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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.skale.space/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

SKALE offers several models for handling gas, all designed to eliminate friction for end users. Which model fits depends on your chain type and deployment.

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The Models

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Zero Gas Fees (sFUEL)

The original model — every SKALE Chain on Ethereum has a native gas token (sFUEL) that has no monetary value. It exists for EVM compatibility so wallets, tools, and SDKs work out of the box. sFUEL is pre-minted in massive surplus and recycled onchain — it never runs out. Who pays: sChain Owner 
User sends tx → consumes sFUEL (valueless) → tx executes
              → sFUEL recycled back to distribution pool
Developers and users can acquire sFUEL at https://sfuelstation.com
Zero gas fee chains can optionally enable gasless transactions via Proof-of-Work, letting users transact without any sFUEL balance. The client computes a magic number that replaces the gas payment — no tokens required.

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Compute Credits (CREDIT)

On SKALE Base Mainnet, compute is paid for using CREDIT tokens. Developers and/or users purchase credits to cover transaction compute. SKALE Base Testnet uses a faucet instead — no purchase needed. See the Buy CREDITS guide for detailed instructions. 
Developer or user buys credits → credits deposited in their account
                               → sending tx deducts compute from credits
                               → no separate gas token needed

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Gas Chains

A gas chain uses a real token (SKL, ETH, USDC, or any ERC-20) as the gas token. Users pay per-transaction in that token, similar to an L2. Available on SKALE Expand deployments. Who pays: Users

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Which Model to Use

ModelWho PaysUser Needs Tokens?Best For
Zero Gas Fees (sFUEL)sChain OwnersFUEL (valueless)SKALE on Ethereum chains
Compute Credits (CREDIT)Developers and/or usersCREDIT tokensSKALE Base Mainnet
Gas ChainUsersGas tokenDeFi, financial apps