Introduction to Apecoin and ApeChain
What is Apecoin?
ApeCoin (APE) is a cryptocurrency built on Ethereum. It powers the ApeCoin and ApeChain ecosystem, a community-driven hub for Web3 innovation. APE holders govern the ecosystem through the ApeCoin DAO, and the token is used for transactions, engaging with NFTs, accessing exclusive content, and enabling decentralized applications (dApps) in art, gaming, entertainment, and DeFi.
While ApeCoin has strong ties to the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) and Yuga Labs' broader ecosystem, it’s built for everyone, welcoming all who wish to participate and contribute.
What is ApeChain?
ApeChain is a Layer-3 blockchain, launched in October 2024, designed to power the ApeCoin ecosystem. Built on Arbitrum's technology stack, ApeChain provides a scalable, cost-effective solution for ApeCoin users and developers.
Key Features of ApeChain:
Native Yield: Certain assets bridged onto ApeChain such as APE, ETH, WETH, USDC, USDT, and DAI can generate yield automatically just by being on ApeChain. There’s no need for staking or locking up assets, as the rewards are generated automatically.
Layer 3 Advantages: Lower fees, faster transactions, and seamless cross-chain interoperability.
Native Gas Token: APE is used as the gas token for transactions on ApeChain.
NFT Support: ApeChain enables the creation, buying, and selling of NFTs, along with fostering energetic NFT communities.
dApp Support: ApeChain is a platform for decentralized applications in art, gaming, entertainment, and DeFi.
Vibrant Community: ApeChain has an active and engaged community, where builders, developers, creators, and users connect, collaborate, and innovate.
Getting started with ApeChain involves a few key steps. This guide will walk you through the process of acquiring $APE, setting up your wallet, adding the ApeChain network, and bridging your tokens.
Step 1: Acquire ApeCoin
You can purchase ApeCoin using either centralized or decentralized exchanges. Choose the method that best fits your needs.
Centralized Exchanges: Platforms like Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, and Gemini allow you to purchase ApeCoin with fiat or other cryptocurrencies. Centralized exchanges manage trades and can hold your funds for you. They offer ease-of-use and some customer support but require you to trust a third party with your assets. You will need to transfer ApeCoin bought from a centralized exchange to an ApeChain-compatible wallet.
Decentralized Exchanges: Platforms like Uniswap allow direct peer-to-peer cryptocurrency trading without an intermediary. You keep control of your funds, but it can be more technical to use.
Step 2: Set up an ApeChain-compatible wallet and add the ApeChain network
To get started with the ApeChain ecosystem, you'll need a cryptocurrency wallet that supports Apechain. If you don't have one already, here’s how to set one up:
Choose a compatible wallet: Popular options include MetaMask. (Phantom does not support ApeChain yet)
Download and install: Download the wallet app or browser extension.
Create your wallet: Follow the wallet setup instructions to create your wallet and securely store your seed phrase. (See Cybersecurity Tips below for information on wallet security and best practices).
Step 3: Add the ApeChain Network
To interact with ApeChain, you'll need to add its network configuration to your Web3 wallet (like MetaMask). This allows your wallet to connect to the ApeChain blockchain. You can add the network using several methods: manually configuring your wallet, using the ApeChain AI bot, or connecting through the Caldera ApeChain Hub. Each method is detailed below.
Method 1: Add the Network Manually (Steps for MetaMask)
Open MetaMask and click on the network dropdown at the top left.
Select "+ Add a custom network" at the bottom.
Enter the following details and click “Save”.
Mainnet & Details
Network Name = ApeChain
RPC URL = https://apechain.calderachain.xyz/http
Chain ID = 33139
Currency Symbol = APE
Block Explorer = https://apechain.calderaexplorer.xyz/
Method 2: Add it automatically through the Caldera ApeChain Hub
Go to the official ApeChain Hub.
Click the button labeled "Add to Wallet".
Method 3: Add it automatically through the ApeChain Documentation Website
1. Visit the official ApeChain Documentation (You can find additional methods there as well).
2. Click on the white "Ask ApeChain" button at the top.
3. Navigate to the "Chain Info" tab located in the top right corner.
4. Under “ApeChain Mainnet”, click on the white "Add to Wallet" button.
5.Approve the request in MetaMask to add ApeChain.
Step 4: Bridge ApeCoin ($APE) from Ethereum to ApeChain
To start using ApeChain, you’ll need to transfer some ApeCoin $APE to the ApeChain network. This process is called "bridging," and it’s simple to do with the following steps:
1. Open the Relay Bridge:
The ApeChain Relay Bridge is available on the official ApeChain website and is the preferred method due to its speed and low cost. Note: You will need some ETH in your wallet to cover the gas fees.
The ApeChain Relay Bridge is available on the official ApeChain website and is the preferred method due to its speed and low cost. Note: You will need some ETH in your wallet to cover the gas fees.
2. Set Source and Destination: In the large dropdown bars, under "From," select "Ethereum". Under "To," select "ApeChain" if it is not already selected.
3. Select ApeCoin (APE) as the Token: In the smaller dropdown bars, under "From" and “To” choose ApeCoin (APE) as the token to bridge if it is not already selected. Note: The Relay Bridge can bridge some other tokens such as ETH, USDC, USDT, as well.
4. Enter the Amount: Specify the amount of ApeCoin (crypto) you wish to bridge.
5. Connect Your Wallet: Click "Connect" and choose your wallet address that holds the ApeCoin you want to bridge, and sign the transaction to connect in your wallet.
6. Execute the transaction:
Review the Transaction Summary: Carefully review the transaction details displayed on the bridge interface. Double-check that the "From" and "To" chains and the tokens are set correctly, and verify the correct amount of crypto is being bridged. *Note the estimated exchange rate and any associated fees. While the Relay Bridge is a fast and affordable option, gas fees can fluctuate.
Click "Trade": Click the "Trade" button on the bridge interface.
Approve the Transaction: Your wallet will prompt you to approve the transaction. Review the transaction details again and approve it if everything looks correct.
7. Wait for Confirmation: After you confirm, the transaction will process, and your APE will be bridged to ApeChain. This may take a few minutes.
Dive into the dynamic ApeCoin ecosystem, where a vibrant and passionate community drives innovation and shapes the future of Web3. It’s an evolving space that empowers builders, developers, creators, and enthusiasts to shape decentralized culture. ApeCoin powers a broad Web3 ecosystem beyond BAYC, including gaming, NFTs, and DeFi. ApeChain provides fast, low-cost transactions and native yield, fostering a community-driven space for innovation and growth.
Official Engagement Channels
Follow ApeCoin on X (Twitter) for updates and announcements. And keep an eye out for unexpected surprises from the ApeCoin intern.
Join the ApeCoin Telegram and ApeCoin Discord for real-time discussions and support.
Visit ApeChain.com to discover a wide range of partner applications across DeFi, gaming, NFTs, and more.
Participate in the Spotlight Program on ApeChain to earn points and rewards by contributing to community growth.
Explore the ApeCoin website to learn more about the origins of the $APE ecosystem and the DAO.
Join the ApeCoin DAO Discourse Forum to read and comment on AIPs (Ape Improvement Proposals).
Vote on AIPs through Snapshot.
THANK APE
Get rewarded with Thank APE: A DAO-funded initiative that distributes millions of $APE to ApeCoin holders who create value for the ecosystem.
Follow Thank APE on X (Twitter) and join the Thrive Protocol Discord for the latest announcements.
Shop, Trade, and Launch on ApeChain:
Buy and Trade ApeChain NFTs
Here are some popular marketplaces for buying and selling ApeChain NFTs.
ApeChain NFT Launchpads
Find upcoming and live NFT mints, or launch your own collection.
MemeCoin Trading
Engage with the memecoin community on ApeChain.
Ape Express: The memecoin hub of ApeChain, where you can explore, trade, and create various memecoins on ApeChain.
Connect with the ApeChain Community
Explore the vibrant ApeChain communities on platforms like X (Twitter), Discord, and Telegram. Interact in chats with fellow collectors, keep up with the latest project news, and join dedicated Spaces on X for live discussions and insights. But be cautious of potential scams during your interactions.
The ApeCoin DAO
Holding ApeCoin ($APE) gives you a voice in the ApeCoin DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization), which governs the ecosystem through community voting on Ape Improvement Proposals (AIPs). Each $APE token equals one vote on proposals that help shape the ecosystem's direction. Your participation contributes to the community's collective decision-making process.
Get Involved in Governance
Join the ApeCoin DAO Forum to read and comment on AIPs and governance topics. Share your insights, ask questions, and help community members refine proposals that shape the ecosystem’s future.
Cast your vote on AIPs via Snapshot to help direct the ecosystem's future.
Please note: Recently passed AIP-582 requires members to hold a minimum of 250K $APE to initiate a “Temperature Check” to submit an AIP. If the Temperature Check passes, 500K $APE is needed for the proposal to advance to a full vote—or you can collaborate with someone or a delegation that meets these thresholds.
Protecting your digital assets starts with secure wallet practices. Follow these tips to help keep your funds safe.
Wallet Security
-Use hardware wallets for your most valuable assets that you don’t plan on selling for maximum security (e.g., Ledger or Trezor). They keep your private keys offline and add an extra layer of security.
-Never share your private keys or seed phrases. Write them down and store them in a secure, offline location.
-Be cautious when connecting your wallet to websites.
-Always verify the URL and legitimacy of any website before connecting your wallet.
-Use bookmarks for frequently visited sites.
-Applications like Pocket Universe can help you prevent crypto theft with their browser extensions.
-Double-check wallet addresses during transactions.
-Revoke Approvals that aren’t needed.
Use delegated wallets
-Warm
Recognize Scams
-Never click on unsolicited links.
-Be cautious of unsolicited emails.
-Always verify with official channels before taking any action.
-Where available, enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
-Beware of social engineering scams.
Further Learning
Keep up with the latest security updates and best practices in the crypto space.
An ApeCoin DAO approved initiative that provides free classes, resources, tools, and other informational material to the community so that they can prevent themselves from becoming the next victim.
Earn ApeCoin through Thank APE for taking free classes.
more articles:
more articles:
Staying Safe on ApeChain (X Thread by Dreww)
Best Practices to Secure Your Assets (Article by MichaelK)
How to Use Delegate XYZ on ApeChain (X Thread by Dreww)
Scammers Suck…easy tricks to detect a Web3 scam (X Article by Dreww)
Additional Resources
ApeCoin NFT Staking for BAYC/MAYC owners
ApeChain Docs (Official)
ApeChain Ecosystem Map (by ryancsmith)
APECHAIN ONBOARDING — IN 4 EASY STEPS (X article by Shpend)
HOW TO START BUILDING ON APECHAIN (X article by Shpend)
Disclaimer: This webpage is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
