With Pudgy Penguins, Igloo Inc. have built one of the world’s most popular NFT collections. With mainstream attention firmly in their hands, they’ve turned their attention to building a world-beating blockchain. That blockchain is Abstract Chain.
Abstract is an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain that promises to revolutionise consumer-focused Web3 – with Luca Netz of Pudgy Penguins stating that it will “change the dynamic of how users interact with blockchain technology and easily merge both the real and digital worlds.”
After months of hype, the launch of Abstract saw mixed reactions – but it has since doubled-down on efforts to build community interest, with regular updates, a stream of fresh tools, and its XP system. What makes Abstract different, what has its story been so far, and what could its future look like?
Master the topic, as we explain the past, present and future of the Abstract Chain.
Key Insights
- A consumer-focused Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain
- Built by Igloo Inc., owners of the Pudgy Penguins NFT collection
- Announced in June 2024, debuted in January 2025
- Saw huge hype before release, though had a mixed launch
- Built to bring together “users, liquidity, and community to builders and brands”
What is Abstract Chain?
Abstract is an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain, released by Igloo Inc. in January 2025.
The first major project of Igloo Inc., its aim is to create “the dominant consumer crypto chain”, where “culture & community building and dedicated builder & brand support” come together as one.
The Abstract Chain utilises zero-knowledge technology from zkSync and EigenDA to drive its consumer-first ethos – and as a Layer-2 on Ethereum, it inherits Ethereum’s tried and tested security, reliability and decentralisation.
Abstract is set to be powered by an upcoming token – though further details on this token, including the ticker, have yet to be revealed. Despite this, active users on Abstract are already building up an allocation of this soon-to-launch token through the Abstract XP system. This rewards users on Abstract with XP points for using Abstract-based apps, performing transactions on the network, and being active within the Abstract ecosystem.
The Abstract Chain is perhaps best-known as it has been built by Igloo Inc. – the parent company of the Pudgy Penguins NFT collection. Pudgy Penguins, and its CEO Luca Netz, have done much to spotlight Abstract thus far – and with Abstract set to be the home for many branded Pudgy Penguins experiences, such as their Vibes TCG, the chain will surely continue to be a major part of the Pudgy ecosystem in the years to come.
A wide array of popular apps, tools and services already support Abstract. These include NFT marketplaces such as Magic Eden, decentralised exchanges such as Uniswap, and popular Web3 launchpad Seedify. Prominent games and NFT collections on Abstract include 77-Bit, Onchain Heroes, and Abstract Pepes.
How does Abstract Chain work?
Abstract is built to prioritise the consumer experience, with simple, straightforward and streamlined user interactions that are designed for mainstream adoption.
Some of the most prominent aspects of Abstract include:
- User experience. Abstract puts the user experience first and foremost, with tools, features and a UI that are optimised to be truly user-friendly, allowing anyone to use the chain.
- Community ethos. Community and culture is central to how Abstract operates, with the chain stating that they aim to “highlight the vital role that a strong community and cultural relevance” can play.
- Discoverability. In contrast with other chains, Abstract has put major resources into app curation and discoverability, ensuring that users have easy access to a full suite of premium tools.
- EVM compatibility. As an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain, Abstract inherits top-level security, reliability and battle-tested infrastructure – and boosts it with cutting-edge zero knowledge technology.
Abstract Chain also features a suite of robust tools for builders. This includes the Abstract Builder Incubator – a programme in which high-potential products can obtain direct support from the Abstract team to bring their ideas to life on the chain.
With their hyper-focus on building “the dominant consumer crypto chain”, Abstract are hoping to provide the ideal platform for builders that are looking to attract mass market audiences. In giving developers the tools, the support, and the ideal foundations for their products, they’re looking to attract nothing but the best – and so far, this approach seems to be working.
The history of Abstract Chain
Abstract was officially born when Igloo’s acquisition of Frame was announced in June 2024. This resulted in the sunsetting of Frame, with their team joining Cube Labs and the Pudgy Penguins cohort in building Abstract.
Over the next few months, excitement for Abstract grew to a fever pitch. Influencers changed their avatar backgrounds to Abstract’s signature green. Multiple games announced that they would migrate to Abstract – such as ChronoForge. Popular apps, tools and services said they would support Abstract at launch – such as Magic Eden.
This hype only grew larger after the successful launch of $PENGU – the official token of the Pudgy Penguins ecosystem – in December 2024, bolstering excitement towards the launch of what many saw as the official Pudgy blockchain.
The Abstract mainnet officially launched on January 27, 2025 – and saw mixed reactions.
During the first hours and days of the launch, many users encountered issues such as a lack of contract security scanners, failing RPCs, and unexpected gas fees through Ethereum. Some even claimed that Abstract lost their funds when trying to use a relayer tool, leading to one user stating that Abstract “was not ready to be launched.”
Despite these setbacks, the launch heralded some clear improvements – particularly for mobile users. Much praise was garnered for the Abstract app, which provided a much-improved mobile Web3 experience. In many cases, users can perform transactions without having to switch between apps – a huge user experience boost.
The launch of the Abstract mainnet also saw the debut of their XP system. XP is Abstract’s version of airdrop points. By interacting with Abstract, users collect Badges which translate into XP.
Users can earn Abstract XP in many ways:
- Set up your Abstract profile
- Swap $ETH to $PENGU on Abstract
- Upvote dApps on Abstract
- Play Multiplier on Abstract
- Perform “organic interactions” on Abstract
You can also obtain additional Abstract XP if you:
- Own an Abstract partner NFT (Pudgy Penguins, Doodles, Azuki and more)
- Hold $PENGU in your Abstract wallet
- Become an Abstract creator
- Run Abstract livestreams
Each XP point rewards an allocation of a future Abstract token airdrop, arriving later in 2025.
Following the mainnet launch, the first Abstract NFT collections held their debut mints. Two of the most hyped were Bearish and Pixelady Maker – though both saw their floor price trend downwards post-mint, drawing frustration from fans.
Since the Abstract mainnet launch, many additional apps, tools and services have arrived on the chain. This includes the likes of Roach Racing Club, BUZZ, Top Hat, Kabu and Finalbosu.
What’s next for Abstract Chain?
In the weeks following the Abstract mainnet launch, the team have consistently pushed updates, improvements and new features. Several members of the Abstract team, such as @0xCygaar, post regularly on X informing the community of what they’ve been working on.
Since launch, Abstract has seen many user experience boosts that have been directly informed from user feedback, doubling-down on their consumer-centric focus. This has helped to boost the image of Abstract, especially following the mixed reception to their debut, and has served to keep the community invested in its future.
Though interest in Abstract has notably deteriorated since its high-profile debut, the community at large still has huge expectations for the chain. With its promises to become “the dominant consumer crypto chain”, the upcoming official Pudgy Penguins games that will launch on Abstract, and the Abstract XP system that will lead to an eventual token airdrop, there is much to be excited about across the rest of 2025.
As more apps, tools, services and more debut on Abstract – and as more games and NFT collections arrive that help to build a strong community for the chain – there is a promising future ahead for this fledgling Layer-2 blockchain. With Pudgy Penguins in the driving seat, the sky is the limit.
COO & founder of NFT Insider. Bullish on web3. Competitive soul.