Build cross-chain applications in three steps. Whether you’re creating token bridges, cross-chain NFTs, or interchain messaging, this guide will get you started.

Step 1: Identify Your Virtual Machine

Choose the blockchain environments where you want to enable interchain functionality.

Supported Virtual Machines

Hyperlane supports multiple VM types including EVM chains (Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum), Cosmos and Solana.

What you need to decide:

  • Source chain (where messages originate)
  • Destination chain(s) (where messages are delivered)
  • Gas token requirements for each chain

Step 2: Deploy Hyperlane Core Infrastructure

Deploy core Hyperlane contracts, this includes core Mailbox and ISM contracts.

Before deploying, check if Hyperlane is already available on your chain:

If you need to deploy:

  • Use the Hyperlane CLI for automated deployment
  • Configure your security settings
  • Deploy the Hyperlane core contracts

Deploy Hyperlane infrastructure →


Step 3: Create Your Hyperlane Warp Route (HWR)

Bridge your tokens using Hyperlane’s messaging infrastructure.

Hyperlane Warp Routes

Hyperlane Warp Routes are modular cross-chain asset bridges using Hyperlane’s messaging infrastructure. Learn more about how they work.

Common HWR types:

  • ERC-20 HWR: Bridge any ERC-20 token
  • Native HWR: Move native tokens (ETH, SOL, etc.)
  • Collateral HWR: Lock tokens on origin, mint on destination
  • Synthetic HWR: Create wrapped versions on destination chains

Choose your deployment guide:

Advanced HWRs: Check out our HWR resources and HWR guides for more complex use cases.


Next Steps

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