What Is GUNZ (GUN)?
Key Takeaways
GUNZ is a gaming-focused Layer 1 (L1) blockchain built by Gunzilla Games, designed to integrate non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and crypto transactions into games without disrupting traditional gameplay.
Players can fully own, trade, and rent their in-game assets using the GUNZ ecosystem, while game developers can use GUNZ tools to build NFT-based in-game economies and gain new revenue opportunities.
Validator NFTs act as nodes that mint in-game items and earn rewards from transaction fees and resale commissions.
GUN is the native token of the GUNZ network, used for transaction fees and powering the in-game economy.
Introduction
GUNZ is a blockchain network created by Gunzilla Games, a video game company known for its free-to-play battle royale title Off The Grid. The GUNZ platform was designed to bring blockchain technology into gaming in a way that feels natural for both players and developers.
The project started as the underlying infrastructure for Off The Grid but has grown into a broader platform that other game developers can build on. Players who prefer a traditional gaming experience can ignore the blockchain elements entirely, while those interested in owning and trading in-game assets can engage with the full GUNZ ecosystem.
GUN is the native cryptocurrency of the GUNZ network and is used to pay for transactions and gas fees within the platform.
What Is GUNZ?
GUNZ is a blockchain ecosystem specifically designed for gaming. It operates as a standalone Layer 1 blockchain that runs as a subnet within the Avalanche ecosystem. As a subnet, GUNZ uses some of Avalanche's infrastructure while maintaining its own set of validators and operating rules.
The GUNZ blockchain is fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and Solidity-based smart contracts. This compatibility makes it easier for existing Web3 developers to build on GUNZ without needing to learn a completely new development environment.
GunzScan is a dedicated blockchain explorer for the GUNZ ecosystem. Similar to other blockchain explorers, it lets users look up transaction history, block data, tokens, and other on-chain information.
What Can GUNZ Offer?
For players
Players using GUNZ-powered games can truly own their in-game assets, meaning they hold those items on-chain rather than relying on a game publisher to maintain their inventory. These items can be traded on the GUNZ marketplace or transferred between compatible games.
Players who prefer a traditional experience can also participate without engaging with blockchain mechanics at all. The system is designed so that crypto elements are optional rather than forced.
For developers
GUNZ provides a set of developer tools that simplify blockchain integration. These include APIs for creating tokens and NFTs, a blockchain scanner for tracking transactions, a mobile app for iOS and Android, and a marketplace for trading assets.
The Avalanche-based architecture helps keep transaction fees low and throughput high, which is important for games where many small transactions may occur in rapid succession.
How GUNZ Works
Blockchain technology
GUNZ operates as an independent Layer 1 blockchain that is part of the Avalanche subnet architecture. While it uses some of Avalanche's core infrastructure, GUNZ runs its own set of validators and maintains its own consensus process. This structure gives the network a degree of independence while benefiting from Avalanche's broader ecosystem.
Game integration
The first game to run on GUNZ is Off The Grid, a free-to-play battle royale shooter. The game lets players collect loot items called HEXes during matches and decode them to create NFTs. Players who don't want to engage with blockchain features can play without interacting with any crypto mechanics.
In-game assets and NFTs
GUNZ enables in-game items to be created as NFTs powered by smart contracts. Players can earn, buy, or trade these assets on the GUNZ marketplace. When a player decodes a HEX, a Validator NFT is selected to handle the minting process, and the GUN fees paid during that transaction are distributed to the Validator NFT owner while some GUN is burned.
Validator NFTs
Validator NFTs function as software nodes responsible for minting in-game items on the GUNZ network. There are five rarity tiers: Common, Rare, Epic, Legendary, and Ancient. Higher-rarity Validator NFTs have greater hash power and earn higher resale commission rates.
These NFTs can generate two types of rewards. The first comes from decoding HEXes, where fees paid by the player are distributed to the selected Validator NFT owner. The second comes from resale commissions, where Validator NFT owners earn a percentage each time a minted item is traded on the marketplace.
The GUN Token
GUN is the native cryptocurrency of the GUNZ ecosystem. It is used as the primary currency for network transactions and gas fees. It also supports NFTs within the ecosystem, allowing players to own, trade, and use in-game items across compatible games.
GUN is burned as part of the HEX decoding process, creating a deflationary pressure on the token supply over time, though future supply dynamics will depend on network activity and adoption.
GUNZ on Binance Launchpool
On March 27, 2025, Binance announced GUNZ (GUN) as the 66th project on Binance Launchpool. Users who locked BNB, FDUSD, and USDC during the farming period were eligible to receive GUN rewards. A total of 400 million GUN tokens were allocated to the program.
Following the farming period, GUN was listed on Binance with a Seed Tag applied..
FAQ
What is GUNZ?
GUNZ is a Layer 1 blockchain built specifically for gaming by Gunzilla Games. It operates as a subnet within the Avalanche ecosystem and is designed to let players truly own in-game assets as NFTs while keeping the experience optional for those who prefer traditional gameplay.
What is the GUN token used for?
GUN is the native token of the GUNZ network. It is used to pay for gas fees and transactions on the blockchain. It is also involved in the HEX decoding process, where players pay GUN fees that are distributed to Validator NFT owners or burned.
What are Validator NFTs in GUNZ?
Validator NFTs are special NFTs that act as software nodes on the GUNZ network. They handle the minting of in-game items when players decode HEXes. There are five rarity tiers, and higher-rarity Validator NFTs earn greater rewards and higher commission rates on item resales.
Is GUNZ related to Avalanche?
Yes. GUNZ operates as a subnet within the Avalanche ecosystem. This means it uses parts of Avalanche's infrastructure to achieve high throughput and low fees, while running its own validators and governance rules independently.
Do players need to use blockchain features in GUNZ games?
No. GUNZ-powered games are designed so that blockchain mechanics are optional. Players who prefer a traditional gaming experience can play Off The Grid, for example, without ever interacting with NFTs, GUN tokens, or any other crypto features.
Closing Thoughts
GUNZ is a blockchain gaming platform that aims to make NFT ownership and crypto integration accessible to both players and developers. By building on Avalanche's subnet architecture and maintaining EVM compatibility, it offers a familiar environment for developers while giving players optional control over their in-game assets.
Further Reading
What Is an NFT?
What Are NFT Games and How Do They Work?
What Are Crypto Gaming Coins?
Blockchain Use Cases: Gaming
What Is Avalanche (AVAX)?
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