Gate Research’s latest report, “Analyzing Chain Abstraction: An Inevitable Outcome of Web3 Diversification,” comprehensively examines the technical foundations and ecosystem evolution of chain abstraction as an emerging narrative. Focusing on modular development and user intent-driven approaches, the report analyzes how chain abstraction is transforming user experience and creating a more open, composable Web3 infrastructure amid the multi-chain boom. It covers the three-layer architecture, key protocol standards, ecosystem roles, and future trends in omnichain interoperability.

Key Takeaways

• Emergence of the Sector: As the number of public blockchains rapidly grew to over 370 between 2023 and 2025, users began facing significant interaction challenges, including managing multiple accounts, fragmented assets, and cross-chain friction. Chain abstraction emerged to address these issues. At its core, it redefines the interaction paradigm around user intent, aiming to deliver a seamless cross-chain experience by concealing the differences between underlying chains and offering unified identity, universal gas fees, and frictionless asset transfers.
• Three-Layer Architecture: Chain abstraction is built upon three major structures: account-level abstraction, application layer orchestration, and underlying protocol adaptation. Account-level handles unified identity and state synchronization, the application layer encapsulates cross-chain operations through SDKs/APIs, and the underlying protocol enables cross-chain communication and unified settlement. Projects like LayerZero, ERC-7683, and Particle Network are driving this architecture from concept to practical implementation.
• Ecosystem Role Differentiation and Technical Modularity: The chain abstraction ecosystem has evolved into three distinct functional layers: permission coordination, execution solving, and settlement clearing. Each layer features a diverse range of project deployments. For example, NEAR and Particle provide account and coordination services, LI.FI aggregates bridges and liquidity, UniswapX and Socket focus on order execution, and LayerZero handles underlying communication. This modular design creates opportunities for composable innovation.
• Technical Integration Trends and Application Boundaries: Chain abstraction is rapidly converging with modular blockchains, intent-driven execution, and ZK verification mechanisms. AI solvers and cross-chain MEV bidding are emerging as new directions at the execution layer. At the application level, chain abstraction is widely applicable to one-click multi-chain transactions, GameFi asset interoperability, multi-chain identity systems, and automated strategy execution.
• Risks and Challenges: While chain abstraction improves user experience, it also introduces challenges such as centralized coordination, expanded smart contract attack surfaces, and unclear risk perception for users. Insufficient standardization, ecosystem fragmentation, and regulatory pressures continue to be key factors limiting scalable development.
• Future Outlook: Chain abstraction is more than just a technical solution. It is a systematic framework for optimizing user experience. It will lead Web3’s transformation from a “chain-centric” to a “user intent-centric” interaction model, potentially becoming a key infrastructure and capital focus in the multi-chain era.

Gate Research is a comprehensive blockchain and crypto research platform that provides readers with in-depth content, including technical analysis, hot insights, market reviews, industry research, trend forecasts, and macroeconomic policy analysis.

Disclaimer
This content does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation. You should always seek independent professional advice before making any investment decisions. Please note that Gate.io may restrict or prohibit all or part of its services from certain restricted regions. For more information, please read the User Agreement here: https://www.gate.io/user-agreement.
Investing in the cryptocurrency market involves high risk. It is recommended that users conduct independent research and fully understand the nature of the assets and products they purchase before making any investment decisions. Gate.io is not responsible for any losses or damages from such investment decisions.

Gate.io Team
April 25, 2025

Gateway to Crypto
Trade over 3,800 cryptocurrencies safely, quickly, and easily on Gate.io
Take Action Now
Sign up and claim up to $10,000 in welcome rewards
Invite friends and earn a 40% commission
Stay Connected
Visit Gate.io’s official website
Download the Gate.io App | Desktop
Follow us on X (Twitter) to get more bonuses
Join our Telegram community to discuss trending topics
Engage with our global community for the latest insights
Transparency & Security
Check our 100% Proof of Reserves