On April 16, OKX, a leading global crypto exchange and Web3 technology company, officially launched the X Layer public mainnet. X Layer is a ZK-powered Ethereum Layer 2 network built with the Polygon Chain Development Kit (CDK) and integrated into the AggLayer protocol, enabling shared state and liquidity across multiple chains while ensuring innovation and security.
X Layer is designed to allow millions of users to interact with on-chain applications faster and at a lower cost. In addition to leveraging zero-knowledge (ZK) technology for enhanced security, scalability, and reduced fees, X Layer is fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This compatibility allows decentralized applications (dApps) built on Ethereum to deploy seamlessly with minimal development effort.
Haider Rafique, Chief Marketing Officer at OKX, stated: "X Layer is built for forward-thinking developers creating applications that bring millions of users on-chain. Think of X Layer and other Layer 2 chains as the infrastructure highways of the Web3 world—dApps are the marketplaces, and self-custody wallets are the vehicles that take users there. To realize this vision, we're building an ecosystem that is seamless and interoperable. With our strong community and connections to other Ethereum-based networks, X Layer has limitless potential."
Adoption of X Layer has grown rapidly since its testnet launch in November 2023. Within just one week of the testnet release, over 50 Web3 dApps were deployed on the network. Well-known applications including The Graph, Curve, LayerZero, QuickSwap, Galxe, and Timeswap are also being deployed on X Layer. Users worldwide can now transfer assets, store and withdraw cryptocurrencies via OKX, and access over 170 dApps for swapping, staking, and more via smart contracts. With the public mainnet now live, the number of dApps is expected to grow exponentially.
OKX is one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges by daily trading volume (including spot and derivatives), with over $22 billion in assets under custody. The OKX Wallet is one of the most advanced gateways to Web3, supporting more than 90 public chains and offering a powerful DEX and NFT marketplace aggregator. With over 50 million global users, OKX serves as a worldwide hub for a diverse community, ensuring that X Layer launches with a substantial potential user base and deep liquidity. OKB, the native token of the OKX ecosystem, will serve as the gas token for the X Layer network.
X Layer is powered by Polygon CDK, a cutting-edge ZK-based software development kit tailored for blockchain developers. This innovative toolkit allows developers to build new L2 chains for Ethereum with ease. On a technical level, OKX developers will also contribute to the development of Polygon CDK, ensuring continuous innovation and improvement of the core technology stack behind X Layer. Furthermore, X Layer will connect to other chains powered by Polygon CDK through AggLayer, enabling seamless liquidity transitions and enhancing both community reach and network liquidity.
Marc Boiron, CEO of Polygon Labs, commented: “X Layer is a landmark next step in building a truly unified Web3 for the industry. Its connection to AggLayer solves the issue of fragmented liquidity across chains, enabling shared growth. OKX’s 50 million-plus users can now easily onboard to X Layer and other chains connected to AggLayer. The impressive lineup of developers building on X Layer is a testament to the network’s potential, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with OKX to achieve shared industry goals.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is X Layer?
X Layer is a ZK-based Ethereum Layer 2 network developed by OKX using Polygon CDK. It offers users faster and cheaper transactions while maintaining Ethereum-level security and full EVM compatibility.
How can developers use X Layer?
Developers can deploy Ethereum-based dApps on X Layer with minimal changes thanks to its EVM equivalence. The network also supports seamless interoperability and liquidity sharing with other chains via AggLayer.
What role does OKB play in X Layer?
OKB is the native gas token of the X Layer network. It is used to pay for transaction fees and can be staked or used across various dApps within the ecosystem.
Is X Layer secure?
Yes, X Layer leverages zero-knowledge proof technology, which offers strong security guarantees and scalability. It also benefits from the Ethereum network’s underlying security model.
Can users access dApps on X Layer through OKX Wallet?
Absolutely. The OKX Wallet supports X Layer, allowing users to interact with dApps, swap tokens, stake assets, and manage NFTs seamlessly across multiple chains.
How does AggLayer enhance X Layer?
AggLayer enables unified liquidity and shared state across connected chains, reducing fragmentation and improving the user experience when moving assets between ecosystems.
For a closer look at how X Layer is shaping the future of decentralized applications, 👉 explore advanced on-chain strategies.