The evolution of Metis: a pioneering infrastructure beyond a single L2
The blockchain expansion narrative has undergone a profound change since the birth of Layer 2 solutions. From the initial competition for transaction throughput, the industry has formed a key understanding: different blockchain applications require differentiated infrastructure optimization. The Metis team has a deep insight into this trend and built a vision system that breaks through the limitations of a single chain.
We are realizing this vision by building a decentralized infrastructure stack for the blockchain industry, and the first phase of the achievement is the dual-chain strategy. The core of this strategy consists of a new developer framework MetisSDK and a demonstration chain Hyperion (HYPE), where Hyperion is designed to demonstrate the potential of the SDK. The dual-chain architecture integrates the existing base layer Andromeda and the new AI-optimized performance layer Hyperion. This complementary infrastructure will unlock unprecedented capabilities in the Layer 2 field.
In short, Hyperion and Andromeda will work together to serve niche areas and general blockchain scenarios, creating synergies through innovations such as Metis SDK and LazAI. All technological breakthroughs are integrated into the Metis brand system, and value is captured through a single token, forming a unified ecological front.
The multi-chain architecture stems from our core understanding that no single chain design can perfectly adapt to all Web3 applications. The Metis technical team explained, While ensuring seamless interoperability, each chain can play its expertise, and developers can deploy different components of the application on the most suitable chain.
Andromeda: A solid foundation
As the first milestone of Metis in building a scalable decentralized infrastructure, Andromeda has become a cornerstone chain, providing reliable support for general-purpose decentralized applications. Using the Optimistic Rollup architecture, the chain inherits the security of Ethereum while significantly improving transaction throughput and reducing costs.
The chain is particularly outstanding in supporting DeFi protocols, gaming platforms and other areas that require deterministic execution and mature records. Its decentralized sorter chain and time-tested infrastructure make it an ideal choice for reliability-first applications.
Andromedas Optimistic Rollup continues the classic design, with transactions valid by default until they are falsified, and uses a fraud-proof window to maximize security while still providing significant performance improvements over the Ethereum base layer. Existing ecosystem participants, ranging from DeFi protocols to various applications, all benefit from this robust architecture.
With the addition of Hyperion to the ecosystem, Andromeda will continue to evolve and optimize core modules such as on-chain data availability and anti-fraud systems, but its core positioning remains unchanged: to provide a rock-solid infrastructure for general applications that value security models and deterministic execution.
At present, Andromeda has achieved full DSEQ node deployment, becoming the preferred choice for projects that value security and decentralization. It will continue to serve traditional DeFi use cases, and this strategic positioning remains unchanged.
It is worth looking forward to that Andromeda will achieve Stage 0 upgrade in the near future and plans to achieve Stage 1 goal by the end of the year.
Hyperion（HYPE）：Layer 2 Innovation in the AI Era
Unlike Andromedas general positioning, Hyperion (HYPE) represents a specialization leap in blockchain architecture. Built on MetisSDK, its core is the high-performance MetisVM, which provides exclusive optimization for AI applications while maintaining Ethereum compatibility.
Compared with the traditional Layer 2 which is a gradual iteration on the existing design, Hyperion directly targets the fundamental bottleneck that restricts blockchain performance and breaks through the application limitations of existing technologies.
MetisVM’s technological breakthroughs are driving a new wave of blockchain and decentralized AI applications. Its innovations include:
Superior performance through advanced opcode handling and custom instruction extensions
Speculation and parallel execution of contract operations driven by predictive algorithms
State-aware caching that intelligently stores frequently accessed smart contract state variables
Optimized inference engine, hardware acceleration, and zero-knowledge proofs to enable efficient and secure AI model operations within blockchain infrastructure
Hyperion is designed for AI-enabled high-performance computing applications such as high-frequency trading, gaming and DePIN, complementing rather than competing with Andromeda.
Tom Ngo, CEO of Metis, noted that Hyperion also fundamentally changes the way blockchains are executed, enabling AI-native computing from first principles. Applications that are cost-prohibitive or simply impossible on traditional chains become feasible through Hyperions specialized architecture.
Technological breakthrough: How Hyperion achieved a performance leap
In addition to MetisVM, Hyperion’s performance advantage comes from three core technology innovations that together redefine the functionality of Layer 2:
Optimistic Rollup with Parallel Execution
Traditional blockchain execution processes transactions sequentially, creating an inherent bottleneck. Hyperion breaks this limitation by:
Instant Transaction Finality: Sub-second Settlement via Optimistic Commitments
Parallel execution engine: Smart contracts and transactions are processed in parallel, significantly improving processing speed
Optimized anti-fraud mechanism: reducing costs and delays while ensuring Ethereum-level security
The combined effect of these methods changes the execution efficiency. Take the DeFi multi-transaction scenario as an example: the traditional chain needs to be processed sequentially, while Hyperion can execute transactions affecting different liquidity pools in parallel. Multiple reasoning operations of AI applications will achieve exponential performance improvements.
MetisDB: A new generation of state management system
Blockchain performance relies on efficient state management, and Hyperion leverages MetisDB to achieve instant state access, optimized transaction processing, and cost-effective data management.
MetisDB achieves this goal by:
Memory-mapped Merkle trees: Providing nanosecond state access for real-time applications
Multi-version concurrency control (MVCC): supports high-speed execution and parallel state updates
Asynchronous I/O processing: ensuring low-latency, high-throughput storage operations
This innovative approach eliminates storage bottlenecks and enables seamless execution of high-frequency blockchain transactions.
Ethereum Settlement and Cross-Chain Interoperability
While pushing the boundaries of performance, Hyperion is still ultimately secure with the Ethereum Settlement Layer. State commitments are published to Ethereum, ensuring the chain inherits the same security guarantees as the base layer.
Hyperion interoperates with multiple blockchain ecosystems, ensuring seamless cross-chain liquidity and data flow, enabling:
Shared bridging and cross-chain connections: building a multi-chain liquidity chain
Decentralized data and computing power aggregation: connecting AI-driven applications, computing power providers and data chains
With this approach, Hyperion builds a seamless Web3 infrastructure that enables scalable decentralized applications to interact across blockchains, with the security of Ethereum.
The powerful functions of Metis SDK: empowering the dual-chain ecosystem
The foundation of Hyperion (and thus LazAI) is the Metis SDK, a comprehensive development toolkit that enables seamless cross-chain interactions with high-performance capabilities and supports Hyperion’s role as a liquidity hub in the broader blockchain ecosystem.
Metis SDK provides native tools for AI and high-performance dApps, allowing developers to focus on business logic and build AI-native applications more easily without having to manage complex blockchain interactions. The framework enables teams to create an execution layer powered by Metis while overcoming underlying infrastructure challenges.
SDK-driven standardization ensures compatibility between Andromeda and Hyperion, strengthening the dual-chain architecture and enabling applications to be easily deployed across both chains when needed. This interoperability is critical to the cohesion of the ecosystem.
By leveraging the Metis SDK, developers can unlock new possibilities, elevate the entire blockchain ecosystem, and create applications that combine the security of existing blockchain infrastructure with cutting-edge performance capabilities.
Complementary chains: maximizing synergy
The real innovation of the Metis strategy lies not only in the individual chains, but in how they complement each other. Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all solution on all applications, Andromeda and Hyperion are designed to work together seamlessly:
Specialized Execution Environment: Developers can deploy core smart contracts on Andromeda for composability with the current ecosystem while routing computationally intensive protocols to Hyperion.
Seamless flow of assets: Assets can flow freely between chains through shared bridge infrastructure, creating a unified liquidity environment.
Consistent development experience: Similar tools and interfaces can run on both chains, minimizing the learning cost for teams building on Metis.
In addition, asset interoperability will be maintained between the two chains, forming a key part of the dual-chain collaboration mechanism.
“The dual-chain strategy provides a natural path for project evolution,” Tom Ngo added. “Applications can start with standard functionality on Andromeda and gradually integrate AI components through Hyperion as needs grow, while maintaining a unified user experience.”
Developer Adaptation Guide
The complementary nature of Andromeda and Hyperion creates a natural affinity for different application components:
Andromeda is ideal for:
Core financial contracts that emphasize reliability and composability
Long-term data storage that requires maximum decentralization
Traditional DeFi applications with established execution models
Enterprise applications that require deterministic execution guarantees
Hyperion Advantages:
AI-native applications that require computational efficiency
High-frequency trading and complex DeFi operations
On-chain games with real-time interaction requirements
Dynamic computing power demand scenarios
For developers, the decision is not binary - but a strategic deployment on both chains based on component needs. MetisSDK will resolve most cross-chain complexities. Allowing teams to focus on application logic rather than chain-specific implementations.
Existing Andromeda applications can gradually integrate AI capabilities. Initial deployments on Andromeda provide stability and composability through established protocols, while experimental features can be tested on Hyperion, creating a natural evolutionary path that minimizes risk and explores the boundaries of innovation while maintaining stability.
METIS Token: Unified Economic Layer
The METIS token is at the core of this ecosystem architecture, which means Hyperion is extending the functionality of Metis rather than replacing Andromeda. METIS will capture value and maintain utility in both chains through multiple mechanisms:
Native Gas Token: METIS is the native Gas token for all transactions on Andromeda and Hyperion. Both chain transactions use METIS.
Unified value capture: Transaction volume from AI-intensive applications on Hyperion and general DApps on Andromeda both contribute to token value in a unified economic system.
Cross-chain functionality: Staking, governance and other scenarios can run seamlessly on both chains, eliminating the fragmentation of the token economy.
This multi-chain architecture ensures that the utility of the METIS token is enhanced across the board as the ecosystem expands. New application categories enabled by Hyperion’s dedicated architecture create additional utility for the token, benefiting the entire ecosystem.
It is worth noting that METIS was originally issued on Ethereum, and its existence in both chains is in the form of cross-chain mapping.
Long-term ecosystem growth strategy
The dual-chain strategy protects against market volatility through diversified use cases: Andromeda secures foundational activities, while Hyperion drives innovative growth. The complementary nature of this balanced architecture creates a natural expansion path designed to build long-term resilience.
This approach also insulates the ecosystem from market cycles through diverse use cases across different technology sectors. As general DeFi applications provide reliable baseline activity, AI applications drive innovation and new growth frontiers. The balanced dual-chain foundation is designed to create long-term resilience while still supporting cutting-edge development.
This strategy makes Metis unique in the Layer 2 space. Rather than splitting into competing chains or scaling a single chain design beyond its optimal use case, Metis creates dedicated environments that work together seamlessly. This approach aligns with enterprise needs, where different workloads typically run on dedicated infrastructure optimized for specific tasks.
Implementation timetable and roadmap
Hyperions development and integration with the Metis ecosystem follows a structured schedule designed to ensure stability while introducing enhancements:
April-May 2025: Testnet launch
May-August 2025: Mainnet launch
September-December 2025: Mainnet Upgrade
Throughout the rollout, Metis will provide comprehensive support to developers transitioning between chains, including documentation, grants for teams building cross-chain applications, and optimized technical assistance.
Future Vision: Beyond Dual Chains
While the dual-chain architecture represents a significant advancement in Layer 2 design, our vision also extends to reserving space for the future specialized evolution of blockchain.
Just as Hyperion is purpose-built for AI-native applications, future specialized execution environments can target other emerging workloads with unique requirements. This modular architecture enables Metis to quickly adapt to the changing technology landscape while keeping the security and developer experience at the core of its value proposition.
The integration of Hyperion with Metis’ previously announced AI infrastructure, LazAI, creates particularly interesting possibilities. As on-chain AI applications mature, the synergy between these technologies will enable entirely new categories of decentralized applications to leverage both blockchain security and AI capabilities, ushering in a new era of integration of blockchain security and AI capabilities.
Conclusion: Reshaping the Layer 2 Landscape
The launch of the dual-chain architecture of Andromeda and Hyperion marks a fundamental reconstruction of the evolution path of Layer 2. By identifying the optimization priorities of different applications, we have created an ecosystem that balances security, stability and cutting-edge performance.
This strategy makes Metis unique in the Layer 2 space. While other solutions must make trade-offs between security, performance, and decentralization, Metis allows developers to optimize each component of their application based on their specific needs. The result is an ecosystem that can simultaneously support traditional DeFi applications, enterprise workloads, and AI-native innovations without any compromise.
As blockchain moves towards mainstream adoption, the flexibility and scalability of our solution lays the foundation for sustainable development. By solving Layer 2 adoption bottlenecks such as centralized sorters, chain congestion, and rigid economic models, we are building the infrastructure to support the next wave of blockchain innovation.
Rather than limiting the future of Layer 2 to a single chain design optimized for all use cases, the dual-chain approach will foster a modular ecosystem that will make cross-chain applications that were once thought to be impossible a reality. With Andromeda and Hyperion, Metis is making this future a reality.
