What is Flux? How It Works & Where to Use It

Overview

Flux at a glance.

Flux, operated under the RunOnFlux name and originally launched in 2018 as Zelcash, is a Layer 1 blockchain that underpins a decentralized cloud computing network. Independent operators run machines called FluxNodes that provide processing power, memory, and storage for applications. Here is how it works and what it is used for, not the price.

Total value locked (DeFi)

n/a

Value locked in DeFi protocols on Flux. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.

Native token

FLUX

Used for fees and securing the network. See the live FLUX price.

How it works

How Flux works.

Flux began as a Proof of Work chain in the Zcash lineage. In a 2025 network upgrade it moved to Proof of Node, where blocks are produced by the FluxNode network rather than by mining hardware. Operators stake FLUX to run a node, and the active nodes take turns producing and validating blocks, which reduced the target block time and removed the need for energy-intensive mining.

Consensus: Proof of Node (formerly Proof of Work)

Flux began as a Proof of Work chain in the Zcash lineage. In a 2025 network upgrade it moved to Proof of Node, where blocks are produced by the FluxNode network rather than by mining hardware. Operators stake FLUX to run a node, and the active nodes take turns producing and validating blocks, which reduced the target block time and removed the need for energy-intensive mining.

FluxNodes

FluxNodes are machines run by independent operators that supply computing power, memory, and storage to the network, and they produce blocks under Proof of Node.

Node tiers

Nodes come in tiers named Cumulus, Nimbus, and Stratus, each requiring a different amount of collateral in FLUX and providing a different level of hardware resources.

Decentralized cloud

Developers deploy applications across the FluxNode network, which spreads workloads over many independent machines instead of a single data center.

Zcash lineage

Flux started as Zelcash, a fork of Zcash, and is still tracked under the Zelcash identifier on some data sources even after its rebrand to Flux.

Ecosystem & usage

What Flux is used for.

Flux is used to host applications, run nodes for rewards, and provide decentralized computing resources.

Hosting applications

Developers deploy containerized applications onto the FluxNode network so they run across many independent machines.

Running a node

Operators stake FLUX to run a FluxNode in one of the resource tiers and earn rewards for providing computing resources and producing blocks.

Paying for resources

FLUX is the native token used to pay for computing resources and transactions on the network.

In Zypto App

Hold, swap and spend FLUX.

Flux is integrated in Zypto App. Hold FLUX in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.

Hold FLUX in Zypto How to buy FLUX

Be the reason Flux ships next.

Flux isn’t in Zypto App yet. Post the request to your followers, chains with the most demand get prioritised.

Request on X

FAQ

Common questions.

What is Flux used for?

Flux is the Layer 1 blockchain behind a decentralized cloud network. FLUX, its native token, is used to pay for computing resources, to stake for running a FluxNode, and to pay transaction fees.

How does Flux reach consensus?

Flux began as a Proof of Work chain forked from Zcash. In a 2025 upgrade it moved to Proof of Node, where the FluxNode network produces and validates blocks instead of mining hardware.

What are FluxNodes?

FluxNodes are machines run by independent operators that provide computing power, memory, and storage to the network. They come in tiers called Cumulus, Nimbus, and Stratus, each requiring different collateral in FLUX.

Why is Flux sometimes listed as Zelcash?

Flux launched in 2018 under the name Zelcash before rebranding to Flux. Some data sources still track it under the Zelcash identifier.

Can I hold FLUX in Zypto App?

Not yet. FLUX isn't in Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Flux using the "Request Flux" button above.

Explore more chains