by Dr. Steven Brule 
Merlin Chain continues to establish itself as the premier Layer 2 solution for Bitcoin, bringing exciting updates and enhanced capabilities to its platform. These recent advancements make the Bitcoin ecosystem more interactive, scalable, and user-friendly. In this blog, we dive into the latest updates and explore how Merlin Chain is making Bitcoin fun again!
Bitmap.game V0.3: Enhancing Interactivity and User Experience
The new update to Bitmap.game brings version 0.3 to life with significant improvements, aimed at refining player engagement and expanding in-game functionality.
1. Rent Feature Optimized
The interaction for the Rent feature has been streamlined. Users now enjoy enhanced controls and perspectives, creating a more immersive experience. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious gamer, these updates improve how you engage with virtual real estate on Bitmap.
2. In-Game Props and Skybox Customization
Bitmap players can now place props within the game and replace the skybox, offering more flexibility and customization. This feature allows for greater personalization, ensuring that each player’s virtual space is unique and reflective of their style.
3. Real-Time Object Interactions
Players can now pick up, drop, and use in-game objects, with real-time interaction synced across the platform. This update brings multiplayer interaction to a new level. Coupled with the introduction of new DEX items and features, players can rent and display these items while enabling token swaps within their Bitmaps—an exciting development for decentralized trading enthusiasts.
Unicross Dapp: Connecting NFTs and Bitcoin with Phantom Swaps
The integration of Unicross Dapp on MerlinChain is making waves. The recently launched “This Song About NFTs” phantom swap feature is a notable highlight. As part of the launch, users are encouraged to participate in the NFT economy through Fractal Bitcoin (FB) airdrops. The more users engage by swapping tokens, the more they are rewarded with FB—an initiative that fosters greater participation in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Early adopters of Merlin Phantom (NFT) are eligible for rewards. The first 50 addresses swapping tokens receive 2 FB, while the next 200 addresses get 1 FB each. These incentives are set to boost participation and strengthen the community around Merlin’s ecosystem.
Merlin Chain’s 2024 H1 Report: Scaling to New Heights
The Merlin Chain 2024 H1 Report underscores the platform’s explosive growth in its first six months of operations. Here’s a quick snapshot of its stellar performance:
- $1.2 billion Total Value Locked (TVL)
- $16 billion in bridge volume
- 1.9 million unique addresses
- 12.7 million transactions
Merlin Chain’s rise as Bitcoin’s largest Layer 2 solution demonstrates its importance in the larger Bitcoin ecosystem, which now boasts over 200 decentralized apps (dApps) and significant participation from Bitcoin-native asset holders.
Record-Breaking Growth
In just 50 days post-mainnet launch, Merlin Chain shattered records, securing $3.9 billion in TVL and capturing the attention of the entire blockchain community. By H1 2024, M-BTC reached a $1.2 billion market cap, cementing Merlin Chain’s status as the leading platform for Bitcoin scalability and asset management.
Bitcoin-Native Asset Empowerment: Supporting Communities Like BITMAP and Ordinals NFTs
Merlin Chain’s ecosystem is highly engaged with communities like BITMAP, BRC-20, BRC-420, and Ordinals NFTs. By supporting these Bitcoin-native assets, the platform enables decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFT innovations within Bitcoin. With nearly $2 billion in trading volume and $78 million in liquidity, Merlin Chain is fostering a vibrant marketplace for Bitcoin enthusiasts and developers alike.
The Expanding dApp Ecosystem on Merlin Chain
Merlin Chain is home to a growing number of dApps, each contributing to its dynamic ecosystem. Some of the most notable applications include:
- UniCrossGlobal – The top BRC-20/RUNES bridge.
- SolvProtocol – The leading Bitcoin liquidity restaking protocol.
- Surf Protocol – The No.1 DEX for Bitcoin derivatives.
- Avalon Finance – Bitcoin’s top lending protocol.
- MerlinSwap – The native DEX for Bitcoin, dominating spot and perpetual trading.
Merlin Chain’s growing dApp ecosystem illustrates the platform’s ability to provide critical infrastructure and foster innovations in DeFi, metaverse, and cross-chain applications.
A Future Fueled by Fair Token Distribution
Merlin Chain’s tokenomics are designed with the community in mind. As of 2024, the platform’s native token, $MERL, has achieved wide distribution, with over 20% of the total supply allocated to the community. In the next 12 months, only 0.4% of tokens will be released, and in 24 months, the release rate will increase to just 5.5%. This controlled emission schedule ensures that the token maintains value over time, benefiting both long-term holders and the community.
Final Thoughts: Making Bitcoin Fun Again!
Merlin Chain has breathed new life into the Bitcoin ecosystem by not only solving scalability issues but also making the network fun and engaging for users. Whether it’s renting props in Bitmap, swapping NFTs, or participating in DeFi through Merlin’s dApps, there’s something for everyone in this expanding universe. With continued growth, community-driven innovations, and record-breaking performance, Merlin Chain is poised to redefine how we interact with Bitcoin in 2024 and beyond.
Stay tuned for even more updates as Merlin Chain continues to scale and innovate. The best is yet to come!
Disclaimer: The above article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The cryptocurrency market is volatile and unpredictable; always conduct your research before investing.
