What Is the SubQuery Network?

The SubQuery Network is a decentralised protocol for Web3 indexing and blockchain data infrastructure, designed to serve the ever-growing needs of dApps, wallets, AI agents, and analytics platforms. It enables developers to efficiently collect, process, and query on chain data from multiple networks via a unified Web3 data API, all while maintaining the security and scalability of a decentralised architecture.

While traditional platforms rely on centralised solutions, SubQuery replaces them with a permissionless network built specifically for on-chain data indexing, multi-chain data access, and AI-powered interactions. This makes it one of the foundational layers of the modern Web3 data infrastructure stack.

At its core, SubQuery is not just another infrastructure tool - it's an open, scalable ecosystem of indexers, RPC providers, delegators, and consumers working together to deliver resilient and intelligent data services across chains.

Unified access to real-time, multi-chain data. Web3 Indexing, RPCs, AI - SubQuery does it all.

How the SubQuery Network Works

The SubQuery Network is built on a decentralised architecture designed to provide reliable, scalable, and permissionless data access for the Web3 ecosystem. It operates through three key roles - Indexers, Consumers, and Delegators, which each contribute to the performance and resilience of the network.

1. Node Operators (Indexers) – The Backbone of Decentralised Data

Node Operators run nodes that perform Web3 indexing by fetching raw blockchain data and transforming it into structured, queryable formats. Think of them as the infrastructure layer converting on chain noise into clean, developer-ready insights, similar to what subgraphs do in The Graph or how SQL databases structure data for fast access.

SubQuery indexers are not limited to a single chain, they can run projects across multiple blockchains (in fact, almost 300 chains) using the same SDK, reducing operational complexity and enhancing cross-chain support.

They are incentivised through the native utility token, $SQT, and are rewarded based on service quality, uptime, and reliability. Node Operators can also offer RPC services, providing low-latency, direct access to blockchain nodes alongside Web3 indexing capabilities.

2. Consumers – Builders and AI Agents That Rely on SubQuery

Consumers include developers, protocols, dashboards, wallets, and AI agents that rely on SubQuery’s decentralised Web3 data infrastructure. They query indexed data using a simple and powerful GraphQL API, selecting specific Indexers based on performance, pricing, and trust.

This includes not just human developers, but also autonomous AI agents that need fast, contextual access to multi-chain data in real time. Whether for DeFi arbitrage, NFT analytics, or predictive modelling, SubQuery enables these agents to operate with intelligence and speed, without bottlenecks.

Thanks to integrated RPC endpoints and AI-friendly indexing, SubQuery is uniquely suited for the data-hungry demands of the AI + Web3 future.

3. Delegators – Community-Powered Performance

Delegators are token holders who stake their $SQT with trusted Indexers instead of running infrastructure themselves. This delegation not only helps secure the network but also increases the stake-weight of Indexers, improving their ranking and earning potential.

In return, Delegators receive a portion of the indexing rewards, creating a passive income stream and promoting decentralised participation in network governance and stability.

Together, these roles form a self-sustaining, decentralised data economy. Consumers get access to fast and accurate on chain data; Indexers are rewarded for providing reliable services; and Delegators help secure the network while earning yield. With the added pillars of RPC infrastructure and AI compatibility, the SubQuery Network goes beyond traditional Web3 indexing - it becomes the foundation of an intelligent, multi-chain Web3.

Supported Blockchains and Multi-Chain Capability

One of SubQuery Network’s most powerful advantages lies in its truly multi-chain architecture.

While some Web3 indexing protocols are limited to a single chain or ecosystem, SubQuery is built from the ground up to support a broad and growing list of Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains. This includes:

  • Ethereum
  • Solana 
  • Avalanche
  • Cosmos
  • Polkadot
  • And 280+ more through its extensible SDK

With SubQuery, developers don’t need to manage multiple indexing stacks for different chains. Instead, they can spin up a single SubQuery Project to index and serve data across chains, whether they're building a cross-chain DEX, analytics dashboard, or AI agent that moves seamlessly between networks.

This unified query layer drastically reduces engineering complexity, boosts speed to market, and enables cross-chain composability at the data layer.

Got questions? Hop into our Discord and drop them in #technical-support — we’ve got you.

Real-World Adoption Across the Web3 Ecosystem

SubQuery’s decentralised Web3 indexing and Web3 data infrastructure is already powering mission-critical applications across DeFi, NFTs, staking protocols, and more. Its flexible SDK and multi-chain support make it the go-to choice for developers looking to ship fast, scale efficiently, and build composable, data-rich experiences.

Here’s how SubQuery is being used today:

  • DeFi Dashboards: Platforms like Folks Finance use SubQuery to pull live portfolio data, transaction history, and yield performance across chains, allowing users to monitor assets and DeFi strategies in one view.
  • NFT Marketplaces: Marketplaces such as Ambur (Archway) leverage SubQuery to index metadata, image assets, and ownership history for real-time rendering and search functionality.
  • Wallets and Explorers: SubQuery powers backend data for crypto wallets (like Nova Wallet and Fearless Wallet) and block explorers, enabling users to query historical balances, staking activity, and token transfers instantly and across ecosystems.
  • Liquid Staking Protocols: A standout use case is StakeStone, a liquid staking protocol that relies on SubQuery’s real-time Web3 indexing to track staking balances, reward rates, and cross-chain liquidity flows. Developers behind StakeStone chose SubQuery due to its scalability and ability to support high-frequency data queries without bottlenecks.

Tokenomics: $SQT Utility

The SubQuery Token ($SQT) powers the entire protocol. It serves multiple purposes:

  • Payment for data queries on the network
  • Staking for Indexers and Delegators to secure the network
  • Governance in the SubQuery DAO for protocol upgrades and ecosystem decisions

To boost adoption, SubQuery has launched the 60M $SQT Consumer Rewards Program, incentivising dApps to integrate with the decentralised network and rewarding early usage with real value.

🎯 Ready to get involved? You can pick up $SQT on major crypto exchanges like Bybit, Gate.io, Crypto.com, or Uniswap.

SubQuery vs. Centralised Alternatives

Centralised infrastructure providers (e.g. Infura, Alchemy) offer convenience but introduce points of censorship, downtime, and data manipulation risk. SubQuery counters this with a decentralised, community-driven architecture.

The Graph walked so SubQuery could fly

When compared to similar protocols like The Graph, SubQuery stands out for its:

  • Faster deployment: Projects can be published without manual curation
  • More than just Web3 indexing: The SubQuery Network is a builder’s one-stop shop for infrastructure - offering decentralised RPCs as well as Web3 indexing with more to come
  • Broader chain support: Especially in the non-EVM ecosystems (Solana, Polkadot, Cosmos, Algorand and more)
  • Open-source SDK: Highly customisable for advanced blockchain data indexing
  • Lower cost: running the Uniswap on The Graph means locking up nearly $4,000 in $GRT tokens. On the SubQuery Network, you only need to stake about $46 worth of $SQT for a similar project.

The Road Ahead: AI, Agents, and On Chain Intelligence

Looking forward, the SubQuery Network is expanding its role beyond simple blockchain data indexing. With the rise of autonomous agents in Web3, real-time data feeds are essential for AI agents to operate effectively.

SubQuery’s decentralised data layer can power agent-based protocols, enabling smart contracts and trading bots to consume and react to live blockchain states. As this trend grows, SubQuery is poised to become the foundational infrastructure behind on chain intelligence.

Common Questions About the SubQuery Network

  1. What is the SubQuery Network used for?

The SubQuery Network is an infrastructure network which builders use to index and serve blockchain data to their decentralised applications (dApps). It enables developers to query on chain data efficiently through decentralised and scalable infrastructure. While SubQuery’s roots are in data indexing, they also offer decentralised RPCs, so developers need look no further for their infrastructure requirements than the SubQuery Network. 

  1. How is SubQuery different from The Graph?

While both offer Web3 indexing solutions for blockchain data, SubQuery provides faster project deployment, broader support across ecosystems like Polkadot and Cosmos, and doesn’t require manual curation. When comparing their decentralised networks, the SubQuery Network is much more cost-efficient than the SubQuery Network.

  1. What blockchains does SubQuery support?

SubQuery supports Ethereum, Polkadot, Avalanche, Cosmos, Solana and over 280 others through a pluggable adapter system. This makes it one of the most chain-agnostic Web3 indexing solutions available.

  1. What is $SQT and what is it used for?

$SQT is the native utility token of the SubQuery Network. It is used for payments, staking, and governance within the ecosystem. Developers use it to pay for data queries, while Indexers and Delegators earn it as rewards.

Final Thoughts

The SubQuery Network represents a vital piece of the Web3 puzzle: fast, decentralised access to blockchain data. As the ecosystem matures, reliance on robust Web3 indexing protocols will only increase.

Whether you're building a DeFi protocol, a DAO dashboard, or a data analytics platform, SubQuery offers the speed, decentralisation, and flexibility needed to scale.

Now’s the time to ditch centralised APIs and embrace the future of blockchain data access, powered by the SubQuery Network.

👉 Start building with SubQuery today and explore how our decentralised Web3 indexing services can power your dApp, scale your data layer, and future-proof your Web3 project.

About SubQuery

SubQuery Network is innovating in web3 infrastructure with tools that empower builders to decentralise without compromise. SubQuery’s infrastructure network offers everything from data indexers, RPCs and AI agents - all fully decentralised and production ready.

Our fast, flexible, and open data indexer supercharges thousands of dApps on nearly 300 networks. Our Sharded Data Node will provide breakthroughs in the RPC industry and our AI App framework makes building AI apps easier than ever before. We pioneer the web3 revolution for visionaries and forward-thinkers. We’re not just a company — we’re a movement driving an inclusive and decentralised web3 era, together.

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