What is BlockDAG? The EVM L1 Blockchain Developers Should Know

BlockDAG is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain using DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) technology. Here is a concise developer overview.

Core Properties

• EVM Compatible: Solidity contracts work here
• Chain ID: 1404
• RPC: https://rpc.primordial.bdagscan.com
• WebSocket: wss://rpc.bdagscan.com/
• Explorer: https://primordial.bdagscan.com

Add to MetaMask

Network: BlockDAG Mainnet
RPC URL: https://rpc.primordial.bdagscan.com
Chain ID: 1404
Symbol: BDAG

Critical: EVM Target

BlockDAG targets Berlin, not Shanghai/Cancun. The PUSH0 opcode is NOT supported.

// hardhat.config.js
solidity: {
  version: "0.8.20",
  settings: {
    optimizer: { enabled: true, runs: 200 },
    evmVersion: "berlin"  // required!
  }
}

This is the most common mistake when deploying on BlockDAG.

WebSocket Real-Time

const ws = new WebSocket('wss://rpc.bdagscan.com/');
ws.on('open', () => ws.send(JSON.stringify({
  jsonrpc: '2.0',
  method: 'eth_subscribe',
  params: ['newHeads'],
  id: 1
})));

What Exists on BlockDAG

The ecosystem is early. Currently live:

• 999DEX (999dex.com) — First native DEX. AMM trading, bonding curve token launcher, Contract Studio (no-code contract deployment), and staking.

33+ tokens trading, 15 smart contracts deployed.

Why Build Here?

1. First mover — infrastructure gaps are opportunities
2. Low gas fees
3. Full EVM compatibility

Resources

• Docs: https://docs.blockdagnetwork.io
• Explorer: https://primordial.bdagscan.com
• First DEX: https://999dex.com
• Starter Kit: https://github.com/BlockdagNetworkLabs/blockdag_starter_kit

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Independent developer overview. Not affiliated with BlockDAG Network Labs.