When are Runes unlocked on Fractal?

The Runes protocol is activated on block 84,000 on Fractal.

Check out the explorer here for the countdown: https://explorer.unisat.io/fractal-mainnet/

What are Runes?

Runes are fungible tokens on Bitcoin, created and minted through the Runes Protocol. This UTXO-based system allows users to embed data directly into the Bitcoin blockchain, enabling the minting and transfer of unique digital assets.

Built with innovation in mind, Runes offer a playful yet powerful way to expand and enhance the Bitcoin ecosystem.

To understand Runes more, check out our Learn section here: https://www.fractalbitcoin.io/learn/understanding-runes

Building Runes on Fractal? Visit our documentation here: https://docs.fractalbitcoin.io/doc/runes-on-fractal

Runes on Fractal vs Bitcoin

Runes were activated on Bitcoin at block 840,000. A key mechanism of Runes is that the character limit for name registration decreases over time. Every 17,500 blocks (about every 4 months), the character limit reduces by one. By the next Bitcoin halving in about 4 years, 1-character runes will become available.

On Fractal, the same protocol is activated at block 84,000, but with a twist. Fractal’s next halving is in ~2 years, which is faster than that of Bitcoin’s. By calculating the character unlocking schedule, Fractal Runes characters will unlock approximately every 2 months, a faster progression of character unlocks than on Bitcoin.

Another unique aspect of Runes on Fractal is that all rune tickers are displayed in lowercase letters, whereas on Bitcoin they appear in uppercase.

Beyond these differences, the Runes protocol on Fractal operates under the same rules as on Bitcoin, making it easy for users familiar with Bitcoin to navigate Fractal's implementation.

rune name character unlock on Fractal vs on Bitcoin

A comparison of Runes name unlock on Fractal vs Bitcoin

What happens when the character names on Runes decrease?

As the character limits decrease over time, shorter and therefore potentially more coveted Runes will become available. The scarcity and simplicity of these names make them highly desirable in the marketplace. Much like domain names in the early days of the internet, these shorter Runes could become status symbols or represent valuable assets in the digital space.

The decreasing character limit system is a way to pace demand and ensure a fair distribution over time, while also adding an element of scarcity, which often drives value. On Fractal, the fast block times mean this progression happens rapidly, enabling users to access shorter names much sooner than on Bitcoin.

This accelerated progression can fuel more dynamic interactions within the Fractal ecosystem, allowing users to experiment with name creation, asset representation, and digital collectibility at a faster rate.

Is there any overlap between Runes on Bitcoin and on Fractal?

Transitioning between Runes on Bitcoin and Fractal is effortless. If a swap system is built for Runes on Bitcoin, it can easily be adapted for Fractal with minimal changes to the code. This seamless compatibility opens up exciting opportunities for cross-platform swaps, ensuring that your Runes can move freely.

For example:

Bitcoin Runes: UNCOMMONGOODS
Fractal Runes: uncommongoods

This means that whether you’re building on Bitcoin or Fractal, you can rest assured that the two systems work harmoniously, empowering users and developers to create and innovate across both platforms.

Why are Runes important?

The integration of Runes into Fractal opens up opportunities for developers, creators, and enthusiasts to push the boundaries of blockchain utility. Whether you’re using Runes to represent NFTs, assets, or building dApps that leverage these unique digital names, Fractal provides a playground for Bitcoin innovation.

At Fractal, we encourage all builders and enthusiasts to explore the potential of Runes and create with us. Start building today and stay ahead of the curve in this evolving digital landscape!

Disclaimer: Runes, BRC 20, and Ordinals are not affiliated with Fractal. This blog post is for informational purposes only, and intended to help users understand the technology. Readers and community members are advised to do their own research before engaging with any projects or technologies mentioned. Fractal assumes no responsibility for any decisions made based on this information.

Runes on Fractal: Everything You Need To Know