and penalties for Hosts not meeting daily Energy requirements. Users can earn from this pool by participating in PvP competitions, where they must use high Karma Sneakers and achieve a top position on the Leaderboard to receive their share of the pool's earnings. ^[15]

GGT

The GO GAME TOKEN (GGT) is earned by users when they move outdoors and has an unlimited supply. GGT earnings are tied to the Efficiency Attribute. Within the STEPN GO app, users can burn GGT to perform several functions, such as minting Sneakers, leveling up Sneakers or Raw Stones, unlocking or shuffling Sockets, removing Gems, boosting Mystery Boxes, crafting Outfits, and participating in events on the Interactive Map. The GGT consumed in the app is burned daily according to a set schedule. ^[16][17]

GGT earnings in STEPN GO are earned by moving outdoors with NFT Sneakers. Users select the GGT option through a toggle. Earnings are influenced by the Sneakers' type, level, Efficiency Attribute value, quality, Efficiency Gem level, corresponding socket quality, energy consumed, and fitness level. ^[16][17]

The Daily GGT Cap starts at 5/5 and can increase to 300/300 by leveling up Sneakers. To permanently increase the cap beyond 300/300, users can burn Gems. The system automatically calculates the new GGT cap when Gems are selected for burning. ^[16][17]

Tokens

GST

Green Satoshi Token (GST) is an unlimited utility token that users earn through daily physical activity. To maintain GST's stability, STEPN includes various burn mechanisms, such as upgrading in-game assets like shoes and gems, unlocking gem sockets, and performing repairs. GST is also required to mint new shoes. ^[18]

Earning

In STEPN, users earn tokens by moving with NFT Sneakers, potentially earning GST and GMT depending on their strategy. Four factors influence earnings per minute: ^[19]

1. Type of Sneaker: Different Sneaker types have varying base GST earnings.
2. Sneaker’s Efficiency Attribute: Higher Efficiency leads to greater GST earnings per minute. From Level 0 to 29, only GST can be earned. At Level 30, users can choose between earning GST or GMT and switch freely between these modes.
3. Sneaker’s Comfort Attribute: Higher Comfort increases GMT earnings per minute, available as an option at Level 30. Comfort also slows HP decay.
4. Speed of Movement: Staying within an optimal speed range maximizes earnings while falling outside can reduce earnings by up to 90%.

Once Energy is depleted, token earnings stop, and users can either continue their activity or end the session by holding the Stop button. ^[19]

GMT

Green Metaverse Token (GMT) is the governance token for STEPN, with a fixed supply of 6 billion tokens. Unlike GST, GMT is deflationary, with its total issuance halving every three years. Thirty percent of GMT is distributed through Move-to-Earn (M2E) and governance participation. ^[18]

Partnerships

• Adidas
• Steve Aoki
• Apple
• HypeSaints NFT
• ASICS
• Solana
• SaaSGo
• WhaleFin
• Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 ^[1]

Funding

In January 2022, STEPN raised $5M in a seed round from various investors, including Sequoia Capital, Folius Ventures, Solana Capital, 6th Man Ventures, DeFi Alliance, M13, Corner Ventures, Sfermion, Zee Prime Capital, Lemniscap, Spark Digital Capital, MorningStar Ventures, Openspace Ventures, and WelinderShi Capital. Angel investors Santiago R Santos and Asia Partner of Republic Zhen Cao also participated. ^[20]