What is STEPN? In-Depth Explanation of the Move to Earn App’s Mechanism and Getting Started Guide

What Is STEPN?

STEPN is a Move to Earn app where users purchase NFT sneakers and earn cryptocurrencies like GST and GMT by engaging in real-world exercise. The platform is gaining worldwide attention for its ability to combine a healthy lifestyle with financial rewards.

How the Move to Earn (M2E) Model Works

Move to Earn is an innovative concept where users get paid for physical activity. Unlike traditional Play to Earn games, which focus solely on virtual activities, STEPN rewards real-world movement with cryptocurrency.

When users equip NFT sneakers and walk or run, STEPN’s GPS and motion sensors accurately track their activity. Based on the exercise performed, users earn GST tokens, creating a system that delivers both health benefits and financial incentives.

This Move to Earn system has helped countless users develop consistent exercise routines.

The Two Key Cryptocurrencies in STEPN: GST & GMT

STEPN uses two main tokens: GST and GMT.

GST (Green Satoshi Token) is a utility token earned through daily activity. It's used for sneaker repairs, leveling up, and minting new sneakers. Designed with unlimited issuance, GST can be earned continuously as users stay active.

GMT (Green Metaverse Token) is the governance token of STEPN. With a capped supply of 6 billion tokens, GMT is used for high-level sneaker upgrades and voting on platform policies. Its scarcity also positions GMT as a potential long-term store of value.

NFT Sneakers: The Core of Gameplay

In STEPN, NFT sneakers are the core asset for gameplay. Each sneaker is a unique digital asset recorded on the blockchain.

NFT sneakers come in five rarities: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, and Legendary. Higher rarity sneakers have better base stats and earn more GST or GMT. Sneakers can be traded in the marketplace, giving them both utility and investment value as digital assets.

STEPN: Core Mechanisms and Features

STEPN integrates the latest blockchain technology with mobile capabilities to deliver a precise and fair activity tracking system.

Accurate Activity Tracking via GPS

STEPN leverages GPS to deliver highly accurate activity tracking. The app records distance, speed, and exercise duration with precision and calculates rewards accordingly.

The platform features an anti-cheating system called SMAC, which analyzes GPS and acceleration data to detect fraudulent activity. By combining smartphone sensors, STEPN verifies real movements for fair and accurate tracking. This advanced GPS-based system lets users confidently earn cryptocurrency by exercising.

Energy System and Reward Calculation

STEPN implements an energy system that limits daily exercise time. The maximum available energy depends on how many sneakers you own and their rarity.

Each unit of energy allows for six minutes of activity, and each sneaker provides two energy points. Rewards are calculated as: Energy Consumed × Sneaker Efficiency × Time Factor. Exercising within the optimal speed range maximizes your rewards. This system helps users create an efficient, structured workout plan.

Four Sneaker Types and Their Optimal Speeds

STEPN offers four sneaker types tailored for different exercise habits. Each type has an ideal speed range for optimal GST earnings.

Walker is designed for speeds of 1–6 km/h and earns 4 GST per energy. Jogger covers 4–10 km/h with 5 GST per energy. Runner operates in the 8–20 km/h range and earns 6 GST per energy. Trainer is flexible, functioning between 1–20 km/h and earning 4–6 GST per energy.

Choosing a sneaker type that matches your activity level is essential for maximizing GST. This four-type sneaker system allows STEPN to support a wide range of exercise styles.

Sneaker Attributes

Every NFT sneaker has four core attributes that impact gameplay. When you level up, you earn attribute points to allocate as you see fit.

Efficiency is the most important, determining how much GST you earn per energy spent. Luck affects the frequency and quality of Mystery Boxes. Comfort influences GMT earning efficiency and HP loss rate. Resilience helps slow down sneaker durability loss.

You can distribute attribute points according to your strategy, customizing sneakers to fit your goals. This flexible system supports a variety of play styles in STEPN.

How to Get Started with STEPN

Getting started with STEPN involves several steps, from downloading the app to purchasing NFT sneakers.

Step 1: Download and Register for STEPN

Begin by downloading STEPN to your smartphone. It’s free on both the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android).

Once installed, create your account using your email address. Enter the six-digit verification code sent to your email to finish registration. This initial setup grants you access to STEPN’s core features.

Step 2: How to Get an Activation Code

STEPN requires an activation code to start. You can get a code from an existing user or for free on the official Discord community.

The Discord channel "Get your activation code" automatically generates new codes regularly. Codes may also be distributed on Twitter and other social media, but buying or selling codes is strictly prohibited. Always obtain your code for free to ensure compliance and security. With an activation code, you can access all of STEPN’s features.

Step 3: Create Your Wallet and Set Up Security

After entering your activation code, create a wallet within the app. This wallet is your digital vault for NFT sneakers and earned cryptocurrency.

Set a six-digit passcode and record the 12-word seed phrase somewhere secure. The seed phrase is vital for wallet recovery if you change devices. Completing these security steps ensures your digital assets remain safe.

Step 4: Purchasing NFT Sneakers

To play STEPN, you must purchase NFT sneakers from the marketplace. Sneakers are purchased using GMT (Green Metaverse Token).

Buy GMT from a cryptocurrency exchange and transfer it to your STEPN wallet. Then, select and purchase your sneaker in the app’s marketplace. Once you have your NFT sneaker, you’re ready to start exercising and earning crypto in STEPN.

Step 5: Start Exercising and Earning Rewards

After buying NFT sneakers, launch the app, select your sneaker, and tap "START" to begin exercising with STEPN.

Work out outdoors in an area with a stable GPS signal, keeping within your sneaker’s optimal speed range. After exercising, check that your earned GST appears in your wallet. With regular activity, you can maximize your rewards. Building this exercise habit helps you achieve both better health and financial benefits.

STEPN: Risks and Precautions

While STEPN is an engaging app, users should be aware of the risks involved. Understanding these risks and taking proper precautions is essential for safe participation.

Initial Investment Is Required

To use STEPN, you must invest in NFT sneakers upfront. Prices can range from a few thousand to several hundred thousand yen and fluctuate significantly based on market supply and demand.

The biggest risk is not being able to recover your investment. Sneaker value or GST/GMT prices may decline, reducing your expected return. It’s wise to start with a low-cost Common sneaker and learn the system before investing further.

Cryptocurrency Price Volatility

GST and GMT earned in STEPN are cryptocurrencies and are subject to price fluctuations. While GST has seen periods of high value, it has also experienced significant drops.

Fluctuations directly affect the real-world value of your earned GST. To manage this risk, consider regularly converting some tokens to stablecoins or other assets. Above all, treat STEPN as a tool for health improvement, with crypto earnings as a bonus.

Trading Activation Codes Violates Terms of Service

STEPN’s terms strictly ban buying and selling activation codes. However, some platforms still attempt to sell codes for a fee.

Purchasing paid codes violates platform rules and may result in account suspension or deletion. It also exposes you to scams. Always obtain your code for free from the official Discord community. Official social channels also distribute codes regularly—use these trusted sources only.

GPS Signal Quality and Movement Speed

STEPN relies on GPS, so signal quality directly impacts your rewards. GPS may be unstable in urban canyons, underground, or indoors, causing inaccurate tracking.

Each sneaker type has its own optimal speed range. Exercising outside this range can reduce rewards by up to 90%. For best results, work out in open parks or along riverbanks, ensuring a strong GPS signal and correct pace before starting.

STEPN: Outlook and Latest Developments

STEPN continues to evolve as a leader in Move to Earn. With strong partnerships and continuous development, it’s poised to become more than just a fitness app—a full-fledged Web3 lifestyle platform.

Major VC Investment and Platform Trust

STEPN has secured funding from top global venture capital firms, including Sequoia Capital and Folius Ventures—both experienced in crypto investments.

These VCs rigorously vet their investments, signaling strong confidence in STEPN’s technology and business model. Their backing provides STEPN with robust funding and a long-term development structure that’s resilient to short-term volatility. This financial strength underpins STEPN’s sustained growth.

Collaborations with Leading Brands

STEPN has forged strategic partnerships with globally recognized brands. Its collaboration with Adidas, for example, created new value by merging NFT sneakers with a major sports brand.

High-profile partnerships with Snoop Dogg and Casio’s G-SHOCK have also drawn attention. Most recently, STEPN announced a partnership with the Argentine Football Association, deepening its ties to the sports world and extending its reach beyond crypto enthusiasts.

The long-term partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) features an official Genesis Sneaker Collection, exclusive NFTs for soccer fans, and campaigns linking digital collectibles to real-world perks like match tickets.

These initiatives expand STEPN’s appeal to mainstream audiences by fusing "Sports × Web3 × Lifestyle." Even users new to crypto can join the ecosystem through their favorite brands or teams, fueling future growth.

STEPN GO: New Features and Expansion

STEPN GO has transformed STEPN into a "social lifestyle platform." Its most notable new feature is NFT sneaker rentals.

The rental feature lowers barriers for new users, letting them try STEPN without a major upfront investment. Additional features—friend connections, real-time chat, and the "Haus System" community hub—enhance social interaction. The new GGT token powers STEPN GO’s unique economy.

In STEPN GO, users can earn the GGT (Go Gaming Token) through physical activity, and a PvP mode is planned where players can compete for GMT. Both the original STEPN and STEPN GO connect to the broader FSL (Find Satoshi Lab) token ecosystem.

GMT Pay: Bridging Crypto and Real-World Spending

Recently, STEPN’s parent company partnered with Mastercard to launch "GMT Pay." This service enables users to spend earned GMT and GGT directly at Mastercard-accepting merchants worldwide.

GMT Pay issues virtual cards (from $50 to $300) and integrates with Apple Pay and Google Pay. Users can spend their crypto earnings at everyday retailers like Amazon, Spotify, and local cafes—bridging the gap between digital assets and the real economy.

GMT Pay is available as a dedicated app for iOS and Android, letting users receive, send, and instantly issue a prepaid Mastercard for one-time use.

Supported countries are expanding, so always check the latest coverage and usage conditions on the official website or app before using the service.

Summary: STEPN Delivers Health and Earnings with Move to Earn

STEPN’s Move to Earn model empowers users to boost their health and earn financial rewards at the same time.

By exercising with NFT sneakers, users earn GST and GMT, though an initial investment of 5,000 yen to several hundred thousand yen is required. STEPN’s multi-type sneaker system, GPS-based precise tracking, SMAC anti-cheating measures, and top-tier VC backing all contribute to its credibility and appeal.

STEPN is a platform that promotes healthy living and offers entry into the digital economy. With proper risk management and informed use, you can establish exercise habits and enjoy potential financial benefits.

FAQ

What Is STEPN? How Does Move to Earn Work?

STEPN is a Move to Earn app that converts walking into cryptocurrency rewards. Users buy NFT sneakers and earn tokens based on real-world activity. The platform is built on Solana and features an innovative reward system.

What Do I Need to Start STEPN? What Are the Startup Costs?

To use STEPN, you need a smartphone, an NFT wallet, and to purchase a sneaker NFT. The minimum initial investment is about 30,000 yen.

How Do I Buy NFT Sneakers in STEPN and Which Should I Choose?

Open the STEPN app, connect your wallet, and browse sneakers in the marketplace. Check stats like level, efficiency, and comfort, and purchase with a credit card or crypto. Choose sneakers that fit your exercise routine.

How Much Can I Earn with STEPN? What’s the Earning Model and Expected Returns?

Earnings depend on sneaker level and type. Most users earn 5,000–10,000 yen daily; committed players may earn over 10,000 yen. You earn GST tokens from walking, which can be exchanged for profit. It generally takes a few months to recover your initial investment.

Is STEPN Safe? What Risks Should I Know About?

STEPN is generally safe, but account hacking is a risk. Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication. NFT sneaker prices can also fluctuate, so monitor market trends.

What’s the Difference Between GST and GMT in STEPN?

GST is an in-game utility token used for activity rewards and item purchases. GMT is a governance token that gives you community voting rights and a say in protocol decisions.

How Does STEPN Differ from Other Move to Earn Apps like Axie Infinity?

Unlike game-centric apps like Axie Infinity, which focus on raising NFT pets and earning through gameplay, STEPN tracks actual physical activity and rewards users for walking or running. This dual focus on health and earnings sets STEPN apart.