What is Degen? Learn About Memecoin Building Layer 3 on Base

In the ever-expanding crypto landscape, meme coins have evolved far beyond viral dog pictures. A new generation of degen projects is now pushing technical boundaries, and Degen is one of the first to do it by building on a Layer 3 blockchain—right on top of Base, Coinbase’s Layer 2.
So, what is Degen Chain? Why is it making waves in the Web3 memecoin community, and what does it mean to build a Layer 3 blockchain for memes? Let’s explore the vision behind Degen, how it works, and what makes it one of the most exciting developments in the degen crypto world.
As a top platform tracking memecoin trends and airdrop opportunities, Gate is watching the evolution of Degen closely.

What is Degen Chain?

Degen Chain is a Layer 3 blockchain dedicated to memecoins and degen culture, built on top of Base (Layer 2), which itself is built on Ethereum. This makes Degen one of the first Layer 3 chains in the ecosystem.
It uses OP Stack, the same technology powering Base, and is optimized for:

• High-speed transactions
• Low gas fees
• Community-driven token launches
• Memecoin utility beyond speculation

The project’s native token is called DEGEN, and it fuels all on-chain activity such as transfers, deployments, and ecosystem dApps.

How Degen Chain Works

Degen leverages Base’s scalability while adding its own Layer 3 environment, giving meme projects more flexibility and cheaper fees.

This technical setup allows developers and degen communities to build, launch, and scale memecoins with almost no entry barrier, while still benefiting from Ethereum’s security.

The Role of the DEGEN Token

The DEGEN token is not just a meme — it’s the lifeblood of the chain. While it began as a community reward token on Farcaster (a decentralized social network), it now powers:

• Gas fees on Degen Chain
• Incentives for dApps and users
• Governance features (future roadmap)
• On-chain tipping and micro-rewards

What started as a fun tipping token has now evolved into a core utility token on a fast-growing Layer 3 chain.

Why Degen Chain is Gaining Traction

Several reasons explain the hype surrounding Degen Chain in the memecoin and airdrop communities:

• Low fees allow for mass adoption of tipping and micro airdrops
• Memecoin-native focus creates a strong identity and user culture
• Farcaster integration helps onboard social users easily
• Fast dApp growth (launchpads, games, and more)

For investors and airdrop hunters, Degen Chain is a goldmine of early-stage opportunities, often popping up before major CEX listings.

How Gate Supports the Degen Movement

As one of the leading exchanges for listing high-potential meme coins, Gate regularly features degen-related projects through:

• Startup token sales
• Airdrop campaigns
• MemeZone listings
• Tracking early-stage L2 & L3 activity

While Degen Chain is still in its early phase, Gate encourages users to follow its development, add DEGEN to watchlists, and explore new opportunities as they arise.

Conclusion

Degen Chain represents the next level of memecoin evolution: from pure speculation to actual infrastructure. By building a Layer 3 focused entirely on degen culture, it enables faster, cheaper, and more creative meme-based economies.
Whether you’re a developer, investor, or memecoin enthusiast, understanding how Degen and Layer 3 chains work is key to staying ahead in Web3.
Follow Degen, and keep up with the latest memecoin trends on Gate, where degen culture meets trading infrastructure.
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