Telegram isn’t just for crypto alerts and chat groups anymore; it’s become a hotspot for viral tap-based games. In 2024, Notcoin and Hamster Kombat took the lead, attracting tens of millions with simple gameplay and massive airdrops. But now in 2025, a new name, Dragoin ($DDGN), is entering the race, and it’s bringing something different to the table: live gameplay, a fantasy meme brand, and a deflationary presale model built for long-term value.
Let’s break down how these three projects compare in terms of gameplay, growth, tokenomics, and lasting impact.
Telegram Virality: Who Grew Fastest and Who Kept Users?
Notcoin launched in January 2024 and reached about 35 million users by March, without running a single ad. The appeal was its simplicity: users tapped to earn Notcoins, which later converted to the NOT token. But by early 2025, that momentum slowed sharply.
Hamster Kombat made an even bigger splash. It went live in March 2024 and hit 150 million users in just 77 days, becoming the third-fastest app to reach that number, behind only Pokémon GO and Threads. But fast growth didn’t mean staying power. By November, active users dropped to 41 million, an 86% decline.
Dragoin is still new. It launched its mini-game in beta mode as part of a 25-stage presale and is gradually building a user base through real gameplay and community feedback. It may not have hit the massive numbers of NOT or HMSTR yet, but its focus is different: engagement and loyalty, not just early buzz.
Gameplay Styles: Quick Taps or Deeper Play?
Notcoin kept things ultra-basic. Players tapped a button to mine tokens. That simplicity helped attract first-time crypto users, but it also led to burnout once the novelty wore off.
Hamster Kombat added more complexity. It introduced cards, resource upgrades, and a light backstory where players ran a crypto exchange as a hamster CEO. It offered more variety, but some players found it repetitive. Others left due to unclear airdrop rules.
Dragoin has taken a different approach. Its game lets users guide flying dragons through obstacle courses, collecting “dragoins” that convert into real $DDGN tokens. It’s more interactive than simple tapping, but still easy enough to fit Telegram’s casual format. The game is already live in beta, and the rewards connect directly to the token’s presale.
User Retention: Can Any of These Games Keep Their Communities?
Notcoin and Hamster Kombat opened the door to mainstream crypto participation. But both are now looking for ways to hold onto users. Notcoin is developing “Not Games” to reignite excitement. Hamster Kombat is preparing for “Season 2” airdrops, but both are fighting slowing user activity.
Dragoin has a different strategy. It’s not rushing for massive signups. Instead, it’s focused on building a loyal community during its presale. Each stage of the sale is named after fantasy-style battles like “The Fall of Valyria” and “The Battle of the Bastards.” This themed structure adds a storytelling element that turns token collecting into a community game.
Unlike NOT and HMSTR, Dragoin isn’t using gameplay as a stepping stone. The game is the core product, and it’s already working.
Which One Has the Edge Going Forward?
Notcoin proved you can go viral fast, but struggled to hold attention.
Hamster Kombat reached huge numbers, but user retention and transparency became problems.
Dragoin might still be flying under the radar, but it’s building differently:
- A live, interactive Telegram game
- A deflationary presale structure
- Real-time token rewards
- A fantasy-themed meme brand that stands out
As Telegram becomes a key launchpad for crypto games, Dragoin may be the first to merge meme coin energy with long-term potential. And with 25 presale stages progressing quickly, early supporters still have a chance to enter before the spotlight hits.
Learn More About Dragoin:
Presale: https://purchase.dragoin.io/
Website: https://dragoin.io/
Telegram: https://t.me/DragoinOfficial
Twitter: https://x.com/DragoinOfficial
Disclaimer: Any information written in this press release does not constitute investment advice. Optimisus does not, and will not endorse any information about any company or individual on this page. Readers are encouraged to do their own research and base any actions on their own findings, not on any content written in this press release. Optimisus is and will not be responsible for any damage or loss caused directly or indirectly by the use of any content, product, or service mentioned in this press release.
