Arc blockchain: facts with sources
Arc is a Layer-1 blockchain built by Circle. It is EVM-compatible, uses USDC as its gas token, and its public mainnet launched on 16 September 2026.
Checked against each source on 2 Nov 2026. Figures that change (USDC supply, activity, apps) are on Arc in numbers; projects on Arc in the directory.
What is Arc?
Arc is a Layer-1 blockchain built by Circle. It is EVM-compatible, uses USDC as its gas token, and its public mainnet launched on 16 September 2026. (source, source, source)
When did Arc mainnet launch?
Circle launched the public Arc mainnet on 16 September 2026, after a private mainnet phase. (source) The public testnet launched on 28 Oct 2025 (source).
What is the gas token on Arc?
USDC is Arc's native gas token. The native gas balance uses 18 decimals; the USDC ERC-20 interface at 0x3600…0000 uses 6 decimals. (source)
Is Arc EVM-compatible?
Arc is EVM-compatible and targets Ethereum's Osaka hard fork as its baseline, including EIP-7702. (source)
Who runs the validators on Arc?
Along with Circle, Arc's founding validators include BlackRock, DTCC, Galaxy, ICE, Mastercard, MoneyGram, SBI Group, Standard Chartered, Sumitomo Corporation, Visa and Worldpay, in a phased rollout. (source) Arc's consensus uses Malachite, a Tendermint BFT implementation, with a permissioned proof-of-authority validator set. (source) Circle said the network is exploring a future transition from proof of authority toward proof of stake in 2027. (source)
Which stablecoins are on Arc?
16 stablecoins, each listed by its issuer or by Circle:
Supply on Arc now: Arc in numbers.
What is the Arc mainnet chain ID and RPC URL?
Chain ID 5042 (0x13b2). Public RPC: https://rpc.mainnet.arc.io (source).
What block explorer does Arc use?
explorer.arc.io, a Blockscout explorer (source).
Does Arc have its own token?
Circle completed the genesis mint of the ARC token, its full initial supply of 10 billion; it said this is not a commitment to publicly launch ARC, and fees remain payable in USDC. (source)