# Testnet: Your Development Playground

The **Verona testnet** (`xion-testnet-2`) is a permissionless environment for building, testing, and refining applications before deploying to **Mainnet**.

## **Why Use Testnet?**

Testnet serves as a critical step in the development process, offering:

* **Permissionless Deployment** – No governance approval is required, allowing developers to freely deploy and test their contracts.
* **Risk-Free Testing** – Transactions and contract interactions use test tokens, meaning no real assets are at stake.
* **Community Feedback** – Engaging users early helps refine apps before Mainnet launch.
* **Pre-Mainnet Validation** – Identifying and fixing issues beforehand increases the chances of passing Mainnet governance.

## **Testnet Resources**

To begin building on testnet, set up your development environment using the [local environment setup guide](/verona/build-on-verona/computation/local-development/setting-up-env/installation-prerequisites-setup-local-environment.md).

You'll need $VERONA test tokens (Previously $XION) to interact with the network. These are free and available through [Requesting Testnet Tokens](/verona/build-on-verona/references/testnet-tokens.md). Once funded, connect using [Public Endpoints & Resources](/verona/build-on-verona/references/public-endpoints-and-resources.md#testnet-2).

Monitor activity with [Block Explorers](/verona/build-on-verona/references/block-explorers.md). For cross-chain functionality, explore [IBC Denoms](/verona/build-on-verona/references/ibc-denoms.md).


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