Solana Integration with THORChain

On July 16, 2025, THORChain will launch its v3.8 Mainnet upgrade, introducing EdDSA support to enable Solana (SOL) vaults. This move allows THORChain, a cross-chain liquidity protocol, to integrate Solana’s high-speed blockchain, facilitating seamless asset swaps and liquidity provision. The significance? This integration could unlock $SOL for THORChain’s decentralized exchange (DEX), tapping into Solana’s growing ecosystem—known for its low-cost transactions and scalability. Expected impact includes increased liquidity (potentially boosting THORChain’s $127 million liquidity pool) and broader adoption, especially for DeFi users seeking cross-chain efficiency. A follow-up v3.9 Stagenet test is slated for next week, with a Mainnet launch targeted for early August 2025, barring delays.

Recent News

Over the past three months, THORChain has made waves with its Q1 2025 report, revealing $19.62 billion in total USD volume and a peak daily volume of $1.49 billion. The project also sunsetted THORFi lending and savers, redirecting focus to new chain integrations like Solana, led by Strangelove. This aligns with Solana’s momentum, where user adoption and validator growth continue to surge, as noted in a February 2024 Medium analysis.

Future Plans

Post-upgrade, THORChain aims to expand support for additional chains like TRON, TON, and XRP in Q2 2025, per its roadmap. The v3.9 release will test Solana integration, with a full Mainnet rollout planned within a month if testing succeeds. Long-term, THORChain envisions enhancing its RUJI app layer and refining the TCY claims process, positioning itself as a leader in cross-chain DeFi.

Onchain Data

Specific onchain metrics for this integration are pending, as testing is ongoing. However, THORChain’s current liquidity dropped from $329 million to $127 million in Q1 2025, reflecting a strategic pivot. Solana’s network processed over 1.2 billion transactions in 2024, hinting at the potential volume THORChain could tap into. Updates on node resource requirements—crucial given Solana’s high compute demands—are still awaited.

Community Sentiment

X sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with users like @familiarcow and @Zdeadex celebrating the timeline and crediting @gnudrew25’s team. Influencers like @crypto_XZ call it “huge,” while @Rocco_717 seeks clarity on node costs, reflecting active engagement. A 2022 Reddit thread on r/THORChain highlighted past concerns about Solana’s node expenses, suggesting this upgrade addresses long-standing technical hurdles.

Additional Insights

Solana’s EdDSA adoption enhances security over ECDSA, resisting side-channel attacks, a boon for DeFi trust. Competitors like Cosmos and Polkadot also pursue cross-chain solutions, but THORChain’s focus on non-custodial liquidity sets it apart. Users may benefit from lower fees and faster swaps, though early adopters should monitor stability post-launch.

Risk Disclaimer

As with any upgrade, technical glitches or delays could occur. Always research and assess risks before participating.