Base Launches Azul Mainnet Upgrade To Boost Security, Scalability, And Ethereum Compatibility
In Brief
Base launched the Azul mainnet upgrade, introducing multiproofs, improved scalability, Ethereum alignment, and faster transaction processing for its Layer 2 network.
Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain network Base announced the launch of the Base Azul upgrade on the mainnet, marking the platform’s first independent network upgrade. The company stated that the update is intended to improve network security, increase performance, and simplify development processes for builders on the blockchain.
The rollout follows several months of infrastructure optimization aimed at improving network stability and scalability. According to Base, the number of empty blocks produced on the network declined by approximately 99%, dropping from around 200 per day to roughly two per day over the past two months. During the same period, the network reportedly sustained throughput bursts of up to 5,000 transactions per second while accelerating development cycles through faster client releases and validator improvements.
A major component of the Azul upgrade is the activation of multiproofs, which Base described as a key step toward Stage 2 decentralization. The system combines Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) technology and Zero-Knowledge (ZK) provers into a unified framework. Under this model, either proof type can independently finalize proposals, while agreement between both systems allows withdrawals to be finalized in as little as one day.
The company stated that the multiproof design strengthens security by requiring multiple independent systems to be compromised before withdrawals could be manipulated. It also enables permissionless posting of ZK proofs, which can override TEE proofs in the event of inconsistencies. Base noted that the approach was inspired by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin’s Layer 2 finalization roadmap and serves as an intermediate step toward full ZK proving with near-instant withdrawals.
Infrastructure Changes and Future Plans
Azul also introduces a consolidated performance-focused client stack. Base-reth-node will now serve as the network’s sole execution client, while base-consensus, built on Kona, becomes the new consensus client. The company stated that the updated architecture delivers faster historical synchronization and provides additional scalability as Base works toward a long-term throughput target of 1 gigagas per second.
The upgrade further aligns Base with Ethereum through adoption of the latest Osaka execution-layer specifications. Several Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) were integrated, including updates related to transaction gas caps, MODEXP gas pricing, and cryptographic precompile costs. Base stated that these changes are designed to improve performance predictability, reduce denial-of-service risks, and maintain compatibility with Ethereum standards.
Additional updates include modifications to Flashblocks, reducing websocket payload sizes by removing account balances and receipts in order to improve efficiency and create room for future performance enhancements.
Base stated that users are not required to take any action following the upgrade, while node operators must migrate to the new client infrastructure before activation. Most applications are expected to continue operating without changes, although developers using MODEXP operations, large transaction payloads, or direct Flashblocks integrations may need to review the updated specifications.
Looking ahead, Base outlined plans for additional upgrades later this year, including performance-focused improvements expected in June and user experience enhancements, such as native account abstraction, targeted for August. The company also confirmed plans to launch Base Vibenet, a public development network designed for testing upcoming features before deployment to the mainnet.
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About The Author
Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in crypto, AI, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.
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Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in crypto, AI, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.
