The decentralized exchange Uniswap has officially announced its launch on the X Layer network, a Layer 2 blockchain designed to be compatible with Ethereum and developed by the prominent crypto exchange, OKX. This launch is seen as a pivotal moment for Uniswap, as it expands its operations into low-fee environments, enhancing its overall accessibility.
With this integration, Uniswap has entrenched itself as the primary decentralized exchange (DEX) on the X Layer network. Users now have streamlined access to a variety of Uniswap’s markets, which include a broad array of trading pairs and liquidity pools. Remarkably, all transactions are executed with Layer 2 fees, and users do not incur any interface fees from Uniswap Labs, making it an attractive option for traders.
Market analysts have reacted favorably to this development, viewing it as a significant advancement for the decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape. They argue that X Layer clients can now seamlessly engage with crucial components of the Uniswap ecosystem, including trading pairs and liquidity pools that were previously only accessible on different networks. Sources close to the situation have chosen to remain unnamed but have voiced optimism about the implications of this launch.
A representative from Uniswap clarified in an interview that users making swaps will only incur the standard Layer 2 fees, without additional charges levied by Uniswap Labs for using its interface. This transparency further enhances the appeal of the platform.
X Layer, exclusively developed by OKX and launched on April 15, 2024, is tailored for straightforward DeFi applications and is fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Additionally, it is closely integrated with the existing OKX infrastructure, which includes wallet and exchange services, allowing for seamless asset transfers to the Layer 2 environment.
The introduction of Uniswap on X Layer not only amplifies the network’s practical utility but also solidifies Uniswap’s standing within the low-cost network sector. With a total value locked (TVL) of approximately $4.4 billion, as reported by DefiLlama, Uniswap’s influence in the DeFi arena is significant. Hayden Adams, founder of Uniswap Labs, expressed optimism that the integration would enhance the protocol’s efficiency and bolster liquidity growth.
Highlighting the strategic importance of this move, Star Xu, founder and CEO of OKX, remarked that this collaboration represents a key component of their broader development strategy. He noted, “This collaboration is a key element of the second phase of our three-phase deployment plan. Its goal is to connect leading DeFi protocols and strengthen the core infrastructure.”
In a broader context, the emergence of Uniswap on X Layer mirrors a trend where major centralized exchanges are increasingly blending on-chain mechanics with familiar user experiences, thereby closing the gap between centralized exchanges (CEX) and decentralized finance (DeFi).
The competitive landscape in the crypto space is also evolving, as other exchanges are launching their own Layer 2 networks. In February 2023, Coinbase unveiled the Base network, initially designed to provide a low-cost and secure environment for decentralized application development. Over the ensuing months, Base has gained traction among decentralized exchange traders and has reportedly surpassed platforms like Ethereum and Arbitrum in trading activity.
According to a report from Token Terminal, by early 2024, Base was home to about 80% of all active Uniswap traders on a monthly basis, reinforcing the potential of Layer 2 networks to rapidly attract liquidity and user engagement.
Recognizing this trend, other exchanges like Gate.io have also announced the creation of their own Layer 2 networks, with Gate Layer being unveiled in September 2025. Built on the OP Stack and secured by GateChain, this initiative is designed to bolster the DeFi element within Gate.io’s ecosystem, aiming to implement on-chain trading and liquidity products as part of a comprehensive Web3 development strategy.
