- Zero Network, an Ethereum Layer 2 focused on gasless transactions, is being wound down after approximately 1.5 years.
- Zerion said it is shifting focus to its API and wallet products.
- The team stated that operating a standalone blockchain was not the right approach to achieve its goals.
- Users have been advised to bridge out NFTs, ETH, and other tokens before July 31, 2026.
- Bridging into Zero Network has already been suspended.
Zerion Announces Closure of Zero Network
Zero Network, an Ethereum Layer 2 network designed around gasless transactions, is winding down operations after approximately 1.5 years, according to an announcement made by Zerion on Thursday.
4/ We’re winding down ZERϴ Network to double down on @zerion API and wallet.
All users need to bridge their funds off ZERϴ before July 31, 2026.
Your assets are safe. Here’s exactly what to do 👇
— ZERϴ Network (@zerodotnetwork) May 21, 2026
In a statement shared on social media platform X, the team said, “We’re winding down ZERϴ Network to double down on [Zerion’s] API and wallet.”
Zero Network initially launched in November 2024. The project was developed as an EVM-compatible, fully gasless rollup intended to simplify the user experience and support broader adoption of blockchain technology.
Team Explains Strategic Shift
“That vision was right. But after running ZERϴ Network, we’ve learned that the best way to deliver on that vision isn’t maintaining a standalone chain.”
“The best way is focusing our resources where they have the greatest impact for the people who are using our products every day.”
The announcement said the company will focus its resources on Zerion’s API and wallet products instead of operating a standalone blockchain network.
Users Asked to Withdraw Assets Before July Deadline
Zerion said that assets held on Zero Network remain safe and accessible. Zerion said all users should bridge their funds, including ETH, tokens, and NFTs, off Zero Network before July 31, 2026. The team stated that all assets remain fully accessible and bridgeable to Ethereum mainnet or another preferred blockchain network. The company also confirmed that transfers into Zero Network have already been suspended. On April 11, 2026, Zerion temporarily disabled its web application after detecting abnormal activity and launched an internal investigation. The company confirmed that user funds remained secure throughout the incident and later restored services after implementing additional security measures.Founded in 2016, Zerion operates Zerion Wallet, a self-custody cryptocurrency wallet available through mobile applications and web browser extensions.
Crypto and DeFi Sector Sees Multiple Shutdowns and Strategic Restructurings
Recent months have seen a series of shutdowns and restructurings across the cryptocurrency and decentralized finance sector, reflecting changing market conditions and shifting business priorities. Balancer Labs announced a shutdown following a $128 million exploit, although the protocol continues operating under a restructured model supported by its DAO. Ethereum infrastructure provider Syndicate Labs decided to wind down after five years, citing reduced demand in the rollup market and a transition toward more customized blockchain infrastructure. Meanwhile, DeFi superapp Legend said it will cease operations in July after struggling to achieve sustainable growth despite backing from major venture investors. These developments underscore an ongoing period of consolidation and strategic realignment across the digital asset industry.
FAQs
1. Why is Zero Network shutting down?
Zerion said it is winding down Zero Network to focus its resources on its API and wallet products. The team stated that maintaining a standalone blockchain was not the most effective way to achieve its vision for gasless blockchain interactions.
2. When will Zero Network cease operations?
Users have been instructed to bridge their assets off Zero Network before July 31, 2026. The announcement did not provide additional operational timelines beyond this deadline.
3. What assets need to be moved from Zero Network?
Users holding assets on Zero Network, including ETH, tokens, and NFTs, should bridge them to Ethereum mainnet or another preferred blockchain before the July 31, 2026 deadline.
4. Are assets on Zero Network safe during the wind-down process?
Yes. According to Zerion, user assets remain safe, fully accessible, and bridgeable during the wind-down period.
