Hamster Kombat Expands Ecosystem with Dedicated Layer-2 Solution

TLDR

• Hamster Kombat has launched Hamster Network, the first gaming-focused Layer-2 blockchain on TON
• The network offers scalable infrastructure with low transaction costs for Web3 gaming
• It includes a wallet, bridge, and decentralized exchange (DEX) powered by TON Virtual Machine
• Multiple developers are already building gaming experiences on the platform
• Despite the launch, HMSTR token price showed minimal impact, trading at $0.0017 (up 2-17% depending on the source)

Hamster Kombat, the popular Telegram-based tap-to-earn game, has launched Hamster Network, a dedicated Layer-2 blockchain built on The Open Network (TON). The announcement came on February 25, 2025, positioning the new network as the first gaming-focused Layer-2 solution within the TON ecosystem.

The Hamster Network is designed to provide high-speed transactions and minimal fees, creating an infrastructure that supports Web3 gaming experiences. This development comes at a time when Telegram has deepened its involvement with TON, naming it as its exclusive crypto infrastructure provider.

“We are excited to report on the launch of Hamster Network – the first-ever gaming-focused Layer-2 blockchain built on TON,” the team announced on X (formerly Twitter). “Hamster Network will provide blazing-fast and scalable infrastructure for demanding decentralized apps and games.”

🎇 We are excited to report on the launch of Hamster Network – the first-ever gaming-focused Layer-2 blockchain built on TON!

🏎 @hmstrnetwork will provide blazing-fast and scalable infrastructure for demanding decentralized apps and games. Crucially, it will enable this at… pic.twitter.com/BsguLvuTdu

— Hamster Kombat (@hamster_kombat) February 25, 2025

The new network is built using TON Virtual Machine, ensuring that smart contracts remain fully compatible with TON’s existing ecosystem. This compatibility makes it easy for developers to port their decentralized applications to the Hamster Network without major modifications.

Security remains a priority for the network, with all proof records generated by Hamster Network posted to TON’s Layer-1 blockchain. This approach combines the speed and low costs of a Layer-2 solution with the security benefits of TON’s main chain.

The infrastructure launched with several key components already in place. Users can access an integrated wallet for managing assets, a canonical bridge for moving tokens between networks, and a dedicated decentralized exchange (DEX) for trading.

Hamster Kombat rose to prominence last year as a tap-to-earn game on Telegram, amassing over 300 million players. The game allowed users to earn rewards through simple tapping mechanics, attracting a massive user base within Telegram’s platform.

The HMSTR token, which was launched in September 2024, received mixed reactions from players. Some complained about receiving small token allocations despite months of gameplay. The token experienced price volatility, hitting an all-time low last week before recovering slightly following the Hamster Network announcement.

Market Analysis

According to market data, HMSTR is currently trading at approximately $0.0017, showing only modest gains despite the major network launch. The token remains down about 76% from its peak price last September.

Hamster Kombat Price on CoinGecko

The Hamster Network launch coincides with the release of Hamster Kombat: GameDev Heroes, which represents the game’s second season. This new version reframes the tap-to-earn experience under the concept of running and expanding a game studio, part of what the team calls the broader “HamsterVerse” relaunch.

To ensure the network’s robustness before wider adoption, Hamster Kombat has introduced Hamster Boost, an initiative that invites users to stress-test the network. Participants can earn bounties and rewards for identifying potential issues through blockchain testing quests.

The gaming and crypto communities have responded with cautious optimism. One X user named Crynet commented, “Finally, a blockchain that’s ready to take a run on the gaming track—let’s just hope the hamsters don’t get distracted by shiny objects. With all that scalability and low fees, this might just be the turbo boost developers have been craving.”

The launch potentially holds major implications considering Telegram’s user base of nearly one billion people. The platform’s seamless Web3 mini-app integrations could help drive adoption of blockchain technology among users who might otherwise not engage with crypto.

Multiple developers are reportedly already building new gaming experiences on the Hamster Network, though specific details about these projects have not yet been shared publicly.

The combination of Telegram’s reach and TON’s technology could position Hamster Network as an important player in the Web3 gaming space. By addressing common barriers like high transaction costs and complicated user experiences, the network aims to make blockchain gaming more accessible.

Hamster Kombat’s move to launch its own Layer-2 solution follows a broader trend of gaming platforms developing custom infrastructure to better serve their specific needs and user communities.

The network launches at a time when the broader crypto market has faced challenges, with many tokens experiencing downward price pressure. Despite these market conditions, Hamster Kombat continues to focus on building infrastructure for long-term growth.