What is Sonic (S, formerly Fantom)?
- Author
- CRYPTO PORT Editorial
- Published
- Updated
- Reading time
- 5 min
In short
Sonic is the rebuilt and renamed successor to Fantom, which had been running since 2018. In 2025 the network became Sonic and the token migrated one-for-one from FTM to S. Its distinguishing features are a rewritten execution engine and database aimed at faster throughput and finality, and a mechanism that returns a share of network fees to application developers.
Key points
- The 2025 successor to Fantom; FTM converts to S one-for-one
- Uses a DAG-based consensus that finalises transactions quickly
- Rewrote the execution layer and storage engine to cut node storage needs and raise throughput
- Shares part of the fees generated by an application with that application's developer
Definition
An EVM-compatible layer 1 blockchain, rebuilt and renamed from Fantom in 2025, with S as its native asset.
Its predecessor Fantom launched in 2018 as an EVM-compatible layer 1 using a DAG-based consensus called Lachesis. Instead of arranging blocks in a single line, it treats transaction dependencies as a graph so each node can derive ordering independently, shortening time to finality.
Across 2024 and 2025 the foundation renamed the network to Sonic and reimplemented the execution engine and database. The goal was to reduce the data a node must retain and process more transactions on the same hardware. FTM holders can convert one-for-one to S, with a bridge provided for the migration.
A distinctive element is Fee Monetization. Fees normally go to validators and to burning, but on Sonic a registered application's developer receives a set share of the fees their application generates. The intent is to give developers a revenue stream and attract applications.
Usage is typical of EVM chains: exchanges, lending and stablecoin flows. A bridge connects it to Ethereum for moving assets. The rename and rebuild are worth noting as plain facts, because information under the old name still circulates alongside the new.
Watch out for
- · Migrating from FTM to S involves a bridge; any instruction that does not come from official channels may be a scam
- · Pre- and post-rename information is mixed, so older articles may describe outdated behaviour
- · Moving assets across chains depends on bridges, which have been attacked repeatedly across the industry
Frequently asked questions
What happens to FTM that was already held?
It can be exchanged one-for-one for S. If the balance sits on an exchange, the exchange usually handles it, so check that venue's own announcement.