What Is Hamster Kombat? A Guide To The Tap-To-Earn Telegram Game

Hamster Kombat, a new Telegram-based game, has taken over the crypto and Web3 world by storm. Because of its unprecedented growth, the game became viral on X (formerly Twitter).

Within just a month of launch, Hamster Kombat gained millions of users and 34.6 million subscribers to its YouTube channel. It’s even in contention to be the fastest-growing YouTube channel in history.

Hamster Kombat‘s rapid growth can be attributed to its accessibility through the Telegram platform, requiring no additional downloads. Its engaging social features, such as sharing scores and competing with friends, have also played a significant role in its widespread adoption.

The game’s integration with the TON blockchain ensures secure and efficient transactions, further enhancing its appeal to a broad audience.

Key takeaways

• Hamster Kombat is a Telegram-based clicker game where players earn HMSTR coins by tapping on digital hamsters.
• Reports suggest the game was co-created by Eduard Gurinovich, a Russian IT entrepreneur known for his ventures in CarPrice and blockchain projects.
• It leverages the tap-to-earn model, combining simple gameplay with cryptocurrency rewards.
• Key features include character customization, dynamic combat, social integration, and blockchain-based NFTs.
• Players can convert HMSTR coins into HMSTR tokens, which are tradable on cryptocurrency exchanges.
• An upcoming airdrop campaign will reward players with HMSTR tokens to enhance user engagement and adoption.
• The game has rapidly grown, setting records on YouTube and attracting millions of players worldwide.
• While the game appears to be safe, and it recently launched a white paper, its tokenomics still lacks clarity. Also, the game’s launch date has been postponed on several occasions, which is concerning for users.

Introduction to Hamster Kombat

Hamster Kombat is a Telegram-based clicker game where players tap on digital hamsters to earn in-game currency, known as HMSTR coins. These coins can be converted into HMSTR tokens, which are tradable on cryptocurrency exchanges.

The game uses the TON blockchain, ensuring secure transactions and adding a layer of financial reward to the gaming experience. Players can also engage in customization and combat features, enhancing the game’s appeal. The game leverages social media for growth, with players earning coins by engaging with content and inviting friends.

Who created Hamster Kombat?

While the team behind Hamster Kombat has remained fairly anonymous, recent reports revealed that it was co-created by Russian IT entrepreneur Eduard Gurinovich. Gurinovich is known for founding CarPrice and CarMoney, and he has a strong background in venture investments and blockchain technology.

According to a report by The Bell, Gurinovich registered the domain for Hamster Kombat two months before the game’s official launch, indicating his pivotal role in its development.

Eduard Gurinovich gained recognition as a venture investor and was listed in Forbes’ 2019 ’30 under 30′ list. His company CarPrice, which was included in the list of the 100 most talked-about startups in Europe, attracted about $42 million in investments. After stepping down as CEO of CarPrice in 2017, Gurinovich invested in several startups, including Dbrain, R-Set, and blizkie.ru.

Gurinovich also founded Expload, a blockchain platform that allows players to earn money from tournaments, quests, and selling items. In 2018, he launched the Mytime blockchain platform, which enables users to receive cryptocurrency for the time spent on various services, aiming to remove intermediaries between users and businesses and provide mutual benefits.

One-third of Telegram users are now playing Hamster Kombat

On 30 July, Hamster Kombat’s anonymous developers released their much-awaited white paper, providing detailed plans for the upcoming launch’s token allocation. The white paper claimed that 300 million players have played the game so far, which is nearly one-third of Telegram’s 950 million active users.

The white paper also announced that the HMSTR token will launch on The Open Network (TON). The 300 million tally is an incredible number for any game. For context, Grand Theft Auto V, which is one of the most popular AAA games of all time, has attracted around 140 million players since its launch 11 years ago. If the statistics are credible, this would make Hamster Kombat the biggest crypto/Web3 game to date.

What is tap-to-earn gaming?

The tap-to-earn gaming model is a straightforward yet effective concept where players earn in-game currency through simple actions, primarily tapping. This model has gained popularity due to its accessibility and ease of use. Players engage with the game by repeatedly tapping the screen, which rewards them with virtual coins or tokens. These can often be converted into real-world currency, providing a financial incentive for continuous engagement.

Tap-to-earn games differ from traditional gaming models, which often require more complex interactions or significant time investment. Instead, they offer instant gratification with minimal effort, making them appealing to a broad audience. The model leverages the addictive nature of quick, repetitive actions to keep players engaged.

In the case of Hamster Kombat, players tap on digital hamsters to earn HMSTR coins. These coins can then be used within the game for upgrades or converted to HMSTR tokens for trading on cryptocurrency exchanges. This integration of gaming and blockchain technology provides an additional layer of motivation, as players can potentially earn real money from their in-game activities.

Key features of Hamster Kombat

Simple and addictive Gameplay

Hamster Kombat’s core mechanic involves tapping on digital hamsters to earn HMSTR coins. This straightforward gameplay makes it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. The ease of play encourages continuous engagement and frequent interactions.

Customization and combat

Players can choose from a variety of hamster characters, each with unique abilities. These characters can be customized with different outfits, accessories, and weapons. The game also features intense combat in dynamic arenas filled with obstacles, adding an exciting layer of strategy and competition.

Social integration

Hamster Kombat leverages Telegram’s extensive user base, enabling social interactions and friendly competition. Players can share scores, compete with friends, and earn additional rewards by inviting others to join the game. This social aspect enhances the game’s appeal and helps drive its rapid growth.

Cryptocurrency and NFTs

The game integrates blockchain technology by using the TON blockchain. Players earn HMSTR coins, which can be converted into HMSTR tokens tradable on cryptocurrency exchanges. Additionally, each hamster character is an NFT, allowing for trading and selling on various platforms. This financial integration offers players real-world incentives to engage with the game.

Growth and engagement

Since its launch, Hamster Kombat has seen explosive growth. The game’s YouTube channel has set records for subscriber growth, and user engagement metrics indicate high levels of daily activity. Players spend an average of 20 minutes per day on the game, contributing to its rapid ascent in the gaming and cryptocurrency sectors.

Is the Hamster Kombat token (HMSTR) listed on major exchanges?

Hamster Kombat is yet to have its TGE or Token Generation Event. As a result, the token is still not listed on any centralized or decentralized exchanges for trading.

However, Bybit, the second-largest crypto exchange by market share, has recently made a unique decision to list the Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) token on its pre-market trading platform.

Bybit has a previous track record of being an early adopter of tokens with large community engagement and hype. This decision to list HMSTR on its pre-market shows the exchange’s commitment to emerging projects on Telegram’s Open Network (TON).

OKX, another leading centralized exchange is also listing Hamster Kombat’s HMSTR Token on its Pre-Market Futures Platform. From 1 August, OKX users will be able to trade futures contracts for HMSTR until its Token Generation Event (TGE) and Initial Coin Offering (ICO). Users will be able to trade using the HMSTR/USDT index.

What is pre-market trading?

Pre-market trading allows buyers and sellers to trade new tokens before their official market listing. This system provides an opportunity to establish quotes and execute trades at predetermined prices, offering a unique advantage to early investors.

Bybit’s pre-market platform, launched on 8 July 2024, for HMSTR, enables early access to the token, potentially benefiting investors with favorable trading conditions.

Pre-market trading can be advantageous as it allows early adopters to invest in promising projects at potentially lower prices. For instance, Notcoin, another project listed on Bybit’s pre-market platform, showed significant price movement post-listing.

Notcoin’s pre-market price was $0.0059, and it debuted at around $0.007, eventually rising to $0.2. This precedent suggests that Hamster Kombat’s token could experience similar initial growth, although market behavior and broader crypto trends will influence its price.

As of time of writing, the HMSTR pre-market price varies between $0.001 and $0.1. This range indicates strong interest and trading activity. Bybit’s listing provides HMSTR with visibility and credibility, potentially attracting more investors and fostering market growth.

Mixed industry reaction to Hamster Kombat

Positive reception and endorsement

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has expressed strong support for Hamster Kombat, predicting it will attract millions to blockchain technology. He highlighted the game’s potential in demonstrating blockchain’s capabilities to a broad audience.

According to Durov, 239 million people have already signed up to participate in the game, showcasing its widespread appeal. He believes Hamster Kombat will play a crucial role in popularizing blockchain among mainstream users.

Surging popularity

The game has seen a significant surge in interest, especially in regions like Iran. Reports from the Associated Press indicate that local users are flocking to Hamster Kombat ahead of its token launch.

The game’s simplicity and the potential for crypto rewards have driven its popularity, with developers announcing that the player base has grown to 200 million, a substantial increase from 150 million in mid-June. This rapid growth underscores the game’s broad appeal among Telegram’s 950 million users.

Governmental concerns and criticism in Iran

However, the game’s popularity has not been universally welcomed. The Iranian government has expressed concerns over the game’s influence. Rear Adm. Habibollah Sayyari, Iran’s deputy military chief, labeled Hamster Kombat as part of a ‘soft war’ by Western forces.

He speculated that the game aims to distract Iranians from important national issues, such as the presidential election, amid ongoing economic struggles and Western sanctions. This criticism reflects broader apprehensions about the cultural and political impact of Western-developed digital content.

How to play Hamster Kombat

Setting up your account

• Download and install the Telegram app if you haven’t already.
• Search for the Hamster Kombat bot within Telegram.
• Click ‘Start’ to begin the game.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your profile.

Gameplay mechanics

• Tapping for coins: Tap on the digital hamster to earn HMSTR coins.
• Energy management: Each tap uses the hamster’s energy. Monitor and manage energy levels to maximize earnings.
• Upgrades: Use earned coins to upgrade your virtual cryptocurrency exchange, increasing your coin-earning potential.
• Daily combos and missions: Participate in daily combos and complete missions to earn additional bonuses and boosts.

Customization and combat

• Character selection: Choose from various hamster characters, each with unique abilities.
• Customization: Personalize your hamster with different outfits, accessories, and weapons.
• Combat arenas: Engage in battles within dynamic arenas filled with obstacles. Use strategy and quick reflexes to succeed.

Boosts and bonuses

• Daily bonuses: Log in daily and complete specific tasks to earn bonus rewards.
• Boosts: Apply boosts to increase your tapping productivity and raise your energy limit.

Referral program

• Inviting friends: Earn additional rewards by inviting friends to join the game.
• Sharing scores: Compete with friends and share your scores for added social engagement.

Earning and converting coins

• Linking wallet: Link a compatible TON-based wallet, like Tonkeeper, to your Hamster Kombat account.
• Converting coins: Follow the game’s instructions to convert HMSTR coins into HMSTR tokens.
• Withdrawing tokens: Use your linked wallet to manage and withdraw HMSTR tokens. Ensure you have some TON coins for minimal gas fees.
• Selling tokens: Once HMSTR tokens are listed on exchanges, sell them directly for potential financial gain.

Hamster Kombat airdrop

Hamster Kombat has announced an airdrop campaign to coincide with the launch of its HMSTR token on The Open Network (TON). The airdrop is designed to reward players and increase the adoption and use of Toncoin within the game’s ecosystem.

Eligibility criteria

• Players need to link their TON wallets to their Hamster Kombat accounts.
• Participation in specific in-game tasks and activities may be required to qualify for the airdrop.

Steps to participate

• Linking your wallet: Connect a compatible TON-based wallet, such as Tonkeeper, to your Hamster Kombat account.
• Completing tasks: Follow in-game instructions to complete tasks that qualify you for the airdrop. This may include daily activities or special missions.
• Monitoring announcements: Stay updated with the latest announcements from the Hamster Kombat team regarding new tasks and eligibility requirements.

Benefits of the airdrop

• Earning real cryptocurrency: The airdrop allows players to convert their in-game achievements into real-world cryptocurrency tokens.
• Boosting engagement: The prospect of earning valuable rewards motivates players to stay actively engaged with the game.
• Early access to tokens: Participants gain early access to HMSTR tokens, which can be traded on cryptocurrency exchanges once listed.

Impact on the game’s ecosystem

• Increased user engagement: The airdrop campaign is expected to drive significant growth in user engagement and transaction volume within the TON ecosystem.
• Economic growth: By integrating HMSTR tokens into the game’s economy, the developers aim to create a sustainable and rewarding gaming experience for all players.
• Community building: The airdrop helps in building a strong community of players who are invested in the game’s success and growth.

Final thoughts

Hamster Kombat represents a unique intersection of casual gaming and cryptocurrency, providing an engaging platform for players to earn real-world rewards through simple, addictive gameplay. The game’s rapid growth, driven by its accessibility and integration with the TON blockchain, highlights the increasing popularity of the tap-to-earn model.

It’s evident that Hamster Kombat has successfully leveraged social media and strategic marketing to build a massive user base. The upcoming HMSTR token launch and associated airdrop campaign can potentially further enhance player engagement and expand the game’s ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 01.

   Is Hamster Kombat safe?

   

   While Hamster Kombat appears to be safe, the jury is still out. The game has achieved real popularity and growing engagement. However, whether or not it can deliver on its token promise is yet to be seen. Also, there are no clear descriptions for its tokenomics, and its launch date has been pushed on multiple occasions. Its development team is completely anonymous. So, users must remain cautious.

2. 02.

   How much is Hamster Kombat coin?

   

   Hamster Kombat coin, or HMSTR has not been officially launched yet. Its value will be known once the token enters presale and TGE. However, Bybit has recently made the decision to list HMSTR token on its pre-market trading platform, while OKX is also listing Hamster Kombat’s HMSTR Token on its Pre-Market Futures Platform. From 1 August, OKX users will be able to trade futures contracts for HMSTR until its TGE and Initial Coin Offering.

3. 03.

   How to install Hamster Kombat?

   

   To install the game, users can go to the official Hamster Kombat Telegram channel. From there, simply click start to enter the game.