Scroll zkEVM Beginner's Guide

This article will introduce beginners to how to interact with the Layer 2 (L2) decentralized applications (Dapps). We will use Scroll zkEVM as an example to explain how to start using Dapps on the Ethereum L2 network. The skills in this guide can, in principle, be applied to any other L2 network. For demonstration, we will use an on-chain tic-tac-toe game running on the Scroll L2 network.

Preparation: Install MetaMask Wallet

If you have already installed MetaMask, you can skip this step. Otherwise, please install the appropriate version of MetaMask according to your browser or mobile device.

Step 1: Set up the Scroll L2 Testnet and Goerli Testnet

Scroll zkEVM has currently launched its alpha testnet. This is an L2 network compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), meaning that smart contracts written for Ethereum can be directly deployed on Scroll zkEVM. The Scroll L2 alpha testnet is currently connected to the Goerli testnet on Ethereum L1. This means that the Scroll L2 network will send batched transactions to the Goerli L1 network to "finalize" the transactions. Therefore, it still relies on the security of the Ethereum L1 network, but achieves better scalability, as not every transaction needs to be published on the Ethereum mainnet.

You can add the Scroll L2 network to MetaMask according to the relevant instructions. At the same time, if you haven't added it yet, you also need to add the Goerli network to MetaMask.

Step 2: Obtain Goerli Testnet ETH

After completing the network setup, you need to obtain some Goerli testnet ETH from a faucet. There are several faucet options available:

1. You can earn 0.2 ETH each time, and you need to register for an Alchemy account.
2. A proof-of-work ( PoW ) faucet can provide more ETH, but you need to keep the page open and "mine" for a while.
3. Twitter login is required, obtaining 0.1 ETH takes some time, which is relatively inconvenient.

You can choose one or combine multiple faucets. After obtaining enough ETH, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: "Cross-chain" ETH from Goerli to Scroll L2

You now need to cross-chain the ETH obtained in step two to the Scroll L2 testnet. Visit the cross-chain interface and follow the instructions on the page to transfer some ETH to your address on the Scroll L2 testnet.

Please note that this transaction will not be completed immediately and will take some time to transfer ETH. Once the ETH is successfully transferred, you can proceed to the next step and try the on-chain Tic-Tac-Toe game!

Step Four: Experience the On-Chain Tic-Tac-Toe Game

Visit the game page, connect your wallet, and create a new game. This is a multiplayer game, and you need to add your friend's address or use your second wallet as the second player.

After creating the game, select your game from the list, and you can start playing Tic Tac Toe on the blockchain.

This game also has an interesting feature: if you make a mistake at any point, or if you don't want to lose the game, you can reset the game at any time.

Step Five ( Optional ): Explore other Dapps on Scroll L2

If you want to try other Dapps and games on Scroll, you can check the relevant resource page to learn more about the available applications.

Through this guide, you have learned the basic steps to interact with Dapps on L2 networks like Scroll zkEVM. These skills can help you better explore and participate in the evolving Web3 ecosystem.