The crypto landscape is buzzing once again, and at the heart of the latest wave of excitement lies the TON (The Open Network) ecosystem. As market sentiment turns bullish, Meme tokens and gamified micro-applications on TON are capturing global attention—echoing the earlier Solana Meme surge but with a new twist: mass accessibility through Telegram’s 900 million+ user base.
From Notcoin to Hamster Kombat, Catizen, and DOGS, a new breed of click-to-earn and tap-to-earn projects is not just gaining traction—it’s redefining how users interact with Web3. These lightweight, fun-first experiences are lowering the barrier to entry, turning everyday Telegram users into active participants in decentralized ecosystems.
But what’s driving this explosive growth? And which projects are worth watching in this rapidly evolving space?
👉 Discover how TON is unlocking the next wave of Web3 adoption—click here to learn more.
Why TON? The Tech and Network Behind the Hype
The rise of TON isn’t accidental. It’s built on a foundation of cutting-edge blockchain architecture and unparalleled distribution power.
TON employs a multi-layer, multi-chain design consisting of:
- Masterchain: The central coordinator for network consensus.
- Workchains: Parallel blockchains supporting smart contracts and DApps.
- Shardchains: Sub-chains that split workloads for specific account groups.
This structure enables massive scalability, capable of processing millions of transactions per second with low latency and near-zero fees. Such performance is essential for handling the micro-interactions typical of tap-to-earn games—like clicking a hamster or collecting virtual clovers.
But technology alone doesn’t explain the viral spread. The real game-changer is Telegram integration.
With over 900 million monthly active users and consistent top rankings in app store downloads, Telegram offers an unmatched onboarding pipeline. When apps like Notcoin launch as Telegram mini-programs, they gain instant access to a global audience—no wallet setup, no complex onboarding.
Howard, Developer Relations Lead for TON Foundation in Asia, notes:
"99% of new users are drawn to simple, engaging experiences—click-to-earn, tap-to-earn. These could be the first true 'breakout' Web3 applications that go mainstream."
Beyond memes, the long-term vision is clear: DeFi, social layer innovation, and seamless Web2-to-Web3 transitions.
Spotlight on Hot Projects in the TON Ecosystem
While Meme tokens spark initial interest, it’s the diversity and creativity of projects that sustain momentum. Here’s a look at some of the most talked-about initiatives.
Notcoin: The Pioneer That Started It All
Launched on January 1, 2024, Notcoin set the blueprint for success. Its open-source "tap-to-mine" model lets users earn tokens simply by tapping a coin on their screen. No investment required—just engagement.
With over 30 million participants and 5 million daily active users, Notcoin proved that gamification works. It gained recognition from major exchanges and TON’s official channels, cementing its status as the ecosystem’s flagship project.
Hamster Kombat: Rise of the CEO Hamster
In Hamster Kombat, you play as the CEO of a crypto exchange—run by a hamster. Each tap earns you coins, while daily check-ins, social follows, referrals, and card upgrades boost your income.
The numbers are staggering:
- Over 200 million registered users
- 48 million+ Telegram followers
- 31.5 million YouTube subscribers
Its blend of humor, progression mechanics, and social incentives makes it one of the most engaging tap-to-earn games today.
👉 See how gamified earning is reshaping user engagement—explore the future now.
Catizen: A Cosmic Cat Adventure
Catizen merges idle gameplay with a “Play-to-Airdrop” model. Players adopt cats, upgrade them, and explore a whimsical “meow universe” in search of future token rewards.
Developed by Pluto Studio, it hit 20 million registrations in under two months. As of June 23, it had over 1.25 million on-chain users—a testament to its strong retention and viral loop.
Pixelverse: Cyberpunk Meets GameFi
Pixelverse offers a richer gaming experience—a cyberpunk world where players complete missions, battle in PvE modes, craft robots, and fight in arenas.
Recently, it raised $5.5 million from top-tier investors including Delphi Ventures, Mechanism Capital, and The Sandbox founder Sébastien Borget, signaling strong confidence in its long-term potential.
DOGS: A Meme with Meaning
Inspired by Telegram founder Pavel Durov’s hand-drawn dog “Spotty” from a charity auction, DOGS isn’t just another Meme coin—it’s a community-driven tribute.
By distributing tokens via Telegram airdrops, DOGS attracted over 1 million subscribers in just one day, with content views exceeding a million daily. It fills a cultural gap in the TON ecosystem: a unifying Meme identity.
Blum: The Hybrid Exchange in Disguise
Founded by former Binance executives, Blum launched as a Telegram mini-app offering Farming and Drop games to earn points. Though trading features aren’t live yet, it already boasts 30 million users and ranks among Telegram’s top 6 global channels.
Its eventual pivot to a full-fledged exchange could make it a central hub in TON’s financial layer.
Travel Frog: Nostalgia Meets Tokenization
A nod to the beloved Web2 game Travel Frog, this version lets players pack bags for their frog’s journey and earn clovers—which can later be converted into TON tokens.
Despite being in beta, it has already attracted over 40,000 active users and 27,000 Telegram subscribers—proving that emotional resonance still drives engagement.
HypeSaints: Tap Your Way to Glory
Backed by STEPN in its seed round, HypeSaints gives players a free “HypeGear” device. Continuous tapping earns points, which can be used to upgrade gear or unlock interactions—simple yet addictive.
Majyo Treasure: Battle for Rankings
This idle PvP game rewards players for defeating bosses or competing in group raids. During its public test (June 21–July 10), it offered a $10,000 prize pool, incentivizing competition and community growth.
Balaton.bet: Skill Meets Chance
A poker-style game where players use points to enter rounds and compete against a dealer’s hand. Top performers split prize pools, while others lose entry fees—15% goes to treasury.
Daily check-ins and referrals help users accumulate points without spending—keeping participation high.
TypoCurator: AI Meets Tap-to-Earn
From Web3 AI search platform TypoX AI comes TypoCurator—an AI data labeling mini-app. Users answer questions to train AI models and earn TPX tokens.
In just one week, it completed 500,000+ annotations with over 12,000 testers—showcasing how TON can support real utility beyond entertainment.
Lucky Draw Master: Social Gamification on Telegram
This bot enables token-based lotteries using USDT, TON, or NOT. Projects use it for marketing campaigns (e.g., “Join our channel to enter”), while users earn MoCoin through tasks and sign-ins—later redeemable for USDT red packets.
Popular in Russia, Brazil, and India, it highlights the cross-border appeal of simple reward mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes TON different from other blockchains like Solana?
A: While both are high-performance chains, TON’s deep integration with Telegram gives it a built-in user base and frictionless onboarding—something no other blockchain currently matches at scale.
Q: Are these tap-to-earn games sustainable long-term?
A: Early projects like Notcoin show strong retention. As more games introduce real utility—such as Pixelverse’s asset ownership or TypoCurator’s AI training—the ecosystem is evolving beyond pure Meme hype.
Q: How do I start using TON apps?
A: Simply open Telegram, search for apps like Hamster Kombat or Catizen, and start playing. Most require no upfront cost or wallet setup—perfect for Web2 users exploring Web3.
Q: Is TON secure?
A: Yes. Built with robust sharding and consensus mechanisms, TON maintains decentralization while enabling high throughput. Additionally, all major projects undergo community audits and gradual rollouts.
Q: Can I earn real money from these games?
A: Many games offer token rewards that can be traded on exchanges. However, earnings depend on gameplay time and market conditions—treat them as supplemental income.
Q: What’s next for TON after the Meme wave?
A: The roadmap includes deeper DeFi integrations, NFT marketplaces, cross-chain bridges, and more complex games—transforming TON into a full-fledged Web3 platform.
The Road Ahead: From Meme Hype to Real Utility
The current frenzy around Meme coins on TON is just the beginning. What started as viral tap-to-earn games is now evolving into a vibrant ecosystem with real infrastructure development.
With strong technical foundations, viral distribution via Telegram, and growing investor interest, TON is poised to become one of the breakout narratives of 2025.
Whether you're drawn by whimsical cats, CEO hamsters, or nostalgic frogs—the future of accessible Web3 may already be in your pocket.
👉 Don’t miss the next big move in crypto—see what’s powering the TON revolution today.