Kusama was launched in 2019 as a Proof-of-State (PoS) network built on Polkadot’s codebase. Its main purpose is to give developers a place to trial and stress-test their blockchains or applications before they move to Polkadot. This lets teams validate early Polkadot-stage ideas in a live, realistic setting.

KSM, the network’s native asset, is not an ERC20 token because Kusama operates with its own blockchain infrastructure. KSM functions as a utility token used for governance and can also be staked to help run the network.

What are KSM key features and how does it work?

Because Kusama is a sister chain to Polkadot, the two networks share many core design elements. For instance, both rely on two kinds of chains to process transactions and support network activity. The primary chain is the Relay Chain, where validators participate in staking and where transactions are finalized. It provides limited functionality on purpose, acting instead as the coordinator for the overall system and using Proof-of-Stake consensus. Anyone staking KSM may run a node as a validator. Additionally, Parachains are created by developer teams; each Parachain can use its own architecture and feature set based on the needs of the project behind it.

As Kusama is positioned as a testing environment for Polkadot, it comes with greater development freedom through more relaxed rules and governance settings. For example, voting on a referendum in Kusama takes seven days, and implementing the outcome takes eight days-faster than the roughly month-long timelines used on Polkadot. It also requires a lower minimum stake to become a validator.

Kusama’s governance is organized into three user groups. The Referendum Chamber allows any KSM holder to propose, reject, or approve a network change. The Council consists of elected KSM holders and is responsible for putting forward and deciding which changes voted on by KSM holders are carried out. The third component is the Technical Committee, made up of teams building on the network that can submit special proposals. In this way, Kusama gives Polkadot projects a chance to attract users and build community momentum ahead of the official release.

What can Kusama be used for?

Primarily, Kusama is used as a testing environment for projects before they launch on Polkadot.

Where can you buy KSM?

Kusama (KSM) can be purchased through the DEXs and CEXs listed here.