How to Get Started with Abstract NFTs: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Abstract is the one of the more popular L2s right now, leading the way in consumer crypto and shaking up creator economies. Today we’re going to do a deep-dive into all things Abstract: what it is, how to buy NFTs, and how to get stuck into its thriving creator ecosystem. 

In this article we will cover:

• What is Abstract Chain?
• Earning XP on Abstract Chain
• Setting up your AGW wallet
• How to bridge funds over
• Finding Abstract NFTs on Rarible

Learn more about drops on Abstract – collect great art and earn XP

What is Abstract Chain?

Abstract is an Ethereum Layer 2 network built for everyday people. It focuses on a simple onboarding experience, top-tier applications, and a cohesive crypto ecosystem. The goal is to make blockchain technology accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Created by the totally locked-in team at Igloo Inc, the parent company of Pudgy Penguins, community and culture are at the heart of Abstract. Igloo Inc was formed in 2024 with a very clear mission: onboard the next generation of builders and users onchain by fostering community, culture, and creativity. How are they going to do this? One important factor is how easy they make it to get onboarded, through chain abstraction (hence the name! 😉).

Chain abstraction

Chain abstraction is the concept of hiding all the complexities of interacting with different blockchain networks, allowing users and developers to interact with multiple blockchains seamlessly. It involves creating a layer that abstracts away the differences between chains, so applications can operate across various blockchains without needing to understand their technical specifics.

Abstract was created to help crypto reach mainstream adoption. Many current blockchain systems are complex and overwhelming. Abstract addresses this by focusing on the consumer experience. Its onchain ecosystem supports engaging, user-friendly applications that welcome newcomers and seasoned developers alike, as well as curious minters and creators (hello!).

A thriving scene for Abstract NFTs

Abstract is built for everyone. Whether someone is new to blockchain or a seasoned developer, the network welcomes all. With its consumer-centric approach, Abstract is set to change how people interact with crypto. The platform paves the way for a future where digital culture and blockchain technology are intertwined.

Their focus on creativity and fun makes Abstract the perfect home for NFT projects. On top of the general vibes you’ve also got tons of opportunities to earn XP including by simply minting NFTS (which, let’s be honest, you were going to do anyway).

Earn XP for minting Abstract NFTs

XP on Abstract Chain

From day 1, people have been earning XP (Experience Points) on Abstract for all kinds of activities, from streaming to creating, minting to trading. The idea is to make spending time on Abstract more fun and more rewarding. You can earn XP by interacting with Abstract-powered apps, streaming via the Abstract Global Wallet, building successful applications, or – our personal favorite – minting NFTs. XP is automatically tracked and updated weekly, with progress reflected in your rewards profile. To start earning, get your Abstract Global Wallet set up and start minting on Rarible.

The abstract team has been kind of mysterious about what’s in store for those of you who collect XP but it can’t hurt to get involved, right?

Setting up your Abstract Global Wallet (AGW)

The Abstract Global Wallet (AGW) is your gateway to the Abstract ecosystem, giving you a seamless and secure way to interact with applications on Abstract and track your XP Designed for simplicity, it gets rid of a lot of the complexities associated with traditional crypto wallets, like browser extensions or seed phrases. This is life onchain, made easy-peasy.

Why use AGW?

Unlike traditional crypto wallets where you have to manage separate extensions and deal with confusing signature processes, AGW uses account abstraction to majorly simplify transactions. This means you can sign up using familiar login methods—like email, social accounts, or passkeys—and instantly start interacting with Abstract-based apps. No need to worry about memorizing seed phrases or handling security risks.

Also - if you want to earn XP, you need an AGW to track all of your interactions on Abstract chain.

Creating Your Abstract Global Wallet

To get started, simply visit the Abstract platform and choose how you'd like to sign up—via email, social media accounts, or passkeys. Once you’ve created your account - boom - your AGW is created too, and you should see it right there on the top left of your screen. You can add funds to your wallet via a bridge or a centralized exchange. It’s super easy!

Once you have your wallet set up you need to add some ETH.

Getting your funds ready to mint Abstract NFTs

Abstract is an Ethereum L2, which means all you need to do to mint NFTs is grab some ETH, and bridge your funds over. You can buy ETH on any (and we really mean any) CEX or DEX out there. Check out Coinbase or Uniswap to top-up. Next, you need to bridge that ETH over to Abstract chain. Don’t worry, we’re about to explain it all.

Funding your wallet from the Abstract chain portal

Maybe the simplest way to get money onto the Abstract chain is to do it directly from the Abstract portal. Once you’ve created your account you can fund your wallet right there either by bridging, or buying ETH on an exchange. Simply hit “fund” and follow the directions.

If you prefer to use your own wallet for minting (and you’re not interested in earning XP), then keep reading for more options.

Bridging to Abstract chain

Bridging is the process of transferring assets or data between different blockchain networks. It allows you to move tokens or information from one blockchain to another, enabling interoperability between otherwise isolated networks. This is done through specialized protocols called bridges, which lock assets on the source chain and release them on the destination chain.

In this case, bridging is made possible through two smart contracts:

• One deployed on Ethereum (L1) to manage deposits and withdrawals.
• One deployed on Abstract (L2) to receive and release funds.

These contracts communicate with each other, ensuring that assets move securely between the two chains. To get your funds over to Abstract you have 2 main options:

Using Abstract’s native bridge

Abstract offers a native bridge for moving ETH and ERC-20 tokens between Ethereum and Abstract. While the bridge itself is free to use, standard gas fees apply.

Step 1: navigate to the Abstract native bridge and connect your wallet.

Step 2: At the top of the page, make sure you select “Abstract” (not “Abstract Testnet”)

Step 3: Next you’re going to move funds from  Ethereum to  Abstract.

Step 4: Input the amount that you want to bridge over (make sure you have enough ETH to also cover gas fees!), and hit “continue”

That’s it! It can take up to 15 mins for the ETH to move from one chain to the next, so go make yourself a cup of tea and browse some Abstract NFTs on Rarible.

If you want to withdraw funds (ie, Abstract → Ethereum), follow the same steps in reverse, and be aware that it can take up to 24 hours.

Using Relay to bridge over to Abstract chain

And finally, you can also bridge tokens using Relay bridge.

Relay Bridge is a multi-chain platform that enables asset transfers between different blockchain networks. It supports a wide range of major blockchains, allowing you to move tokens and data across them with relative ease. Simply connect your wallet and bridge from Ethereum to Abstract.

Once your assets are on Abstract, you’ll be ready to explore the ecosystem, and mint NFTs on Rarible.

Finding Abstract NFTs on Rarible

Ok, so you’ve got your AGW wallet, and you’ve bridged your ETH - well done! “What now?!?!” I hear you ask…well, hop on over to Rarible and check out all the Abstract goodies we have for you.

If you haven’t already guessed, we’re bullish on Abstract! Making consumer crypto easier is key to onboarding the future of web3. Plus, this chain is just plain fun. The community understands that spending time online and onchain should be enjoyable and inspiring. We’ve already partnered with tons of artists to bring amazing art to Abstract, and you best believe there’s more to come. Here’s some of our favourites:

• Sneaky
• Cibarius
• Ren
• Andre Oshea
• Rueby
• Shay

Once you’ve found your next Abstract NFT, simply hit “mint”, connect your wallet, and there you have it – a shiny new NFT (and some XP if you want it!). 

The Abstract community is locked in, and together they are building a whole new way of being onchain. We’re hyped to see what’s in store, and even more hyped to keep bringing top-notch Abstract NFTs your way!

Don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to stay in the loop on upcoming Abstract drops.