Why is Mantle (MNT) crypto back in the spotlight? 

Over the past month, Mantle (MNT) crypto has surged back into conversations across DeFi Twitter, on-chain analytics dashboards, and major exchanges. With its roots as an Ethereum Layer-2 solution, Mantle’s recent series of protocol upgrades, exchange listings, and incentive programs have reignited interest in its native token. In this article, we’ll explore why Mantle (MNT) crypto is back in the spotlight, breaking down each catalyst in detail.

Learn  What is Mantle? MNT Explained

What Is Mantle (MNT) Crypto?

First and foremost, Mantle (MNT) crypto serves two principal functions within the Mantle Network: it pays for transaction (gas) fees and it underpins on-chain governance. Built atop Ethereum using an Optimistic Rollup framework, Mantle separates execution, settlement, and data availability layers to drive down fees while maintaining Ethereum-grade security As an EVM-compatible chain, developers can deploy existing smart contracts on Mantle with minimal modification, ensuring that Mantle (MNT) crypto flows seamlessly into DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and AI-powered trading platforms. 

Coinbase Listing & Improved Liquidity

Secondly, accessibility has played a massive role in rekindling attention toward Mantle (MNT) crypto. On May 1, 2025, Coinbase officially listed MNT (branded as “MANTLE” on their platform), marking its debut on one of the world’s largest retail and institutional exchanges. Consequently, this listing widened the token’s reach, boosting 24-hour trading volumes by over 150 million euros on day one and triggering a double-digit price surge. As a result of enhanced liquidity, traders and portfolio managers now view Mantle (MNT) crypto as a more viable asset for both short-term speculation and long-term allocation.

Mantle v2 Mainnet Upgrade & ZK Rollup Roadmap

Furthermore, technical milestones have fortified Mantle’s value proposition. In Q1 2025, Mantle completed its “v2” mainnet upgrade - codenamed Tectonic- leveraging OP Stack Bedrock enhancements to enable predictable two-second block intervals and native token migration off ERC-20 contracts. Moreover, by integrating EigenDA for modular data availability, Mantle reduced on-chain data bottlenecks and unlocked enterprise-grade throughput. Looking ahead, the network’s roadmap includes transitioning from an optimistic rollup to a ZK-validity rollup via Succinct’s SP1. This upcoming upgrade aims to slash finality times from days to under an hour, further tightening fee spreads and positioning Mantle (MNT) crypto as a top contender among Layer-2 solutions.

Bridge Incentive Airdrop

In addition, the Mantle team has launched a bridge-usage incentive to onboard fresh liquidity. Through the official Stargate and native bridges, every wallet that deposits assets onto Mantle L2 automatically receives 1 MNT as a gas-sponsor bonus. As a result, both DeFi traders and yield-farmers have been flocking to bridge assets - whether ETH, USDC, or other supported tokens, just to claim their free MNT and offset gas costs. This grassroots airdrop mechanism has translated into a noticeable uptick in daily active addresses and deposit volumes on the network.

Active Community Events for Mantle (MNT)

Moreover, community engagement has remained at the heart of Mantle’s revival. June 2025 boasts a packed events calendar for Mantle (MNT) crypto enthusiasts:

• InfoFi X Spaces (June 10, 1 PM UTC): A joint livestream with Cookie DAO, discussing upcoming campaigns and cross-protocol synergies.
  
  
• AMA with Funny Money (June 12, 2 PM UTC): A live Q&A featuring Valerio (Funny Money founder) and Brian (Mantle Network community lead), exploring the intersection of AI agents and DeFi on Mantle.
  
  
• MI4 Fund Phase 1 Launch (Q2 2025): The initial rollout of the Mantle Index Four (MI4) tokenised fund begins this quarter, offering an institutional-grade, yield-enhanced index product backed by $400 million from the Mantle Treasury.
  
  

These on-chain and livestreamed events have kept Mantle (MNT) crypto top-of-mind for both existing holders and newcomers seeking direct interaction with project leads.

Renewed Media Coverage & Guides about Mantle (MNT)

Finally, educational content and deep-dive articles have proliferated across reputable crypto publications. For instance, XT Exchange published “What Is Mantle and the MNT Token,” offering a comprehensive breakdown of Mantle (MNT) crypto fundamentals and ecosystem metrics. Similarly, MEXC’s blog released a detailed Q1 recap and roadmap guide—“Mantle Network 2025 Q1: Feature Rollout and Security Enhancement”—helping users understand the technical underpinnings behind Mantle (MNT) crypto upgrades. Such guides, coupled with step-by-step tutorials on “How to Bridge to Mantle” and “How to Buy MNT,” have dramatically lowered the barrier for entry.

Conclusion

In summary, Mantle (MNT) crypto has reclaimed the spotlight through a confluence of factors: major exchange listings, significant protocol upgrades, targeted airdrops, vibrant community events, and robust educational outreach. As Mantle transitions toward ZK-rollup architecture and rolls out institutional-grade products like MI4, the network is well-positioned for further adoption. Consequently, whether you’re a DeFi strategist evaluating Layer-2 yield opportunities or a developer seeking low-cost execution, Mantle (MNT) crypto deserves a close look in your next on-chain portfolio review.