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When launching your own crypto, picking the correct Layer 1 is very important and in this thread we’ll cover everything you need to take into account before doing so.
This is arguably one of the most important parts of starting your own coin. If you get it wrong, it can cause serious problems and limitations down the line. In other words:
"Get this right the first time, OR seriously regret it later."
There are many elements to think about. First, it’s the overall chain usage and what that was created for.
For example, GALA is built on GalaChain specifically to host GameFi projects. Solana, while not originally intended for memes, has basically become the go-to for memecoins now, largely because of its cheap fees, reliability, security, and scalability.
You must pick a Layer 1 blockchain that fits your utility's narrative.
Here’s a list of common Layer 1s and what they’re known for:
These are the categories on CoinMarketCap so you can check for yourself: https://coinmarketcap.com/
The next thing to consider is the ecosystem and community of that Layer 1. If you choose a less popular chain, it’s likely you’ll have trouble finding an experienced dev who can help you build. It’s best to find a chain that’s already established so it’s easier to tap into existing talent. This also applies to tooling. Third parties often build tools to help projects move faster, and if you’re on an unpopular chain, there likely won’t be much to work with.
Actual chain strength is very important. What’s the point in building on a weak chain? Look into things like time to finality, transactions per second (TPS), and whether the network can handle explosive growth.
Transaction costs are a major factor. You’ll likely be distributing your coin to your investors or community, and if your chain’s gas fees are expensive, those costs will add up fast. For example, hosting an airdrop on Ethereum is significantly more expensive than doing it on Solana. If you’re distributing to thousands of wallets, Ethereum might not be for you.
Security and decentralization are also crucial. If your chosen chain isn’t secure, your project is at risk. If someone hacks the Layer 1 your coin is hosted on, you could become a victim of the same attack. Always research past security breaches on your chosen chain before making a decision.
You also need to ask how well-accepted your chain is across the industry. Are there DEXs and CEXs that support it? Does it have a reliable blockchain explorer? The general rule here is the higher the volume and the more experienced the chain, the better your chances of success.
Funding and grants are another thing to look at. Some Layer 1s offer financial incentives, incubators, or even VC attention. If you're looking to raise capital, avoid dead chains that have no track record of investment. That’s an easy reason for a VC to walk away.
Once you’ve gone through all of these, you’ll be in a strong position to pick the right chain. It lowers your risk of failure and gives you a much better shot at long-term success.
This is arguably one of the most important parts of starting your own coin. If you get it wrong, it can cause serious problems and limitations down the line. In other words:
"Get this right the first time, OR seriously regret it later."
There are many elements to think about. First, it’s the overall chain usage and what that was created for.
For example, GALA is built on GalaChain specifically to host GameFi projects. Solana, while not originally intended for memes, has basically become the go-to for memecoins now, largely because of its cheap fees, reliability, security, and scalability.
You must pick a Layer 1 blockchain that fits your utility's narrative.
Here’s a list of common Layer 1s and what they’re known for:
- Ethereum (ETH) – All purpose
- Near Protocol (NEAR) – AI
- Solana (SOL) – Memecoins and GameFi
- Gala Games (GALA) – GameFi
- Avalanche (AVAX) – Real World Assets (RWA)
- Hedera (HBAR) – Real World Assets (RWA)
- Vechain (VET) – Real World Assets (RWA)
- Injective (INJ) – DeFi, RWAs, AI
- Kaspa (KAS) – Faster BTC
These are the categories on CoinMarketCap so you can check for yourself: https://coinmarketcap.com/
The next thing to consider is the ecosystem and community of that Layer 1. If you choose a less popular chain, it’s likely you’ll have trouble finding an experienced dev who can help you build. It’s best to find a chain that’s already established so it’s easier to tap into existing talent. This also applies to tooling. Third parties often build tools to help projects move faster, and if you’re on an unpopular chain, there likely won’t be much to work with.
Actual chain strength is very important. What’s the point in building on a weak chain? Look into things like time to finality, transactions per second (TPS), and whether the network can handle explosive growth.
Transaction costs are a major factor. You’ll likely be distributing your coin to your investors or community, and if your chain’s gas fees are expensive, those costs will add up fast. For example, hosting an airdrop on Ethereum is significantly more expensive than doing it on Solana. If you’re distributing to thousands of wallets, Ethereum might not be for you.
Security and decentralization are also crucial. If your chosen chain isn’t secure, your project is at risk. If someone hacks the Layer 1 your coin is hosted on, you could become a victim of the same attack. Always research past security breaches on your chosen chain before making a decision.
You also need to ask how well-accepted your chain is across the industry. Are there DEXs and CEXs that support it? Does it have a reliable blockchain explorer? The general rule here is the higher the volume and the more experienced the chain, the better your chances of success.
Funding and grants are another thing to look at. Some Layer 1s offer financial incentives, incubators, or even VC attention. If you're looking to raise capital, avoid dead chains that have no track record of investment. That’s an easy reason for a VC to walk away.
- Use Case Fit – Choose a chain suited to your project type (e.g. DeFi, NFT, gaming)
- Ecosystem Support – Look for active developer communities, tools, and grant programs
- Transaction Costs – Consider gas fees for both your project and end users
- Security and Decentralization – Evaluate the chain’s track record
- Developer Experience – Good documentation, language support, and available talent
- Interoperability – Assess how easily the chain connects to others(EVM Compatable)
- Liquidity Access – Ensure key tokens and stablecoins are present with exchange support
- Reputation and Longevity – Favor chains with a stable history and clear roadmaps
- Regulatory Friendliness – Understand any compliance or legal concerns
- User Base – Choose chains with active users or growing adoption
- Incentives – Look for grants, exposure, and launch support
Once you’ve gone through all of these, you’ll be in a strong position to pick the right chain. It lowers your risk of failure and gives you a much better shot at long-term success.
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