# Encouraged, not required

Reference: ../../prd.json story D9

The 90-minute Ethereum interactive lecture works WITHOUT any of this. The primary workshop runs entirely in your browser on the Remix VM (an in-browser chain). You do not need MetaMask, you do not need test ETH, you do not need an account anywhere.

If you want to attempt the optional Sepolia level-up at the end of the workshop, the three steps below let you start with a funded testnet wallet. They are encouraged, not required. Skipping them does not block the primary path; see ../lab_guide.md and ../instructor_kit/timing_sheet.md.

Estimated time if attempted: 10 minutes.

## 1. Install MetaMask

1. Visit https://metamask.io in your usual browser (Chrome, Firefox, Brave, or Edge).
2. Click "Download" and pick your browser.
3. Install the extension and pin the icon to your toolbar.
4. Click the icon. Choose "Create a new wallet". Set a password.
5. Back up your 12-word seed phrase OFFLINE on paper. Store the paper somewhere safe.
6. Confirm the seed phrase. Wallet is created.

Security note. The wallet you create here is a TEST WALLET. Do not reuse this seed phrase for any real-money wallet later. See ../instructor_kit/security_brief.md.

## 2. Add the Sepolia network

1. In MetaMask, click the network dropdown at the top.
2. Click "Show test networks" if not visible.
3. Select "Sepolia".

If Sepolia is not listed, you can add it manually:

- Network name: Sepolia
- New RPC URL: https://rpc.sepolia.org (or another public endpoint)
- Chain ID: 11155111
- Currency symbol: SepoliaETH
- Block explorer URL: https://sepolia.etherscan.io

## 3. Request Sepolia test ETH from a faucet

This is the most likely step to fail in 2026. Many public Sepolia faucets gate on a positive Ethereum mainnet balance, GitHub authentication, or other anti-sybil checks. If one faucet refuses, try another.

- Google Cloud faucet: https://cloud.google.com/application/web3/faucet/ethereum/sepolia
- Alchemy faucet: https://www.alchemy.com/faucets/ethereum-sepolia
- QuickNode faucet: https://faucet.quicknode.com/ethereum/sepolia

If no faucet works for you, do not worry. The lecture's primary path does not need test ETH. The level-up will simply be unavailable for you, which is the by-design fallback.

## What you do NOT need

- A Google account (the primary path does not use Colab)
- A real-money crypto wallet
- Python or any local install
- Test ETH on the primary path