Phase 2 of Side Protocol Incentivized Testnet

5 min read2 days ago

Scroll down to the second half of this blog if you’re just looking for the testnet guide.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of Phase 2 of the Side Protocol Incentivized Testnet today. This phase focuses on upgrades, including native BTC and Runes bridging from Signet Bitcoin to Grimoria, the Side Protocol V1.

What is Grimoria?

Grimoria is a Bitcoin-centric appchain designed specifically for Bitcoin users. According to our roadmap, Side Protocol will be rolled out in phases, with Grimoria leading the way as the V1 version before the more Bitcoin-native V2 upgrade is introduced. Below are the Bitcoin-centric features of Grimoria as a Bitcoin appchain:

Bitcoin-centric features:

Bitcoin Address Compatibility: Grimoria is fully compatible with Bitcoin addresses, ensuring that users can interact with the appchain seamlessly without needing to create new wallets or manage multiple addresses.
Bitcoin Wallet Compatibility: Users can access Grimoria using their existing Bitcoin wallets, including Unisat and OKX Wallet. This compatibility simplifies the user experience and broadens access to the appchain by leveraging the extensive ecosystem of Bitcoin wallets.
BTC as Native Gas Token: Unlike other blockchains that use their native tokens for gas fees, Grimoria utilizes BTC as its native gas token. This enhances the user experience by allowing transactions to be conducted using the most trusted and widely recognized cryptocurrency.
Portstone: Portstone is the canonical bridge that facilitates the transfer of native BTC and Runes between Grimoria and the Bitcoin network. This bridge enhances liquidity and enables smooth interoperability between the two networks.

Embedded DeFi Services:

Trade: Grimoria includes a DEX built into the appchain. This DEX allows users to trade BTC, Runes, and other crypto assets directly, powered by an AMM, providing a seamless and secure trading experience.
We have other exciting on-chain DeFi products currently in stealth mode. They will be introduced at a later stage.

Infra Tools:

Side Station: This will be the go-to platform for users to discover transactions and blocks, participate in staking activities and governance, and earn rewards. It will support explorers for Grimoria, Bitcoin, and Portstone.
Side Wallet: A dual-chain wallet designed for Grimoria and Bitcoin, providing users with a secure and user-friendly way to manage their assets and interact with dApps on the appchain. We have completed the development of the initial version and will release it to the public once it is listed on the Chrome Web Store.

Now, for anyone excited to explore the new phase of this testnet, please follow the instructions below to get started:

Preparation

i) Install Wallet

We recommend using the OKX Wallet or Bitcoin wallets such as Unisat. In this guide, we’ll be using the Unisat Wallet.

ii) Switch to Signet Bitcoin’s Native Segwit address

Before you proceed, switch to Signet Bitcoin’s Native Segwit address so your engagement can be tracked on the Insider point system. This address starts with prefix of “tb1q”.

If you are using Unisat:

If you are using OKX Wallet:

iii) Become an Insider

To join the phase 2 of the S2 incentivized testnet, we suggest becoming an Insider within the Side community first. Achieve Insider status by completing social quests on our Galxe campaign.
After becoming an Insider, you can now log in the Insider Point System to track your engagement. If you’re unable to secure the role, you can also use someone else’s invitation code to gain access.

After completing all the preparations mentioned above, you’re all set and ready to start earning keys. These keys can then be exchanged for boxes. By unlocking these boxes, you can earn SIDE Points. Follow the video guide below to complete all the quests:

Phase 2 Video Guide

1. Deposit BTC

Visit Grimoria, and on the Assets page, you’ll find BTC and the Transfer button. Use the arrow to change the chain under ‘From’ to Bitcoin.

2. Swap BTC for Runes

3. Add Liquidity

4. Stake Liquidity

5. Claim Rewards

6. Withdraw Liquidity

7. Limit Order

8. Withdraw BTC

On the Assets page, you’ll find BTC and the Transfer button. Use the arrow to change the chain under ‘From’ to Grimoria.

9. Withdraw Runes

On the Assets page, you’ll find a Rune assets named “GRIMORIA•X•RUNE” and the Transfer button. Use the arrow to change the chain under ‘From’ to Grimoria.

10. Deposit Runes

On the Assets page, you’ll find a Rune assets named “GRIMORIA•X•RUNE” and the Transfer button. Use the arrow to change the chain under ‘From’ to Bitcoin.

Q&As

What to do with Keys?

Once you’ve accumulated enough keys, you have several options:

Get a Box immediately
Save your keys to unlock higher-tier boxes as you progress to higher levels
Try your luck with a blind box to potentially unlock higher-tier boxes!

How to acquire more Keys?

To acquire more keys, apart from completing quests, you can also invite others to join. The more people you invite, the more keys you’ll receive. By using an invitation code, both the inviter and the invited user who has completed at least one quest will receive an extra reward of 50 keys. However, remember that you still need to level up to unlock higher-tier boxes.

Moreover, you can earn additional keys by providing valuable feedback. Fill out the form [here] to submit your feedback. Depending on the quality of your input, you may receive a significant number of keys from us! Note that some features, such as bridging, are temporarily disabled on purpose. Useful feedback may include, but is not limited to:

Bug reports (e.g., amount inconsistency)
Suggestions for product improvement (e.g., UI/UX)
Identifying security vulnerabilities

Notes:

Holding SIDE Points does not guarantee rewards in token airdrops. We anticipate sybil activities during this stage. To ensure fair token distribution, strict eligibility rules will be enforced.
The total token supply allocated to this S2 testnet is yet to be determined, and the duration of the testnet remains uncertain. Please join the S2 testnet only after carefully considering the time and resources required.

Please stay tuned for our future announcements regarding additional feature integrations and product updates!