Taiko is an Ethereum Layer 2 ZK rollup that aims for Type 1 Ethereum equivalence, posting validity proofs to Ethereum for low-cost execution. The governance token is TAIKO.
Taiko opened its mainnet, later named Taiko Alethia, in May 2024 as a based ZK rollup that executes transactions off Ethereum and verifies them on Ethereum with zero-knowledge proofs. Here is how it works and what it is used for, not the price.
Total value locked (DeFi)
$3.9M
Value locked in DeFi protocols on Taiko. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.
Taiko executes transactions on its Layer 2 and submits zero-knowledge validity proofs to a verifier contract on Ethereum. Because it is a based rollup, transaction ordering is driven by Ethereum Layer 1 block proposers rather than a separate sequencer operated by the project. State updates are accepted only once a proof is verified, so the chain cannot advance with invalid transactions and there is no multi-day fraud proof challenge window.
Consensus: Based ZK rollup with validity proofs
Taiko executes transactions on its Layer 2 and submits zero-knowledge validity proofs to a verifier contract on Ethereum. Because it is a based rollup, transaction ordering is driven by Ethereum Layer 1 block proposers rather than a separate sequencer operated by the project. State updates are accepted only once a proof is verified, so the chain cannot advance with invalid transactions and there is no multi-day fraud proof challenge window.
Type 1 equivalence
Taiko targets Type 1, or Ethereum-equivalent, execution, which means it aims to run the same logic as Ethereum so existing contracts and tooling work without changes.
Based sequencing
Instead of a dedicated project-run sequencer, Taiko relies on Ethereum block proposers to order Layer 2 transactions, tying its sequencing to Ethereum itself.
ZK validity proofs
Each batch of transactions is accompanied by a zero-knowledge proof checked on Ethereum, so the Layer 2 state is verified cryptographically rather than by waiting for challengers.
ETH for gas
Users pay transaction fees in ETH. The TAIKO token is used for governance and protocol roles rather than as the gas currency.
Ecosystem & usage
What Taiko is used for.
The network hosts EVM-compatible applications that settle to Ethereum.
Taiko is an Ethereum Layer 2. It processes transactions off Ethereum mainnet and posts zero-knowledge validity proofs back to Ethereum for settlement.
What is a based rollup?
A based rollup relies on Ethereum Layer 1 block proposers to order its transactions rather than a separate sequencer run by the project, tying sequencing to Ethereum.
What token does Taiko use for gas?
Transactions on Taiko are paid for in ETH. The TAIKO token is used for governance and protocol roles, not as the gas currency.
When did Taiko launch?
Taiko launched its Ethereum mainnet in May 2024. The network was later named Taiko Alethia.
Can I hold TAIKO in Zypto App?
Not yet. TAIKO isn't in Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Taiko using the "Request Taiko" button above.
