Anichess Set to Launch Genesis Ethernals NFT Mint on July 3
Anichess Launches Exclusive NFT Collection: Genesis Ethernals
Introduction to Genesis Ethernals
Anichess is set to unveil its inaugural NFT collection, Genesis Ethernals, on July 3. This exclusive drop is aimed at honoring the game’s most dedicated players and early supporters. Participants will mint these NFTs for free, only incurring Ethereum gas fees. With a limited supply of just 960 NFTs, Ethernals serve as a unique entry point into the Anichess ecosystem.
What Sets Genesis Ethernals Apart
The Genesis Ethernals are not merely digital collectibles; they symbolize prestige, legacy, and exclusive access within the Anichess community. NFT holders will enjoy various benefits, including airdrops of the $C token, entry to a private staking pool, and unique in-game advantages unavailable to non-holders. Additionally, owning an Ethernal grants players “Ethernal” status, recognizing their contributions to the Anichess narrative.
Each NFT is inspired by one of the six ancient tribes from Mystra, the fictional world of Anichess. These tribes—Mountain Folk, Volcanic People, Storm Citizens, River Dwellers, Time Tinkerers, and Shadow People—each possess their own unique lore and characteristics, enriching the story behind the NFTs.
Minting Information
The minting event will commence on July 3 and last for 24 hours, exclusively for allowlisted wallets. Each wallet can claim one Ethernal, with the minting process being free aside from network fees, which are expected to be around $1. The reveal of the NFTs will occur after the minting period concludes.
Anichess has implemented measures to ensure a secure and equitable minting process. Participants must verify their eligibility on the official Anichess website. Newcomers can still join the community by entering the Premint raffle.
Ethernals and the Checkmate Ecosystem
Genesis Ethernals play a crucial role in what Anichess refers to as the Checkmate Ecosystem. This ecosystem revolves around the upcoming utility token, $C. Holding an Ethernal NFT positions players for priority access to $C airdrops and unlocks special staking rewards associated with the token.
Ethernals will provide access to exclusive features that will evolve as the ecosystem grows, including benefits in future game modes, governance tied to the token, and early access to new content. As Anichess develops, Ethernal holders will be among the most recognized and rewarded members of the community.
Overview of Anichess
Anichess is a free-to-play chess game developed by Animoca Brands in collaboration with Chess.com and Magnus Carlsen’s Play Magnus Group. The game introduces a fantasy element to traditional chess, blending classic strategy with magical spells and anime-inspired storytelling.
While retaining essential chess rules such as castling and pawn promotion, players can generate mana to cast spells during their turns. These spells alter the dynamics of the game, allowing for innovative strategies beyond conventional chess moves. Game modes include Quick Match, Ranked Match with Glicko-2 ratings, Friend Match, and Bot Match, enhancing replayability and player engagement.
Community Growth and Engagement
Since its public alpha launch in October 2024, Anichess has cultivated a vibrant user base, with over 1 million players participating in daily campaigns. More than 300,000 players have engaged in PvP battles, averaging over 20 minutes of gameplay on the first day.
The Discord community has expanded to approximately 40,000 members, and Anichess has forged regional partnerships, such as with Yield Guild Games in Southeast Asia. Esteemed grandmasters like Magnus Carlsen, Anish Giri, and Eric Hansen have contributed to the game’s development, blending real chess expertise with web3 gameplay.
Blockchain Integration and M8 Points System
In April 2025, Anichess launched M8, an on-chain points system built on Base. Players earn M8 points by completing matches, with daily awards that can accumulate throughout the week. These points are utilized to unlock spells, cosmetics, loot boxes, and access to Gambit mode.
M8 has become integral to the Anichess reward framework, directly influencing player progression and future connections with the $C token. The system is designed to be straightforward, fair, and fully on-chain, aligning well with the principles of web3 gaming.
Competitive Play in Season 4
On May 30, Anichess kicked off Season 4, titled “Ranked & Reckless.” This season features a complete leaderboard reset and a $10,000 prize pool in $C tokens for the top 64 players. Rankings are determined by both rating and M8 point totals, allowing players to earn between 150 and 800 M8 points daily based on their match performance and tier.
The leading players at the season’s conclusion will advance to the playoffs, where they will compete for substantial rewards and solidify their status among Anichess’ elite competitors. The competition structure is designed to accommodate both newcomers and returning players.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Strategy and Community
The Genesis Ethernals mint aims to recognize active participation within the Anichess community. Eligibility for this exclusive collection is based on in-game activity, early involvement, and contributions to the community. With a total of 960 NFTs available, this collection will not be expanded post-mint, making it a unique opportunity for dedicated players.
