Arc is a Layer-1 blockchain developed by Circle, designed as an economic operating system for the internet.
It bridges programmable money with real-world economic activity, using USDC as its native gas token. Currently in testnet, Arc invites early developers to engage with basic activities and mark participation.
Arc testnet Early state
🟩 Arc Testnet by Circle
- ➖ Arc is Circle’s Layer-1 blockchain and Economic OS for the internet
- ➖ Built to connect programmable money with real-world economic activity
- ➖ Uses USDC as its native gas token
- ➖ Open to developers and enterprises globally
- ➖ Claim test tokens: Circle Faucet: https://faucet.circle.com/
- ➖ Deploy contracts: zkcodex.com/onchain/deploy
- ➖ Mint Memorial NFT: zkcodex.com/onchain/memorial
- ➖ Start building: docs.arc.network
- ➖ Learn more: Arc Public Testnet Blog: https://arc.network/blog/circle-launches-arc-public-testnet
Summary
Arc Testnet is a strategic milestone for Circle, marking its expansion from stablecoin infrastructure into full Layer-1 blockchain architecture. By positioning Arc as the Economic OS for the internet, Circle integrates programmable money (USDC) directly into onchain applications, enabling developers and enterprises to build real-world financial logic into decentralized systems. The testnet phase allows early experimentation with smart contracts, zkCodex tooling, and native USDC gas mechanics — laying the groundwork for Circle’s broader vision of economic interoperability across Web3.
