Somnia’s Q3 2025 performance marked a significant step for the gaming-focused Layer-1 as it shifted from a six-month testnet into a fully operational mainnet. Somnia’s first quarter on mainnet provided early signals of how its high-throughput design may hold up as developers and players build out its ecosystem. The transition brought meaningful changes in activity levels, market behavior, and the broader network environment, shaping expectations for what Somnia might become in the wider web3 gaming landscape.
Mainnet Impact and Technical Vision
Somnia launched its mainnet and SOMI token on September 2, 2025, after a testnet that accumulated over 10 billion transactions and reached more than 118 million unique wallets. Somnia averaged 14.3 million daily transactions in September and generated 199,400 SOMI in network fees.
Somnia positions itself as a high-performance Layer-1 engineered for large-scale, real-time digital environments. Its architecture is designed to support fast gameplay, persistent virtual worlds, and the kind of high-frequency interactions that traditional blockchains struggle with. The network remains EVM-compatible, allowing developers familiar with existing tools to transition more easily into Somnia’s ecosystem.
The SOMI token functions as the platform’s gas asset for transactions and smart contract execution. Validators are required to stake at least 5 million SOMI, while general tokenholders can delegate to participate in network security and earn rewards. Somnia also features a deflationary mechanism that permanently burns half of all gas fees, slowly reducing supply over time. Governance features tied to SOMI will expand once the system is fully active.
Airdrop Structure and Early User Participation
Somnia distributed about 50 million SOMI through an airdrop targeting early network contributors. The distribution was based on a points system measuring testnet activity, quest completion, NFT ownership, and node participation. Twenty percent of airdropped tokens unlocked at the token generation event, while the remaining amount vested over 60 days via the Somnia Odyssey rollout. This structure was intended to align early users with the network’s long-term goals and reduce the likelihood of immediate sell-offs.
DeFi, Liquidity, and Early Trading Behavior
DeFi on Somnia remained concentrated in four primary protocols by the end of Q3, with total value locked reaching $1.9 million. Quickswap led the ecosystem with $1 million in TVL and more than half of the network’s market share. Somnia Exchange followed at $313,100, while Somnex contributed another $503,600. Standard Spot represented the smallest portion with $780 in TVL.
DEX activity averaged $1.3 million in daily trading volume, driven almost entirely by Quickswap. Although liquidity is still in its early stages, these figures demonstrate that a functioning trading layer emerged quickly after launch, giving users access to core financial operations from the onset of the mainnet.
Infrastructure Gains Through Strategic Partnerships
Throughout the quarter, Somnia broadened its ecosystem through a series of partnerships that expanded tooling and accessibility. Google Cloud joined as a validator and introduced AI-agent tools, data pipelines, and cybersecurity support. LayerZero enabled cross-chain messaging that improved interoperability with other networks.
Dune Analytics integration made real-time dashboards available for community tracking and developer insights. Institutional-grade custody and staking arrived through BitGo and Fireblocks, while OpenSea integration expanded NFT support for creators and players. Banxa later added fiat on-ramps to streamline new user onboarding.
These partnerships helped establish Somnia as a capable and well-supported platform, especially for developers who prioritize reliable infrastructure when choosing where to deploy new projects.
Games, Events, and Expanding Content Across the Ecosystem
Somnia’s identity as a gaming-ready blockchain became clearer during Q3 as new experiences and community-driven events rolled out. QuestME’s mini-app added gamified quests that rewarded users for on-chain engagement.
Chunked V2, a sandbox MMO built fully on-chain, launched with enhancements that highlighted Somnia’s high-throughput gaming capabilities. Jitter introduced a more social and audio-visual gameplay approach, connecting real-time streaming elements with blockchain inputs.
Blever’s arrival provided an NFT launchpad and marketplace, followed by the Gs on Ape collection through Inceptive Studio. The network also hosted Gaming Week, a competition with new titles, challenges, and community rewards. In addition, Somnia Quests continued through Seasons 4 and 5, encouraging gameplay testing and feedback within newly released experiences.
Utility-based launches also expanded the ecosystem. Lair introduced liquid staking for SOMI holders, Yamata Exchange provided new liquidity routes, and Vectra added a prediction market designed by Anomaly Games.
Developer Tools and Community Building
Development activity grew significantly thanks to direct support programs. DIA Data launched an oracle grant to help teams integrate external data sources. Somnia Builder, released in mid-July, offered a low-code solution aimed at easing the learning curve for studios entering web3 development. The Dreamathon quest series incentivized builders with $200,000 in rewards for creating applications and contributing open-source work.
Security remained an important emphasis, with Hacken completing a smart contract audit that outlined best-practice compliance and improvements. Meanwhile, the Somnia Mini Games Hackathon attracted more than 140 developers to prototype playable on-chain titles, further reinforcing the platform’s early reputation as a gaming-centered blockchain.
Overall Outlook at the End of Q3
Somnia ended Q3 with a stable foundational layer in place. The network successfully transitioned from testnet to mainnet, processed millions of daily transactions, and began establishing activity across gaming, DeFi, and creator-focused applications. Partnerships strengthened its infrastructure, while developer programs encouraged experimentation and new content creation.
Challenges ahead include scaling liquidity, maintaining user retention, and proving that Somnia’s technical claims can support the high-speed, large-scale experiences the platform was built for. As Q4 approaches, the network’s focus will likely shift toward deepening engagement and expanding the types of games and applications that can fully utilize its throughput capabilities.
Source: Messari
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Somnia?
Somnia is a high-performance Layer-1 blockchain designed for gaming, virtual worlds, and other real-time digital experiences. It supports EVM-compatible development and emphasizes low-latency interactions.
When did Somnia launch its mainnet?
Somnia launched its mainnet on September 2, 2025, following a six-month testnet phase.
What is the SOMI token used for?
SOMI is used to pay transaction fees, secure the network through staking, and participate in governance once it becomes fully activated.
How active was the network after launch?
In September 2025, Somnia averaged 14.3 million daily transactions and generated 199,400 SOMI in fees.
What gaming projects launched on Somnia in Q3?
Significant Q3 releases included Chunked V2, Jitter, QuestME’s mini-app, and several community events and quest seasons. Vectra also launched as a prediction-market dApp.
What partnerships did Somnia form?
Notable partners include Google Cloud, LayerZero, Dune Analytics, BitGo, Fireblocks, OpenSea, and Banxa.
How did DeFi perform on Somnia?
Somnia’s DeFi ecosystem reached $1.9 million in TVL, with Quickswap leading activity and daily DEX volumes averaging $1.3 million.
Was there an airdrop?
Yes. Somnia distributed around 50 million SOMI to early contributors, with tokens vesting over a 60-day period through the Somnia Odyssey system.
