![Earn money by walking! A thorough explanation of the popular GameFi "Walken" [for beginners]](https://gamefi.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/image-20250617073554660-930x620.png)
Can exercise turn into money? A thorough explanation of the popular GameFi "Walken"!
"Can you earn money just by walking?" "Can you get healthy while playing games?" Have you heard such dreamy catchphrases recently? These are new trends called "GameFi" or "Move-to-Earn". This time, we will introduce some popular apps that are attracting a lot of attention."Walken"We will thoroughly explain its appeal and how to get started in an easy-to-understand manner even for beginners!
Walken is a project that embodies the idea of "play and earn," where daily exercise (mainly walking and running) can lead to in-game items and virtual currency. If you read this article, you too may jump into the world of Walken and have fun while also getting healthy and earning some extra cash!
What kind of game is Walken? Check out its features!
Walken:Solana BlockchainIt is a move-to-earn mobile game app based on . Players input their daily step count data into the app, use it to raise an NFT character called "CAThlete," and compete with other players to earn rewards.
The main flow of the game is as follows:
- Walking/Running:It works in conjunction with your smartphone's pedometer to convert your daily exercise volume into an in-game currency called "GEM."
- Cultivating CAThlete:Use the GEMs you earn to level up your companion CAThlete and improve its abilities (speed, stamina, strength).
- Competition:Using the CAThlete you have raised, you compete against other players' CAThlets in a race format. If you win, you will receive virtual currency,$WLKN (Walken Token)Can be earned.
Let's take a closer look at Walken's main features.
- Get started for free:While many blockchain games require an initial investment, Walken offers one free CAThlete at the start,Anyone can start easilyYes, you can. This is a very good point for beginners.
- The Convergence of Move-to-Earn (M2E) and Play-to-Earn (P2E):It is a well-balanced combination of the M2E element, where everyday walking can lead to earning GEMs, and the P2E element, where you can develop CAThletes, win competitions, and earn $WLKN tokens.
- Cute NFT character "CAThlete":"CAThlete" is a non-fungible token (NFT) with a cat motif, each with different status and appearance. In addition to leveling up, in the future it will be possible to breed new CAThlets (for a fee). You can have fun raising your favorite CAThlete.
- Simple gameplay:The operation is intuitive and easy to understand, and no complex strategy is required. CAThlete's status and the choice of the competition are the key to victory or defeat.
- Active Community and Development:Walken has regular updates and events, and has an active player community. We are looking forward to future developments.
Walken is truly a next-generation game that will keep you motivated to improve your health while also providing new possibilities for generating revenue.
The Technology Behind Walken: The Role of Blockchain and NFTs
What sets Walken apart from "just a game" is its active use of blockchain technology. Here, we will explain the key technical elements that support Walken, although it will be a bit technical.
NFTs and the use of blockchain
The core of Walken is the CAthlete, and some in-game items (including equipment in the future) will beNFT (Non-Fungible Token)NFTs are digital data that are issued and traded on the blockchain, each of which has its own unique value. This brings about the following benefits:
- True Ownership:The CAThlete you acquire is owned by you, not the game operator. This is quite different from traditional game items that lose their value when the service ends.
- Proof of uniqueness and rarity:Each CAThlete is unique, and its rarity and capabilities are recorded on the blockchain and verifiable by anyone.
- Free trade:NFTed CAThlets may then be freely bought and sold with other players on the Walken app's in-app marketplace, and in the future on external NFT marketplaces.
Blockchain technology acts as a database that records and manages the ownership and transaction records of these NFTs in an immutable manner.
Supported Blockchain
Walken:SolanaSolana is based on the blockchain. Its use in the gaming sector is expanding due to its following features:
- Fast processing speed:Since it can process many transactions quickly, it can smoothly transfer items in-game and distribute rewards.
- Low transaction fees (gas fees):The fees for trading NFTs and sending and receiving tokens are relatively low, reducing the burden on players.
With these features, Walken aims to provide you with a comfortable gaming experience.
smart contract
At Walken,Smart contracts (contracts that are automatically executed when programmed conditions are met)For example, CAThlete generation, competition winner/loser and reward distribution, and marketplace transaction processing are all carried out transparently and fairly without human intervention, which increases the reliability and efficiency of the game.
Use of virtual currencies
There are two main types of "money" in Walken.
- GEM:This is soft currency that can be earned in the game. It is mainly earned by walking every day (1,000 steps is about 1 GEM, but there is a limit) and is used for initial level-up and energy recovery of CAThlete. It is not a virtual currency.
- $WLKN (Walken Token):It is the central cryptocurrency of the Walken ecosystem. It can be obtained as a reward for winning CAThlete competitions, and is used for leveling up CAThlete above a certain level, breeding, and buying and selling NFTs on the marketplace. $WLKN is also listed on major overseas cryptocurrency exchanges and can be converted into Japanese yen (direct handling at domestic exchanges has not been confirmed).
In this way, Walken aims to create a new gaming experience and economic sphere by making full use of the latest blockchain technology.
How to get started with Walken: A simple step-by-step guide
Some people may think, "Walken looks interesting, but it seems difficult to get started..." but don't worry! Walken is very easy to get started with. Below is a step-by-step guide.
- Download the app:
- Depending on your smartphone, search for the "Walken" app in the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and download and install it.
- Create an account:
- Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to create an account. You can easily register with your email address, Google account, Apple ID, etc.
- Create a wallet:
- When you create an account, the Walken app automatically generates a Solana-based wallet (a wallet for storing cryptocurrencies and NFTs). This wallet is called a "non-custodial wallet."Self-managed private key (seed phrase)This private key is very important, so do not share it with anyone and make sure to back it up in a safe place.
- Get your free CAThlete:
- After you create an account, you will be given your first CAThlete for free, which you can use to start playing the game right away.
- Step Tracking Setup:
- Allow the app to access your smartphone's pedometer data. For iPhone, you need to link with the "Health" app, and for Android, you need to link with the "Google Fit" app. This will allow your daily steps to be converted into GEM.
- Let's play!:
- Walk to get gems:First, walk or run on a daily basis to collect GEMs.
- Take your CAThlete to the next level:Use the GEMs you've saved to level up your CAthlete and improve its abilities.
- Enter the competition:Once your CAThlete grows, it's time to join the competition! Choose a league and compete against your opponents. If you win, you'll have a chance to win $WLKN tokens.
You can start with a free CAThlete to get a feel for the game, and then once you've mastered it, you can purchase a new CAThlete from the Marketplace or get more serious about earning $WLKN tokens.
Walken's reputation and reviews: Players' opinions and things to note
Walken is enjoyed by many players, but it's not all good. Here we've compiled some general reviews from players and things to be aware of.
Player feedback (positive opinions)
- "I'm happy that I can start for free!"The ability to experience M2E games without any initial investment is especially appreciated by beginners.
- "It's a great motivation to exercise!"Because walking directly leads to game progress and rewards, many players report that they have developed a daily exercise habit.
- "CAThlete is so cute!":The unique designs and development elements of each CAThlete make the game even more fun. You can also have fun collecting them.
- "Simple rules and easy to understand":The game is popular because it does not require complicated controls and anyone can play it easily.
- "There's a chance you can make a little bit of money"If you persevere, you may be able to earn and monetize $WLKN tokens.
Critical opinions and points of caution
- "It's hard to make money without paying":There is an opinion that it is difficult to win in competitions and earn $WLKN tokens efficiently with free CAThlets or low-level CAThlets. In order to aim for more profits, some investment (purchasing CAThlets and leveling up) may be required.
- "Risk of price fluctuation of $WLKN token":$WLKN is a cryptocurrency and as such its price can fluctuate significantly depending on market conditions and you should understand that the value of your acquired tokens may rise or fall.
- "Competition Matching Luck":Opponents are chosen randomly, so sometimes you may end up facing an opponent who is superior to you, so an element of luck comes into play.
- "Game Balance Changes":App updates may change the game balance and reward system. This is true for all online games, but you should be careful.
- "Continued efforts are needed":As the name Move-to-Earn suggests, the key to monetization is to continue exercising and playing the game. It's not a get rich quick scheme.
When enjoying Walken, it's important to understand both these positive aspects and points of caution.
Walken Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions
Here we will answer some common questions that beginners may have when starting out with Walken.
Q1: Do I need blockchain expertise to get started with Walken?
A: Basically,Little to no specialized blockchain knowledge requiredThe Walken app is very user-friendly when it comes to creating a wallet and performing basic operations, so you can start using it in the same way as you would use a regular smartphone app. However, if you want to convert $WLKN tokens to Japanese yen or seriously trade NFTs on external marketplaces, it will be easier if you have some knowledge of opening an account at a cryptocurrency exchange and operating a wallet. It's best to start by enjoying the game and gradually learn as you go.
Q2: How exactly will the in-game currency (GEM, $WLKN) be used?
A: Walken has two main currencies:
- GEM:
- How to earn:Mainly daily walking and running (1000 steps earns about 1 GEM, there is a daily limit).
- Main uses:CAThlete level up (especially at low levels), CAThlete energy recovery.
- $WLKN (Walken Token):
- How to earn:Mainly rewards for winning CAThlete competitions.
- Main uses:It will also be used to level up CAThlets (level 6 and above), breed CAThlets (to generate new CAThlets), purchase CAThlets and items in the in-app marketplace, and in the future, for staking (a system for depositing and receiving rewards) and governance (voting on management).
The basic flow is to accumulate GEMs little by little through daily activities, use them to grow CAThlete, and aim to acquire $WLKN tokens.
Q3: How can I trade CAThlete (NFT)?
A: CAThlete is an NFT (non-fungible token), so ownership of it belongs to the player. Currently, the main methods of transaction are:A dedicated marketplace within the Walken appHere, players can buy and sell CAThlets using $WLKN tokens. You can sell the CAThlets you have raised, or buy stronger CAThlets or CAThlets with your favorite designs. In the future, it is expected that CAThlets will be available for trading on major external NFT marketplaces that support the Solana blockchain, but please check the official announcement for specific support status (unconfirmed).
Walken developer information: reliability and future potential
When considering the sustainability and future prospects of a game, information about the developer is important. What kind of team is making Walken?
Developer name
Walken:GetFit Labs LTD. According to the official website and white paper, the team has been working together for over 10 years and has extensive experience in mobile app development and marketing, especially in the health and fitness category, as well as blockchain technology and software engineering.
Technology Partners
The Walken project has attracted the backing of many prominent investors and partners due to its promising future. The official website states:Hashed, Shima Capital, YGG SEA (Yield Guild Games Southeast Asia), Morningstar Ventures These partnerships suggest the project's reliability, financial strength, and strong backing for future development.
Roadmap
Walken has a clear roadmap and has implemented many features so far. The main ones are:
- Launching the app and implementing basic functions
- Issuance of $WLKN token and exchange listing
- Launch of NFT marketplace
- Implementing CAThlete's bleeding function
- Adding new leagues and game modes
Future plans include strengthening the staking function, governance (shifting to community management through DAO), introduction of apparel item NFTs, integration of AR (augmented reality) functions, and further collaborations (please see the official announcement for details). Regularly checking the progress of the roadmap will be one way to gauge the future potential of the project.
Summary/Review: Design your health and profits with Walken!
Walken is an attractive GameFi project that realizes the Move-to-Earn concept of "earning money just by exercising" with cute characters and simple gameplay. The ease of starting for free, the incentive of daily exercise leading to in-game currency and virtual currency, and the possibility of owning and trading CAThlete as an NFT will be a new experience for many people.
Of course, you need to understand the risks of cryptocurrency price fluctuations and the possibility that you may not be able to earn as much as you want, but it's definitely worth trying Walken as a way to motivate yourself to improve your health or as an introduction to blockchain games. Why not download the app and turn your first step into "value"?
This article is intended to provide information about Walken and is not investment advice. Trading cryptocurrencies and NFTs involves risks. Please use your own discretion and responsibility after conducting sufficient research.
Reference Articles & Related Links
- Walken Official Website: https://walken.io/
- Walken Official White Paper: (Please check the official website)
- Walken Official X (formerly Twitter): (Please check the official website. Example: @Walken_io)
- Walken Official Discord: (Please check the official website)
- Walken App Store (iOS): (Search for "Walken" in the App Store)
- Walken Google Play (Android): (Search for "Walken" in the Google Play Store)