ERC-1155: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters for NFTs and Tokens

When you think of tokens on Ethereum, you probably think of ERC-20, a standard for creating single-type fungible tokens like coins or ERC-721, the original standard for unique, non-fungible tokens like digital art. But ERC-1155, a multi-token standard that combines both in one smart contract, is quietly powering the next wave of blockchain apps. It’s not just an upgrade—it’s a game-changer for how tokens are created, traded, and used in games, marketplaces, and DeFi.

Before ERC-1155, every NFT or token needed its own contract. That meant higher gas fees, slower transactions, and more code to manage. With ERC-1155, one contract can handle hundreds of different tokens—some unique like collectibles, others interchangeable like in-game currency. Imagine a game where you can buy a sword (NFT), trade 100 gold coins (fungible), and earn a rare skin (another NFT)—all in a single transaction. That’s what ERC-1155 makes possible. It’s why big projects like ERC-1155 are behind popular NFT games and platforms like Enjin and Decentraland. They don’t just save money—they make the whole system faster and more scalable.

It also solves real problems for users. No more approving separate contracts for every NFT you buy. No more juggling multiple wallet permissions. ERC-1155 lets you manage everything under one roof. And because it supports batch transfers, sending 10 different tokens to 5 people takes one transaction instead of 50. That’s not just convenient—it’s essential for mass adoption.

What you’ll find below are real examples of how ERC-1155 is used—or misused—in today’s crypto world. From airdrops tied to NFTs, to tokens with zero liquidity hiding behind complex standards, to platforms that claim to use blockchain but deliver nothing, these posts cut through the noise. You’ll see how ERC-1155 enables innovation, but also how scammers exploit its flexibility. Whether you’re holding an NFT, trading tokens, or just trying to avoid scams, understanding ERC-1155 isn’t optional anymore—it’s your first line of defense.