> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.monstacorp.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.monstacorp.com/based-monsta/rewards/keys-to-the-vault-cycle-1-only-bonus-game.md).

# Keys to the Vault (Cycle 1-Only Bonus Game)

Based Monsta takes engagement up a notch with the Keys to the Vault bonus game. This was a **Cycle 1-only** monthly NFT drop for degens who wanted to earn serious rewards while flexing their grind.

Going forward, there will be **no Keys program in Cycle 2 or later**. Keys remain as collectibles and OG proof you were here for the first full cycle.

## The Game

Every month in Cycle 1, you got a chance to mint a super special high-tech Vault Key NFT. The mission for grinders: mint or obtain all 12 during the 12-month cycle.

Here’s the breakdown:

* **Monthly Mints:**\
  Keys were mintable each month for a nominal fee. Occasionally there were special events or campaigns where you could potentially earn a free Key.
* **Full Set = Cycle 1 Bonus Vault Airdrop:**\
  If you collect all 12 Keys and hold a complete set in the **same wallet at the Cycle 1 snapshot**, you unlock your share of the **Cycle 1 Bonus Vault**.\
  Payout is handled via **snapshot + airdrop** – no manual claim step needed. If your wallet held one or more full sets at snapshot, you’ll receive your share automatically.
* **Secondary Trading:**\
  Keys can be traded via secondary NFT marketplaces, offering extra opportunities for the hustlers, the forgetful, and the latecomers trying to complete a set before snapshot.

{% hint style="info" %}
After Cycle 1, Keys no longer unlock new rewards, but they still flex your status as an OG who played the full game.
{% endhint %}

## Mint Fees

Every mint fueled the ecosystem and pumped the bags. Keys were mintable for a small fee, with revenues used to support the project in a few key ways:

* **Bonus Vault:**\
  A chunk of each mint went into the Cycle 1 Bonus Vault to stack that perfectly moist and delicious $CAKE (and other assets) for full-set holders.
* **Minter Rewards (Used Occasionally):**\
  On some drops, a portion of fees was used for **random minter rewards**, where one or more minters could win a prize pot.
* **Buyback & Burn:**\
  Part of the fees were used for $MONSTA buybacks and/or burns, reducing supply and increasing vault share per token.
* **Treasury / Ops:**\
  The remainder helped keep Based Monsta running like a well-oiled machine (infra, ops, etc.).

The exact split wasn’t rigid—sometimes the “minter rewards” portion was redirected into the Bonus Vault or buybacks instead. As we said from the start:

{% hint style="info" %}
Will it always be split like this? Probably not. We’re Monstas, not accountants. Sometimes we just do what feels right... or wrong.
{% endhint %}

## Why Join the Hunt?

* **Unlock Premium Rewards (Cycle 1):**\
  Only the most committed grinders who completed a full set by the Cycle 1 snapshot get a slice of the C1 Bonus Vault airdrop.
* **Boost the Ecosystem:**\
  Mint fees helped fund buybacks, burns, and vault allocations that made the whole system stronger.
* **Stay Ahead:**\
  Active degens who played the game and watched announcements reaped the biggest rewards during Cycle 1.

## The Stakes Are High

#### The Stakes Are High

The Keys to the Vault program **separates the grinders from the casuals**. If you’re the type who’s all-in, this is your shot to prove it and line yourself up for a share of the **Cycle 1 Bonus Vault** when the cycle ends.

As long as Cycle 1 is active, there’s still time to:

* Hunt down missing Keys
* Complete your full set before the snapshot
* Lock in eligibility for the Bonus Vault airdrop

Once Cycle 1 is over and Bonus Vault rewards are distributed, Keys will shift from “reward engine” to **pure collectible flex** – permanent proof you were here grinding during the first full Based Monsta cycle.

{% hint style="info" %}
Keys to the Vault is a Cycle 1-only bonus game.\
Cycle 2 and beyond do not include new Keys or Bonus Vaults – rewards are driven by the Primary Vault, rollover, and yield.
{% endhint %}