The Web3 landscape is evolving rapidly, and the latest breakthrough comes from a powerful collaboration between OKX and Polygon Labs. Together, they’ve unveiled X Layer (formerly known as X1), a high-performance, secure Layer 2 (L2) ZK-EVM network built on the Polygon Chain Development Kit (CDK). This new blockchain marks a pivotal step toward scalable, interoperable, and developer-friendly infrastructure in the Ethereum ecosystem.
With over 50 million users from OKX now integrated into a growing global network of developers from Polygon and Ethereum, X Layer is positioned to become a central hub for next-generation decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi innovation, and mass Web3 adoption.
What Is X Layer?
X Layer is a zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (ZK-EVM) network designed to deliver fast, low-cost, and secure transactions while maintaining full compatibility with Ethereum. By leveraging zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), X Layer ensures strong cryptographic security and scalability—two of the most critical challenges in blockchain technology today.
As a native network of OKX, X Layer will use OKB, the exchange’s utility token, as its primary gas currency. This integration strengthens OKB’s utility and embeds it deeper into the fabric of Web3 infrastructure.
Built using Polygon CDK, X Layer benefits from modular, customizable architecture that enables rapid deployment of ZK rollups. These rollups batch transactions off-chain and post cryptographic proofs on Ethereum, drastically reducing congestion and fees while preserving decentralization and security.
👉 Discover how X Layer is shaping the future of scalable blockchain networks.
Driving Developer Adoption and Ecosystem Growth
One of the core missions of X Layer is to empower developers. The network offers seamless EVM compatibility, allowing developers to deploy existing Ethereum-based dApps with minimal changes. This lowers the barrier to entry and accelerates time-to-market for new projects.
With access to tools, wallets, and smart contracts already proven on Ethereum and Polygon, developers can focus on innovation rather than infrastructure.
The combined reach of OKX’s user base and Polygon’s developer ecosystem creates a powerful flywheel:
- Developers build on X Layer to access millions of potential users.
- Users engage with high-performance dApps offering low fees and fast finality.
- Increased activity attracts more developers, reinforcing ecosystem growth.
This synergy is expected to fuel new use cases across DeFi, NFTs, gaming (GameFi), social platforms, and metaverse applications.
Strategic Collaboration with Polygon Labs
As a strategic partner of Polygon Labs, OKX is committing significant engineering resources to advance the development of Polygon CDK and broader Ethereum scaling solutions. This partnership underscores a shared vision: to create an open, interconnected Web3 future where liquidity and users flow freely across chains.
Polygon CDK—launched in August 2023—enables organizations to launch their own application-specific ZK L2s with unified liquidity. Already, major players like Astar (Polkadot), Canto (Cosmos), Gnosis Pay, Palm, and IDEX have announced plans to build on CDK.
X Layer joins this growing network of interoperable blockchains, contributing to a larger vision: a unified ZK ecosystem where multiple chains coexist under a common security and liquidity layer.
"X Layer will be the foundation for onboarding and educating users into Web3. This scalable and accessible network is ideal for building world-class Web3 applications that are interoperable across networks and ecosystems."
— Jason Lau, Chief Innovation Officer at OKX
Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder of Polygon, emphasized the importance of accessibility:
"X Layer is a user-friendly platform that naturally connects the OKX community with the Polygon and Ethereum ecosystems. With Polygon CDK, we’re enabling developers to quickly launch ZK L2s on Ethereum. In the future, these compatible chains will coexist within a larger ZK ecosystem."
Why ZK Technology Matters
Zero-knowledge rollups represent one of the most promising paths forward for Ethereum scalability. Unlike optimistic rollups, which assume transactions are valid unless challenged, ZK rollups use mathematical proofs to verify every transaction before it’s posted on-chain.
This results in:
- Near-instant finality
- Stronger security guarantees
- Lower fraud risk
- Reduced data overhead
For end users, this translates into faster withdrawals, lower fees, and greater confidence in cross-chain interactions.
X Layer’s adoption of ZK-EVM means it supports native execution of Ethereum smart contracts—making it not just scalable but also familiar to developers already working in the ecosystem.
OKB: Powering the X Layer Economy
The integration of OKB as the native gas token on X Layer significantly expands its utility beyond exchange-based benefits like trading fee discounts and staking rewards.
Now, OKB becomes essential infrastructure fuel:
- Used to pay for transaction fees
- Incentivizes validator participation
- Supports governance participation in the future
This move aligns with broader industry trends where exchange tokens evolve into ecosystem-enabling assets—similar to how BNB powers Binance Smart Chain or FTT once supported FTX’s ambitions.
As X Layer grows, so does demand for OKB—potentially driving long-term value accrual for holders.
👉 Explore how OKB is powering the next wave of Web3 innovation.
Roadmap Ahead: Developer Engagement and Mainnet Launch
In the coming weeks, OKX and Polygon Labs will reveal more details about developer programs, grant initiatives, hackathons, and incentives designed to accelerate adoption on X Layer.
These efforts aim to:
- Attract top-tier development talent
- Fund innovative dApp ideas
- Build robust tooling and documentation
- Foster community-driven governance
The testnet phase is already live, inviting developers to experiment with deploying dApps, testing wallet integrations, and exploring cross-chain messaging capabilities.
Mainnet launch timelines are expected to be announced soon, alongside additional technical specifications and ecosystem partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is X Layer?
X Layer is a ZK-EVM Layer 2 network built on Polygon CDK in collaboration between OKX and Polygon Labs. It offers scalable, secure, and low-cost transactions while being fully compatible with Ethereum.
How does X Layer differ from other L2s?
Unlike many L2 solutions that rely on optimistic rollups or standalone sidechains, X Layer uses zero-knowledge proofs for stronger security and faster finality. It also integrates directly with OKX’s 50M+ user base and leverages Polygon CDK for interoperability.
What role does OKB play in X Layer?
OKB serves as the native gas token for X Layer, used to pay transaction fees. Its integration enhances token utility and positions OKB as core infrastructure within the OKX Web3 ecosystem.
Is X Layer compatible with existing Ethereum tools?
Yes. X Layer is EVM-equivalent, meaning developers can deploy existing Solidity-based smart contracts without modification. Wallets like MetaMask, tools like Hardhat, and popular dApp frameworks work seamlessly.
Can anyone build on X Layer?
Absolutely. Developers are encouraged to start building today using available SDKs, APIs, and documentation. Upcoming grants and hackathons will provide funding and support for innovative projects.
When will X Layer go live on mainnet?
While an exact date hasn’t been announced yet, the testnet is currently active. Mainnet launch details will be shared in the coming weeks by OKX and Polygon Labs.
👉 Start building on X Layer today—unlock scalable Web3 development with cutting-edge ZK technology.
Conclusion
The launch of X Layer represents more than just another blockchain—it's a strategic move toward unifying liquidity, users, and developers across the fragmented Web3 landscape. Backed by OKX’s massive user base and Polygon’s proven scaling technology, X Layer has the ingredients to become a major player in the next phase of decentralized innovation.
By combining ZK security, EVM compatibility, low-cost transactions, and strong ecosystem support, X Layer lowers barriers for both users and builders—paving the way for true mass adoption of Web3 technologies.
As the lines between exchanges, wallets, and ecosystems continue to blur, initiatives like X Layer demonstrate how infrastructure can be both powerful and accessible. The future of blockchain isn’t just about speed or scalability—it’s about connection. And with X Layer, that connection has never been stronger.