Axie Infinity Overhauls Tokenomics to Stabilize Economy and Curb Bot Activity

Axie Infinity has introduced structural tokenomics changes, including halting SLP emissions and replacing AXS rewards with bAXS tokens to curb bot activity and stabilize the in-game economy.

• The new bAXS tokens are account-bound, pegged 1:1 to AXS, and tied to user engagement metrics, aiming to reduce sell pressure and incentivize long-term participation according to analysis.

• These changes have coincided with a significant price surge in AXS and SLP tokens, with AXS rising over 247% and SLP increasing by more than 42% in the past 30 days.

Axie Infinity has implemented a series of tokenomics reforms in early 2026 to address issues related to bot farming and speculative trading. Starting January 7, SLP emissions in the Origins mode were completely halted, disrupting the automated bot farming cycle and reducing inflationary pressure in the game's economy as reported. This move is a key structural change aimed at addressing unsustainable farming behaviors that previously harmed genuine player participation according to industry analysis.

In addition to halting SLP emissions, Axie Infinity has introduced bAXS, a new bonded token variant of AXS. bAXS is non-transferable and is used for in-game activities such as breeding and evolving Axies. This new token is designed to curtail speculative trading and bot activity while promoting genuine engagement and long-term participation as noted. The token is pegged 1:1 to AXS but includes mechanisms that limit liquidity and impose fees based on user engagement levels, with lower fees for higher-reputation players according to reports.

Market responses to these changes have been positive. AXS has surged over 247% in the past 30 days, with its market cap reaching $748 million, while SLP has risen over 42%, achieving a market cap of $38.48 million according to market data. The reforms are seen as the most significant overhaul of Axie Infinity's economic model since its peak in 2021 according to industry analysis.

What are the key structural changes to Axie Infinity's tokenomics in 2026?

The key structural changes include the complete cessation of SLP emissions under the Origins mode and the introduction of bAXS as a non-transferable token. These reforms aim to reduce bot-driven speculative behavior and reward genuine players through engagement-based incentives according to reports. SLP emissions had previously led to a problematic loop where users engaged in automated bot farming, creating unsustainable practices as detailed. By halting SLP emissions, the daily new supply of SLP has decreased significantly, reducing inflationary pressure by over 30% according to analysis.

How do these changes impact the AXS token price and the broader Axie Infinity ecosystem?

The changes have directly impacted the AXS token price, with AXS surging over 247% in the past 30 days. This surge is attributed to the tokenomics overhaul, which includes the cessation of SLP emissions and the introduction of bAXS according to market data. The new token aims to create a supply shock in AXS by limiting its availability on the open market, potentially increasing its value as reported. Additionally, the fee-based mechanism for converting bAXS to AXS rewards high-reputation players and discourages short-term speculation according to analysis.

What are the potential risks or limitations of the new tokenomics strategy?

While the changes aim to promote long-term engagement and reduce bot activity, they may face challenges in adoption and effectiveness. The success of the new tokenomics model depends on how well the community adopts the bAXS token and whether it effectively incentivizes genuine player behavior according to industry analysis. Additionally, the structural changes may not fully address the underlying economic issues if they fail to create a balanced and sustainable ecosystem according to reports.

The introduction of bAXS and the cessation of SLP emissions represent a major shift in Axie Infinity's economic model. These reforms aim to stabilize the in-game economy, reward genuine players, and reduce speculative behavior. The market has responded positively, with significant price increases for AXS and SLP tokens. However, the long-term success of these changes will depend on community adoption and their effectiveness in promoting sustainable player engagement.