The upcoming activation of Base Azul on the mainnet is scheduled for May 13, introducing a novel multiproof framework that enhances transaction security. This upgrade marks the first independent update for the network, combining trusted execution environment proofs with zero-knowledge proofs to create multiple validation pathways.
Under this system, any single proof type can finalize a proposal, ensuring operational redundancy and robustness. When both proof mechanisms coincide, the withdrawal finality period can be reduced to just one day, a significant improvement over the typical multi-day waits associated with optimistic rollups.
The upgrade also overhauls the underlying software stack. Base-reth-node becomes the sole execution client, while base-consensus, derived from Kona, serves as the new consensus client. All other clients will be discontinued, mandating node operators to migrate ahead of the mainnet launch.
Network reliability has already shown marked improvement. Over the past two months, empty blocks dropped by roughly 99%, decreasing from around 200 daily to just two. During this same timeframe, the network successfully handled transaction bursts of up to 5,000 transactions per second, a stark contrast to the congestion issues faced in January.
Base Azul also aligns with Ethereum’s Osaka execution-layer specifications, minimizing disruptive changes for most developers and applications. A security audit competition via Immunefi is underway, offering rewards up to $250,000 for identifying critical vulnerabilities