While Layer-2 scaling solutions have captured significant attention recently, Layer-1 blockchains continue to serve as the fundamental infrastructure of the web3 ecosystem. These base-layer networks are where critical market movements are executed and recorded, forming the backbone of decentralized applications and financial systems.
With growing institutional adoption and continuous improvements in scalability, Layer-1 platforms are positioned to maintain their essential role throughout 2025. Beyond Bitcoin's established dominance, several innovative chains are emerging with unique value propositions worth monitoring.
Sui: The High-Performance Contender
Developed by former Meta engineers with experience from Facebook's Diem project, Sui has demonstrated remarkable growth since its mainnet launch in 2023. This delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS) blockchain has attracted nearly 20 million active accounts and processed over 4.5 billion transactions, showcasing its efficient parallel transaction processing capability.
Sui's DeFi ecosystem has expanded significantly with the integration of major stablecoins like USDC and FDUSD, alongside support from popular wallets including Phantom. The network's bridge to Ethereum has enabled seamless asset transfers between the two ecosystems, dramatically enhancing its interoperability and utility.
The platform's total value locked (TVL) has reached impressive levels across its various DeFi protocols, establishing Sui as a serious competitor in the smart contract platform arena.
EOS: Strategic Reinvention
Under the leadership of the EOS Network Foundation and CEO Yves La Rose, EOS has undergone substantial transformation in recent years. The integration of a Bitcoin docking layer has significantly improved cross-chain interoperability while enabling users to participate in Bitcoin staking mechanisms—with approximately 1400 BTC already staked to date.
The network's comprehensive tokenomics overhaul has introduced new incentives for ecosystem participation and growth. Additional allocations of 315 million EOS for market making and 35 million EOS for the RAM Ecosystem Fund demonstrate EOS's renewed focus on enhancing liquidity and strengthening its DeFi positioning.
A recent partnership with Binance's custody partner Ceffu has brought institutional-grade custody services to the EOS ecosystem for the first time, marking another milestone in its evolution.
CrossFi: Traditional and Decentralized Finance Bridge
CrossFi employs a unique modular architecture combining Cosmos and Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) components. This design separates consensus and block production from smart contract execution, reportedly enabling throughput of up to 1 million operations per second.
Beyond its technical foundation, CrossFi offers a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain-powered tools, including an application featuring swap, bridge, and staking functionality. The platform's banking card integration with the VISA network provides tangible connections between traditional and decentralized finance.
Strategic partnerships with API providers and cross-chain oracle networks have expanded CrossFi's capabilities throughout 2024. As the Chief Growth Officer described it, the platform aims to become "the Apple Pay for crypto," simplifying complex blockchain interactions for mainstream users.
Berachain: Innovative Consensus for Liquidity
Scheduled for mainnet launch in early 2025, Berachain introduces an innovative proof-of-liquidity (PoL) consensus mechanism that prioritizes value creation over extraction. This EVM-identical Layer-1 has secured over $180 million in funding from prominent venture capital firms, demonstrating strong institutional confidence in its vision.
Built on the BeaconKit framework, Berachain offers fast transaction finality and low fees while maintaining full compatibility with Ethereum-based applications. The growing ecosystem already includes a native decentralized exchange and perpetual trading platform, even before its mainnet launch.
The platform's unique economic model aligns incentives between network participants, creators, and users, potentially establishing new standards for value distribution in blockchain networks.
Mantra: Real-World Asset Tokenization Pioneer
Launched in late 2024, Mantra operates at the intersection of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and regulatory compliance. Built on the Cosmos SDK, this permissionless blockchain gained significant attention by securing Google Cloud as a primary validator—a notable endorsement for a young network.
With strong emphasis on institutional-grade security and robust infrastructure, Mantra aims to capture value in the rapidly expanding RWA market. Users can bridge native OM tokens between ERC-20 and the Mantra mainnet to access future RWA offerings and staking opportunities.
Strategic partnerships with UAE real estate giant MAG and Zand Bank position Mantra for substantial growth throughout 2025, particularly in markets where traditional finance and blockchain convergence is accelerating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a Layer-1 blockchain platform?
Layer-1 refers to the base network that forms the underlying infrastructure of a blockchain ecosystem. These networks validate and finalize transactions without relying on another blockchain, maintaining their own security, consensus mechanisms, and native tokens.
Why are Layer-1 platforms important for blockchain development?
Layer-1 networks provide the fundamental security and decentralization guarantees that enable trustless applications. Their design choices directly impact scalability, security, and functionality for all applications built upon them, making them critical to overall ecosystem health.
How do these Layer-1 platforms differ from Ethereum?
While Ethereum pioneered smart contract functionality, newer Layer-1 platforms often employ different consensus mechanisms, architectural approaches, and scalability solutions. These differences can result in higher throughput, lower fees, or specialized functionality tailored to specific use cases.
What should investors consider when evaluating Layer-1 platforms?
Key considerations include technological innovation, developer activity, ecosystem growth, tokenomics, governance structures, and real-world adoption metrics. Fundamental analysis should also assess the team's expertise and the network's security guarantees.
How do interoperability features affect Layer-1 platform value?
Interoperability enables assets and data to move between different blockchains, expanding the potential user base and utility of a platform. Networks with strong interoperability features can leverage ecosystems and liquidity beyond their native environment.
What role will Layer-1 platforms play in institutional adoption?
Institutions typically require robust security, regulatory compliance, and proven reliability—attributes that Layer-1 platforms can provide through their consensus mechanisms and governance structures. Platforms with institutional-grade features are better positioned to capture this growing market segment.
Emerging Trends in Base Layer Innovation
These five platforms represent different approaches to solving blockchain's fundamental challenges around scalability, security, and decentralization. From Sui's parallel processing architecture to Mantra's RWA-focused compliance framework, each brings unique perspectives to the evolving Layer-1 landscape.
The continued evolution of base layer infrastructure remains critical for broader blockchain adoption. As these platforms develop throughout 2025, their progress will likely influence the next generation of decentralized applications and financial instruments. 👉 Explore more strategies for identifying promising blockchain infrastructure
Whether through technological innovation, ecosystem development, or strategic partnerships, these networks demonstrate the ongoing vitality of Layer-1 development. Their approaches to governance, tokenomics, and interoperability will provide valuable case studies for the entire blockchain industry in the coming year.