There are already many guides to $DEGEN but I wanted to create one that is very concise and also deals with how to earn $DEGEN tips and how to convert $DEGEN to other currencies without bridging.
As someone who despises bridging coins, this guide will also walk through converting $DEGEN to Bitcoin without bridging using my favorite swap tool, Simpleswap .
Farcaster is the entire ecosystem, while Warpcast is a mobile app.
The $DEGEN token is on the BASE chain: https://basescan.org/token/0x4ed4E862860beD51a9570b96d89aF5E1B0Efefed
The $DEGEN devs recently launched a L3 Degen chain, but for now, let's keep it simple.
Ok, so now you’re ready to join Farcaster, right? Right?
Step 1: Download the Warpcast mobile app.
Step 2: Connect an external ETH wallet address to your Warpcast account. You must do this before you can receive any $DEGEN tips.
How to connect your ETH address to Warpcast app:
Step 1: Go to settings
Step 2: Click on ‘Verified Addresses’
Step 3: Click on Verify address and follow the instructions.
Can I use Warpcast on Desktop?
Contrary to what people think, the answer is yes. However, you have to set up your account using the Warpcast mobile app. After you have created your account on the mobile app, go to https://warpcast.com/ and it will prompt you to “Log in with Phone”. Once you click on that, a QR code will pop up. Use your camera on your phone and scan the QR code. Go to the site, and your phone will ask if you want to allow permissions to log into desktop. Say yes. Once you do this, you will be able to use Warpcast on desktop.
Ok now that you have your own wallet connected to the Warpcast app, you’re ready to receive $DEGEN tips for your awesome art, memes, shower thoughts or shitposts. The main thing to remember: be yourself, post whatever you want and have fun. These kinds of opportunities don’t come too often in life.
At this point, you might be wondering, “Wait, how can I give out $DEGEN tips to others?”
Good question!
You’re on the right track and here are the steps you need to take before you get a tip allowance to give to others. Keep in mind, $DEGEN tip allowances are to give TO OTHER PEOPLE. You cannot keep them for yourself. Anyone caught farming tips for themselves will have their points disqualified.
STEPS TO GET A TIP ALLOWANCE
Connect your ETH address to Warpcast app (you should have already done this in beginning).
Post at least 3 original casts. (A cast is a tweet).
Hold 10,000 $DEGEN in your wallet (that’s connected to Farcaster).
Wait 48 hours for activation.
If you’re caught farming $DEGEN for yourself, you will lose your points. (Points are tallied monthly, and come from the amount of $DEGEN tips you receive from others. You don’t automatically receive the onchain $DEGEN, as tip farming activities are generally caught, and the devs remove their points.) Check your $DEGEN points and tip allowance here.
You have two options: buy or become active on Farcaster. If you have money, it is faster to just buy the 10,000 $DEGEN on Uniswap: https://app.uniswap.org/explore/tokens/base/0x4ed4e862860bed51a9570b96d89af5e1b0efefed
There are many ways to buy Base ETH, but if you don’t want to bridge, just use Simpleswap, because it allows you to convert Bitcoin to Base ETH, for example and completely avoid bridging.
If you’re broke and can’t buy $DEGEN don’t worry, you’re still early and you can earn the 10,000 $DEGEN the fun way: casting on Warpcast!
You will have to create content that people find tip worthy. But try not to think so much about the tips, it will ruin your fun. It’s important to realize that Warpcast has channels, like Reddit, so take time to explore them. I have my favorite channels: /cryptoart, /memes, /confessions, /art /degen and many more. Replying is one of the best ways to start enjoying yourself on Warpcast, and there is a /replyguy channel just for that.
When you post a cast, please choose a channel to cast in. Otherwise very few will even see your cast.
You claim your actual onchain $DEGEN once a month, usually at the end of the month here: https://www.degen.tips/airdrop2/season2
To claim your $DEGEN at the end of May, all you do is connect your wallet to this https://www.degen.tips/ website and claim (if you have points that is). It’s safe to connect your wallet there, I’ve done it several times and it’s safe.
Step 1: Go to Uniswap and convert your $DEGEN to Base ETH: https://app.uniswap.org/explore/tokens/base/0x4ed4e862860bed51a9570b96d89af5e1b0efefed
Step 2: Convert your Base ETH to Bitcoin (or whatever token you want) using Simpleswap.
Yay! You avoided bridging altogether! I’ve done this several times so I know it works.
Keep in mind, Simpleswap does take a fee to convert tokens. However, for me personally, using Simpleswap removes a lot of bridging headaches. I’ve used Simpleswap over 25 times, and only once did I have a delay. In that case I contact their Support and got my issue resolved.
Full disclosure: Yes, I do now have an affiliate with Simpleswap because I found it so useful. I used it many times before deciding to get an affiliate link.
There is a lot more to cover but I hope this tutorial helps a few people get started using Farcaster. The devs there seem nice and have integrity from what I’ve observed.
Get a full list of where to buy $DEGEN and learn more about the token: https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/degen-base
Full disclosure: yes I do have a $DEGEN bag.
Cheers,
Stellabelle