The leading cryptocurrency exchange OKX has officially launched X Layer (formerly known as X1), a zero-knowledge (ZK) Layer 2 (L2) network, on the public mainnet. Built using Polygon CDK, X Layer follows a successful testnet rollout in Q4 of last year and promises 100% EVM compatibility, high performance, robust security, and ultra-low transaction fees for decentralized application (dApp) developers and users alike.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in OKX’s vision to democratize access to scalable blockchain infrastructure and accelerate mainstream Web3 adoption.
“Hiya creators, builders, founders 👩💻👨💻
🚨 We’re opening the X Layer mainnet to the public 🚨
With over 200 dApps already built, X Layer is now open to everyone—not just developers.
Experience the power and security of our zkEVM L2 network firsthand.”
— X Layer Official Twitter
What Is X Layer?
X Layer is a ZK-based Layer 2 scaling solution designed to address the core challenges of Ethereum: high gas fees, slow transaction speeds, and network congestion. By leveraging zkEVM technology, X Layer executes transactions off-chain while posting cryptographic proofs (ZK proofs) back to Ethereum, ensuring security without sacrificing scalability.
As a result, users enjoy near-instant transaction finality and costs that are a fraction of those on the Ethereum mainnet—all while maintaining full compatibility with existing Ethereum tools, smart contracts, and developer workflows.
👉 Discover how ZK-powered networks are redefining blockchain efficiency.
Seamless Wallet Integration and Native Token Utility
X Layer currently supports four major crypto wallets: OKX Wallet, MetaMask, Particle Network, and imToken—making it accessible to millions of existing Web3 users. Transactions on the network are paid for using OKB, OKX’s native utility token. This deep integration reinforces OKB’s expanding role beyond exchange-based utilities into real-world blockchain usage.
By aligning economic incentives through OKB, OKX fosters a cohesive ecosystem where traders, developers, and users benefit from reduced friction and enhanced interoperability across centralized and decentralized platforms.
Core Benefits of X Layer:
- 100% EVM Compatibility: Developers can deploy Ethereum dApps with minimal code changes.
- Ultra-Low Fees: ZK rollup architecture drastically reduces gas costs.
- High Throughput: Optimized for fast transaction processing and scalability.
- Enhanced Security: Inherits Ethereum’s security via cryptographic validity proofs.
- Cross-Chain Ready: Designed for seamless interaction with other EVM-compatible chains.
Driving Web3 Innovation with Developer Momentum
Since its testnet launch in November 2023, X Layer has rapidly attracted over 200 dApps, including major players such as:
- The Graph (decentralized indexing)
- Curve (AMM DEX)
- QuickSwap (multi-chain swap platform)
- LayerZero (cross-chain interoperability)
- Wormhole (message-passing protocol)
- EigenLayer (re-staking protocol)
This strong developer traction underscores confidence in X Layer’s technical foundation and long-term viability. The transition from testnet to mainnet unlocks new opportunities for user growth, liquidity expansion, and product innovation.
OKX CMO Haider Rafique emphasized the network’s potential to onboard millions of users into Web3 by leveraging OKX’s global community and strategic partnerships. “X Layer isn’t just another L2—it’s a bridge between centralized accessibility and decentralized innovation,” he said.
Strategic Partnership with Polygon and AggLayer
X Layer was developed using Polygon’s Chain Development Kit (CDK), a modular framework for building ZK-powered rollups. This collaboration enables rapid deployment, interoperability, and shared liquidity pools across Polygon-powered networks.
More importantly, X Layer is designed to integrate with AggLayer, Polygon’s aggregation layer that unifies multiple blockchains into a single secured network. This means assets and data can move freely across chains without trust assumptions—paving the way for true cross-chain composability.
Marc Boiron, CEO of Polygon, highlighted this synergy: “Connecting X Layer to AggLayer strengthens the vision of a unified Web3—where liquidity flows freely and developers build once for universal access.”
👉 See how next-gen rollups are shaping the future of decentralized ecosystems.
Fueling Global Web3 Adoption
With over 50 million users across OKX Exchange and OKX Web3 Wallet, X Layer is uniquely positioned to drive mass adoption. Its seamless integration allows users to bridge assets effortlessly between centralized services and decentralized applications—lowering barriers to entry for newcomers.
This user-centric design differentiates X Layer from other L2 solutions focused primarily on technical specs rather than real-world usability.
Moreover, the mainnet launch signals a broader trend: crypto exchanges are becoming infrastructure builders. While Coinbase launched Base on Optimism’s OP Stack, and Kraken is rumored to be developing its own L2, OKX’s early execution with X Layer gives it a competitive edge in the race for Web3 dominance.
Why ZK Technology Matters
Zero-knowledge proofs represent one of the most promising frontiers in blockchain scalability and privacy. Unlike optimistic rollups that rely on fraud detection windows, ZK rollups use mathematical proofs to verify transaction correctness instantly.
This results in:
- Faster withdrawal times from L2 to Ethereum
- Higher security guarantees
- Greater data compression and efficiency
- Stronger foundation for enterprise-grade applications
As ZK tech matures, networks like X Layer will play a pivotal role in enabling high-frequency trading, gaming, social apps, and more—use cases previously limited by blockchain latency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is X Layer?
A: X Layer is a ZK-based Layer 2 network developed by OKX using Polygon CDK. It offers scalable, secure, and low-cost transactions while maintaining full compatibility with Ethereum.
Q: How do I start using X Layer?
A: You can connect supported wallets like OKX Wallet or MetaMask, bridge assets to the network, and begin interacting with dApps or deploying smart contracts.
Q: Which token is used for gas fees on X Layer?
A: OKB, the native token of OKX, is used to pay for transaction fees on X Layer.
Q: Is X Layer compatible with Ethereum dApps?
A: Yes—X Layer is 100% EVM-compatible, meaning most Ethereum dApps can be deployed with little or no modification.
Q: How does X Layer ensure security?
A: It uses zkEVM technology to batch transactions off-chain and submit validity proofs to Ethereum, inheriting its underlying security model.
Q: Can I bridge assets to X Layer from other chains?
A: Yes—native bridges and third-party integrations allow cross-chain transfers from Ethereum and other EVM-compatible networks.
👉 Start building on one of the fastest-growing ZK ecosystems today.
Final Thoughts: A New Era of Scalable Web3
The launch of X Layer on the public mainnet represents more than just a technical upgrade—it's a strategic move toward making Web3 accessible, efficient, and interconnected. By combining ZK scalability, OKB utility, deep wallet integration, and strong developer support, OKX has positioned itself at the forefront of the L2 revolution.
As the ecosystem grows and more dApps migrate to the network, X Layer could become a central hub for global Web3 activity—bridging users from traditional finance into decentralized innovation.
With major players racing to capture market share in the L2 space, early momentum matters. And right now, OKX is leading the pack.
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