Devs Talk. We Listened.
Over the last month, zkSync hosted several low-key but impactful developer meetups in Europe, the UAE, and parts of Asia. The sessions were not recorded. The Chatham House Rule applied. But notes were taken. Insights gathered.
We spoke with attendees, parsed Twitter hints, and even joined a couple of online side chats. Here’s the TL;DR: Layer 2 is evolving fast, zkSync isn’t slowing down, and the next wave of adoption might come from directions most folks aren’t watching.
What Is zkSync Again?
If you’re new here, zkSync is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that uses zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs to compress data, allowing faster and cheaper transactions. It’s not the only Layer 2 out there, but it is one of the most technically ambitious.
zkSync Era, its mainnet version, launched in 2023 and has steadily onboarded devs, users, and capital. Now, with the Layer 2 race heating up, the devs behind zkSync are looking to scale the scaling solution itself.
1. From Rollups to “Hyperchains”
The term “hyperchain” came up at least five times in three different dev sessions. zkSync is pushing hard on this modular vision where each project can launch its own zk-based rollup—called a hyperchain—with shared security and custom features.
What’s new?
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Developers will be able to deploy app-specific chains with zkSync’s tech stack.
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These chains can interoperate natively.
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Think Cosmos, but with zk-proofs and Ethereum settlement.
This modular ecosystem is one of zkSync’s most aggressive plays to compete with Optimism’s Superchain and Arbitrum Orbit.
Why it matters:
For startups and larger teams alike, launching a hyperchain means owning your own gas token, setting your own rules, and scaling independently. More freedom = more innovation. And possibly more airdrops.
2. Dev Feedback: Mixed but Real
From devs who’ve actually built on zkSync, the general mood was cautiously optimistic. But it wasn’t all high-fives and memes.
Pros highlighted:
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zkSync’s SDKs are getting easier to use.
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Deployment speeds are improving.
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Documentation has been overhauled (finally).
But concerns?
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Debugging ZK circuits is still a pain.
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On-chain data availability options are limited.
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Compared to Optimism, zkSync’s ecosystem feels “fragmented” right now.
One dev summarized it like this: “zkSync is five years ahead and one year behind at the same time.” Poetic.
3. Ecosystem Growth: Who’s Building What?
Not all the action is happening in public. But here’s what insiders say is coming next:
1. ZK Gaming Projects
Two new gaming studios are planning to launch on zkSync hyperchains by late 2025. Why gaming? Because games need fast, cheap, scalable infra. And zkSync provides that—with ZK security baked in.
Expect announcements from:
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A UAE-based racing sim game studio with NFT vehicle skins.
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A Korea-based multiplayer arena game testing real-time asset transfer via ZK proofs.
2. Real-World Assets (RWA)
A European fintech firm is building a zkSync-based platform to tokenize invoices and trade receivables. It’s boring, yes. But also real-world money. Tokenized receivables are already a multi-billion dollar idea. Now they’ll be faster and cheaper.
3. Privacy Protocols
zkSync’s native support for ZK circuits makes it attractive for privacy-focused apps. A new Tornado Cash alternative (more compliant this time) is being tested by an anonymous team that claims to “respect OFAC… mostly.”
4. Airdrop Drama: Delayed, Not Denied?
Airdrop farming is alive and well. zkSync devs hinted that wallet activity is being tracked. But recent feedback shows that Sybil resistance remains a tough nut to crack.
Multiple devs confirmed that the zkSync airdrop is still on, just not soon. The delay seems to stem from:
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Ongoing work on anti-Sybil algorithms.
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Finalizing hyperchain integrations before snapshot.
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Ensuring the drop targets “real users.”
Translation: If you spun up 200 wallets last year, you may be in for a sad day.
5. Developer Tooling Upgrades Incoming
zkSync’s dev team announced a new roadmap segment quietly: zkSync DevKit 2.0.
It will include:
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Easier onramps from Solidity and Vyper.
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Native support for account abstraction.
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Dev-focused tooling for launching hyperchains with plug-and-play templates.
This means we might see more developers migrate from other Layer 2s by mid-to-late 2025. Tooling matters. And zkSync knows it.
6. What Devs Want Next
From the closed-door meetups, a few recurring requests stood out:
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Better wallet support. More than a few devs said zkSync wallet UX is lagging behind Base and Optimism.
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Bridges. Native bridging options are clunky. Cross-rollup transfers need streamlining.
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Oracle integrations. Chainlink exists, but broader oracle support is required for complex dApps.
7. L2 Adoption Strategy: Going Local
Another big takeaway: zkSync is taking a regional approach to growth.
Instead of global blanket marketing, they’re focusing on localized onboarding in regions like:
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Southeast Asia: Hackathons and grants targeting university teams.
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MENA: Partnerships with small exchanges and fintechs.
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Eastern Europe: Direct funding for wallet and dev tool teams.
This bottom-up, region-first strategy may be slower but could build stickier adoption over time.
What Does This Mean for the L2 Wars?
zkSync is staking its future on ZK tech, modular scaling, and a strong developer-first ecosystem. While Optimism and Arbitrum are ahead in TVL and user count, zkSync is betting that real innovation and customizability will win in the long run.
It’s also worth noting that zkSync’s backing by Matter Labs gives it deep technical roots. The team isn’t just building rollups—they’re building tools for rollup builders.
TL;DR Takeaways:
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Hyperchains are the next big zkSync play.
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Airdrop hunters: Be patient—and Sybil-clean.
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zkSync DevKit 2.0 could change the game.
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Local focus could help zkSync thrive where others fizzle out.
Final Thoughts
The zkSync dev meetups didn’t make huge headlines. But behind closed doors, serious plans are forming. Hyperchains, developer tooling, localized onboarding—all signal that zkSync isn’t chasing hype. It’s building infrastructure.
If you’re an investor, developer, or just a degen with an eye for the next big L2 move—zkSync deserves your attention in 2025. It might not be the loudest chain in the room, but it just might be the smartest.
About The Author
Name: Frasat Ali
Role: Founder & Lead Analyst at LatestCryptoInfo.com
Experience: 5+ Years in Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Markets
Specializations: Bitcoin, Ethereum, DeFi, NFTs, and Crypto Regulations
Frasat Ali is a seasoned cryptocurrency analyst with over five years of hands-on experience in blockchain technology, trading, and market research. As the founder of LatestCryptoInfo.com, he is dedicated to providing accurate, unbiased, and actionable crypto news to help investors make informed decisions.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/frasataliofficial
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