CRYPTO
Ethereum's Big Change: Holešky Testnet Set to Retire
Wed Sep 03 2025
Ethereum's largest testnet, Holešky, is set to retire as part of a planned shutdown and transition to a new testnet called Hoodi. This change is necessitated by technical issues encountered earlier this year.
Shutdown Timeline
- Fusaka Upgrade: The shutdown will occur two weeks after the Fusaka upgrade, expected in the second half of September.
- Holešky Support: Holešky will no longer be supported after the Fusaka upgrade.
- Main Network Upgrade: The exact date is unclear but must happen before the Fusaka upgrade on the main network in November.
Holešky's Role
- Launch Date: September 2023
- Purpose: To test staking and validator operations.
- Contributions: Helped thousands of validators test protocol upgrades, including Dencun and Pectra.
Transition to Hoodi
- Launch Date: March 2024
- Purpose: To address issues like "inactivity leaks" present in Holešky.
- Current Support: Already supports the Pectra update and will handle future upgrades, including Fusaka.
- Recommendation: The Ethereum Foundation suggests using Sepolia for smart contract and dApp testing for now.
Upcoming Upgrades
Fusaka (Early November)
- Goals:
- Easier node operation
- Improved decentralization
- Enhanced layer-2 scalability
- Includes: 11 Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs)
Glamsterdam (2026)
- Goals:
- Halve block times to 6 seconds
- Separate block validation from execution
- Provide more time for zero-knowledge proofs
Market Impact
Ethereum's recent developments are influencing the market, with several companies adding Ether to their treasuries.
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questions
How might the Fusaka upgrade impact the decentralization and scalability of the Ethereum network?
Is the migration to Hoodi a ploy to centralize control under a new testnet?
How does the Ethereum Foundation plan to support the community during this transition period?
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