In building Pudgy Penguins, Igloo Inc. have turned a dud into one of the world’s biggest NFT collections. With watchful eyes locked on their every move, they’re now looking to build a mainstream-ready blockchain. That blockchain is the Abstract Chain.
Abstract is a consumer-focused Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain. Luca Netz, CEO of Pudgy Penguins, states that it will “change the dynamic of how users interact with blockchain technology and easily merge both the real and digital worlds.”
Upon its debut in January 2025, community reactions were mixed – but the team behind it stayed committed. They’ve continued to build, with apps, tools and services arriving at a rapid pace. Why is Abstract so notable, how is it doing things different, and what could we see in its future?
Here’s our complete guide to the Abstract Chain.
Key Insights
- A consumer-focused Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain
- Created by Igloo Inc., owners of Pudgy Penguins
- Announced in June 2024, debuted in January 2025
- Saw huge pre-release hype, but a mixed launch
- Aims to supply “users, liquidity, and community to builders and brands”
What is Abstract Chain?
Abstract is an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain, developed by Igloo Inc. which launched in January 2025.
The Abstract Chain is the inaugural new project from the Igloo Inc. company. Its aim is to create “the dominant consumer crypto chain”, where “culture & community building and dedicated builder & brand support” are central to how the chain is built, developed and maintained.
Abstract utilises zero-knowledge technology from zkSync and EigenDA to make this consumer-focused approach a reality. As an Ethereum L2, Abstract also inherits Ethereum‘s well-known security, reliability and decentralisation.
The Abstract Chain will be powered in future by a native token – though details on this token, including the ticker, have yet to be revealed. Since its mainnet launch, Abstract has featured its Abstract XP system. This rewards users with XP points for using Abstract apps, doing Abstract transactions, and being active in the Abstract ecosystem. These XP points are expected to translate into an allocation of Abstract’s future native token.
Much of Abstract’s popularity so far is due to its relationship to Pudgy Penguins. This NFT collection, and its CEO Luca Netz, have driven much of the excitement around Abstract to date – and as Abstract will be the home of future Pudgy Penguins experiences, such as their Vibes TCG, the chain will be a core party of the Pudgy Penguins ecosystem long-term.
A suite of popular apps, tools and services already support Abstract. This includes NFT marketplaces such as Magic Eden, exchanges such as Uniswap, and services such as Seedify. Notable games and NFT collections on Abstract include 77-Bit, Onchain Heroes, and Abstract Pepes.
How does Abstract Chain work?
Abstract puts the consumer experience first and foremost, with architectural and design decisions made with what the user will experience as the primary driving force.
Notable aspects of Abstract include:
- User experience. Abstract’s tools, features and design are optimised for simplicity and mass adoption.
- Community ethos. Culture is at the heart of Abstract, with the team stating their aim to “highlight the vital role that a strong community and cultural relevance” can play.
- Discoverability. Abstract’s app curation and discoverability is top-tier, ensuring that users have access to a full suite of apps, tools and services.
- EVM compatibility. Abstract adopts Ethereum’s security, reliability and infrastructure – and boosts it with zero-knowledge technology.
The Abstract Chain also looks to attract builders with a variety of tailored tools and services. This includes the Abstract Builder Incubator – a programme where major products can obtain direct support from the Abstract team.
With a focus on building “the dominant consumer crypto chain”, Abstract want to provide the best platform possible for top-tier builders. By giving these teams the tools, support and infrastructure they need, Abstract hopes to become home to the next-generation of powerful Web3 apps.
The history of Abstract Chain
Abstract was officially announced when Igloo acquired Frame in June 2024. This move saw development on the Frame blockchain come to a close, with their talented team joining Cube Labs and Pudgy Penguins to build Abstract Chain.
As 2024 progressed, anticipation for Abstract grew to a fever pitch. Influencers changed their avatar backgrounds to Abstract’s signature green. Popular games – such as ChronoForge – announced that they would migrate to Abstract. Popular apps, tools and services announced that they would support Abstract on launch – such as Magic Eden.
Hype grew further after the launch of $PENGU – the official token of Pudgy Penguins – in December 2024, as many saw Abstract as the Pudgy blockchain.
Abstract held its mainnet launch on January 27, 2025 – but the debut saw mixed results.
Many users had core concerns, such as a lack of contract security scanners, failing RPCs, and unexpected Ethereum gas fees. Some even claimed that popular relayer tools did not work with Abstract, leading to lost funds – with one user stating that Abstract “was not ready to be launched.”
In spite of these setbacks, the debut of Abstract did result in some clear improvements for Web3 users – particularly on mobile. The Abstract app attracted praise for its streamlined mobile experience, where in many cases, users can complete transactions without switching between apps.
Abstract’s mainnet launch also introduced the Abstract XP system. By engaging with Abstract Chain, users collect Badges and XP. These are expected to translate into an allocation of the future Abstract ecosystem token.
Users can earn Abstract XP in many different ways:
- Create your Abstract profile
- Swap $ETH for $PENGU on Abstract
- Upvote dApps on Abstract
- Play Multiplier on Abstract
- Conduct “organic interactions” on Abstract
Additional amounts of Abstract XP can be earned by users if they:
- Own an Abstract partner NFT (Pudgy Penguins, Doodles, Azuki and more)
- Hold $PENGU in their Abstract wallet
- Become an Abstract creator
- Host Abstract livestreams
For each XP point earned, users will receive allocation of the future Abstract token, set to arrive later in 2025.
Following the launch of Abstract, the first Abstract NFT collections began their mints. Two of the most anticipated NFT collections were Bearish and Pixelady Maker – but both saw their floor price dip below their mint price, creating frustration amongst Abstract supporters.
In the following weeks and months, many additional apps, tools and services arrived on Abstract. This includes the likes of Roach Racing Club, BUZZ, Top Hat, Kabu and Finalbosu.
What’s next for Abstract Chain?
Thought Abstract saw a mixed mainnet launch, their team has continued to build. The past weeks and months have seen regular updates, improvements and new features – many informed directly from user feedback.
Members of the Abstract team, such as @0xCygaar, post regularly on X to inform the community of their latest developments. This has boosted Abstract’s image, and has kept the community engaged and hopeful.
Although interest in Abstract has declined since its landmark debut, the Web3 community still has big expectations. With official Pudgy Penguins experiences set to debut on Abstract, its promises to become “the dominant consumer crypto chain”, and an XP system leading to a future token airdrop, there is plenty of promise that lies ahead.
As more apps, tools, services make their way to Abstract – not to mention an increasing list of games and NFT collections that are building a strong ecosystem for the chain – this Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain could have a big future ahead.
