Status (October 2026): Helios launched its HLS token on December 19, 2025, as an ERC-20 token on Ethereum and Arbitrum, with listings on KuCoin, MEXC, BingX and other exchanges. In November 2025 it had opened a Mainnet Beta in which depositors accrued HLS for distribution at the token launch. We found no Helios announcement that testnet XP has been converted into HLS or that a testnet claim has opened. Helios’s docs still describe XP as counting toward a future airdrop, but the testnet portal’s security certificate expired on January 31, 2026, and browsers show an error instead of the site. Sources: The Block (HLS launch), The Block (Mainnet Beta), Helios Hub.
Key Takeaways
- Helios is a modular Layer-1 blockchain designed for interoperability across networks like Ethereum, Solana, and others, utilizing the Interchain Proof of Stake and Reputation (I-PoSR) consensus mechanism, which rewards validators based on long-term reliability and supports AI-powered smart contracts, cross-chain automation, and customizable infrastructure via Hyperion modules.
- The Helios Testnet is a production-grade environment for developers and contributors to test performance, reliability, and interoperability, allowing activities like bridging tokens across testnet chains (e.g., Ethereum Sepolia, Avalanche Fuji), staking, governance voting, and deploying EVM-compatible smart contracts, with a focus on stress-testing infrastructure before the mainnet launch.
- Participants in the Helios Testnet earned XP through on-chain activities, faucet claims, and referrals, and Helios said XP would count toward a future airdrop. HLS launched in December 2025, but we found no announced HLS claim for testnet XP. Early adopters gain bonuses, and the testnet includes gamified elements, such as badges and Sybil protection, to ensure fair participation.
Disclaimer: Crypto airdrops are promotional events where tokens are distributed to existing holders of a cryptocurrency or to individuals who meet certain criteria. While airdrops can be a way to acquire tokens at no cost, they also involve risks. There’s no guarantee that the airdropped tokens will increase in value, and there may be associated fees or requirements. Additionally, airdrops can be susceptible to scams and phishing attempts. Always exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any airdrop opportunity before participating.
What Is Helios?
Helios is a modular Layer-1 blockchain designed for interoperability, on-chain automation, and developer sustainability, utilizing a unique Interchain Proof of Stake and Reputation (I-PoSR) consensus mechanism that rewards validators based on long-term reliability across multiple chains like Ethereum, Solana, and BNB.
Since September 2025, Helios has presented itself as an “ETF-native” Layer 1 that turns tokens from several chains into on-chain portfolios, with AI balancing the allocations (Helios).
How The Helios Testnet Campaign Worked
Its testnet, launched in June 2025, is a production-grade environment for developers and users to test cross-chain functionality, staking, governance, and EVM-compatible smart contract deployment, with over 400,000 users and 3.5 million transactions in its first two weeks.
The testnet features Hyperion modules for decentralized oracles and bridge-free cross-chain interactions, Chronos Tasks for automated smart contract execution, and a gamified XP system tied to an upcoming airdrop, encouraging participation through tasks like bridging tokens, staking, and governance voting, accessible via the Helios Portal after connecting an EVM wallet and securing an invite code through their Discord community.
These were the steps in July 2025. With the testnet portal unreachable (see the status note above), they may no longer work.
👉 STEP 1: Participants went to https://testnet.helioschain.network/ and connected a wallet.
Invite Code: https://testnet.helioschain.network/?code=PHAETON-08968
👉 STEP 2: They claimed testnet tokens from the faucet.
👉 STEP 3: They earned XP by interacting with the chain.
👉 STEP 4: They linked their Discord account.
👉 STEP 5: Follow Helios on X (@helios_layer1) for news on testnet rewards. Ignore any site offering an HLS claim for testnet XP that Helios has not announced there.
