Merlin Chain at a glance.
Merlin Chain launched its mainnet in February 2024 as a Bitcoin Layer 2 that runs an EVM-compatible environment, bundles transactions with a zero-knowledge rollup, and uses BTC to pay gas. Here is how it works and what it is used for, not the price.
$7.5M
Value locked in DeFi protocols on Merlin Chain. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.
MERL
Used for fees and securing the network. See the live MERL price.
How Merlin Chain works.
Merlin Chain processes transactions off the Bitcoin base layer and uses a zero-knowledge rollup to compress them into proofs committed back toward Bitcoin. Sequencer nodes order transactions and submit data, and the design uses decentralized oracles to relay information. By batching many transactions into a single committed proof, the network keeps per-transaction costs lower than transacting directly on Bitcoin.
Merlin Chain processes transactions off the Bitcoin base layer and uses a zero-knowledge rollup to compress them into proofs committed back toward Bitcoin. Sequencer nodes order transactions and submit data, and the design uses decentralized oracles to relay information. By batching many transactions into a single committed proof, the network keeps per-transaction costs lower than transacting directly on Bitcoin.
Bitcoin Layer 2
Merlin extends Bitcoin by running an execution layer above it and committing rolled-up transaction data toward the Bitcoin base layer.
EVM compatibility
The chain supports Ethereum Virtual Machine tooling, so contracts and developer workflows from the EVM ecosystem can be used on Merlin.
BTC as gas
Transaction fees are paid in BTC. The MERL token is used for staking, governance, and protocol utility rather than as the only gas option.
Bitcoin asset support
Merlin supports Bitcoin-native protocols and asset standards such as BRC-20, letting those assets interact within its Layer 2 environment.
What Merlin Chain is used for.
The network hosts decentralized applications that connect Bitcoin assets with EVM tooling.
DeFi on Bitcoin
Lending, trading, and other decentralized finance applications run on Merlin while settling activity toward Bitcoin.
Bitcoin asset activity
Holders of Bitcoin-based assets and token standards can use them within Merlin applications.
Lower-cost transactions
Batching transactions with a rollup lets users transact at lower fees than using the Bitcoin base layer directly.
Free Protocol · Bridge$263.9M
MerlinSwap · Dexs$6.9M
Solv Others · Anchor BTC$946,997
Avalon Finance · Lending$353,215Hold, swap and spend MERL.
Merlin Chain is integrated in Zypto App. Hold MERL in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.
Be the reason Merlin Chain ships next.
Merlin Chain isn’t in Zypto App yet. Post the request to your followers, chains with the most demand get prioritised.
Request on XCommon questions.
Is Merlin Chain a Layer 1 or Layer 2?
What token pays for gas on Merlin Chain?
Is Merlin Chain EVM compatible?
When did Merlin Chain launch?
Can I hold MERL in Zypto App?
Related networks.
From learning to doing.
Hold, swap and spend crypto across 20+ blockchains in one self-custodial app, with a real Visa card for the real world.
Self-custodial · your keys, your coins.
