What is Shibarium? How It Works & Where to Use It

Overview

Shibarium at a glance.

Shibarium is the Layer 2 network built for the Shiba Inu ecosystem, using its own Proof-of-Stake validator network while periodically checkpointing its state to Ethereum. Here is how it works and what it is used for, not the price.

Total value locked (DeFi)

n/a

Value locked in DeFi protocols on Shibarium. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.

Native token

BONE

Used for fees and securing the network. See the live BONE price.

How it works

How Shibarium works.

Shibarium uses a two-part architecture adapted from Polygon PoS. Bor executes transactions and produces blocks, with blocks typically produced roughly every two seconds. Heimdall coordinates the validator layer and produces checkpoints that are periodically submitted to Ethereum. Validators stake BONE through contracts on Ethereum to participate in Shibarium's PoS consensus and secure the network.

Consensus: Heimdall + Bor (Polygon-derived Proof of Stake)

Shibarium uses a two-part architecture adapted from Polygon PoS. Bor executes transactions and produces blocks, with blocks typically produced roughly every two seconds. Heimdall coordinates the validator layer and produces checkpoints that are periodically submitted to Ethereum. Validators stake BONE through contracts on Ethereum to participate in Shibarium's PoS consensus and secure the network.

Two-layer design

Bor handles EVM execution and fast block production, while Heimdall coordinates the validator set and produces checkpoints submitted to Ethereum.

Checkpointing to Ethereum

Shibarium periodically submits checkpoints representing its chain state to Ethereum, creating an onchain record and anchoring the network to Ethereum.

EVM compatibility

Shibarium is fully EVM compatible, so Solidity contracts and standard Ethereum tooling can be used on Shibarium.

BONE token

BONE is the native asset used to pay gas fees on Shibarium and is staked by validators to secure the network.

Ecosystem & usage

What Shibarium is used for.

Shibarium hosts apps from the wider Shiba Inu ecosystem, including ShibaSwap.

Decentralized trading

ShibaSwap and other DEXs run on Shibarium for swapping tokens within the ecosystem.

Shiba Inu ecosystem tokens

SHIB, BONE, LEASH, TREAT and other Shibarium-native tokens all move on Shibarium.

Smart contracts

Developers deploy EVM contracts that work the same way they would on Ethereum or another EVM chain.

In Zypto App

Hold, swap and spend BONE.

Shibarium is integrated in Zypto App. Hold BONE in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.

Hold BONE in Zypto How to buy BONE

FAQ

Common questions.

What is Shibarium?

Shibarium is an Ethereum Layer 2 built for the Shiba Inu ecosystem. It uses its own Proof-of-Stake validator network and periodically checkpoints its state to Ethereum.

What is BONE used for?

BONE is Shibarium native token. It pays transaction fees on the network and is staked by validators to help produce and validate blocks.

When did Shibarium launch?

Shibarium mainnet launched in August 2023.

Is Shibarium compatible with Ethereum?

Yes. Shibarium is EVM compatible, so Solidity smart contracts and standard Ethereum tooling work without changes.

What can I hold from Shibarium in the Zypto App?

Yes. Shibarium is integrated in Zypto App, so you can hold BONE in self-custody, swap it to other supported assets, and use it across Zypto's features.

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