Lisk is a cost-efficient, fast, and scalable layer-2 (L2) network based on Optimism (OP) and secured by Ethereum. Built on the MIT-licensed OP Stack and partnered with Gelato as a RaaS provider, Lisk contributes to scaling Ethereum to a level where blockchain infrastructure is ready for mass adoption. This guide examines Lisk’s approach and its focus following its transition to an L2.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
➤ Lisk’s layer-2 network enhances Ethereum scalability for faster, cost-effective transactions, enabling real-world applications in emerging markets to operate efficiently.
➤ Lisk leverages Ethereum’s security and Optimism’s rollup framework to ensure trustless transaction validation and data integrity.
➤ Lisk’s integration with the Optimism Superchain positions it to benefit from future cross-chain interoperability and shared liquidity.
What is Lisk?
Lisk is a layer-2 (L2) blockchain founded by Max Kordek and Oliver Beddows. The project is focused on solving real-world problems by partnering with builders, governments, and organizations in regions where on-chain solutions address everyday pain points, such as Southeast Asia and Africa.
For instance, Lisk’s technology can facilitate RWA tokenization in Africa, where blockchain-based solutions are already addressing challenges like limited access to credit, secure cross-border payments, and supply chain management.
From layer-1 to layer-2
➤ The platform started as a layer-1 (L1) in 2016. It became the first L1 to transition to an L2 solution to focus on supporting builders in high-growth markets.
In December 2023, Lisk announced its migration to an Ethereum L2 solution and became one of the earliest members of the OP Superchain alongside Optimism and Base.
➤ More recently, significant projects like WorldChain (by WorldCoin), Soneium (by Sony), Unichain (by Uniswap), and Ink (by Kraken) have followed.
The Lisk L2 testnet, called the “Lisk Sepolia Testnet,” was launched in February 2024.
➤ With Optimism’s Superchain initiative, Lisk is developing an interoperable, seamless base layer that prioritizes user experience, shared liquidity, and low-cost transactions.
Meanwhile, the migration of the LSK token to Ethereum has enhanced its usability in decentralized applications and enabled governance through the Lisk DAO.
Lisk mainnet launch and airdrop
Lisk officially launched its mainnet on Nov. 12, 2024. Alongside this launch, the platform announced an airdrop campaign starting Nov. 21, 2024.
The airdrop campaign is set to distribute up to 15 million LSK tokens to encourage new users to join in while also rewarding existing participants. The first season of the campaign will run for four months in total.
The platform also plans to launch an App Bounty Quest in 2025 to offer incentives to DApps that achieve activity milestones and build a thriving developer community.
“We designed this airdrop campaign to be seamless, engaging, educational, and even fun, reflecting our mission to create web3 applications that are easy to use and beneficial.
The promise of mass adoption rests in the vision and dedication of builders in high-growth markets who are solving everyday problems for their communities and businesses via blockchain technology. I hope participants find a deep connection to our mission as we pave the way together. This launch marks a new era for Lisk, and we can’t wait to see the results of what we are creating.”
Dominic Schwenter, COO of Lisk.
Lisk’s key features and how they work
Lisk offers a highly practical set of layer-2 capabilities designed specifically to enhance developer efficiency and scalability.
Reliability and security
Lisk’s L2 ecosystem prioritizes scalability, accessibility, and smooth integration with Ethereum’s infrastructure.
Its root in the Optimism OP Stack lets Lisk use a rollup-based architecture to batch transactions and synchronize them with Ethereum’s L1. This ensures stringent security while significantly enhancing scalability.
Additionally, this approach also reduces transaction fees by up to 90% compared to Ethereum’s mainnet.
Developer-friendly EVM compatibility
Lisk’s layer-2 network is EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine)-equivalent, meaning it is compatible with Ethereum’s core tooling and ecosystem. This compatibility allows developers to build and deploy Ethereum-compatible DApps on Lisk without needing modifications.
The native support for Solidity-based contracts and Ethereum’s developer tools let Lisk provide a familiar environment for developers. This approach makes migrating applications and expanding cross-chain functionality much smoother.
Wallet integration
Connecting to the Lisk network is straightforward for users and developers. Lisk supports both manual and one-click solutions for adding its network to EVM-compatible wallets like MetaMask.
Configuring Lisk involves inputting essential details such as RPC endpoints, chain ID, and block explorer URLs, which are readily available for both the mainnet and testnet.
Additionally, users can manually import LSK tokens to MetaMask, which grants direct access to their balances, among other perks.
Lisk supports a wide range of wallets, including hot wallets like MetaMask, Rainbow, and Zerion, as well as hardware wallets such as Ledger. These wallets provide secure, non-custodial access to Lisk’s ecosystem and simplify asset management for users and developers.
Easy token migration
Lisk offers a relatively straightforward and fully trustless migration process for LSK tokens from the legacy L1 network to its L2 ecosystem.
➤ The migration process involves connecting wallets via WalletConnect and signing migration messages.
Enhanced interoperability and use cases
The transition to L2 has so far significantly improved Lisk’s interoperability with Ethereum’s ecosystem. One obvious benefit would be the smooth transfers of ETH, ERC-20 tokens, and other assets between the two networks.
This cross-chain compatibility opens up practical applications, such as tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs), improving access to DeFi tools, and addressing challenges in emerging markets.
Importing LSK tokens to MetaMask
By default, MetaMask does not display LSK tokens. Instead, you have to manually import the token using its contract address for the relevant network.
| ➤ For Lisk Ethereum Mainnet L1, the address is: 0x6033F7f88332B8db6ad452B7C6D5bB643990aE3f ➤ For Lisk Sepolia Testnet L1, the address is:0x16B840bA01e2b05fc2268eAf6d18892a11EC29D6 ➤ For Lisk Mainnet L2, the address is: 0xac485391EB2d7D88253a7F1eF18C37f4242D1A24 ➤ For Lisk Sepolia Testnet L2, the address is: 0x8a21CF9Ba08Ae709D64Cb25AfAA951183EC9FF6D |
You can copy the appropriate address, open MetaMask, and add LSK as a custom token to view and manage their balances.
The Lisk token (LSK)
The LSK token serves as the backbone of the Lisk ecosystem and is responsible for governance and community engagement. LSK will also be used to pay transaction fees in the future.
LSK has a fixed supply of 400 million. Its distribution aims to sustain network integrity while incentivizing user engagement.
The Lisk Foundation actively supports the community through grants, events, and initiatives that enhance the ecosystem.
Additionally, LSK tokens cover transaction fees via account abstraction paymasters, enable staking, and serve as rewards in engagement campaigns.
As of Jan. 23, 2025, LSK has a market cap of $145 million along with a circulating supply of just over 166 million.
Partnerships and the Optimism Superchain
Lisk’s integration with Optimism’s Superchain initiative in 2024 marks a major milestone. Built on the OP Stack, this collaboration supports Ethereum’s scalability by creating a network of interoperable chains that provide low-cost transactions, easy cross-chain communication, and shared governance.
Lisk’s collaborations enhance the platform’s interoperability and access to real-world assets. It also allows developers to build cross-chain applications and access broader liquidity.
Lisk’s major partnerships include Circle, Rarible, LayerZero, Rainbow Wallet, Fireblocks, and Velodrome. Each of these partnerships helps improve interoperability, liquidity, and user access within the Lisk ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the platform’s collaborations with Angel Hack, Aya Labs, CV Labs, and Key Difference Labs support accelerator programs for developers in high-growth markets.
By being part of the Superchain, Lisk is a part of a network of chains that share bridging, decentralized governance, regular upgrades, a communication layer, and more — all built on the OP Stack and secured by Ethereum.
Interoperability
Interoperability remains central to Lisk’s strategy as it enables the network to connect to different blockchains and expands DApp functionality.
As an OP Stack chain, Lisk expects to soon become interoperable with other OP Stack-based chains. This will happen once Optimism releases its interoperability solution.
This capability will enable easy asset transfers, data sharing, and cross-chain communication between networks within the Superchain ecosystem. So, Lisk will benefit by connecting to this unified framework. Some of the added advantages will include increased liquidity, broader DApp compatibility, and a stronger developer community — all necessary for further improving its role in building a scalable and interconnected blockchain infrastructure.
The future of Lisk
Lisk’s strategic transition to a layer-2 solution underlines the platform’s ability to adapt to evolving industry needs. This shift enhances scalability and cost-efficiency and strengthens Lisk’s position as a practical and future-ready platform for builders and developers.
Upcoming updates are likely to focus on attracting more enterprises and developers. The platform also aims to provide greater support for developers through grants and community initiatives. If Lisk is able to deliver and stick to its promised roadmap, the platform will likely further solidify its influence in the broader decentralized ecosystem.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investing in any crypto token carries risk. The market is volatile, and profits are never guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
What does Lisk do?
How do I migrate LSK tokens from L1 to L2?
What role does the LSK token play in the Lisk ecosystem?
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