What is Obsidian?
An EVM-compatible blockchain with native support for permanent, on-chain messages. Think Ethereum + built-in data layer.
Is Obsidian a Layer 2?
No. Obsidian is its own Layer 1 blockchain with independent consensus.
What can I build on Obsidian?
Anything needing permanent data: social apps, record systems, attestations, audit trails, and more. Plus all standard Ethereum dApps.
What is a Message?
A Message is a signed data payload submitted to Obsidian. Unlike transactions, messages do not invoke the EVM or execute smart contract logic. The only exception is Priority Messages, which include a small deterministic balance change to account for the inclusion bid.
Are Standard Messages really free?
Yes, via Standard Messages (SM). SM requires a VDF proof (computational cost) but no token payment.
What if I need fast inclusion?
Use Priority Messages (PM). Pay a bid (minimum MinPMBid) and messages are sorted by bid amount.
How big can a message be?
Maximum message size is 8 KB (8192 bytes). Optimized for kilobyte-scale payloads.
Can messages be deleted?
No. Once included in a block, messages are permanent and immutable.
What happens if my message isn't included?
Messages specify a TargetBlock for inclusion. If not included within a validity window, the message simply expires—there is no rollover mechanism.
Where do priority fees go?
In the current implementation, PM bids are burned (deducted from sender balance at block processing time).
How do archive nodes earn?
Archive incentives are implementation-defined and may evolve. Independently of incentives, archive nodes provide value by storing and serving historical data.
What's the minimum PM bid?
Minimum PM bid is 0.001 OBS (= 1e15 wei). Below that, use SM (free).
What's the Chain ID?
Chain ID is 421 (0x1a5).
What wallets work?
Any EVM wallet: MetaMask, Rainbow, Coinbase Wallet, etc.
What libraries work?
All Ethereum libraries: ethers.js, web3.js, viem, web3.py, etc.
How long until finality?
~192 seconds (2 epochs at 8 slots/epoch, 12s/slot). Mainnet timing may differ.
Can I run a partial archive?
Yes! Sharded archives store specific epoch ranges with lower hardware requirements.
What do I need to run an archive?
Full archive: 4+ TB storage, 16 GB RAM
Sharded archive: 50-100 GB storage, 8 GB RAM
How do I claim rewards?
Reward claiming depends on the incentive mechanism deployed on the network.