OKX Chain Overview: The High-Performance Blockchain by OKX

OKX has evolved beyond being a global exchange into a multi-chain infrastructure provider. Today, its public chain stack comprises two complementary networks: OKC (previously known as OKX Chain), an EVM-compatible layer 1, and X Layer, a high-performance Ethereum layer 2 built using zero-knowledge technology. Together, they aim to provide low-latency execution, familiar EVM tooling, and seamless access to liquidity across the broader Ethereum ecosystem.

This article explains how OKC and X Layer fit together, what they offer developers and users, and what to watch in 2025.

What is OKX Chain (OKC) and X Layer?

• OKC (OKX Chain) is an EVM-compatible layer 1 designed for general-purpose smart contracts. It is based on a Tendermint-style BFT consensus and Cosmos SDK architecture, offering fast finality and low fees while keeping Solidity compatibility. For on-chain activity and transactions, you can explore via the OKX-operated explorer, OKLink for OKC. Background on the underlying stack is covered in the Cosmos SDK documentation.

• X Layer is OKX’s zkEVM layer 2 that settles on Ethereum. Built using Polygon CDK, it inherits Ethereum security through zero-knowledge proofs while delivering significantly lower fees and faster confirmations for EVM dApps. You can learn more at the official X Layer page, see live activity on the X Layer explorer, and view the network’s risk and transparency profile on L2BEAT. The launch of X Layer’s mainnet was covered by CoinDesk.

This two-network approach lets teams choose the right venue—use OKC for app-specific L1 deployments needing sovereignty, or X Layer for Ethereum-aligned security and access to mainnet capital.

Architecture at a Glance

• Execution layer:
  • Both OKC and X Layer are EVM-compatible, so existing Solidity contracts and tooling (for example, Hardhat and Foundry) work out of the box.
• Consensus and settlement:
  • OKC uses fast-finality BFT-style consensus typical of Cosmos SDK chains.
  • X Layer is a zkEVM rollup that posts validity proofs to Ethereum. For a quick primer on why zk-rollups can offer strong security and lower fees, see Ethereum’s zk-rollups overview.
• Interoperability:
  • OKC is an L1 with bridges into the EVM world. X Layer is inherently aligned with Ethereum via rollup settlement and leverages Polygon’s CDK ecosystem and roadmap, including connectivity initiatives like AggLayer, which aims to unify liquidity and user experience across CDK-based chains.

Performance, Fees, and User Experience

• Low fees and high throughput: Both networks target low transaction costs and quick confirmations. On OKC, this is achieved through its L1 design and BFT finality; on X Layer, through aggregated proofs and batched settlement to Ethereum.
• EVM familiarity: Developers benefit from known tools, patterns, and standards (EIP-1559, EIP-712 typed data, and modern frameworks), which reduces switching costs and shortens deployment cycles.
• Explorers and analytics: OKX provides first-party explorers for both networks—OKC on OKLink and X Layer on OKLink—making it easy to verify transactions and contracts.

Security Considerations

• OKC security model: As a sovereign L1, OKC’s security stems from its validator set and consensus rules. Developers who want full control over chain parameters may prefer this model.
• X Layer security model: As a zk rollup, X Layer derives security from Ethereum via validity proofs. Developers who prioritize mainnet-grade assurances and tighter alignment with the Ethereum stack often choose this path. L2-specific risks and configurations, including data availability and upgradeability, are tracked by third parties like L2BEAT.

If you are new to zero-knowledge rollups and want to understand their trust assumptions versus optimistic rollups, the Ethereum.org zk-rollups guide is a practical starting point.

Token and Gas Notes

• OKC’s native token is OKT, which is used for gas and network operations. For an overview of OKT’s chain profile and markets, see CoinMarketCap’s OKT Chain page.
• X Layer is designed for Ethereum alignment through a zk-rollup architecture built with Polygon CDK. For design details and settlement pathways, reference the official X Layer page and Polygon CDK documentation.

Because configurations can evolve, always confirm current gas tokens, bridging routes, and fee models via official network documentation or explorers before transacting.

Ecosystem and Tooling

• Wallets and dApps: Most EVM wallets and dApps can integrate with OKC and X Layer with minimal changes. Look for native support or add RPC endpoints from network documentation when configuring your wallet.
• Oracles and data: EVM-native oracles and indexing services used across Ethereum typically support or can quickly extend to both networks. To understand how decentralized oracles secure smart contracts, see the general overview at Chainlink.
• Bridges: For moving assets between networks, use trusted bridges and always verify the official URL. OKX provides a first-party interface at OKX Bridge. For L2-to-Ethereum flow, also consult the X Layer explorer and relevant documentation to confirm supported routes.

2025: What Users and Builders Care About

• Liquidity and interoperability: The industry is converging on a multi-chain, Ethereum-centric future. For Polygon CDK chains like X Layer, initiatives such as AggLayer are designed to offer seamless UX across multiple L2s while preserving Ethereum security.
• Security transparency: Users increasingly rely on independent dashboards and audits to assess live risk parameters. L2BEAT’s profile for X Layer is a useful reference.
• Account abstraction and UX: EIP-4337 and similar standards are improving onboarding with features like gas sponsorship and batch execution. Learn the standard via the EIP-4337 specification.
• Cost predictability: Gas efficiency on L2s and competition among rollups continue to reduce costs for everyday transactions, benefiting retail users and high-frequency DeFi strategies alike.

Developer Guide: Getting Started

1. Choose your network:
   • Pick OKC for a sovereign L1 with EVM support and fast finality.
   • Pick X Layer for a zkEVM L2 that inherits security from Ethereum.
2. Tooling:
   • Compile and deploy with Hardhat or Foundry. Existing EVM testing patterns generally work without modification.
3. Network endpoints and explorers:
   • Confirm RPC endpoints and chain IDs from official sources and validate transactions on OKLink for OKC and OKLink for X Layer.
4. Bridging and assets:
   • Use trusted routes like OKX Bridge and verify supported tokens on explorers before transferring large amounts.
5. Security practices:
   • Implement multisig for treasury operations, monitor contracts via on-chain alerts, and follow formal verification or audit best practices where appropriate.

For Users: How to Choose Between OKC and X Layer

• Pick OKC if you prefer:

  • The sovereignty and configurability of a dedicated L1 with EVM compatibility.
  • Low fees and predictable finality without relying on Ethereum settlement.

• Pick X Layer if you prefer:

  • Ethereum-aligned security with zk-rollups and the tooling depth of the broader L2 ecosystem.
  • Lower fees for high-frequency usage while maintaining compatibility with Ethereum standards.

You can always split usage—deploy or use contracts on both, choose the venue that best fits your cost, latency, and security needs, and bridge assets when necessary.

Securing Your Assets

Whether you are on OKC or X Layer, private key management is the single most important decision. A hardware wallet helps isolate keys from internet-connected devices and mitigates many phishing and malware risks. If you prefer an open-source, EVM-first device that supports contract data display and EIP-712 signing, OneKey is a practical option. It integrates with popular EVM tooling and can connect to dApps via standard wallet interfaces, which is particularly helpful when interacting with fast-moving ecosystems like X Layer and OKC.

Final Thoughts

OKX’s chain stack gives builders two powerful options: a performant L1 in OKC and a zkEVM L2 in X Layer. With strong EVM compatibility, robust explorers, and a growing interoperability roadmap via Polygon CDK and AggLayer, the networks are positioned to serve both crypto-native and enterprise use cases in 2025. As always, verify the latest parameters on official sources, start with small transactions when bridging, and use hardened key management to minimize operational risk.

References and further reading:

• OKX X Layer
• X Layer on L2BEAT
• Polygon CDK
• Polygon AggLayer
• Ethereum.org on zk-rollups
• OKC explorer on OKLink
• X Layer explorer on OKLink
• OKT Chain on CoinMarketCap
• OKX Bridge
• CoinDesk coverage of X Layer launch