This is an overview of chains on the Cosmos ecosystem that I am particularly interested in. Most of these chains are connected using the IBC (inter-blockchain communication protocol) this allows tokens to easily and securely moved across chains. Most of these chains consist of validators and stakers securing the chain and receiving tokens as a reward. Some chains are designed to have different features and capabilities based on the purpose of the chain. Staking $ATOM, $OSMO, $JUNO, $SCRT and many others can result in airdops and additional rewards. Tokens must be staked on non-custodial wallets such as Keplr and delegated to a validator that is not a centralized exchange.

Cosmos Hub - $ATOM

The cosmos hub and atom where one of the first chains to be connected with IBC. It’s mainnet launch was in 2017 so it has been somewhat battle tested and has a strong developer community. Staking will get you around 18% (at the time of writing) usually it is around 14% these rewards will be received in $ATOM. The Cosmos Hub also uses it’s validators to validate other child chains offering import infrastructure to new and current chains in the ecosystem. $ATOM can also be used as a fiat on ramp and off ramp allowing users to sell rewards for fiat or purchase more. Unlike $ATOM many of the other chains do not have listing on centralized exchanges in some areas so swapping tokens on DEXs like Osmosis are essential.

Juno - $JUNO

Juno is considered the cross-chain smart-contract network in the Cosmos ecosystem. There are many DAPPs, smart-contracts, DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations), and additional tools being developed for the network. Developer grants and funding are also done on Juno as well. Staking APY is high at the moment around 70% this can change and be modified in governance votes.

Osmosis - $OSMO

Osmosis is the inter-chain liquidity lab allowing users to swap, exchange, earn, and build on the Cosmos ecosystem. The Osmosis DEX features low fees and fast transactions you can swap airdrop tokens or acquire them if you missed the airdrop. All of the tokens discussed here and more are available on Osmosis. Axlar Bridge has also bridged some Ethereum tokens to Osmosis allowing trades involving $ETH $USDC $DAI and others for lower fees than on Ethereum. $OSMO are rewarded for liquidity providers and used to stake and vote on governance proposals. Currently the staking rewards on Osmosis are at 34%

Secret - $SCRT

Secret is a privacy preserving network in the Cosmos ecosystem allowing secret (private) transactions. Secret offers Defi, DEXs, NFTs, staking, and governance. Many assets have been added to Secret like sXMR, sETH, sUSDC, sBTC, and many more these assets can be privately traded and used on transations. At the time of writing this staking $SCRT can result in 24% APY.

Evmos - $EVMOS

Evmos is bringing together Ethereum based applications and Cosmos applications and chains. This will result in increased interoperability and liquidity from Ethereum. Staking for $EVMOS is currently at 600% APY offering incredible yields. An airdrop is currently available for this token at the time of writing.

Some airdrops and requirements are available at https://www.cosmosairdrops.io/

Trade with low fees at: https://app.osmosis.zone

Decentr is a new ad free browser that rewards you for browsing the web. Referral: https://referral.decentr.net/?referralCode=tiqIW5ZP ($DEC the token of Decentr can be traded on Osmosis)

See how chains in the Cosmos Ecosystem are inter-connected: https://mapofzones.com/?testnet=false&period=24&tableOrderBy=ibcVolume&tableOrderSort=desc