The XRP ecosystem has taken a transformative leap forward with the official testnet launch of the XRPL EVM Sidechain—an Ethereum-compatible layer designed to bring robust smart contract functionality to the XRP Ledger. Spearheaded by blockchain development firm Peersyst Technology in collaboration with RippleX, Axelar Network, and Common Prefix, this initiative marks a pivotal moment in expanding the utility and programmability of XRP.
This milestone ushers in a new era of interoperability, enabling developers to build and deploy Ethereum-based decentralized applications (dApps) directly on an XRPL-integrated network. With full support for Solidity, low transaction fees, and sub-four-second finality, the XRPL EVM Sidechain is poised to become a powerful platform for Web3 innovation.
👉 Discover how the future of cross-chain development is unfolding now.
What Is the XRPL EVM Sidechain?
The XRPL EVM Sidechain is an extended execution environment built using the Cosmos SDK and powered by Evmos, allowing it to run Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) smart contracts seamlessly. Hosted as a sidechain to the main XRP Ledger, it combines the speed and cost-efficiency of XRPL with the rich developer tooling and vast dApp ecosystem of Ethereum.
Using a Proof-of-Authority (PoA) consensus mechanism, the sidechain ensures high performance and low latency while maintaining strong security guarantees derived from the underlying XRPL infrastructure. This hybrid approach allows for rapid transaction processing—finality in under four seconds—while keeping gas fees significantly lower than those on Ethereum’s mainnet.
Developers can now leverage familiar tools such as Remix, Truffle, and MetaMask to build, test, and deploy smart contracts without needing to learn new frameworks. The integration lowers the barrier to entry for Ethereum-native projects looking to expand into the XRPL ecosystem.
Developer Resources Now Live
To accelerate adoption, the team has launched xrplevm.org, a dedicated portal where developers can access documentation, connect their wallets, and begin building on the testnet immediately. The site includes step-by-step guides for users, developers, and validators, all hosted at docs.xrplevm.org.
A key feature for early-stage development is the availability of testnet faucets. Developers can obtain test tokens directly through the website or via the project’s Discord community, streamlining the onboarding process. Additionally, a new cross-chain bridge powered by Squid Router enables seamless asset transfers between the XRP Ledger and the EVM sidechain, laying the groundwork for future multi-chain interoperability.
Peersyst has invited developers who previously built on Devnet to migrate their projects to the more stable Testnet environment. This shift allows teams to simulate real-world conditions ahead of the upcoming mainnet launch.
👉 Start building on one of the fastest-growing EVM-compatible ecosystems today.
Bridging XRPL and Web3: A New Paradigm for DeFi and NFTs
One of the most significant advantages of the XRPL EVM Sidechain is its native integration with Axelar Network—a decentralized interoperability protocol that enables secure message and asset transfers across blockchains. This connection unlocks advanced use cases in decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible token (NFT) platforms.
For example:
- DeFi protocols can now leverage XRP’s deep liquidity pools and low-cost transactions to offer efficient lending, borrowing, and yield farming services.
- NFT marketplaces can utilize XRPL’s fast settlement times to enable near-instantaneous minting and trading experiences.
- Cross-chain applications can automate complex workflows involving multiple networks, such as bridging stablecoins from Ethereum to XRPL-based dApps.
By merging XRPL’s global payments infrastructure with EVM-based programmability, developers gain unprecedented flexibility. They can automate cross-border settlements, manage multi-chain assets, and create financial instruments that capitalize on XRP’s scalability and affordability.
This fusion positions the XRPL EVM Sidechain not just as a technical upgrade—but as a strategic bridge between traditional finance and next-generation Web3 applications.
FAQ: Your Questions About the XRPL EVM Sidechain Answered
Q: What is an EVM sidechain?
A: An EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) sidechain is a separate blockchain that runs parallel to a primary ledger (in this case, the XRP Ledger) and supports Ethereum-compatible smart contracts. It allows developers to build dApps using familiar tools while benefiting from faster speeds and lower fees.
Q: How does the XRPL EVM Sidechain improve upon Ethereum?
A: While Ethereum offers powerful smart contract capabilities, it often suffers from high gas fees and slow confirmation times. The XRPL EVM Sidechain addresses these issues by offering sub-four-second transaction finality and drastically reduced costs—all while maintaining compatibility with popular development tools like MetaMask and Remix.
Q: Can I port my existing Ethereum dApp to the XRPL EVM Sidechain?
A: Yes. Since the sidechain supports Solidity and standard EVM tooling, most Ethereum-based dApps can be migrated with minimal changes. Developers are encouraged to begin testing their applications on the current testnet.
Q: Is XRP used as gas on the EVM sidechain?
A: The native currency on the sidechain is a bridged version of XRP from the main ledger. This token serves as both a utility asset and gas fee payment method within the EVM environment.
Q: When will the mainnet launch?
A: The mainnet launch is expected soon. The team has confirmed that it is “just around the corner” and will be accompanied by announcements about new partners, validators, and infrastructure integrations.
Q: How do I get started as a developer?
A: Visit xrplevm.org to connect your wallet via MetaMask, access testnet tokens through the faucet, and explore comprehensive documentation at docs.xrplevm.org.
Core Keywords Driving Innovation
This development centers around several core keywords that reflect its technological and strategic significance:
- XRPL EVM Sidechain
- XRP Ledger
- Ethereum-compatible
- Smart contracts
- DeFi
- NFTs
- Cross-chain interoperability
- Web3 development
These terms naturally appear throughout developer discussions, technical documentation, and community engagement—making them essential for SEO visibility and audience reach among blockchain enthusiasts and builders.
The Road Ahead
With testnet now live, focus shifts toward preparing for mainnet deployment. The collaborative effort between Peersyst, RippleX, Axelar Network, and Common Prefix underscores a shared vision: to expand XRPL’s role beyond payments into programmable finance and decentralized applications.
Future updates are expected to include new validator partnerships, enhanced infrastructure integrations, and expanded tooling for developers. As the ecosystem matures, we may see enterprise-grade dApps emerge—leveraging both XRP’s global reach and Ethereum’s development maturity.
👉 Be among the first to explore next-gen blockchain opportunities powered by interoperability.
The convergence of speed, affordability, and developer accessibility makes the XRPL EVM Sidechain a compelling addition to the broader blockchain landscape. For developers, investors, and innovators alike, this is more than an upgrade—it’s an invitation to co-create the future of decentralized technology.