Ethereum layer-3 gaming network Xai is set to release “Tiny Sentry Keys” to lower the barrier for entry into its Sentry Key ecosystem, promising future benefits within the gaming ecosystem for buyers.

Xai’s Sentry Keys are NFT-based licenses for nodes that are operated by network supporters, which can be staked to receive rewards. Already, the Xai Foundation claims, approximately $340 million worth of rewards and airdrops have been distributed through this scheme thus far—including the much-hyped XAI token airdrop earlier this year.

At the time of writing, according to ArbiScan, there are currently 6,447 Sentry Key holders. with this figure expected to grow with the launch of Tiny Sentry Keys. Regular Sentry Keys sell for 1.43 ETH ($5,520), but the Tiny Keys will sell for just 0.0143 ($55), significantly lowering the barrier for players to engage with NFT nodes. 

An exact sale date will be announced on December 9. Xai representatives confirmed to Decrypt that with the reduced price of the Tiny Keys, holders will earn proportionally less rewards compared to regular Key holders. One network contributor likened the offering to the kind of battle pass seen in games like Fortnite, with unlockable rewards for players.

“Think of it as the ultimate battle pass, giving you access to rewards, airdrops, and perks across Xai’s growing ecosystem,” said the pseudonymous Soby, a core contributor to Xai. “We’re creating a platform that’s accessible to everyone while delivering immense value to our community.”

Xai is a layer-3 blockchain built on top of the Ethereum layer-2 Arbitrum network. This means that Xai keeps Arbitrum’s key functionality, while tweaking various network elements to better cater to gaming projects. 

As such, Xai has attracted game creators to launch on its chain. Game developer Ex Populus has committed its suite of games to Xai, Crypto Unicorns migrated from Polygon to the network earlier this year, and indie gaming curator The MIX said it plans to launch over 100 games on Xai.

With the sale of Tiny Sentry Keys, holders of regular Sentry Keys will be airdropped an additional 99 keys to make it 100. The Xai Foundation confirmed that over “12 top-tier games and ecosystem projects” are working with it to provide rewards for key holders.

On top of this, it’ll be easier than ever to purchase the Keys with the addition of a credit and debit card payment ramp via Crossmint, as well as the option to pay with XAI tokens—with other major tokens to be added to this list soon.

Edited by Andrew Hayward