ZED Champions is the rebirth of the legendary Zed Run project in a new form. Automated 24/7 horse races, an auction-based breeding system, and a renewed economy built on the $ZED token create a more sustainable and strategic Web3 game model. The project runs on the Base network and aims to become a benchmark for sports metaverses and digital competitions.
Table of Contents
- Concept and Transition from Zed Run
- Gameplay Mechanics and Racing Cycle
- Economy and the $ZED Token
- How to Start Playing ZED Champions
- Community and Development Prospects
- Conclusion
1. Concept and Transition from Zed Run
After the shutdown of Zed Run in 2025, Virtually Human Studios introduced ZED Champions as a more balanced version of digital horse racing. Unlike the original, where much of the activity revolved around NFT speculation, the new project emphasizes strategic management and sustainable gameplay. Automated races occur every 80 seconds, while a fair matchmaking system prevents dominance by a few players.
The primary goal of the developers is to create an environment where victory depends on planning rather than luck. Success comes not only from selecting a horse but also from managing it throughout its “career.” The new version introduces the Augments system, which allows players to enhance characteristics and make each horse unique. This ensures balance and increases gameplay diversity.
Developers emphasize that shifting from the “play-to-profit” model to “play-for-process-and-strategy” makes ZED Champions distinctive. Players are now engaged not only for rewards but also for the thrill of competition, rivalry, and tactical decision-making. This approach builds long-term sustainability and appeals to a wider audience, beyond short-term investors.
2. Gameplay Mechanics and Racing Cycle
The gameplay loop of ZED Champions consists of four core activities: breeding new horses through auctions, applying Augments, participating in automated races, and receiving rewards. Each element is tightly connected to the game’s economy and requires careful resource management. Horses cannot race indefinitely: over time their $ZED balance decreases, forcing players to decide whether to continue or exit.
Key Mechanics:
- Automated Races: run 24/7, every ~80 seconds.
- Racing Pool: a pool of 4,320 horses from which participants are selected.
- Augments: upgrades that alter a horse’s attributes.
- Ratings and Leaderboards: track progress and reward top players.
- Exit Strategy: players choose when to stop racing and withdraw funds.
A major strength of the system is its transparency: every race is recorded on the blockchain, ensuring fairness. Players can monitor their horse’s performance in real time and adjust strategy accordingly. This balance of automation and manual control creates accessibility for newcomers while offering depth for experienced players. It makes ZED Champions engaging across all levels of expertise.
3. Economy and the $ZED Token
The ZED Champions economy revolves around the $ZED token, which was migrated from Polygon to Base on a 1:1 ratio. Developers covered all fees, and legacy players received a 5% reZED bonus upon migration. This smooth transition strengthened trust and loyalty among the community.
Main Use Cases of the Token:
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Race Stakes | Each participant contributes up to 10% of their internal balance, with results impacting it directly. |
| Breeding | Required for entering auctions to produce new horses. |
| Upgrades | Tokens are spent on Augments to boost performance and stats. |
| Marketplace | Buying and selling horses and rare items. |
The token functions not only as a currency but also as a tool for engagement and governance. In the future, it will be used for tournament entry fees and community voting on project development. This multi-layered design ensures consistent demand for $ZED and discourages short-term speculation, turning it into a cornerstone of a sustainable economy.
4. How to Start Playing ZED Champions
Onboarding is simple: players register via email or social media, gaining access to the Dashboard. There they can track horses, manage $ZED balance, and explore racing options. Newcomers receive a soulbound horse to familiarize themselves with mechanics.
Players can then expand their stable by joining auctions or purchasing horses on the marketplace. Understanding bloodlines is key—each has unique traits. For example, “Nakamotos” excel at starts, while “Finneys” perform strongly at the finish. This makes breeding a strategic decision rather than random chance.
Guided tutorials and interface tips further simplify the process, lowering entry barriers. This combination of ease of access and depth of strategy makes the game suitable for both casual Web2 users and advanced Web3 players.
5. Community and Development Prospects
ZED Champions actively builds its community through Discord, X, and special events. Joint tournaments, such as with Fantasy Top featuring a $15,000 prize pool, already highlight its eSports potential. These events strengthen player engagement and extend the game’s reach beyond racing itself.
Future plans include launching mobile apps, introducing new race formats, expanding the Augments system, and seasonal events. An innovative companion app, Zed Picks, allows spectators to make predictions without owning crypto, further attracting Web2 users. This widens the project’s appeal and diversifies its ecosystem.
Decentralized governance elements will allow players to influence rules, competition formats, and economic settings. Such involvement turns ZED Champions into more than a game—it becomes a community-driven digital platform with long-term growth potential.
6. Conclusion
ZED Champions is not just a return of Zed Run but a new chapter in blockchain gaming. Balanced economics, transparent races, strategic breeding, and an engaged community make it a strong example of a sustainable Web3 ecosystem. Unlike many short-lived P2E projects, it lays down a foundation for long-term development. ZED Champions proves that blockchain can create meaningful digital worlds where player decisions truly matter.
What sets the game apart is its fusion of traditional sports principles with cutting-edge digital technology. This combination appeals to both eSports fans and investors looking for long-term projects. Ultimately, ZED Champions shows that Web3 games can be not only profitable but also engaging and strategically rich.
