AXS LAUNCHES bAXS TO INCENTIVIZE STAKING AND IN-GAME UTILITY

Axie Infinity is airdropping a non-transferable token, bonded AXS (bAXS), to eligible stakers to encourage long-term engagement and stabilize the in-game economy according to Binance. The first airdrop of 100,000 bAXS is based on a February 5 snapshot and distributed to wallets staking at least 10 AXS as reported by Decrypt. bAXS will be used in core gameplay functions such as Axie evolution and breeding, replacing AXS in these activities and reducing speculative trading according to AInvest.

Axie Infinity is taking a major step to reshape its economic model with the introduction of a new token, bonded AXS (bAXS). The token, backed 1:1 by AXS, will be distributed to eligible stakers and is intended to increase in-game utility and reduce short-term speculative trading according to AInvest. The first airdrop of 100,000 bAXS tokens is based on a snapshot taken on February 5, with eligibility tied to wallets staking at least 10 AXS as reported by Decrypt.

The bAXS token is non-transferable and account-bound, meaning it can only be used for specific in-game functions such as evolving Axies and participating in the new game, Terrariums, expected to launch in Q2 2026 according to AInvest. This structural shift aims to lock value within the Axie Infinity ecosystem by encouraging players to stake their AXS tokens and reduce circulating supply according to AInvest.

The introduction of bAXS also includes a two-tier airdrop system, where staking the first airdrop increases the chances of receiving the second. This creates compounding retention incentives for stakers and is expected to boost long-term staking rates according to AInvest. Players with higher Axie Scores will have greater eligibility for the second airdrop, reinforcing the link between gameplay performance and token utility according to Binance.

How Does bAXS Change Staking and In-Game Utility?

The bonded AXS (bAXS) token is designed to replace AXS in core gameplay functions such as breeding and evolving Axies. This change is part of a broader strategy to reduce speculative trading and stabilize the in-game economy according to AInvest. By limiting the tradability of bAXS, Axie Infinity is incentivizing players to focus on long-term engagement rather than short-term trading. The token also allows players to earn rewards through activities in Terrariums, the new land-based game according to Yahoo Finance.

The shift to bAXS has already had a noticeable impact on the price of AXS, with a 123% surge since January 14, attributed to renewed investor confidence and whale accumulation according to AInvest. This structural change represents a strategic move toward sustainable growth and reduced volatility in the Axie Infinity ecosystem according to AInvest.

What Are the Implications for Stakers and the Ecosystem?

The introduction of bAXS has significant implications for stakers and the broader Axie Infinity ecosystem. By requiring players to stake at least 10 AXS for the first airdrop, the project is encouraging a minimum level of commitment from participants as reported by Decrypt. The two-tier airdrop system further incentivizes long-term staking by linking the second airdrop to staking activity from the first according to AInvest.

Additionally, the new token is expected to reduce the oversupply of Axie NFTs and address issues related to bot farming and token inflation according to AInvest. By tying token utility to long-term staking and gameplay, Axie Infinity aims to create a more stable economic environment for both players and investors according to AInvest.

Players with higher Axie Scores benefit from lower conversion fees, which provides an additional incentive to engage in long-term gameplay according to AInvest. This mechanism is designed to promote a more balanced and sustainable in-game economy while encouraging players to focus on gameplay rather than speculative trading according to AInvest.