Somnia Rises as a High-Performance EVM-Compatible Chain: Tokenomics and DeFi Achievements Highlighted by Messari Research

Source: TokenPost Original Title: Somnia Advances as a High-Performance EVM-Compatible Chain—Messari Research Highlights Tokenomics and DeFi Achievements Original Link: https://www.tokenpost.kr/news/insights/311111 According to a recent report by Messari Research, next-generation high-performance Layer 1 blockchain Somnia achieved substantial progress in on-chain activity, tokenomics, and the DeFi ecosystem in Q3 2025, laying the foundation for early governance and ecosystem expansion.

Mainnet Launch and Token Performance

Somnia officially launched its mainnet in September 2025, along with its native token SOMI. During the pre-mainnet testnet period, the chain processed over 10 billion transactions and served 118 million unique wallets. According to Messari Research, SOMI’s price fell from an all-time high of $1.77 to $0.70 by the end of the quarter, but market capitalization remained at $112 million. An average of 14.3 million daily transactions and 199,400 SOMI in daily fee income demonstrate sustained network demand and organic usage.

High-Performance Architecture and Technical Features

Somnia has drawn attention for its scalable architecture. The chain is EVM-compatible, capable of processing over 1 million transactions per second (TPS), with transaction finality under 1 second and near-zero transaction fees. This next-generation infrastructure enables real-time multiplayer games and AI-based applications. SOMI serves as the core asset for transaction fees, validator staking, and the eventual implementation of full governance, and features a deflationary structure in which 50% of gas fees are permanently burned.

Tokenomics Design

Total supply is capped at 1 billion SOMI. Early contributors received about 50 million tokens through an airdrop. Of these, 20% were immediately liquid, with the rest distributed in batches over 60 days via the Somnia Odyssey program; some strategic participants received accelerated unlocks. This gradual token release mechanism helps curb short-term sell pressure and promotes long-term ecosystem participation.

DeFi Ecosystem Growth

DeFi metrics show clear growth trends. Four native protocols reached a total value locked (TVL) of $1.9 million. One leading DEX accounted for $1 million TVL and 55.9% market share, followed by Somnia Exchange and derivatives platform Somnex. The DEX averaged $1.3 million in daily trading volume. These activities demonstrate that Somnia is more than a gaming-specific chain—it’s a mature mainnet capable of supporting multifaceted financial applications.

Strategic Partnerships

Somnia has also secured strategic partnerships for infrastructure development. Google Cloud joined as a validator, and collaborations with BitGo, Fireblocks, LayerZero, Dune Analytics, and Banxa have strengthened custody, data analytics, interoperability, and fiat on-ramp capabilities. Integration with an NFT platform’s liquidity infrastructure has also become a springboard for expansion into the metaverse and gaming sectors.

Developer Ecosystem and Security

Developer engagement expanded through the launch of the Somnia Builder low-code tool, a $200,000 Dreamathon bounty program, and a Mini Games Hackathon with over 140 participants. With support from DIA oracle grants and security audits, the project has gained real-world dApp development and security credibility. Community-driven activities such as Quests, Game Week, and prediction markets are also running in parallel.

Future Challenges and Outlook

Messari Research points out that for Somnia to become next-generation Web3 infrastructure, it needs to address two key issues: DeFi liquidity and long-term user retention. Despite large transaction volumes and user activity, the ecosystem’s capacity for organic growth and utility will be key metrics, and supporting real-time mass-scale applications remains its core challenge.