ERC-1155: What It Is and How It Changes Crypto Tokens

When you think of crypto tokens, you probably picture ERC-1155, a multi-token standard on Ethereum that lets one smart contract manage multiple types of tokens at once. Also known as the Semi-Fungible Token Standard, it’s the reason why one game can issue both tradable currency and unique collectibles without needing dozens of separate contracts. Before ERC-1155, you had to choose: either ERC-20, the standard for interchangeable tokens like stablecoins or utility tokens for coins you can swap one-for-one, or ERC-721, the original standard for unique NFTs like digital art or rare game items for one-of-a-kind assets. ERC-1155 breaks that binary. It lets you create a single contract that holds hundreds of different tokens—some fungible, some unique—all under one roof. That cuts gas fees, reduces complexity, and makes it easier for apps to handle mixed token types.

Why does this matter? Because real-world use cases don’t fit neatly into just one box. A blockchain game might need a fungible token for in-game currency, a non-fungible token for a rare sword, and another non-fungible token for a limited-edition skin—all in the same transaction. With ERC-20 and ERC-721, you’d need three separate contracts, three separate approvals, and three times the gas. With ERC-1155, it’s one call. That’s why projects like ERC-1155 are behind big gaming platforms and NFT marketplaces that handle high-volume trading. It’s also why some DeFi protocols now bundle rewards as both tokens and NFTs in a single drop. The standard isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a shift in how we think about digital ownership.

You’ll see ERC-1155 pop up in posts about token launches, NFT drops, and DeFi integrations because it’s the quiet backbone of modern blockchain apps. It’s not flashy, but it’s efficient. And in a world where every transaction costs money, efficiency wins. Below, you’ll find real examples of how this standard is used—or misused—in crypto projects, from gaming tokens to cross-chain asset systems. No theory. No fluff. Just what’s actually happening on-chain.