Metis is an Ethereum Layer 2 built as an optimistic rollup, settling transactions to Ethereum while using METIS as the native token for fees and staking.
Metis is an EVM-equivalent optimistic rollup that batches transactions off-chain and posts them to Ethereum for settlement, lowering fees compared with transacting directly on Ethereum. Its Andromeda mainnet went live in 2021, and it later moved to a decentralized sequencer pool. Here is how it works and what it is used for, not the price.
Total value locked (DeFi)
$2.8M
Value locked in DeFi protocols on Metis. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.
Metis is an optimistic rollup. Transactions are executed off-chain and their results are posted to Ethereum, which provides the underlying settlement and security. Metis runs a decentralized sequencer pool that uses Tendermint-style Byzantine fault tolerant consensus to order transactions before batches are committed to Ethereum.
Consensus: Optimistic rollup
Metis is an optimistic rollup. Transactions are executed off-chain and their results are posted to Ethereum, which provides the underlying settlement and security. Metis runs a decentralized sequencer pool that uses Tendermint-style Byzantine fault tolerant consensus to order transactions before batches are committed to Ethereum.
Optimistic rollup
Transactions are assumed valid and posted to Ethereum in batches, with a challenge window during which invalid results can be disputed.
Decentralized sequencer
Metis distributes the sequencer role across a pool of operators running BFT consensus, rather than relying on a single sequencer.
EVM equivalence
Metis runs an EVM-equivalent environment, so Ethereum contracts and tooling can be used with little or no change.
Ethereum settlement
Batches of Metis transactions are committed to Ethereum, which anchors the rollup’s security.
Ecosystem & usage
What Metis is used for.
Metis hosts DeFi protocols, decentralized applications, and tooling that use its lower fees and Ethereum compatibility.
Metis is an Ethereum Layer 2 optimistic rollup. It executes transactions off-chain and posts them to Ethereum for settlement, which lowers fees compared with transacting directly on Ethereum.
How does Metis reach consensus?
Metis is an optimistic rollup that settles to Ethereum. It uses a decentralized sequencer pool running Byzantine fault tolerant consensus to order transactions before committing batches to Ethereum.
What is METIS used for?
METIS pays transaction fees on the network and is staked by operators who take part in the decentralized sequencer pool.
Is Metis compatible with Ethereum?
Yes. Metis is EVM-equivalent, so Ethereum smart contracts and developer tooling generally work on it without major changes.
Can I hold METIS in Zypto App?
Not yet. METIS isn't in Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Metis using the "Request Metis" button above.
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