- Zilliqa 2.0 staking portal launches with liquid and non-liquid options via EVM wallets like MetaMask.
- PlunderSwap now supports cross-chain USDC on Zilliqa using deBridge, removing the need for centralized platforms.
Zilliqa has officially opened a new gateway to its network development by launching the Zilliqa 2.0 staking portal on the Aventurine proto-mainnet. This is not just a technical upgrade, but the beginning of a new way for the community to interact directly with the network.
The new staking system offers two options: liquid staking and non-liquid staking. The former provides liquidity flexibility, while the latter emphasizes long-term commitment. The portal is also integrated with EVM-based wallets such as MetaMask and Rabby, making the user experience much more friendly and hassle-free.
Just imagine, if in the past staking was synonymous with complicated systems and confusing interfaces, now everything can be done with just a few clicks. In fact, Zilliqa provides free trial tokens through its official faucet so that anyone can try this feature without risk.
Not only that, there is also a bounty program that offers rewards of $5 to $200 for users who can find bugs or provide input that the team implements. Interesting, right?
Leadership Shake-Up as Zilliqa 2.0 Takes Shape
However, behind this much-talked-about launch, there is also surprising news coming from within the company. Matt Dyer decided to step down as CEO of Zilliqa Technology on April 8, 2025.
This step was taken in the middle of a crucial period of preparation for the launch of Zilliqa 2.0. Although not explained in detail, Zilliqa said that leadership will be held on an interim basis by an internal team until a long-term strategy is announced after the network transition is complete.
On the other hand, there is one other thing that makes Zilliqa’s excitement even more pronounced: integration with ElizaOS. CNF reported that this AI-based platform now supports various on-chain actions on Zilliqa.
Imagine AI that can send transactions, manage portfolios, and access DeFi applications automatically. This is not only about efficiency, but also expanding new possibilities in the realm of a more lively blockchain. With ElizaOS, Zilliqa is arguably one step closer to a truly autonomous blockchain.
PlunderSwap Unlocks Cross-Chain USDC
Furthermore, there is another interesting development. PlunderSwap, one of the main DEXs on the Zilliqa network, now supports cross-chain USDC trading thanks to its integration with deBridge.
Users can bridge USDC from other chains to Zilliqa without having to go through a centralized platform or the often-inconvenient KYC process. This is certainly good news, especially for those who prefer non-traditional routes.
So, from now on, users can directly bridge USDC through the deBridge portal and use it directly on PlunderSwap. The transaction fees are also quite friendly, suitable for traders who don’t want to lose out on gas fees. The process is also quite simple: connect your wallet, choose a network, and you’re done.
Meanwhile, the ZIL token is also enjoying a breath of fresh air. At the time of writing, ZIL is trading at around $0.01180, up around 5.69% in the last 24 hours and pushing its market capitalization past $230 million. Some analysts even predict that its value could crawl to the range of $0.055 to $0.058 before the end of April, assuming this development momentum continues.
