Scroll (SCR) is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution built on zero-knowledge rollup (zk-rollup) technology, designed to tackle Ethereum’s persistent challenges of high gas fees and limited transaction throughput. By leveraging a zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM), Scroll maintains full compatibility with Ethereum’s existing infrastructure, enabling developers to deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) without modifying their code.
This innovative approach processes transactions off-chain and bundles them into cryptographic proofs—specifically zk-SNARKs—before submitting them to the Ethereum mainnet. This ensures that all operations comply with Ethereum’s consensus rules, preserving the network’s core values: security, decentralization, and censorship resistance. The result? Faster transactions, drastically reduced gas costs, and seamless user experiences—all while inheriting Ethereum’s robust security model.
The SCR token is central to the Scroll ecosystem. It functions as both a utility and governance token, enabling fee payments, incentivizing network participants like provers and sequencers, and empowering community-driven decision-making. With a capped supply of 1 billion tokens, SCR supports long-term sustainability and decentralized governance as Scroll evolves.
Understanding zkEVM Types: From Type 1 to Type 4
To grasp Scroll’s technical ambition, it's essential to understand the classification of zkEVMs—a framework outlined by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin. These types reflect varying degrees of compatibility with Ethereum’s protocol and EVM:
Type 1: Fully Ethereum-Equivalent zkEVMs
These aim for complete parity with Ethereum, preserving every detail—from state trees to hash functions—without changes. While this ensures flawless compatibility with existing tools and dApps, it often comes at the cost of slower proof generation due to Ethereum’s inherent complexity.
Type 2: Fully EVM-Equivalent zkEVMs
Type 2 solutions maintain full EVM compatibility but may tweak underlying data structures for better performance. Most dApps run seamlessly, though they aren't 100% identical to Ethereum’s native execution environment.
Type 3: Almost EVM-Equivalent zkEVMs
These prioritize speed over full compatibility, making more significant modifications that can break some legacy applications. Developers may need to adjust their code, but the trade-off is faster proofs and improved scalability.
Type 4: High-Level Language Equivalent zkEVMs
Type 4 systems compile high-level languages like Solidity into custom bytecode rather than executing EVM opcodes directly. This enables rapid development and efficient proof generation but requires substantial reworking of existing smart contracts.
👉 Discover how zero-knowledge rollups are revolutionizing blockchain scalability.
Scroll is actively working toward becoming a Type 1 zkEVM, positioning itself at the pinnacle of Ethereum compatibility. This goal ensures that developers can migrate their projects effortlessly, with no need for code rewrites or tooling changes—making Scroll one of the most developer-friendly Layer 2 solutions available today.
How Scroll Works: Off-Chain Execution, On-Chain Security
Scroll enhances Ethereum’s scalability through its zkEVM-based rollup architecture:
- Off-Chain Transaction Processing: Transactions are executed within Scroll’s network using an EVM-equivalent environment.
- Zero-Knowledge Proof Generation: After execution, zk-SNARKs are generated to cryptographically prove the validity of these transactions—without revealing sensitive data.
- On-Chain Verification: These succinct proofs are submitted to Ethereum Layer 1, where smart contracts verify them, ensuring correctness and finality.
This hybrid model allows Scroll to scale transaction throughput while inheriting Ethereum’s battle-tested security. Users benefit from near-instant finality and fees up to 90% lower than those on Ethereum mainnet—without compromising trust assumptions.
Exploring the Scroll Ecosystem
1. Scroll Mainnet
Launched as a fully functional Layer 2 network, the Scroll mainnet enables developers to deploy dApps in a secure, scalable, and cost-efficient environment. Projects ranging from DeFi protocols to NFT platforms are already building on Scroll, attracted by its seamless Ethereum integration and low operational costs.
2. Sepolia Testnet
Before going live, developers can test their applications on the Scroll Sepolia testnet, a zero-knowledge rollup built on Ethereum’s Sepolia testnet. This sandbox environment allows risk-free experimentation with:
- Testnet ETH from faucets
- Pre-deployed dApps like Uniswap and Aave
- Full bridge functionality between Ethereum and Scroll
- Support from block explorers such as Scrollscan and Dora Explorer
This realistic simulation helps teams debug contracts, optimize user flows, and ensure cross-chain interoperability before mainnet launch.
3. Developer Tools & SDK
Scroll offers comprehensive documentation covering deployment guides, API references, and troubleshooting tips—making onboarding intuitive even for new developers.
Additionally, the Scroll SDK empowers builders to create custom blockspace solutions tailored to specific use cases, whether for enterprise applications or niche dApp ecosystems.
The Role of the SCR Token
The SCR token plays a multifaceted role in securing and governing the Scroll network:
- Governance: Token holders can vote on protocol upgrades, incentive programs, and ecosystem initiatives.
- Staking & Incentives: Provers and sequencers are rewarded with SCR for generating proofs and ordering transactions.
- Fee Payments: SCR can be used to pay for transaction fees, though ETH remains the primary gas token during early stages.
Token Allocation (Total Supply: 1 Billion SCR)
- Ecosystem & Growth (35%): Includes ecosystem incentives (25%) and DAO treasury (10%)
- Scroll Contributors (23%): Team, advisors, and future contributors
- Investors (17%): Early financial backers
- Scroll Foundation (10%): Funds research, development, and community outreach
- Airdrops (15%): 7% initial drop; 8% reserved for future distributions
A structured vesting schedule ensures market stability, with investor and team allocations released gradually over time.
Key Integrations & Partnerships
Scroll has attracted major players across DeFi and infrastructure:
- Aave V3: Proposed deployment will bring lending/borrowing support for assets like WETH, USDC, and wstETH.
- Stargate Bridge: Enables cross-chain liquidity between Scroll and other EVM chains like Arbitrum and Avalanche.
- Uniswap: Integration plans aim to offer low-cost swaps and attract liquidity providers.
- Lido: Potential liquid staking integration would let users earn rewards while maintaining asset liquidity.
- DeBank: Offers portfolio tracking across Scroll and other networks.
👉 See how top DeFi protocols are expanding across Layer 2 ecosystems.
Strategic Collaborations & Funding
Scroll has secured strong industry backing:
- Ether.fi (Sept 2024): Adopted Scroll as its Layer 2 settlement layer, leveraging gasless transactions for accessible staking.
- Nansen (Oct 2024): Partnership brings advanced on-chain analytics to the Scroll ecosystem, empowering data-driven decisions.
Notable Investors
- Polychain Capital
- Sequoia China
- Bain Capital Crypto
- OKX Ventures
Funding Rounds
- Series A (April 2022): $30M led by Bain Capital Crypto, Polychain, and Sequoia China
- Series B (March 2023): $50M raise from Moore Capital, Variant Fund, IOSG Ventures, and others
- Post-Series B Valuation: $1.8 billion
These milestones underscore confidence in Scroll’s mission to make Ethereum scalable without sacrificing decentralization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Scroll fully compatible with Ethereum?
A: Yes. Scroll aims to be a Type 1 zkEVM, offering full equivalence with Ethereum’s execution layer—meaning dApps run natively without modifications.
Q: Can I use MetaMask with Scroll?
A: Absolutely. Simply add the Scroll network to MetaMask manually or via automated tools in the official documentation.
Q: How do I bridge assets to Scroll?
A: Use the official Scroll Bridge to transfer ETH and ERC-20 tokens from Ethereum L1 to Scroll L2 in minutes.
Q: What makes Scroll different from other Layer 2s?
A: Its pursuit of Type 1 zkEVM status sets it apart—prioritizing maximum compatibility while using cutting-edge zero-knowledge proofs for scalability.
Q: When will SCR token be tradable?
A: While no official date has been confirmed, the token is expected to launch following mainnet maturity and governance activation.
Q: Does Scroll support smart contract deployment?
A: Yes. Developers can deploy Solidity-based contracts directly using familiar tools like Hardhat and Foundry.
👉 Stay ahead in the zk-rollup revolution—explore the future of scalable blockchains now.