BlockDAG’s Beta Testnet Breaks Barriers While Stellar Hits $0.28 and PEPE Eyes Explosive Gains

Explore how BlockDAG’s Beta Testnet redefines open blockchain participation compared to Stellar and PEPE. See presale stats, testnet rewards, and why BlockDAG stands out

Open networks are constantly reshaping how we participate in blockchain ecosystems. Stellar has consistently focused on enabling low-cost and efficient cross-border payments, while meme-driven tokens such as PEPE find strength in community engagement and cultural relevance. Each has found its audience and use case, yet they operate within specific niches.

BlockDAG, however, takes the concept of permissionless participation further with its Beta Testnet, inviting anyone to build, mine, or test without the need for applications, approvals, or waitlists. Instead, it provides the tools and tokens for participants to engage on their own terms.

Stellar: Bridging Financial Systems

Stellar is an open-source blockchain platform designed for facilitating fast and low-cost cross-border transactions. Its native cryptocurrency, Lumens (XLM), serves as a bridge currency, enabling seamless exchanges between different fiat currencies. Transaction fees on the Stellar network are minimal, making it an attractive solution for remittances and international payments.

Stellar’s decentralized network ensures transparency and security, and its built-in exchange allows users to trade assets directly on the platform.

Over the past year, Stellar has demonstrated notable growth. As of March 2025, XLM is trading at approximately $0.2848. This, in turn, represents a significant increase from its price in early 2024, reflecting growing adoption and confidence in the platform.

Looking ahead, analysts at DigitalCoinPrice predict that XLM could reach between $0.33 and $0.91 by the end of 2025, with a stretched target of $1.44. Notably, this optimistic outlook is supported by Stellar’s ongoing partnerships and technological advancements aimed at enhancing global financial inclusivity.

Pepe: The Meme Coin Phenomenon

Pepe (PEPE) is a meme-based cryptocurrency that gained attention for its community-driven approach and viral marketing.

Launched as a tokenized tribute to the popular internet meme, Pepe the Frog, PEPE operates on a decentralized network, relying on community engagement for its development and promotion. Consequently, its primary appeal lies in its cultural significance and the collective enthusiasm of its holders, rather than intrinsic technological innovations.

In the past year, PEPE has experienced significant volatility. As of March 2025, PEPE is trading at approximately $0.00001226. However, price predictions for 2025 vary widely; some analysts at DigitalCoinPrice forecast a potential increase to as high as $0.00008591, while others, such as TradingView, remain more cautious due to the coin’s speculative nature.

PEPE’s community-driven essence is evident in its governance model, which grants voting rights to token holders, allowing them to decide on critical aspects of the project’s roadmap.

BlockDAG Beta Testnet Welcomes Builders, Miners, and Users with No Gatekeeping

Primordial, BlockDAG’s Beta Testnet, is open to anyone—no applications, no waitlist, and no approvals needed. It provides the tools and tokens for participants to engage on their own terms.

Those interested in building can deploy smart contracts and benefit from full EVM compatibility with the integrated IDE, allowing developers to code and deploy directly from the browser. Miners, on the other hand, can spin up a node and start contributing hashpower to the network, enjoying a simple node setup process.

Moreover, users can stress-test the network with sub-second finality and experience the synergy of PoW+DAG technology.

Importantly, this open-access design is backed by serious traction. BlockDAG has already raised $210 million in its presale, currently in batch 27 at a price of $0.0248 — marking a 2,380% return since batch 1. To date, over 19 billion coins have been sold, a clear signal of growing confidence in the project.

To encourage even broader engagement, the testnet incentivizes participation through real BDAG rewards: $2,000 worth of tokens (at launch price) each for the top 10 wallets by transaction volume, top 10 miner nodes, and top 10 wallet balances. Additionally, all presale investors receive 10,000 testnet tokens through a time-locked airdrop managed by a transparent vesting contract.

Ultimately, BlockDAG doesn’t filter or gatekeep its network. Whether you’re a developer shipping your first smart contract, a miner exploring PoW+DAG synergy, or a user eager to experience sub-second finality, the testnet is live and open. Permissionless by design — and built for everyone.

Open Access Sets the Standard

The future of blockchain participation isn’t gated — it’s open by default. Stellar continues to excel in enabling low-cost and efficient cross-border payments, while PEPE has captured attention