How To Create A 10K NFT Collection on Arbitrum Nova

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Creating a 10,000-piece NFT collection is no longer reserved for elite developers or well-funded teams. With the rise of scalable Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum Nova, launching a large-scale NFT project has become faster, cheaper, and more accessible than ever. In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn how to build, deploy, and mint your own 10K NFT collection on Arbitrum Nova — from setting up your development environment to viewing your first minted NFT on a live marketplace.

Whether you're an artist, developer, or entrepreneur, this step-by-step walkthrough ensures your project benefits from ultra-low fees, rapid transaction finality, and seamless Ethereum compatibility.

Why Arbitrum Nova for NFTs?

Arbitrum Nova is a purpose-built Layer 2 blockchain designed for high-throughput applications such as gaming, social platforms, and NFT collections. It leverages AnyTrust technology and a Data Availability Committee (DAC) to drastically reduce costs while maintaining security and decentralization.

Key advantages of using Arbitrum Nova for your NFT project:

This makes Arbitrum Nova an excellent choice for creators aiming to launch a 10K NFT collection without breaking the bank or sacrificing performance.

👉 Discover how blockchain innovation powers next-gen NFT projects.

Setting Up Your Development Environment

Before writing any code, you need a solid foundation. This section walks you through configuring your local environment with all the necessary tools.

Step 1: Get an Arbitrum Nova RPC Endpoint

To interact with the Arbitrum Nova network, you’ll need a reliable API endpoint. While public nodes exist, they often suffer from latency and rate limits.

Using a premium provider like QuickNode gives you 8x faster response times and consistent uptime. Sign up for a free account and create an Arbitrum Nova Mainnet endpoint. Once created, copy the HTTP Provider URL — you'll use it later in your configuration.

Store this URL securely — we’ll add it to a .env file shortly.

Step 2: Set Up Your Wallet and Fund It

You’ll need a non-custodial wallet such as MetaMask, Torus, or Coinbase Wallet that supports Arbitrum Nova.

After setting up your wallet:

  1. Switch to the Arbitrum Nova network (Chain ID: 42170)
  2. Acquire a small amount of ETH via decentralized exchanges (e.g., Uniswap) or centralized platforms (e.g., Coinbase)
  3. Use the Arbitrum Nova Bridge to transfer funds from Ethereum or Arbitrum One

Transaction fees on Arbitrum Nova are minimal — typically under $0.25 — making it extremely cost-effective for deploying smart contracts and minting NFTs.

Always ensure your wallet has enough ETH to cover deployment and interaction costs before proceeding.

Step 3: Initialize Your Project

Open your terminal and run the following commands:

mkdir 10k-collection && cd 10k-collection
npm init -y
npm install --save-dev hardhat
npx hardhat

When prompted, select "Create an empty hardhat.config.js".

Next, generate essential directories:

mkdir contracts test scripts

These folders will house your smart contract, tests, and deployment scripts respectively.

Step 4: Install Required Dependencies

Install critical libraries for secure and efficient development:

npm install dotenv @openzeppelin/contracts @nomicfoundation/hardhat-toolbox

Step 5: Configure Hardhat

Create a .env file in your project root:

RPC_URL=your_arbitrum_nova_rpc_url
PRIVATE_KEY=your_wallet_private_key

Update hardhat.config.js:

require("@nomicfoundation/hardhat-toolbox");
require("dotenv").config();

module.exports = {
  solidity: "0.8.17",
  networks: {
    nova: {
      url: process.env.RPC_URL,
      accounts: [process.env.PRIVATE_KEY]
    }
  }
};

This setup keeps sensitive data out of version control while enabling seamless deployment.

Generating NFT Metadata and Artwork

A 10K NFT collection thrives on uniqueness. The most effective way to achieve variation is through layered generative art.

Using Figma and a Generator Script

We recommend using Figma to design base layers (e.g., backgrounds, shapes, accessories). Each layer should have multiple variants (e.g., 4–8 options).

Then, use the open-source NFT Collection Generator to automate image and metadata creation.

Clone the repo:

git clone https://github.com/manuelpires/nft-collection-generator
cd nft-collection-generator
npm install

On macOS, install canvas dependencies first:

brew install pkg-config cairo pango libpng jpeg giflib librsvg pixman
npm install canvas

Create images and metadata folders:

mkdir images metadata

Organize your Figma-exported layers into /traits, then configure config.js with trait order and rarity weights:

{
  type: "Background",
  options: [
    { image: "./traits/background/red.png", value: "Red", weight: 1 },
    { image: "./traits/background/blue.png", value: "Blue", weight: 1 }
  ]
}

Run the generator:

node index.js

Review outputs to confirm correct combinations and formatting.

Uploading Assets to IPFS

Decentralized storage is crucial for true NFT ownership. We’ll use IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) to host images and metadata.

Local IPFS Node Setup

Install IPFS via Kubo:

ipfs init
ipfs daemon

Pin your images:

ipfs add -r images/

Note the returned CID (Content Identifier). Update metadata URLs:

find metadata -type f -exec perl -pi -e 's#https://base-uri-to-my-nft-images.com/#https://ipfs.io/ipfs/YOUR_CID/#g' {} +

Bundle metadata into a .CAR file:

npx ipfs-car --pack metadata/
ipfs dag import metadata.car

Your metadata is now permanently stored and accessible via:

https://ipfs.io/ipfs/<METADATA_CID>/metadata/

👉 Learn how secure decentralized storage enhances NFT value.

Writing and Compiling the NFT Smart Contract

Navigate to /contracts and create NFT.sol:

// SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT
pragma solidity ^0.8.9;

import "@openzeppelin/contracts/token/ERC721/ERC721.sol";
import "@openzeppelin/contracts/access/Ownable.sol";
import "@openzeppelin/contracts/utils/Counters.sol";

contract KTokens is ERC721, Ownable {
    uint256 public constant MAX_SUPPLY = 10000;
    uint256 public totalSupply = 0;
    using Counters for Counters.Counter;
    Counters.Counter private _tokenIdCounter;

    constructor() ERC721("10K Tokens", "10KT") {}

    function _baseURI() internal pure override returns (string memory) {
        return "https://ipfs.io/ipfs/YOUR_METADATA_CID/metadata/";
    }

    function safeMint(address to) public onlyOwner {
        require(totalSupply < MAX_SUPPLY, "Max supply reached");
        totalSupply++;
        uint256 tokenId = _tokenIdCounter.current();
        _tokenIdCounter.increment();
        _safeMint(to, tokenId);
    }
}

Replace YOUR_METADATA_CID with your actual IPFS hash.

Compile:

npx hardhat compile

Testing the Contract Locally

In /test/NFT.js, write unit tests:

const { expect } = require("chai");

describe("KTokens", () => {
    let kTokens;
    let owner;

    beforeEach(async () => {
        [owner] = await ethers.getSigners();
        const KTokens = await ethers.getContractFactory("KTokens");
        kTokens = await KTokens.deploy();
    });

    it("should have correct name and symbol", async () => {
        expect(await kTokens.name()).to.equal("10K Tokens");
        expect(await kTokens.symbol()).to.equal("10KT");
    });

    it("should mint tokens successfully", async () => {
        await kTokens.safeMint(owner.address);
        expect(await kTokens.ownerOf(0)).to.equal(owner.address);
    });
});

Run tests:

npx hardhat test

Ensure both pass before deployment.

Deploying to Arbitrum Nova

Create /scripts/deploy.js:

const hre = require("hardhat");

async function main() {
    const NFT = await hre.ethers.getContractFactory("KTokens");
    const nft = await NFT.deploy();
    console.log("NFT contract deployed at:", nft.address);
}

main()
  .then(() => console.log("Deployment complete"))
  .catch((error) => console.error("Error:", error));

Deploy:

npx hardhat run --network nova scripts/deploy.js

Save the contract address — you’ll need it for minting.

Minting Your First NFT

Create /scripts/mint.js:

const hre = require("hardhat");

async function main() {
    const [owner] = await ethers.getSigners();
    const nft = await hre.ethers.getContractAt("KTokens", "DEPLOYED_CONTRACT_ADDRESS");

    const tx = await nft.safeMint(owner.address);
    console.log("Minting... Transaction:", tx.hash);
    await tx.wait(3);

    const supply = await nft.totalSupply();
    const tokenId = supply - 1;
    console.log(`Minted Token ID: ${tokenId}`);
}

main().catch(console.error);

Run:

npx hardhat run --network nova scripts/mint.js

View your NFT on TofuNFT by entering your wallet address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mint all 10,000 NFTs at once?

Technically possible, but not recommended due to gas limits and network congestion. Use batch minting with optimized contracts like ERC721A for efficiency.

Is IPFS permanent storage?

IPFS is content-addressable but not inherently permanent. Use pinning services like Pinata or NFT.Storage to ensure long-term availability.

What if I lose my private key?

Losing your private key means losing control of your wallet and deployed contract. Always back up keys securely using hardware wallets or encrypted vaults.

Can I update my NFT metadata after deployment?

No — smart contracts on Ethereum are immutable. Ensure metadata is finalized before deployment.

How do I verify my contract on Arbiscan?

Use Hardhat’s Etherscan plugin. Set up an API key and run npx hardhat verify --network nova CONTRACT_ADDRESS.

Why choose Arbitrum Nova over Ethereum mainnet?

Arbitrum Nova offers near-zero minting costs and instant confirmations — essential for large-scale NFT projects where user experience matters.

👉 Explore tools that streamline blockchain development and deployment.

Final Thoughts

You’ve now learned how to create a full-scale 10K NFT collection on Arbitrum Nova — from concept to mint. By leveraging low-cost infrastructure, decentralized storage, and robust tooling, you can bring creative visions to life without prohibitive expenses.

As the NFT ecosystem evolves, platforms like Arbitrum Nova empower creators to focus on innovation rather than infrastructure.

Whether you're building digital art, PFPs, or gamified collectibles, this guide equips you with the foundation to succeed in Web3.

Core Keywords: NFT collection, Arbitrum Nova, 10K NFT, IPFS, Hardhat, smart contract, Ethereum Layer 2, decentralized storage