Zilliqa joins other layer-1s in adding Ethereum Virtual Machine support on mainnet
Quick Take
- Zilliqa is rolling out Ethereum Virtual Machine support in its latest update.
- EOS did the same earlier this month.
Zilliqa is rolling out Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility in its v9.0.0 update, which started at 4:00 a.m. EDT — effectively allowing developers to build applications on Ethereum and other EVM-compatible protocols.
Zilliqa's programming language is called Scilla, which is short for Smart Contract Intermediate-Level Language. By adding EVM support, the network will support decentralized applications written in Ethereum's programming language, Solidity.
The upgrade will also allow users to transfer Zilliqa's native coin, ZIL, using MetaMask and other EVM-compatible wallets. EVM support includes "the ability to transfer ZIL natively without complex conversion processes, making it superior to many layer-2 protocol implementations," the Zilliqa team noted.
The Zilliqa team also stated that its network might experience downtime for 24 hours while it implements its v9.0.0 update. "During this period, no transactions will be processed by the network," it explained.
EVM compatibility was first deployed on Zilliqa's testnet last December.
All EVM everything
Zilliqa's implementation of EVM follows another long-standing layer-1 blockchain's doing the same.
The Ethereum Virtual Machine is a computing environment designed to run smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. Over the last few years, EVM has become the most widely adopted standard for smart contracts. While this system was initially designed for Ethereum, many third-party blockchains have also adopted EVM — trying to replicate Ethereum's success.
Earlier this month, the EOS Network Foundation launched the beta version of the EOS EVM Virtual Machine after more than a year of development.
As is the case with Zilliqa, EOS uses a different programming language — C++ in this case. The EOS EVM runs dapps written in Solidity.
Solidity is used by most web3 developers and supported by open-source code libraries and tools. EVM support opens up more opportunities to attract developers skilled in the programming language to blockchains looking to increase market share in the competitive layer-1 sector.
The EOS Network Foundation previously stated that "EVM compatibility is essential."
© 2026 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.