Moonbeam Network builds DApps connected across chains, provides a smart contract platform compatible with Ethereum, and can easily build local interoperable applications. It is powered by the Polkadot network and developed by PureStake. With Moonbeam smart contracts and compatibility with the Ethereum development toolset, bridge-based integrations are available to quickly build decentralized applications that work with users and assets on remote chains.

As a decentralized smart contract platform, Moonriver requires River token to function. This marking is central to Moonriver's design and cannot be removed without sacrificing essential functionality.

Some uses of the River token on Moonriver include:
Gas metering to support smart contract execution;
Encouraging collaborators and powering the creation of a decentralized node infrastructure on which the platform can run;
Facilitate on-chain governance mechanisms, including proposing referendums, electing council members, voting, etc.;
paying transaction fees on the network.

The supply and other token economic behavior on Moonriver will be the same as on Moonbeam, but token distribution will be different to support the network's unique goals and properties. Moonriver will act as a "canary net" for Moonbeam, but it is also a community-led experiment, and the community will determine its direction. Among other things, Moonriver will use a large parachain crowdfunding loan to acquire its initial parachain slot in Yayoi Kusama.