> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://earnscape.gitbook.io/earns-litepaper/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://earnscape.gitbook.io/earns-litepaper/introduction/what-is-the-usdearns-token.md).

# What is the $EARNS token?

The $EARNS token is a gaming experience point turned into a digital asset.

$EARNS is designed to be easily usable by Web2 users with little to zero experience with, or interest in learning, blockchain technology. This requirement dictates that the $EARNS native ledger must be optimized for zero or near-zero fees and be easily interoperable with most chains used for gaming. 

The [**XDC protocol**](https://xdc.org/) was selected because not only did it meet these needs, including fees of approximately $0.00001 USD per transaction, but also because of its focus on fostering real-world assets (RWAs) which are eventually intended to be incorporated into the ecosystem.

$EARNS has a total maximum supply fixed at **1,000,000,000 tokens**. 

All tokens are minted upon deployment with the **83.242% immediately locked into vesting schedules** running as long as four years. This, combined with a series of **taxes applied to dumping and liquidation** attempts, preserves the supply of $EARNS for ecosystem rewards and keeps the community topped off with fresh tokens over time. This ensures late comers still have the ability to **unlock the benefits $EARNS provides** to your gaming sessions.