Merlin Chain is a Bitcoin Layer 2 with EVM compatibility that uses a ZK-rollup design and charges gas in BTC. Its utility and governance token is MERL.
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.
Total value locked (DeFi)
$7.5M
Value locked in DeFi protocols on Merlin Chain. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.
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.
Consensus: ZK-rollup settling to 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.
Ecosystem & usage
What Merlin Chain is used for.
The network hosts decentralized applications that connect Bitcoin assets with EVM tooling.
Merlin Chain is a Bitcoin Layer 2. It processes transactions off the Bitcoin base layer and commits rolled-up data toward Bitcoin.
What token pays for gas on Merlin Chain?
Gas on Merlin Chain is paid in BTC. The MERL token is used for staking, governance, and protocol utility.
Is Merlin Chain EVM compatible?
Yes. Merlin Chain runs an EVM-compatible environment, so Ethereum Virtual Machine contracts and tooling can be used on it.
When did Merlin Chain launch?
Merlin Chain launched its mainnet in February 2024.
Can I hold MERL in Zypto App?
Not yet. MERL isn't in Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Merlin Chain using the "Request Merlin Chain" button above.
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