Altcoin Watch – May 1, 2025: PlutoChain, SOLX, and BDAG Dominate Layer-2 Growth Metrics

Last Updated on May 1, 2025

Summary

• PlutoChain ($PLUTO), Solaxy ($SOLX), and BlockDAG ($BDAG) are leading the Layer-2 narrative as developer traction and ecosystem metrics soar into Q2 2025.
• PlutoChain tops the growth leaderboard with live EVM execution on Bitcoin, real-time smart contracts, and surging Uniswap trading volume.
• SOLX records record-breaking presale momentum with cross-chain dApps and NFT staking live on Solana infrastructure.
• BDAG’s $216M+ presale positions it as the fastest-funded DAG-based L2 in 2025, with a Tier-1 exchange listing expected in May.

#1. PlutoChain ($PLUTO) — The BTC Layer-2 Already Executing at Scale

Leading the Layer-2 pack by execution, PlutoChain ($PLUTO) has emerged as 2025’s strongest modular infrastructure layer — not just on paper, but in real-world deployment.

Built using Celestia and the OP Stack, PlutoChain is delivering smart contract capabilities directly on Bitcoin, unlocking programmable infrastructure for NFTs, DeFi, and gaming dApps previously not possible on the BTC base layer.

Key Metrics:

• 113,000+ testnet transactions
• Live Uniswap trading, with increasing liquidity and 32% rebound
• 120% post-listing price surge
• 2-second finality, near-zero gas, and full EVM compatibility
• Ongoing community grants and ecosystem bounties for builders
• Trading is live in Uniswap

Developers are migrating to PlutoChain to build Bitcoin-native applications that scale, while investors are recognizing its potential as the first Layer-2 to make BTC composable.

#2. Solaxy ($SOLX) — Solana’s Fastest Rising L2 Play

Solaxy is turning heads as it continues to dominate the Solana Layer-2 narrative. The presale has already raised $33 million, and dApp deployment is well underway, especially in gaming and DeFi micro-loan ecosystems.

SOLX powers:

• Gasless transaction modules
• Predict-to-Earn staking
• Dynamic NFT marketplaces
• Cross-chain SDKs bridging SVM and EVM chains

Market Momentum:

• 52% wallet growth YoY
• Whale wallets accumulating 16.8M SOLX
• Analysts targeting $0.30–$0.36 short term

Solaxy is also capitalizing on the meme narrative by integrating playful gamified mechanics and incentivized farming models to drive ecosystem engagement.

#3. BlockDAG ($BDAG) — DAG Infrastructure With Massive Funding Traction

BlockDAG’s presale has crossed a staggering $216 million, making it the most heavily backed DAG-based L2 in the current cycle. Positioned as a highly scalable, asynchronous parallel-execution protocol, BDAG is targeting high-TPS DeFi, gaming, and modular rollup layers.

Technical Advantages:

• DAG-based architecture = no block congestion
• VM-agnostic smart contract deployment
• Bridges planned for Ethereum and Solana
• Targeting 450,000 TPS in parallel testnet rollout

BDAG’s rumored Tier-1 exchange debut has fueled speculation and rapid wallet onboarding — placing it high on investor watchlists for May.

Layer-2 Growth by the Numbers (as of May 1, 2025)

Final Thoughts

The Layer-2 narrative is more than just scalability — it’s about execution, interoperability, and real-world deployment. In that race, PlutoChain leads the pack by already delivering on-chain utility atop Bitcoin’s security.

Solaxy is earning its place by combining meme culture, dApp utility, and rapid wallet adoption. Meanwhile, BlockDAG’s deep presale momentum positions it as the most capitalized Layer-2 protocol heading into summer.

2025 is shaping up to be the year Layer-2 becomes the new Layer-1. And these three are setting the standard.

Disclaimer:
The information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice. Cryptocurrency trading carries significant risks, and readers should do their own research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and all investments can lose value.