Status (SNT) Launches World’s First Natively Gasless Layer 2 on Testnet, Built on Consensys’ Linea Stack

Pioneer decentralised communication platform, Status, has rolled out the testnet of the world’s first natively gasless Layer 2 network. The new L2 replaces sequencer fees with native yield and native app revenues, unlocking friction-free onboarding for games, social apps and DeFi.

Built on Consensys’ Linea stack, the high-performance zkEVM rollup marks a major milestone for Ethereum scalability and sustainability. Status Network introduces a radically different revenue model that eliminates transaction fees entirely.

At the same time, it funds builders and liquidity providers through bridged yield and native app fees through yield-bearing bridged assets and native application activity.

Cyprien Grau, Lead at Status Network, said:

“We designed Status Network so developers can ship games, seamless social experiences, and DeFi protocols without forcing users to preload gas or builders to manage paymaster contracts. By rehypothecating yield-bearing TVL and sharing every cent of net yield with the community, we’re aligning incentives for all L2 stakeholders: builders get funding, LPs get sustainable returns, and users get a true free-to-play blockchain.” 

The network is built on the principles of the original Status app, which are privacy, sovereignty, and open access, offering a seamless, high-performance platform where communities can exchange, build, and govern freely.

Due to its gasless design, which generates revenue through yield rather than gas, the network attracts more users, deposits, and app usage, thereby generating a higher native L2 yield. When approved by the community, a portion of the native yield can be used to fuel SNT buybacks and burns, ensuring maximum benefit for the Status community.

Status Network also features a built-in public funding pool that supports open-source protocols and public goods development on Ethereum. As Linea’s first external collaborator, Status is also helping to develop the bridged yield feature, which will soon be available to all Linea-based L2s.

This is expected to further contribute to the zkEVM stack’s long-term sustainability. Status will also play a crucial role in both the Linea and broader Ethereum ecosystems; further details will be disclosed soon.

Declan Fox, Head of Linea, said:

“We’re proud to see Status Network launch the first gasless Layer 2 powered by the Linea zkEVM technology stack. We aim to build better economics and governance, in alignment with Ethereum’s core values. Status supports builders and public goods while providing free transactions at scale – exactly the kind of mission-driven approach we aim to empower. With the Linea stack’s high throughput, low latency, and fast finality, we’re enabling the performance needed for apps to grow, thrive, and get funded, whilst anchoring into the same root of trust: Ethereum.”

Status’ mechanism that replaces fees with native yield also allows users to interact with apps without needing to bridge tokens or top up gas, creating a frictionless experience. True free-to-play mechanics can finally become a reality in games, which will be able to support non-financial onchain actions without maintaining gas-sponsoring infrastructure.

Similarly, social apps will benefit from streamlined user onboarding and Web2-like UX, and DeFi protocols tap into yield-boosted liquidity from day one. Games like RPG Cats Fishing, free onchain gacha PonziHero from Spla Labs, and metaverse casino Hash Vegas are already available, with native DeFi apps to be announced in the coming weeks.

Starting now, the Status Network testnet v1 is live, featuring fully gasless transactions. This allows anyone to get started without a wallet balance or history, thereby enhancing account anonymity and enabling better privacy for transfers and applications.

Testnet v2, featuring RLN-based spam protection and native yield routing, is expected to launch in October 2025, accompanied by a pre-deposit campaign to kickstart the bridged yield. The mainnet launch is anticipated in Q1 2026.